<p>I originally applied to Emory because I wanted to be in Atlanta, which happened to be where my aunt and uncle lived. However, I recently discovered that they may no longer be living there. Also, while my cousin is doing medical school in Georgia, she might be leaving soon for her residency. Although I haven't been admitted to Emory yet (if ever), I was just curious to hear why current Emory students would suggest the school. I know it's a great place. However, what I really want to know is why I should pick Emory over a academically-similar school. I think it'd really help.</p>
<p>I’m actually not a student there, but I can tell you what I’ve heard from a lot of people and what I found to be most relevant, personally. Let’s compare it to academically-similar schools in the South - UVA and UNC Chapel Hill. Emory has so much more diversity than either one of those, and this is saying a lot given that I basically live on the UNC campus and will always be a Carolina fan. However, there are a LOT of rich white people here. And most UVA kids will tell you that lack of racial and economic diversity is one of the major downfalls of an otherwise amazing school.
I’m sure there are other reasons, but this is what comes to mind. Hope it helps!</p>
<p>I am a college professor on the west coast. My daughter graduated from Emory and is in a PhD program now and we hope our son picks Emory. I think it is difficult to compare Emory with UVA and UNC, all fine schools. But, Emory is a mid size private school compared to the flagship state universities of Va and NC. Resources, teaching priorities (vs. research), and personal attention vary greatly depending on the size of any university.
For our family, Emory is large enough (and in Atlanta) to provide all the resources (i.e. undergraduate research funding) needed for education excellence. It is also small enough for professors to know the names and skills of individual students. My daughter was awarded 5 years of full funding to a Ph.D. program at a flagship state university. Her skills/interests all began with a freshman class at Emory when her professor cared about her keen interest in the subject matter and gave her time and opportunities to learn more.</p>
<p>Emory students have a lot of exposure to their faculty for a major research institution. At many academically similar schools, most of the classes are taught by teaching fellows or TAs. I think Emory combines the best of the liberal arts college with the resources of a major research institution. </p>
<p>This is one of my favorite parts. </p>
<p>There is also a lot to be said for Atlanta, and the climate (I wore a t-shirt and flip-flops to class today) as well, obviously.</p>
<p>There are a lot of intangibles that separate apparently comparable colleges. The best way to answer your question is to visit Emory and Atlanta. </p>
<p>Take the tour and go to an info session. Ask (ahead) to attend a class and meet a professor in something you’d like to study. Check out the dorms and eat lunch at the student union. Visit the Carlos Museum on campus and attend a student performance.</p>
<p>Why Emory?</p>
<p>I am going to assume that it is a very special learning environment. We parents like to think that :)</p>
<p>All I can say is that my child loves it so much, he refuses to graduate early.</p>