<p>@WButter that is great to hear! I suppose I will see you on campus come next fall then. You should try to come to one of the open houses, they are really enjoyable. If you have any questions at all about Emory and want a students perspective feel free to post them here!</p>
<p>How is the academic rigor of Emory compared to Ivies? </p>
<p>@cyclops77: Which Ivies? Don’t be naive and lump the Ivies together as if they are all the same and function as a uniform standard for everywhere else (as in, many non-Ivies are more rigorous than several Ivies. Surely you know this). Regardless if you would like me to do this, I would say Emory best compares with Brown, Cornell, Penn, and Dartmouth. Also, depends on the department and the course. In chemistry, for example, we have courses/instructors comparable with what is seen among rigorous chemistry classes at HYP, and Columbia. This is generally not the case for biological sciences, but even the biological sciences gives those 4 a run for the money (though Cornell has a much larger array of courses). We will be much weaker than many Ivies and top schools at the physical and computational sciences. In humanities and social sciences (other than econ.), I’m sure that we’re similar to many of the other selective institutions (I’ve heard that, as usual, HYP stands out for the intensity of its language classes though). One thing I must admit is that the English and Creative Writing Departments are pretty intense overall. Of course there will be gut courses and overall grades are inflated like elsewhere, however, many/most courses in these depts. will make you sweat or produce solid quality work before just handing over an A-/A or even a B+ (and in many, discussion need be on point, which means you need to actually do the readings or the instructor will embarrass you. Some courses hold workshops which can break you down if you haven’t been critiqued by peers before, especially those who are actually better at writing than you). Also, depts. like psychology and political science at Emory are unexpectedly rigorous. Psychology (one of the few depts. among schools that has an introductory “sequence” instead of just one intro. course. One of them is designed to weed out students who believe that they’ll maybe simply be a pre-med looking for an easy “human related” major. They also drag all majors through the methods course which is apparently pretty intense and sets a high bar for writing quality and makes students conduct their own studies), because it’s more oriented toward biological science/neuro and political science simply because of the amount of more “conservative” instructors that maintain high standards. For example, there are quite a few instructors in polsci and history that have the mentality of Harvard’s notorious Harvey Mansfield who is outspoken against low standards and grade inflation. </p>
<p>Also, I recommend you beware of the difference between “rigor” and intellectual rigor/richness. Some schools may be “rigorous” because most classes require students to quickly intake info. and essentially regurgitate or recognize it on a “tricky” exam. Intellectual rigor means courses with exams that require students to really think and also includes classes with a meaningful workload (such as problem sets, projects or writing assignments that require intense analysis and research). Emory has a lot of both to go around (though like I said, more comparable to those 4 I mention than the other 4) along with plenty of “gut” courses like everywhere else. </p>
<p>@bernie12 – Much thanks for such an informative reply.</p>
<p>Do you know anything about the Environmental Science Dept?</p>
<p>@AsleepAtTheWheel: While I have not taken any of the courses, I believe it is very good (it appears the best undergraduate programs often have bachelors/masters options, and they actually have one in collaboration with the public health school) based on what I see in the course offerings. They offer many lab courses and experiential sort of courses (for example, several lab and methods courses are required, as in more than most other science depts, and even a field course is required if you are to get a BS in environmental science). I don’t think we have a “play around” Environmental studies dept. It also seems to do well in response to Emory’s own struggles with sustainability and maintaining Emory (which has many woodlands, a significant part of the campus outside of the core portion is forested areas) and Atlanta’s environment. And again, the fact that the state of the environment has public health implications does not weaken it either (we, of course, have a top public health school). Among programs housed in the math and science center, it is kind of clear that Environmental science is doing the best and is actually growing and prospering. You can tell when Emory depts are much better than average (and is doing well) because they have enough monetary support and will-power to offer scholarships and grants to undergraduates (as in, through and for the department, not university wide): <a href=“Error 404 | Emory University | Atlanta GA”>Error 404 | Emory University | Atlanta GA;
<p>And guess what? Emory’s Environmental Science Dept. has a business concentration if you didn’t know already! : <a href=“Error 404 | Emory University | Atlanta GA”>Error 404 | Emory University | Atlanta GA;
<p>If your son is into this, I think he’ll enjoy Emory for it as well (I honestly believe that the ENVSci dept is perhaps more robust than biology. Perhaps because it’s smaller and isn’t overwhelmed with pre-meds. It’s one of the more diverse interdisciplinary science majors in terms of aspirations of students). </p>
<p>@bernie12 --Again, thanks. </p>
