emory=jewish?

<p>for the "why emory" essay, if i say that i like that its 30% jewish, is that weird? should i not say that?</p>

<p>If you back it up with specific reasons you like that, go ahead!</p>

<p>My parents advised me against doing that in case the person who reads your application is anti-semetic. It would be awful if that was the only reason you got rejected.</p>

<p>I doubt an admissions counselor at a school like Emory would be anti-semetic and would reject him for that (especially if 1/3 of the school is Jewish)</p>

<p>agreed, hebrewhammer. These schools make it clear that applicants are not discriminated against based on race/color/creed etc and they mean it. The religious studies dept is strong at Emory, and there is an active Jewish life. There is nothing wrong with that being a reason that makes the school attractive to an applicant.</p>

<p>Most likely true but I'm just a little cautious</p>

<p>efs-
Personally, I think you are being overly cautious. But if you were to be rejected, you might assume that it was because of some anti-semetic college counselor, and that would be a shame. That promulgates stereotypes, IMO. Why don't you consider the opposite possibility? Many college andmission counselors are former students, and several of the Emory admissions counselors are Jewish. Maybe, just maybe bringing up your religious interest could be an advantage, not a disadvantage. Keep an open mind.</p>

<p>I think it could come across as making the applicant (if Jewish) seem narrow-minded. I presume the reason you like the 30% Jewish population is because 30% is large as far as most colleges go. Imagine if some White applicant wrote that s/he liked CollegeX because "of its large White population!"</p>

<p>Bay,
If ones religious affiliation is a big part of who they are, what is wrong with acknowledging it? Why is it any different from a student picking a religious institution (college with a religious affiliation) or a historically black college? The OP didn't say it was the ONLY reason they are interested in Emory, but it is one of the reasons. To me it is honest, not narrow minded. JMO.</p>

<p>I have to agree with Bay. Colleges that are Historically Black or religious want students in a way that are sort of narrow minded. Top schools like Emory are looking for kids who are willing to meet new types of people. Imagine if a white kid did write "oh i want to be with more white ppl", I'm sure that wouldn't be received well. OP, I would not write that in my essay, but even if you did I don't think it would hurt (or help) your app.</p>

<p>Fredfred-
Emory has a thriving Hillel and jewish sororities and fraternities. If that is what is important to a candidate, that is honest. It is one thing that makes Emory attractive to a student. But to be "afraid" that an admissions counselor is "anti-semetic", especially at Emory, strikes me as silly. While my s didn't write his religious interest as one reason for applying to Emory in his essay, it was apparently clear in his activities, positions held and summer programs that he is jewish. So, if the OP has similar activities in his/her application, there is no risk in mentioning it again in an essay if that is one reason Emory stands out to him/her.</p>

<p>I think that you can definitely mention it; just don't make it the main reason why you're applying to Emory. Otherwise, adcoms might think you're better off at Brandeis.</p>

<p>also, emory is a United-Methodist University right? So that means it's Catholic? weird that its Catholic and 30% Jewish.</p>

<p>Uh.. no. Methodist does not mean Catholic. You might wish to read this about Emory, though it is a little old. The</a> Emory Wheel - Online Edition - Staff Editorial</p>

<p>Donnag, it is all in the approach.</p>

<p>If you say something like "I love this school because of its active and vibrant Jewish community. I know I will be able to...." versus "I like this school because its 1/3 Jewish," you could get two COMPLETELY different reactions.</p>

<p>Take the smarter approach, attach valid and good reasons to it, and I promise you you'll be fine.</p>

<p>I wrote that I was interested in "gay studies" at Emory, and I got in. I'm pretty sure the Jewish factor is going to be fine.</p>

<p>Bellumvir and betterday.
Good points. Emory is open-minded. Itis a place where the OP should be comfortable, not afraid, to mention the attraction of the large jewish population.</p>

<p>I think my parents are rubbing off on me for being over cautious. :/</p>