American U vs. Emerson College

Colleges and Universities A-Z American University
1

<p>Hello,</p>

<p>Just looking for some input from different people as I try to weight out my options… I’ve been accepted to both Emerson and American. Emerson has been my dream school for the past 4 years and there was never a doubt in my mind that I wanted to go there. However, I applied to American at last minute because I figured I would want to consider D.C. and I like traveling there. </p>

<p>Once both accepted me, I looked more into American and realized how great it is. They gave me a huge financial aid package and I am still waiting on Emerson’s. Ended up loving the programs at American too.</p>

<p>But can anyone give any advice or comment in regard to the “American vs. Emerson” situation. I love Boston and DC and American is definitely better academically but Emerson would give me SO much more different experience in the field than American would.</p>

<p>Oh yeah, my major is Broadcast Journalism.</p>

<p>Thanks in advance,
Ryan</p>

2

<p>They’re both great. You do know that the largest NPR station in the country is run by American, yes?</p>

3

<p>They are two very different schools. Emerson is small, very urban, and very artsy. American is mid-sized, semi-urban, and very political. If you were going for fine arts, I’d say Emerson hands down (if the financial aid was good). However, for broadcast journalism I’d have to give AU the nod (keep in mind I’m an Eagle so I’m a little biased), especially if you got a rockin’ aid package. Beyond mere academics, the campus atmospheres are totally different, so if you have a particular preference for one or the other, that could play a big role in your decision too.</p>

4

<p>I did actually get a REALLY good aid package from AU. Yes, they are two very different atmospheres. </p>

<p>And yeah NPR, but radio is not my thing. I am just looking at the AUTV website and it obviously does not match up to come of the things that Emerson College students are producing. </p>

<p>I tend to be able to adapt well to many situations and I love the urban feel. Emerson would give such great experience and that has been such a sticking point for them in my book.</p>

5

<p>I heard that there is a crime problem near Emerson College. It might be worth looking at the “Cleary Act” report that each college needs to post on their website.</p>

6

<p>Because Emerson College doesn’t really have a Campus, it’s just a couple of city blocks on the Boston Common next to the State House, that report includes everything in the surrounding areas, as well. </p>

<p>The theater district and parts of Chinatown are included in that and that is why you see somewhat of a “crime problem”. Mainly, though the campus IS the beautiful Boston Common.</p>

<p>Very interesting</p>

7

<p>Hey there, I think I can give some good input given that one of my best friends goes to Emerson.</p>

<p>Like someone already mentioned, Emerson is really artsy, VERY communications oriented, and they do have a fantastic Broadcast program. To be honest, I’d say their program is stronger than American’s.</p>

<p>On the other hand, I can nearly guarantee American will get you a better internship and more field experience. Also, the fact that they’re giving you money is important. But you should also note that you will more than likely change your major (it’s possible you won’t…but most kids do) and you won’t have many options to switch to at Emerson. Also, even if Emerson’s program is a bit stronger than American’s, it’s more about what you personally do at the school you go to rather than how strong it is. Good luck :)</p>

8

<p>Hi!</p>

<p>I’d love to give you some insight, as I am currently a senior broadcast journalism major at Emerson, who, has applied to American for graduate school, so hopefully I can give you great perspective.</p>

<p>Not just because I go to Emerson, but I do love Emerson. Our facilities are amazing… beautiful studios, great editing suites (FCP, Avid, etc.) and wonderful working journalists as professors. There are so many extra-curriculars you can get involved with if news is your thing-- EIV, WEBN, Emerson Channel, WERS (#1 college radio station in the country,) EM Magazine, Berkeley Beacon, so on and so on. I have met so many wonderfully talented students there and I have yet to meet a professor I really don’t like. With that said, not everything is perfect. Emerson is expensive. Boston is expensive. The students— incredibly competitive. Sometimes, in the JR dept, it can get a little clique-y because some of these students are involved in everything and they think they know everything. However, everyone is incredibly determined, smart, and helpful. In broadcast, everyone must work as a team, and luckily, 95% of the students in my class are highly capable and I rarely find that anyone slacks off. </p>

<p>Now I realize it’s difficult for me to compare this to AU as I’ve only been once. But like everyone said, and as you may know, Emerson is an urban school. The atmosphere is incredibly different from AU. In fact, I felt a little culture shock when I went to DC because I noticed AU wasn’t in “the city.” Haha, I’m so used to just a short walk and being surrounded by people. Also, I was very disappointed by American’s studio/control room–this was my biggest complaint about AU. But, I did meet some journalism professors when I went to AU and was very impressed! They too are incredibly qualified working journalists. I even made a connection-- I met a professor there that used to work on “60 Minutes” with a professor that I now have at Emerson… small world. </p>

<p>You’ll notice that Emerson has its own culture. It’s flamboyant, it’s loud, it’s everything BUT conservative, it’s never a dull moment, and things are often referred to as “so emerson.” Everyone is so worldly, fairly wealthy, and open minded. I have certainly enjoyed my years here and will miss it when I’m gone. Emerson leads to wonderful internship placements, whether in Boston or New York or LA. I’ve had friends intern with E!, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Good Morning America, at the State House, Regis and Kelly, The Boston Herald… etc, etc. There are a lot of opportunities in Boston. But obviously, there are a lot of opportunities in DC, as well. You will no doubt be making a great decision where ever you choose to go, but I think if you want more of a focused concentration, Emerson is your thing. Also, they have the best selection of electives! Let me know if I can help you out with any questions. </p>

<p>Also, not sure what your financial situation is like, but I received wonderful aid from Emerson (I do not fall into the “wealthy” category as most do at EC.)</p>

9

<p>Thank you very much!</p>