Emory University
speciality: Economics

My time at Emory University was full of growth, discovery, and support. One of the biggest highlights for me was the faculty. Professors at Emory truly care about their students—they want what’s best for you, and if you put in the effort to build a relationship, they’ll go out of their way to connect you with opportunities and people who can support your goals. I’ve even stayed in touch with a few professors after graduating, and they continue to offer guidance and encouragement.

At first, I was unsure how to feel about the General Education Requirements. You have to take at least one course in each area—Humanities and Arts (HA), Natural Science (NS), Quantitative Reasoning (QR), and Social Science (SS). But I actually grew to appreciate the structure. It pushed me to explore subjects I never thought I’d enjoy, and that exploration led me to double major in areas I didn’t even know I was passionate about when I first started.

The course offerings are vast—there’s genuinely something for everyone, no matter your interests. The campus itself is beautiful and full of resources. Emory doesn’t have an overwhelming party culture, but if that’s your scene, Atlanta is right there. Being located in Decatur with close access to Atlanta means you’re surrounded by art, music, good food, culture, and plenty of job opportunities.

One thing I wish I’d known earlier is that research and career opportunities do exist—but they’re not always well-advertised. You really have to take the initiative to ask around and seek things out. Once I started doing that, I realized how many doors could open. Career services, in particular, were a hidden gem. I didn’t start using them until later on, and I regret that. They’re incredibly supportive and genuinely invested in helping you find your path, from resume building to connecting you with internships and post-grad opportunities.

Overall, Emory gave me the space to explore, the support to thrive, and the connections to grow beyond college. If you’re proactive and open to discovering new things, it can be an incredibly rewarding place.

Every student at Emory University has access to a first-rate tutoring program created to support their academic growth, and the school also offers them first-rate facilities. It is undoubtedly the top university in the world, in my opinion.

Emory is one of those rare schools that balances academic excellence with social and personal opportunities for growth. Professors are dedicated to student learning, the administration is accepting and inclusive, and students are active in clubs and activities outside of the classroom. Emory is a genuinely happy place to be. Of course, there are moments of stress (particularly during midterms and final exams) but unlike most other T20 universities, Emory prioritizes well-being.

Emory’s distinct campus feel contrasts nicely with the opportunities of living in a big city like Atlanta. Many students will stay on campus during the week and weekends, but by no means are social activities only available on campus. Emory students have a nice “work hard, play hard” mentality – they are smart but know how to have fun.

There are plenty of faults with Emory, just as there are other universities. Its student consoling and health services could be improved, merit scholarships and financial aid expanded (there is also a lack of economic diversity as a result), and relationships with the surrounding Atlanta communities remedied. But as a whole, Emory is a lovely place to be – and is far too undervalued in conversations about T20 universities.