Emory students say they have the best of both worlds: an intimate, private-school experience with big-time opportunities. “Emory is a great size," writes a sophomore majoring in chemistry. "You can walk around campus and not know everyone, but still within a few minutes you are bound to say hi to someone to whom you are friendly.” The excellent academics, namely the pre-professional programs, attract motivated, top-notch students. Many students are upper-middle-class and from the northeastern US. Overall, there is a good representation of various ethnicities and socioeconomic groups however they tend to stick together. “Emory is very diverse but very self-segregated,” observes a freshman chemistry major. Socially there is something for everyone at Emory, from student-run organizations to the Greek system. Students work hard first, then reward themselves by enjoying the surroundings. “Emory's environment is key; the southern experience and proximity to Atlanta are most excellent,” writes a freshman business major.

Academics are Emory students’ first priority, and the primary motivation for most students is future career success. The level of competition depends on the major – pre-professional classes tend to be the most competitive – but for the most part, students are collaborative. “There are definitely some very competitive students, but overall, most students look out for one another,” remarks a freshman business major.

There are mixed feelings about the general education requirements."Academic requirements are okay, too stringent, require time-consuming classes such as language requirement (every day for an entire year is too much) and science requirements (take up many hours of scheduling)," says a freshman urban studies major. Others, however, say they are beneficial. “The academic requirements seem fair and allow you to get a taste of all the departments,” writes a freshman neuroscience major.

Viewed as students’ number one resource, professors are highly regarded, and success in the classroom comes from work but also getting noticed. “I think most professors are that eager to know their students. However, it is the student's responsibility to take the initiative and visit office hours to really foster a relationship,” writes a sophomore chemistry major.

Another academic resource many undergraduates take advantage of is Oxford College at Emory University, a second campus at Emory's original locale, where undergraduates pursuing studies in the liberal arts can spend their first two years.  After that, Oxford students move to the main campus and graduate with a degree from Emory. "Some see Oxford College as inferior to Emory College," writes one student, but, "the stereotypes are false. As a liberal arts college of Emory University, Oxford College provides its students with a rich and rigorous curriculum. The classes are challenging and the atmosphere nurtures scholarship. Professors are accessible. Oxford College is an excellent place to spend the first two years of an undergraduate education." The downside, according to another Oxford grad, is that "the town is small and there's not much to do after 10pm, but you'll never find a better atmosphere. The classes are small (no impersonal auditoriums with hundreds of other students) and the other students are friendly and interesting."

While some cultural and ethnic groups are better represented than others, “No student would feel out of place at Emory; we really do have a variety of people.” remarks an anthropology major. Still, social groups on campus tend to be composed of students who associate with another either through race, ethnicity, culture, or affiliation. There’s very little mixing among cliques, which students recognize as a drawback to their undergraduate experience.

Students at Emory care deeply about a variety of issues and aren’t afraid to speak their mind. "Most students are very intellectual and engage in intellectual conversation both in and out of the classroom.” remarks a freshman business major.

However segregated groups are, there doesn’t seem to be animosity among the different groups. Socially, Greeks run the show, “Much of the bar and party scene does revolve around fraternities and sororities. However, I'm sure that there is a broad and diverse social life beyond the walls of Greek life.” tells a junior English major. For fun, students go to bars, clubs, or to Atlanta or the Highlands. As one pre-med sophomore puts it, “Emory is definitely a party school for smart students.” Despite their differences in attitudes and tastes, students at Emory care deeply about a variety of issues and aren’t afraid to speak their mind. “Most students are very intellectual and engage in intellectual conversation both in and out of the classroom.” remarks a freshman business major. At Emory, students are always aware. They’re aware of the stellar education they’re getting, the people they’re surrounded by, and what they need to do to succeed.