Emerson College Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Madeleine

Don't worry about conforming anymore. College is completely different from high school and you can be yourself. Be confident in who you are and where you want to go in life. You won't have to create a new identity, you will finally be able to acknowledges your dreams for your future. Like, dad says, if you can visualize your goal, you can get there. You might miss home, but if you stay active, you won't notice as much. Then you will feel more comfortable on your own. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there. Make sure you go out instead of staying in your room alone. With confidence people will flock to you and it wil be up to you to decide who you would like to make connections with. Stay involved and be open to new experiences. Take advantage of all the things that Emerson has to offer. Have fun, but don't lose focus. Keep pushing towards your dream career because once you reach that goal all the money you spent going to school will be worth it.

Holly

I would advise myself to not take the safe road. All through high school I took the cautious and well-traveled road, but that's not what life is about. I went to a college for my first year and a half and didn't like it, and though it was terrifying I had to transfer schools. It was the best thing for me, I learned a lot about myself and my goals in the process and while it was hard it was definitely worth it. I would tell myself not to be afraid to try new things and know that life is messy. There is no safe road in life, and everything is more interesting with a little hardship and challenge. The hard work can be scary, but in the end it makes everything better.

Andrew

Choose a school that is suited more to what you want to do: which is audio production. While Emerson College has great faculty and job opportunities, it is not focused on this field as much as it is on film and broadcasting (in terms of the audio realm). Also, keep in mind that Boston has seasons, and it gets cold in the winter, preventing outdoor opportunities. Look into more specialized schools because for the industry you are interested in it is not as important to have a degree than it is to have hands-on experience. Lastly, think about the urban environment you will be living in for four years; don't you want to be able to venture into the wilderness more easily? It will be a challenge, but in the end it is what you make of it. Keep your head up and try to get the most out of your academic and extracurricular potential at Emerson College.

Emmett

I would have taken more time to learn from my experiences in High School. I did a lot of extracuriccular activity, but a lot of it was to ensure that I looked good on paper. I also did well in school, but not entirely because I fully engaged with the material. If I were to do it again, I would pay more attention to what I was learning so that I would have more honed academic interests as I entered college.

Samantha

I would give the advice to calm down, you're ready for college! College life will be exciting and will include a lot of people who, for the first time, are all interested in what you are interested in! And please, apply to as many scholarships as possible. The transition won't be hard, but trying to get the aid you need to pay for your new life will be.

Mary

I would better prepare myself academically; I wished I put more effort into my schoolwork. College classes are challenging, and it's a good thing. I have learned to get myself organized and manage my time accordingly, which is something I often neglected to do in high school. Getting by is not okay in college. You have to stand out academically. A student can only do this by working extremely hard and putting forth the greatest effort possible. College is about getting an education, which is something many students often forget. Friends and the social scene are secondary. Going to class matters. Doing homework matters. Putting every ounce of energy I have into schoolwork is making college all the more worthwhile. Effort is most definitely the most important aspect of college.

Samantha

You have to just go for it. If you get accepted to your number one school- go for it- even if it's out of your budget. To me, an education is the most important thing in this world. I cannot afford the college I am attending now but I am learning so much and plan on getting an incredible job with the education I am getting so I can pay off my loans. Go to the best school for you. It should include your major and the type of setting you would do well in. If you hate the city but love the school that's in it, it's not the school for you. The surrounding plays a huge impact. Not only does going to college introduce you to life long friends and create incredible memories, but it sets you up for the "real world". You can play hard but work harder. Get involved and have fun, connections are waiting to be made around every corner, what you do outside of the classroom is just as important as what you do inside the classroom.

Eleanor

While a school might seem like a proper fit because of its academics, faculty renown, and majors offered, be certain that the atmosphere also feels right. Many students go to their dream schools based on what their dream careers are - and end up vastly unhappy because they feel lonely socially. The social support network of any school is incredibly important for a person to do his or her best work. So make sure, even if a school seems like it has your best major in mind, that you can use what you learn in the classrooms and lecture halls to bolster your experiences in dorm life, extracurricular activities, and so forth. Also be sure that the campus setting is right for you; many college students also don't realize how overwhelming a city campus can be - or how limiting a rural campus can feel. The "vibe" you get from any school is just as important as the academic promise its legacies suggest.

Cameron

Don't attend a small liberal arts college. Allow yourself more options and go to a university in the event that you decide to change majors.

Madeleine

My advice would be to not get discouraged and to just take comfort in the fact that there are so many schools out there, and everyone can find the right one out there for them. For me, picking the right college, meant finding a place that could teach me about the career I wanted to pursue, while also having a volleyball team and being in a great location. Luckily I was able to find that, and you can too. So, it is important to find 2 or 3 aspects of the college experience that are most important to you and stick to it. With the help of the many college search sites and college tours you will be able to make the perfect choice for you. It is extremely important that parents remain open-minded and supportive during this process and allow the student to apply to school swithin and outside of their comfort zone. Parents should also give their children the opportunity to study something they are passionate about because without strong interest in their area of study, the college experience will be tainted and counterproductive.

allison

I would say visiting the college is a really important factor when trying to pick the right one because it is important to get a feel for the students already there and the vibe the school gives off to see if it suits you. In order to make the best of your college experience, be prepared for major changes and be open to trying new things. Also, find a way to balance your social life and schoolwork, making sure one or the other doesn't become too important.