<p>@cyclops77 that is a very interesting question that I believe is entirely based upon perceptions. Many view the “ivies” as institutions which set the bar for rigor and scholarship, but I do not think that is entirely accurate. Yes the Ivy League schools, like all schools in the top-20, maintain a very high level of academic expectations from their students. However, I can tell you from talking to friends at various schools, students at Georgia Tech most likely have a more rigorous experience then many of the liberal arts schools in the top-20. Now, why is the question.</p>
<p>I truly believe there is a large distinction between academic scholarship and rigor. Emory challenges each and every one of its students, but there is an important absence of the “weed out” mentality. This absence is very characteristic of Emory in my opinion. There is a strong belief here that the point of a college education (particularly the “Liberal” education Emory strides to provide) is not to memorize mountains of information, but instead learn how to think and adapt to your surroundings. Emory wants to see each of its students question, one of my favorite quotes (paraphrased) from the Dean of the College is that it is far more valuable for a faculty member to pose a new question which becomes the topic of debate then to answer an existing one (I think this is very characteristic of Emory’s academic philosophy). </p>
<p>I would recommend you try to look beyond the question of “rigor” and instead focus on your fit at an institution. Emory is known to be a intellectual powerhouse, so if you did choose to attend you would be in great hands. However, fit is so important. You will spend the next 4 years of your life at a school, I think it is so so important you make sure that school is the right place for you. I would recommend for you to come to one of our open houses or take a tour if you haven’t already done so. There is nothing I would love more then for each and every student which tours Emory’s campus to fall in love with the school, however I know that Emory isn’t the right fit for everyone and I have realized in my year here how crucial fit is for students. If you have any other questions about really anything feel free to post them, and the best of luck to your college search! </p>
<p>@AsleepAtTheWheel Two things. First your tag is so perfect (asleep at the Wheel) because our student newspaper is called the Emory Wheel (<a href=“http://www.emorywheel.com”>www.emorywheel.com</a>)! Next about environmental science, Emory is so very committed to conservation efforts with the Emory Sustainability Project and other projects around campus. There is a true focus on sustainable living. With this focus has grown our environmental science department. As a department it is constantly growing (every few years they seem to add more and more options). Friends who have taken the classes love them! If you have any specific questions about it i will recruit my friend who is a environmental studies major to answer 
</p>
<p>This is from the website " The curriculum is rooted in the basic disciplines of ecology and conservation, earth science, and social science and policy. Field and integrative courses compel students to synthesize concepts, methods and practice from these essential disciplines. Undergraduate research opportunities and internships are emphasized. The department offers a BA, BS, and a Minor in Environmental Studies, a concentration in Environment and Sustainability Management with the Goizueta Business School BBA Program, and a joint 4+1 (five-year) BS/MPH with the Environmental Health Department in Rollins School of Public Health."</p>
<p>Hope this helped!</p>
<p>@theatregeek234: Don’t over-rate Georgia Tech. It certainly grades more rigorously than almost every top 20, but is maybe only more academic rigorous than a few, and it entirely depends on the dept. For physical sciences and engineering, I buy it (math, physics, CS, and engineering disciplines are tougher than normal). For natural sciences, not so much. Biology and chemistry at Emory, for example has significantly more scholarly rigor (you put that nicely, I agree). Seriously, name any Emory general chemistry instructor with multiple choice only exams (they hired a guy from Perimeter as a fill in and not even he does it)? Their most difficult general biology instructor is no harder than many of our easier general biology instructors (apparently writing questions that require higher order thinking on intro. bio exams is rare and only 1 instructor does it to an appreciable extent. Even easy instructors do it here). Many (in fact even most) of the upperlevel courses in chemistry in chemistry and especially biology focus more on memorization and algorithmic problem solving (don’t get me wrong, we have some instructors that are still like that, but not as many and they are fading for various reasons). Seriously, they have a genetics instructor who still teaches the ONLY section and has multiple choice only exams (kind of inappropriate if you ask me). Cell biology is equivalent to our easiest cell instructor who has actually gotten tougher because he has incorporated pbl type of problems on his test. Evolution and ecology are a joke there. Things like ochem are very specifically geared toward the ACS final which is an okay standard but does not require students to really have to apply their knowledge to new situations so much as to memorize reactions and mechanisms. The way natural sciences are taught and handled by instructors at either of these two is more like comparing apples and oranges (chemistry could be so much different because they are more focused on prepping chemengineers, and they don’t, for example, don’t benefit from knowing the mechanisms behind drug or enzyme action as early as sophomore year where a pre-health or pre-grad student would). Some differences reflect the differing culture at each school.</p>
<p>@theatregeek234<br>
