Paul Koppel on Emory University

Picking colleges can be a pretty overwhelming time. At the outset of my college process I sat down and came up with some assets I wanted my school to have: great business school, a college campus feel, warm weather, and a school that wasn’t too big. It did not take me long to realize that Emory University was the school of my dreams. Business Week ranks Emory’s Goizueta School of Business fourth in the entire country. Also, every morning when I wake up to go to class the quad is filled with kids hanging out, studying, or talking with a professor. With just six thousand kids, Emory is able to provide a phenomenal college atmosphere. Applying to Emory was a stressful time, but the process in itself was very doable. My friends around campus come from all over the world, and achieved SAT/ACT scores all over the spectrum. The Emory admissions department looks at grades, but more importantly they look at what each applicant really pursued passionately in high school. If an applicant is clearly a positive addition their school in many aspects, they maintain decent grades, and they score well on the SAT or ACT then admission to Emory is very obtainable.

I love Emory University. Emory does not have the cutthroat feel like many of the top schools in the country. I am receiving a phenomenal education from teachers that are incredibly passionate about what they teach. Currently, I am a Pre-BBA student. After my sophomore year I will have the ability to apply to the business school. Nearly seventy percent of Emory College students who apply to the Goizueta School of Business are accepted. One admissions director says, “If you maintain a 3.5, participate in a few activities on campus, and want to get into the business school, then you can sleep well at night.” Outside of the educational aspects, I am really enjoying the social facets of Emory. While I work very hard during the school week, I am able to have a great time on the weekends. The mentality at Emory is to work very hard, and play very hard.

Students take pride in spending countless hours in the library during the school week, but when the weekend comes Emory is a party school. Greek life is big part of Emory social life. There are thirty-three active Greek Societies associated with the school. Nearly forty percent of students join the Greek scene at Emory, but it is not essential to have fun. There are no rival sororities and fraternities at Emory. Anyone is welcome anywhere. Outside of campus, the city of Atlanta also provides a plethora of social activities. Emory is unique in that it feels very much like a close knit college town, but if you would like, a ten minute taxi ride sets you in a fantastic city with a phenomenal night life. If you are looking for a phenomenal school academically, like to have fun on weekends, and enjoy warm weather, then Emory is an outstanding option.

Paul is a Get Smarter Prep Alumnus and part of the Emory class of 2012