Emerson: The Big Picture
Emerson is amazing - if you know exactly what you want to do for your career. If you think you might want to change, or get a broader educational experience, you should probably go to BU or something. The classes are extremely hands-on and interactive, and we don't like to waste time on math, science and all those other nonsense subjects. We're artists, dammit! Career services is great, they really know about the industries and try to get you emplyed as soon as you graduate. Some common complaints: students don't tend to be very friendly or outgoing; the school can be hesitant to upgrade equipment; the classes are competitive, both to get into and in their projects and curriculum; don't tell the athletes, but the Emerson "Lions" are kind of a joke; campus life tries to be social, but unless you're very outgoing and willing to go looking for people, there's not much going on socially at the school. But you're in the middle of the city, so who cares?
Emerson Academic Life
The teachers here are great. They really know their shit, and give you the most real-world experience you can get in a classroom. I love the film and video classes - they give you cameras and top-of-the-line editing suites and get you working on projects starting your first semester. Teachers all go by a first-name basis, and are always willing to talk one-on-one or by email whenever you have problems. You really need to be able to put up with competition and group-work situations.
Emerson's Student Body
Emerson students come from all over the country and the world. They are often from private schools with fancy arts programs, but we've got our fair share of scholarship and public school kids as well, and if anything, they try hardest. The student population has an extremely high LGBT percentage... 68% or something like that, so they're generally very liberal, and pretend to be open-minded. Emerson students also like to think that they are always right about everything. They usually stick to their majors as far as cliques go - the drama kids who all sing and dance everywhere they go; the journalists who all wear power suits and too much makeup; the film kids who are usually nerdy or douchebag guys who look like they listen to hardcore metal, and a few very brave girls; and the marketing, writing, and communications kids, who actually resemble normal human beings.
Emerson Student Activities + Social Life
Fames Per Second and Women in Motion are some popular film clubs; Developed Images is a Popular photography club; WERS is the radio station; WEBN is our award-winning news station; the Emerson Channel is our cable station; Emerson Stage is a great theatre program. The dorms usually aren't very social environments, even though the RA's really try to throw events and bring people together. It's a dry campus, so the party life leaves something to be desired unless you know people with an apartment or at another school. There are fraternities and sororities, but no frat houses, so don't get too excited. Most of the good friends you will make will be the people you work with on projects, in classes, or in clubs. Depending on your major, your weekend could consist on anything from movies at the theatre next door, clubbing downtown, shooting a film somewhere in Massachusetts, or being in/at a show. Most students above sophomore year live off-campus anyways, so they may have parties.
Emerson Naked Truth
If you're looking for a party school with a happening campus and something fun to do anytime, don't come to Emerson. However, if you're looking for an intimate, interactive, down-to-business liberal arts school where everyone is equally passionate about their careers, where you build close and trust-based relationships and networks, and where your social life is whatever you make it, then you'll love it here.