If I am able to attend Emory (I’m waiting to hear about financial aid), it’s going to be by airplane, since I live in Connecticut… so, does Emory have any kind of shuttle program to bring arriving students from airport to the school, or will I have to take a bus or something? Also, if I were to order things like a lamp or bedsheets on Amazon , could I have them delivered to Emory to avoid having to ship/suitcase them? And are there stores like Target/Walmart/CVS nearby the campus that I could get extra little things at should I forget them on my way? </p>
<p>How safe is Emory? I love Emory, but my dad doesn’t want me to go there solely because he views Atlanta as “the most dangerous city in America,” and he thinks I’ll get murdered or something. I’ve done some research, and I found (correct me if I’m wrong) that the Emory campus itself is in the safer part of Atlanta, but I think my dad is more worried about, say, traveling from the airport to Emory or outings in Atlanta. Also, how safe is the Oxford campus? I’m still choosing between the Emory and Oxford campuses, but I’m significantly leaning toward Oxford. Is safety any more/less of a problem at Oxford than it is at the main campus? Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>ALSO on an unrelated note: Does Emory have an admitted students day/weekend coming up soon? I haven’t found any info about it.</p>
<p>I don’t think Atlanta is the most dangerous city in America (in fact, I’m pretty sure it isn’t close anymore. Maybe in the 90s and early 2000s). Also, Emory is not really in Atlanta, it’s in a suburb in a mixed income (mostly upper middle class and upper class) though. The Emory are is very similar to institutions that are in wealthy areas. Oxford is in rural Georgia, so I guess it’s more safe than normal. Don’t choose Oxford for safety, choose it for academics. Think hard. </p>
<p>[URL="<a href="Jermaine Dupri - Welcome To Atlanta ft. Ludacris - YouTube]Jermaine Dupri - Welcome To Atlanta ft. Ludacris - YouTube;
<p>This video depicts the typical weekend in Atlanta. You can decide for yourself whether or not it’s dangerous.</p>
<p>@aluminum_boat: A timeless classic indeed lol! </p>
<p>There’s a CVS in Emory Village (walking distance) and a Publix? supermarket not far away (a little too far to walk, I think you have to take the bus.) Emory runs a shuttle on Sats. to Lenox Mall and other shopping centers. Emory provides a free airport shuttle at major holidays (D took it at Thanksgiving) which you have to sign up for in advance. The MARTA bus goes to the airport (D’s tried that too, allow extra time) or take a taxi (25-30 min. drive, about $45 with tip.) </p>
<p>Last fall when driving to Emory from the hotel, I think I passed a Target about 5 mins. away. My D ordered a small fridge, shipped it to Emory and we picked it up from the storage pod when she moved into the dorm. Emory has a storage service ($175 May-August) which we’re going to try, so she doesn’t have to ship everything home (we’re from the northeast.)</p>
<p>The Druid Hills area where Emory’s main campus is pretty safe: it’s considered one of the nicest and upscale residential suburbs, 4-5 miles outside Atlanta. </p>
<p>Oxford is safe. The worst thing that’s ever happened occurred two years ago when a local mugged two high Oxford students. Nothing like that has happened since. Honestly the biggest danger comes from other drunken students. </p>
<p>Okay thanks! And yeah, I was considering Oxford for academics. I just needed solid evidence to convince my dad that Emory (specifically Oxford) is indeed safe because I think the only reason he doesn’t want me to go to Emory is because of safety concerns. </p>
<p>Also, any update on an admitted students weekend? I’m trying to plan out visits.</p>
<p>On a more serious note, we’ve been having some problems lately regarding safety. A lot of us are pretty riled up about what’s been happening.
Don’t walk around alone at night. At Emory or at whichever school you attend.</p>
<p>“If I am able to attend Emory (I’m waiting to hear about financial aid), it’s going to be by airplane, since I live in Connecticut… so, does Emory have any kind of shuttle program to bring arriving students from airport to the school, or will I have to take a bus or something? Also, if I were to order things like a lamp or bedsheets on Amazon , could I have them delivered to Emory to avoid having to ship/suitcase them? And are there stores like Target/Walmart/CVS nearby the campus that I could get extra little things at should I forget them on my way?”</p>
<p>My son is a sophomore at Emory in the Goizueta BBA program and we are from South Florida. He flies to and from school for all holidays. Atlanta airport is a hub for Delta airlines and there are flights every 2 hours to our area so I am sure that there are many to where you live as well. He did not have a car freshman year so he used a local car service to get to the airport and back. Yes, there is a bus that goes to the MARTA (train) stop and then the train is a straight shot right to the airport but we can do private transportation, so we do. </p>
<p>Last summer he used the college storage that is advocated on the school website and they were wonderful. He is storing his dorm stuff with them again this summer.</p>
<p>We shipped most of his stuff to Emory from home so that we just arrived on campus in August with two suitcases for him. The stuff we shipped was waiting for him at the DUC (student union) and he was able to borrow a big orange rolling cart to wheel it over to his dorm. Easy-peasie. I got him the sheets and towels at home so we could have them washed and ready to use. We also preordered supplies at Bed, bath and beyond which we picked up with our rental car when we moved him in. Near campus there are ALL the major stores, including bed, bath and beyond, target and office depot. </p>
<p>Hope this helps. </p>
<p>@aluminum_boat: I’m using selective memory. I know what you’re talking about. Those were really weird and scary occurrences. Yeah. those snow days were exploited for sure.</p>