@HerbDoctor17 : I would also recommend caution in your ED2 selection. Unless you are primarily choosing schools based on quality of life, you should not view Emory and VU as similar academically. They are similar caliber, but you should be aware that a lot of STEM, especially the neuro major is structured a lot differently and this may be to your liking or it may not be. VU usually airs on the side of hyper flexibility (https://as.vanderbilt.edu/neuroscience/major/course-checklist-major/) whereas Emory goes the other way and is a bit more stringent. For example, at VU, the neuro major only requires 1 course and then the other categories, you have choices. Emory’s has 4 core courses (http://nbb.emory.edu/academics/major-requirements.html) that focus on key skills and areas and then you get to select from a wider range of electives. Also, Emory’s is more focused on neurophysiology and research based neuroscience and behavioral biology whereas VU’s has a stronger focus on neuroanatomy and developmental neuroscience it seems. Seems generally that biology and neuro teaching looks different at each as well. VU slants towards content(details) and Emory towards experimentation/research scenarios and data analysis. Pick your poison.
I did not really see one major/commonly taken course that equates to Emory’s NBB 301 (this course is largely quantitative and based upon molecular cell biology as well. Many of the electives housed by NBB actually build directly upon this course’s foundation because they are more research based and may even require you to continue to apply the more mathematical neurophysiology concepts you saw in 301. The same could even be said for NBB 401 which is a course exclusively dedicated to reading and then writing critiques of primary literature in the field. Unlike VU, NBB at Emory is not pretty much structured like a biology major or an extension of it. Courses often build upon each other which for most makes the curriculum more rigorous than if they can just cherrypick courses that stress their comfort zones) course (not even an elective). And then there are the differences for pre-medical (since you claim an interest in this). Emory’s changes to the chemistry curriculum will certainly make things much more “interesting” for current and incoming freshmen of C of 2022.
Just be sure you know some differences so that you know what you are getting into choosing Emory as an ED1 or VU (or wherever as an ED2). You need to look at more than whether they just seem like nice (quality of life) and fun places to be with good programs. You should also be comfortable that Emory is definitely more of a “work harder, play” type of school whereas VU has a true “Work hard, play hard” type of vibe that is celebrated. You will not get the same type of school pride (rah rah style) you see at VU. It will be replaced with quirkiness, perhaps some more activism, and at a bit more intellectualism due to a focus on studying without D-1 sports taking as much away from it. Some people are not aware of this difference so I am telling you up front. Generally students prefer the challenging, but more laid back (likely due to much less Big 3 pre-professionals), and “SEC” vibe of VU. I liked Emory, WUSTL, and JHU type of vibe better, but you should be aware that there is a major difference so that you don’t expect Emory to feel similar to a VU, Duke, ND, or Gtown. It just won’t. Make sure you choose the academic and social vibe you prefer. If you can see yourself being just as excited about both that is fine, but I rarely meet people who are like that.
@VANDEMORY1342 Thank you so much for time with chancing me! But yeah, I’m not sure if I would have time to retest, especially with me wanting to get my application together as quickly as possible. How far of a disadvantage do you feel my scores are putting me at?
As far as applying to Oxford, what is the difference exactly? Same campus, I would just attend Oxford for two years and transfer to the main campus? Could I apply to Emory ED and then, if it doesn’t work out, apply to Oxford RD? Or do you feel that this is illogical? Or do you apply to the two simultaneously?
@bernie12 Wow… the information you provided is incredible! As far as AP Chemistry goes, my teacher was fresh out of college and not necessarily the best… So I received a 2 (although I retained an A+ throughout the year and received a high 3 on the practice, so I was dissapointed) and I was not planning on reporting it (and I’m sure you would agree?). I will not receive the scores of the other APs until the end of the year when I take the tests. With dual credit, I finished DC US history with a 98, and all the other DC I’m taking this year (I have kept an A+ in all of them thus far; and yes, they are administered through a local community college).
Regarding Medical school, I have been set on it for a long time (interested in otolaryngology). But I see what you are saying, and I will definitely look into it and keep an open mind! Once in college, I may absolutely fall in love with the aspect of research (and if I’m accpeted, I’ll need to meet this Cassandra Quave!)… we’ll just have to wait and see XD.
