What if I'm not an Emory Scholar?

<p>I was recently accepted RD for the class of 2012 and am very seriously considering attending. However, I'm concerned because I'm not an Emory Scholar. (I didn't even apply to be a scholar, since I hadn't yet decided to apply to Emory by the November 1st deadline.) I'm disappointed now that I see all of the perks the Emory Scholars get, especially since I think I might have had a decent shot at qualifying. </p>

<p>How many students in each class are actually scholars?
Scholars get priority in registering for classes, so do the best classes fill up early? Are there ever problems getting into classes?
I intend to be premed and am hoping to get involved in research. Will scholars have priority when it comes to research opportunities? And will they be favored when it comes to applying for med school?</p>

<p>If current students or anybody else who knows about the school could answer my questions, that would be great. Thanks!</p>

<p>there aren't that many scholars so there really is no visible impact unless you look at housing selection.
Classes do not fill up because of the scholars... ever. since there are not that many scholars, they are spread out around the different departments. don't worry about classes or research being affected by scholars.
Research programs like SURE (summer undergraduate research at emory) and SIRE (scholarly inquiry and research at emory) are not dominated by scholars. The same applies for jobs in labs.
also, if you want to become a scholar, you can apply for the Dean's achievement scholarship after your first or second year and join the scholars program.</p>

<p>The benefits of being a scholar are definitely overstated. Obviously they get scholarships, which is awesome, and they get to choose housing first, but other than that, it really doesn't affect you day to day life at Emory.</p>

<p>How many students in each class are actually scholars?
I don't actually know, but it's not like these people are superstars on campus. You wouldn't know for most people unless you asked. I know a few of them. I'd say about 100 per class attend who win the scholarships. But I could be wrong.</p>

<p>Scholars get priority in registering for classes, so do the best classes fill up early?
Kind of. But this is only because registration is done in order of seniority (seniors, then juniors, etc) Some of the really popular upper division classes will fill up before the Sophomores get to register, but this isn't because of the scholars. Also, most students don't take those upper level classes that early in their career. You're still working on GERs during your freshmen and sophomore year. Also, you can email a professor and ask them to overload you, which most will. Usually they save 1 or 2 spots in the class for overloads. Once you know a professor personally, sometimes they'll save you a spot in one of their classes if you ask in advance. I've gotten every class that I've wanted to take in 6 semesters and should get all my classes next semester, too.</p>

<p>I intend to be premed and am hoping to get involved in research. Will scholars have priority when it comes to research opportunities?
I'm not too sure about this, but I do know that there are a lot of opportunities that have nothing to do with the scholar program. The scholars might have some networking opportunities that I don't know about, but I've never heard anything. Getting research experience is all about who you know and networking. Ask your professors and check the career center. They can get you started on the right track. Every person I know who wants to do research is able at some point during their 4 years.</p>

<p>And will they be favored when it comes to applying for med school?
No. Except I guess you could put that you were a scholar in your resume, but I doubt they care. GPA and MCAT scores are more important.</p>

<p>Thanks for your responses - they made me feel better about not being a scholar. How do the housing preferences work? Does that only apply for upperclassmen who choose to live off campus?</p>