<p>Hi! I'm applying to Emory for admittance in Fall 2008. Up until a few weeks ago, I wanted to get a business degree, which is that first attracted me to Emory. However, I think I want to do something in medicine, or at least major in a science (probably biology). I was wondering if someone could tell me about the Science department (how are the professors, are there many students majoring in a science, how strong is the department, etc.). You would be helping me out so much!! Thanks!</p>
<p>The sciences at Emory, in general, are very good to excellent. One of Emory's strengths is in their pre-med track preparation for potential med school students. Another strength is in their undergraduate business program (application to the Goizueta Business School comes during the end of sophomore year for admittance beginning in one's junior year).</p>
<p>By and large, one university's program is going to be difficult to compare against another in terms of pure academic standards. If a college is well-respected, it is because it has excellent professors and good research programs. At the heart of Emory is a solid liberal arts tradition that is bolstered by its opportunities as a national research university. The exposure of the many graduate schools/institutions provide even further opportunities, especially upper class students. The generalizations that can be made are all good, but the most relevant factors to any given student is likely unique or specific to the needs/desires of each student. </p>
<p>Perhaps the best way to determine whether Emory is right for you is to identify what you are looking for, both now and in the future. What kind of preparation do you want for yourself? As a 17-year old currently, it's as likely that your interests will change in the next couple of years (which is what happens to many/most students). I think one advantage that Emory has is it offers many resources to help you choose your interests, stay on track, and if necessary, make adjustments in your course. Try to visit the school, talk to professors, probe deep into the departments at Emory's website. Look at the backgrounds and research interests of the professors in each department. In Biology, there are some significant research projects that may allow even undergraduate students to get some involvement.</p>
<p>I have some friends (husband and wife) here in California, in their early 30's, who are both Emory graduates. Both were Biology majors at their start, and although he stayed a Bio major, she changed completely. She has now established a career in mass communications. He went on the med school at Cornell, using his preparation as a Bio major and satisfying all the requirements of a pre-med track. What he discovered for himself was that he really enjoyed business... specifically using his medical training to develop new medical/bioengineering products, which is what he does today, working for a startup company. Following receipt of his M.D., he went on to get his MBA, also from Cornell. Sometimes, your interests can come back full circle.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>thanks! that was very helpful!</p>