<p>I love emory and the academic promise that comes with attending a research university of such caliber. The students seemed to have such enthusiasm for the school. However a lot of them seemed to be more pre-professional or science based, with the liberal arts more as hobbies. I want to be an English major, but also explore philosophy, religion, and history. I'm less interested in preparing for professional life so much as getting a rounded liberal arts education. I'm wondering if Emory is a good fit for someone who wants a major university but also wants a personal and thorough liberal arts education? My other top choice is Richmond where despite its acclaimed business school, the students seemed more focused on the liberal arts and english was the second most popular major. I also liked how there was more school spirit at Richmond but I preferred the diversity and academic concentration at Emory. Which would be better for a focused liberal arts program?</p>
<p>While that may be true. Keep in mind that students like the pre-laws will be more intellectual and interested in various aspects of the social science and humanities curriculum. This is just to cite a group of pre-professionals that do indeed love the liberal arts. However, note that lots of the political science and history majors are not pre-law and are interested in academia or various humanitarian projects of sorts. Also, the religion(love it, talk about teaching excellence), English, political science(love it), and history(love it) programs here are excellent for undergrads. This is coming from a chem/bio double major (I’m not pre-med, I want to do pharmacological research and I love learning). To me, courses in those depts. are not hobbies, learning is, no matter the program. Also, you would be surprised how seriously much of the more academically engaged pre-meds take the liberal arts. Many are indeed interested in the human side of healthcare, so pursue studies in anthropology, sociology, global health, and psychology. Some of these students are different and are not just using these depts. as grade boosters (psyche and anthro here would not serve such a purpose that well anyway). Many have genuine interest that function to supplement their pre-prof. education moreso than being a mere hobby/something they are strongly encouraged to do. </p>
<p>If you are worried about all of those in the humanities/social sciences being pre-law. I’ll present you with this youtube video of a successful student in history: There are many more students like this, even if they are not as visible (aka, spotlight on them. Here the spotlight is always on the pre-profs, so one can’t help be convinced that everyone is pre-prof. I was convinced of it, but am now realizing it isn’t true. The pre-prof. fervor is just over-hyped, especially for people’s freshmen and sophomore year, normally during that year or the year after, even people with good grades take a different path).</p>
<p>Anyway, here’s the video (her success is indicative of how supportive faculty in such depts. could be and how research is fostered even in humanities and social sciences here):</p>
<p>[YouTube</a> - EmoryUniversity’s Channel](<a href=“http://www.youtube.com/user/EmoryUniversity#p/c/F67DB0B1B28A7BDD/8/rZ1bKG3-Qic]YouTube”>http://www.youtube.com/user/EmoryUniversity#p/c/F67DB0B1B28A7BDD/8/rZ1bKG3-Qic)</p>
<p>You should take a look at many of those videos. A great deal of them are in the humanities/social sciences and are doing different things. I have either met or know many of these people. </p>
<p>Again, there are many more success stories of students out there doing things that are not related to a professional program. I cannot speak for Richmond. I know nothing about them. I can only provide an Emory perspective. Where some of the students like it or not, the liberal arts are thriving here. Such strength somewhat helps to facilitate the various interdisciplinary programs and initiatives.</p>
<p>Just back from a visit to Emory. Brought a copy of the last two issues of the Wheel (school newspaper) for the plane ride home. I was very impressed with the range of student initiatives - developing an app for digital punch card; starting a bar/hangout; starting a theater group; starting a music club; a competition for generating use of electric vehicles, a student feature film, etc. Emory does feel more preprofessional but that is not to say that it does not feel liberal artsy either. There is a lot going on and it is really up to the student at any college/university to make the experience his/her own. What struck me by reading these articles was 1) how a student can start/do anything they want and find others to join in; 2) the College and the professors are supportive and will help; and 3) that students really want to leave a legacy on a college they love and leave it better than when they came. </p>
<p>The choice of where to attend is a personal one. Just some thoughts…</p>