When I was a junior in high school deciding where to apply to college, I felt confused and overwhelmed. Each school’s tour and info session said the same scripted speech. I thought that if I was going to make the best decision, I needed a real human voice that gave the truth about the college experience there. Recently, ED 1 applicants heard back with their decisions–shout out to the class of 2018–congrats! In a little over a week, ED 2 applicants will hear back and before we know it, RD applicants will hear back. In the spirit of reminiscing on my own college application experience and my freshman experience, here is the list I would’ve wanted to hear when I was in high school: the best and the worst of Emory.
THE BEST
1) Gorgeous Campus
I knew I thought this campus was incredible when I toured, but I figured that as a student I wouldn’t get that same feeling of amazement every time. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Every day when I walk through campus, I think that I must have the prettiest campus of all my friends. The marble buildings are incredible and still take my breath away.
2) The Students
The students I’ve met at Emory are amazing people. Most have a great balance of working hard and playing harder. Also, every person at Emory is really involved in something, and passionate about what they do. All schools will boast about how many activities they have on campus, but through what I’ve heard, no one at any other school gets as involved as Emory kids do. Basically, there’s NEVER a dull moment and there’s always something cool to do or someone new to meet.
3) Work Hard, Play Hard
Wiz Khalifa described it perfectly–all the kids here are intelligent and are all hard workers. But any truly intelligent person knows that too much of anything is never a good thing. Emory kids are well-rounded and know how to have a good time. Emory is no state school–but for a top 20 school, we know how to turn up. I think the fact that kids have that balance between working hard and playing hard is what makes Emory so special.
4) Atlanta Restaurants
Atlanta has some of the most notable and interesting restaurants in the country. They never fail to impress me. They have food from every country you can imagine and most have really trendy, unique atmospheres! It can make for such a fun and different night out. Some of my favorites are Ecco in Midtown Atlanta, Murphy’s in Virginia Highlands and Two Urban Licks.
5) Wonderful Wednesdays and the Farmer’s Market
These outdoor events make my day THAT much better. Nothing wakes up my Tuesday like a Blue Donkey iced coffee. Nothing can lighten my mood on Wednesdays like a petting zoo or adorable puppies, or free cookies in Asbury Circle. Wonderful Wednesday is a tradition that really shows just how involved, interesting, and passionate Emory kids are. Farmer’s Market shows how much the Atlanta community supports Emory. They both are also just great places to meet up with people and see everyone come together there.
THE WORST
1) The Food
The DUC food, to be blunt, is pretty bad. This makes being a freshman a true struggle. The DUC has its good days and bad days, which usually dictates your mood as well. Not to mention, for a place you spend a big portion of your day, it’s definitely not the most scenic. COX is definitely better in terms of looks–it’s bright, modern, and fresh. Although, the options can get really old, really fast. We have some really great restaurants around, but that can get really expensive. So at the end of the day, you’re stuck, and will probably end up eating a majority of food from packages you get sent from your mom.
2) OPUS
OPUS is just the worst. Is there anything else to say? Watching your academic future slip away will NEVER be fun. (See my last article “OPUS: An Emotional Roller Coaster”)
3) Wifi
EmoryUnplugged can easily ruin anyone’s day. The internet is constantly losing connection and is so unreliable. For a school where a majority of the work is done through computers, you would’ve thought that they’d have a better system.
4) Weather
Atlanta weather is so unpredictable. I’m almost always dressed inappropriately–no matter how much I plan. One second, the sun will be beating down on you and people are walking around with their Ray Bans on, and a minute later it’s down-pouring, but you’re still in shorts and flip-flops. Within a single week you can go from wearing shorts and a tank top to a winter coat and boots.
5) Emory Football
I thought one of the perks of going to a southern school was real American southern football! Is it so bad that I just want to get decked out and go to game? Or maybe put on a floral sundress for a true southern tailgate? At least we are still undefeated?…
Even though there are some things we wish we could change, we all know that we are so lucky to be here. If I could do my college application process all over again, I’d pick Emory in a heartbeat. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.