<p>since you guys seem to be spilling the beans without sugar coating it, I am wondering about the race relations in atlanta. I dont know too much about it, but coming from the west coast, california is very much like a melting pot of cultures; is that how atlanta is? They dont seem to have a lot of hispanics, and it just seems like its just black and white. Also, i hear a lot of concern about the dangerous areas surrounding Emory...is it that bad?</p>
<p>It's definitely an issue. It is everywhere in the South. Though immigration is an issue where there is a large Hispanic population, as well. I think the issues are very different but equally as prevalent. It's not something that I think about on a day-to-day basis, but it's certainly a topic in the local press. It's also something that Emory has lectures and seminars on throughout the semester.</p>
<p>Emory is in an upper-middle class neighborhood, one of the more desirable ones in Atlanta. It is also next to one of the most exclusive country clubs in Atlanta. The dangerous areas are several miles away from the campus, so it is very safe. It's not something I ever worry about. Students know where to go in the city and where not to, just like at every other university in the US. It's nothing like USC, if you've ever been there.</p>
<p>Thank you all so much for sharing your insights! I really appreciate hearing diverse perspectives. Emory is still on the table for my son, although I can see from your responses that it isn't a perfect fit personality-wise for him. Still there are some compelling things there for him. I think as important for him as some subjective notion of a "good fit", is going into a situation with eyes open and having a pretty clear idea of what to expect. I'm pretty sure he plans to apply RD if his ED school doesn't come through, and then if he's accepted at Emory he can weigh all this.</p>
<p>Thank you all.</p>
<p>My D is a sophomore at Emory. Her list included some LACs and some intimate universities. The attraction of the LACs was as you indicate - the idea of late night conversations, intimacy on campus with profs, focus on undergrads, etc. In the end, they seemed too small and she worried she would outgrow that environment over four years. She liked that Emory allowed her lots of growth and many more options academically, socially, personally. She loves Emory. A few comments to some concerns you raised: 1) race relations -- on many LACs she found they were simply too white. Some of this may be due to location and some may be sheer numbers. At Emory, she has friends from all races, diverse backgrounds and geographical backgrounds. That said, maybe one could avoid interacting and assimilating if one chose. Depends on the kid and activities. If you get involved in any ECs, it is hard not to interact with many different groups. 2) she has explored Atlanta a bit more this year. Finally got comfortable taking Marta to the airport, goes out to clubs on occasion. Sees herself getting off campus more in the last two years of college as she picks up internships and maybe stays in Atlanta one summer. 3) academics - she is very challenged, works very hard and in every class so far has had one on one conversations with her professors. They have across the board been available for extra help, pleasant to chat with off topic and helpful in writing recs for scholarships and other opportunities. 4) socially - has different groups - from her sport, from her sorority, from her dorm last year, her ECs. 5) university opportunities are abundant for the taking. She is in an extra research/seminar with four students from one of Emory's grad schools, her major advisor and two other undergrads. Loves this opportunity and mixing it up with the grad students about some very intersesting issues. I would suggest your son pay attention to what he feels, run it down further and try to picture himself growing and evolving over four years. Emory has so much for the taking, but students do have to own their education and go after it. No one knocks on your door, if you want to be isolated with your own group, never talk to your profs, etc. one can do that just about anywhere. Good luck, my second D, a senior,has a list of LACs and is wresting with the same issues. It is such a personal choice. MM</p>
<p>Just a word on "outgrowing" your LAC--this can be an impetus to Junior Year Abroad--a great way to be more "grown up" and when you come back Senior Year you're usually too busy to care about that since the real world or grad school is now beckoning.</p>
<p>why is everyone scared of the marta? is it ghetto or something?</p>
<p>For D it was just figuring Marta out. We are from a rural area and it was intimidating for her. Not sure for others. I took it from the airport and found it fairly easy to navigate, and cheap.</p>
<p>As for junior year abroad, my D is currently on a pre-med track (could change, but that is her plan now) so spending a junior year abroad is not in the cards for her. She does plan to go on an Emory summer program abroad, but a full year, at this time, is not for her. I agree for others it is a great option and enriches a LAC experience, or a university experience for that matter.</p>