The physiological and cognitive branches of neuroscience have always interested me more, so I’m glad to hear Emory is more structured in that direction. And perhaps the more stringent curriculum will be more beneficial?
And speaking in terms of spirit, I don’t think the more studious atmosphere would bother me (I’m not much of a sports person, anyway). I just didn’t wan’t the school to be “dead” in the catagory of spirit is all. Also, how is the financle aid at Emory? I’ve read articles about it, but haven’t ever recieved info from someone personally. My family makes more the $100,000, but aren’t necessarily in the position to front money, so I will still need to apply for financial aid.
I really appreicate all the information you have given me!
I was also looking at WUSTL. Would you recommend me applying to there as well? It was initially on my list, but I removed it thinking it was too high of a reach (mainly because I think my ACT score is too low).
WUSTL is more like Emory so makes more sense than VU in terms of feel and academics if you are looking for places like Emory. Both VU and WUSTL would likely be reaching so why not try the one that is more aligned with your needs? Now for you to get involved in the cognitive and physiological portions of the WUSTL neuro major you will need to be “admitted” meaning you need to work hard to keep I think like a 3.6: https://wubio.wustl.edu/undergraduate/major/neuroscience-track
This is doable but I would argue that their introductory biology and physics sequences are a bit harder than Emory’s, yet grade similarly. meaning you would have to plan to balance your schedule in case you get hit with a couple of Bs in those classes. At Emory, the problem spots are mainly chemistry courses, but they are taught extremely well if you choose someone good. You can choose a more rigorous biology section and still probably do well, but it also doesn’t matter because anyone can join NBB (though generally it is not for the faint of heart).
Emory will not be remotely dead. It just won’t be rah rah and sports centered pride. It is pretty much as vibrant as any college without a huge sports scene would be. That is basically replaced by various cultural and other events on campus.
GPA: 3.71, UC GPA & weighted GPA: 4.0
SAT: 1510 superscore
ACT: 33
SAT Subject: Math 2 (770), Japanese (710) Korean (800)
EC’s
Played piano in church since elementary school
political internship (summer after 10th)
Korean School TA (10,11,12)
Student reporter for a newspaper (10,11,12)
international Student club - meant to help new international students (11, 12-president)
Translated letters (sponsored children -> sponsors) for a non profit organization (10,11,12)
Summer Service Trips - taught English and basic coding to kids (10,11)
-Tutoring Job (12)
Link crew - helping freshmen adjust in school (12)
was Class president 9th grade lol — didn’t continue because I moved to the US in 10th grade.
Awards
Foreign Language Speech Contest (2nd place, 10th)
The Korean National Unification Advisory Council’s History contest (1st place, 10th)
AP Scholar (not that impressive…)
City Mayor award (awarded to one person in the class; based on class rank and leadership-- 9th grade)
** gpa kinda low bc i moved to the US in 10th grade, and had a hard time adjusting… took all non-honors classes sophomore yr because my counselor didn’t let me (since I’m new to the US), but eventually took 3 the next year. I had stellar grades in 9th grade from Korea though (ranked first in class back then, straight A’s).
i studied hard for the SAT and well…it’s honestly not the best score ever, but i think it’s pretty good considering that I moved here only two years ago…LOL
Appling to: Emory (ED), Dartmouth (RD), Duke (RD), USC (RD), Northeastern (RD), UC’s (Berkeley, LA, SD, Davis, Irvine)
@enenalal
Emory (ED)- High Match
Dartmouth (RD)- Reach
Duke (RD)- Reach
USC (RD)- High Match
Northeastern (RD)- Match
Berkeley- High Match
LA- High Match
SD- Match
Davis- Low Match
, Irvine- Low Match/ Safety
I hope you consider the QSS psychology concentration at Emory, I think Dartmouth has a similar program as well.
I know ED is due November 1st but when would teacher recs be due? Do they also need to be given to the admissions office by November 1st or is there a later deadline for that?
