<p>We are looking for schools that offer merit aid. Both schools have been suggested to us. Anyone familiar with them? Would it be a hard adjustment for someone from Long Island, NY? they are fabulous schools academically, but how are they socially? My son is fun loving and likes to have a good time. I , on the other hand, do not want him to have TOO good a time (parties, frats, etc.)</p>
<p>I'm from Long Island and I attend Vandy and I had no trouble "adjusting" to the south. I remember having the same concerns though, but I think a visit would alleviate any doubts. Schools like Emory and Rice are prestigous and have many kids from all over the country. Emory is known especially to have many Long Islanders. Rice has residential colleges which makes it easy to meet new people.</p>
<p>thanks college2332. I was just on the Rice wedsite. It looks great.</p>
<p>Anyone else with any experience with these schools?</p>
<p>I have had no experience with Rice, but I am from Long Island and I live in Atlanta, GA and have several friends that go to Emory. Georgia and the "deep south" may be a little different from states in the upper south. There are issues still being dealt with here with regards to policy that New York solved years ago.I think that is about the only thing that will and sometimes does frustrate Long Islanders. </p>
<p>With that being said, I would like to say that Emory is a very prestigious school, as college2332 said. When I am visiting friends (several who are From Long Island), even on Fridays and Saturdays, the atmosphere is fun, but not to the point where people are drinking and falling all over the place (Like at Hofstra, which is my "home school"). Atlanta is increasingly becoming more and more like NYC everyday (even though there is a LOOONNNGGG way to go!), so that means that you can do anything you want here, from bar - hopping to walking in the park to shopping to pizza and a movie with your friends. I cannot tell you firsthand because I am not there all of the time, but from what I hear and have experienced as a guest, the social scene, even in a school like Emory, is pretty okay. Remember that Emory is in the south, and the people here are alot warmer than they are in NY. Atlanta is becoming a global city, and you can meet people from all over the world - literally.</p>
<p>I think your son will be fine at Emory and I don't think that you will have any worries. It's not a school where the only thing to do is drink and party. There are plenty of places to have clean and sober fun with your friends. You should come down and check it out sometime! It think you both will like it...</p>
<p>I am from the northeast, and got into both Rice and Emory, decided to go to Cornell instead.</p>
<p>thanks for the replies. Collegegirl you have inspired me to check out the Emory web site. Thanks</p>