Emory or Wake: ED 1
Major: Political Science or Econ
ACT: 31 (32 superscore)
SAT II: N/A
Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 3.60
Weighted GPA: 4.6 (out of 6) (increased each year)
Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): Not published
of AP classes or Full or Partial IB: 6 AP
Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.): 1st place national business competition, 1st place state business competition, 1st place state stock market competition, Penta Scholar (12 seniors chosen)
SUBJECTIVE:
(Short Phrases/ one word answers appreciated)
Extracurricular activities (place leadership in parenthesis): Mock Trial (captain), FBLA (President), Stuco ( Fundraiser/ made several thousands), NHS, Founded politics club, golf team, hockey team, and Altar serving team year, church youth group
Work Experience/Community service: Work at local resturant, Intern at DA office (since Freshman year), Mission trip (over a week long)
Essays: Very good
Teacher/ Counselor Recommendation: very good
@18181818181818 : I wish that GPA was higher, but your pointed ECs may make you attractive to Emory as Emory is strong in those areas you earned prizes in. However, your chances are definitely better at Wake. Figure out which school you like better and give it an ED1 shot. Also, knowing the scores of the APs, if you have any would be useful.
Do not rate your essays or rec. letters. If you wanted to describe the focus of your essay or if anyone special wrote a rec. letter, that is fine, but those are things that no one can really speculate about except the admissions committees so no point in self-rating. You can rate them one way and they can rate another.
@18181818181818
I wonder if you can retake the ACT before the deadline, Do you have any hooks?
However you have a decent shot if ED1, ED2, and RD are a Reach for you.
ACT: 34 (E:35, M:30, R:36, S:35)
SAT II: US History: 770, Lit: 720, Math 2: 670
Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 4.0
Weighted GPA: 4.17
Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): 1/70
of AP classes or Full or Partial IB: 7
Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.): nothing exciting
Subjective: I took the SAT II’s without preparation and now wish I had prepared a bit, especially for the Math 2. I was injured during my junior basketball season and am no longer playing. I have taken advantage of the free time to explore other interests (FBLA and Teen Court), but I worry that the loss of my biggest extracurricular will hurt me in the application process. My commute time to school is considerable.
Extracurricular activities (place leadership in parenthesis):
-Basketball (captain 9-11)
-FBLA (chapter founder/president)
-Spanish Club (president 12, vice president 11)
-Student Council (class president 12, class secretary 9)
-Junior Leadership (11)
-Teen Court (12)
-National Honors Society (10-12)
-Spanish Honor Society (11-12)
-Math League (9-12)
-Debate (10)
Work Experience/Community service:
-Intern at the city arts council (9-12)
-restaurant hostess
-gym receptionist
Essays: ?
Teacher/ Counselor Recommendation: ? okay, I hope!
OTHER:
Applied for Financial Aid?: No
Intended Major : Undecided
Domestic or International (state or country in parenthesis): ND
Race and/or Ethnicity: Hispanic
Gender: Female
Income Bracket: High
Hooks: URM, rural state
Other Schools you are applying to: WUSTL, Middlebury, Dartmouth, Pomona, Davidson, Vanderbilt, Duke
@sdteak I think your D2 will get into Emory ED1 based on the strength of her class ranking and her standardized test scores. Keep in mind that Emory doesn’t super score the ACT. Instead, Emory looks at the top score at a single sitting of the ACT.
“Emory does not superscore the ACT exam, as the exam and its composite scoring system are not set-up in such a manner. For students who submit multiple ACT exam scores, the Admission Committee will review the overall score and sections scores for the ACT exam with the highest composite score.” http://apply.emory.edu/apply/exam.php
If you’re daughter is interested in the natural sciences/medicine or business, Emory is a great choice.
@sdteak
The consensus is that WUSTL premed is very pressure cooker. I’m not sure what you GPA is but ED1 is a match/ High Match due to your class rank and GPA?
@BiffBrown and @VANDEMORY1342 Thanks for your responses! The ACT scores I listed are from one sitting and not superscored. She is worried because the math score is weaker than the other three sections. She has gotten A’s in math and is currently taking AP calc. She is considering business and the humanities.
took all non-honors classes sophomore yr because my counselor didn’t let me (since I’m new to the US), but eventually took 3 the next year. I had stellar grades in 9th grade from Korea though (ranked first in class back then, straight A’s).
I’ll look into that!