Maria

I would advise parent's to be supportive of their children through the good times and bad times. College is a learning process about getting into the real world. Students don't be afraid of new surrounding. Pick a school that FEELS right for you.

Ilana

The best advice I can give someone would be to trust your gut. You'll know when a college is right for you, its more then just classes and academics its a whole enviornment and when its right its right. College is all about what you make of it, if you want to be active- be active, never stop pursuing what you want the most!

Mackenzie

Try not to think about how close to home you'll be or if anyone you know is going to that school, but think about how you choice will shape you future. Think about the connections you can make and the connotation of havin a degree from a ceertain school. Also think about how your chosen school can help you, both while you're in school and after graduation. Also, as hard as it might be, try not to look at the tuition rates of schools, but rather the value of attending. Once you're there, get involved with anything and e verything you can. For most schools, most of your education comes from outside the classroom.

Cait

Finding the right college can go either way. Some kids really struggle to find the right school and others click with one right away. Although it can be a really stressful process finding the right school changes your life and everyone should have that opportunity. Struggle through until you find where you fit into the puzzle, it will be worth it.

Lily

The most important would be to visit the schools and find out how well the advising system works with students to help them in deciding the classes that would best help them in their careers.

Christopher

Visit the college, and then trust your instincts. You can read up as much as you want on the class sizes and campus life, but none of that really tells you whether or not that school will feel like home. Ninety percent of the people who I've spoken to have agreed with me that that first college tour/overnight/interview was all that was needed to tell if we would fit in. The sense of community and the bond you form with your college and classmates, which are strongly emphasized on our campus, are intangible; you won't find them on the website or in a brochure. Go. See. Feel. Then decide.

Eric

My advice is to find a school that satisfies your interests. Every school, I've found, has it's own personality and the students at the school illustrate that personality. Do some reasearch and find out what types of classes are offered, what are the most popular classes, where do students hang out, and how diverse is the campus in terms of ethnic background, socio-economic status, religion, and political offiliation. All of these answers will give a sense of what type of school it is. Pick a school with classes not only related to the subject you want to major in, but also the subjects you are somewhat interested in. A good number of college kids change their minds once they start taking classes. Many of my older friends who have graduated are still deciding what they really want to do. Keep that in mind when you make your choice. Lastly, don't worry to much about picking the wrong school. Every school has some pros and cons. Once you arrive on your first day, you'll find something that will make you feel at home.

Bijal

Someone once asked, "What would you do if you knew you couldn't fail?" For me, I started listing instantly in my head. Slowly, but surely it is happening. I try everything I can with prays and hopes that odds come out to be in my favor. Recent years have shown me that my luck isn't the greatest, it's actually just down right terrible and very unfortunate. Even with this I still try. I am head strong, driven and focused. This is exactly how students need to be when picking a college that is right for them. Choose wisely, remember it is your future. Now, to my point..."Which college would you choose if you knew none could reject you?" Exactly. Think of the school(s) you dream of and drive yourself towards them. Don't sell yourself short. Make sure to have back up school just in case, but also make sure those back up school are where you see yourself also. As for the college experience, you'll definitely learn your important life lessons here. Good memories, bad memories are all apart of growing up. Remember be wise and think of the quote. Take it easy. :)

Hilary

I think when parents and students are making a choice about college they should make sure they know the school beyond it's stereotypes. Most schools have a certain image and sometimes that does accurately portray the school's atmosphere, but not always. I think that most of the time you have to look beyond that to see what is most important to you. Emerson College is more than just a school for actors/ filmmakers and hipster kids who smoke (categories that I don't personally fit into.) Emerson has knowledgeable faculty who are experienced in what they teach, and care enough to take time to share what they know. If you are looking to choose a college, know what the faculty and classes are like, and explore the social activity on and off campus as much as you can. Mostly know that you can find happiness and satisfaction with more than one school. There are plenty out there that fit your academic and social expectations. You may not know exactly what a school is like until you get there and experience it for yourself, but you can always make it work or move on to somewhere new.

Matthew

It is important that both student and partents work together to select a college that give sthe best fit . In today's economy , money is tight and a student needs to get the best education possible while being fiscally practical. Yesterday's rules about college are gone. Students will have to be creative when financing their eduaction. They may have to take time off and work in order to complete school. Yet depite the obstacles, continuing higher education is vital. Reseach schools that are reasonably priced on the internet, talk to friends about their experiences, and work with your college concelors to help you find the right place. I don't believe that there is only one right school for a student to attend. I believe you have to keep an open mind to many different possibilities and create your world around what presents itself to you. While you at at college, make the most of every day. Get out of your safety zone and meet people. DIscover new interests. Be open to meeting diverse people. Expand your world. This does not cost a cent. It is what life gives free to those smart enough to partake.

Samuel

In applying for colleges, and doing academic work, it is crucial to establish steady work habits for yourself. The environment you'll be living in will offer many opportunities for fun. Yet, taking time to struggle with the challenges you've chosen will be rewarding, and will make life richer. Observe what things you have a real passion for, and commit to achieving something that you personally think is beautiful or worthwhile in those areas. I stress the importance of finding inspiring professors. Talk to alumni and find professor ratings to make sure that the men and women that are going to be teaching you will be able to impart some real knowledge. I've found that the classes I really excel in have a teacher that became a real mentor for me, and that is invaluable. Throughout our lives, our ideas and passion for learning are shaped by figures that inspire us to think freely and creatively about our passions. These people are worth any amount of tuition.

Leah

Don't get stuck on one school, there are tons out there that can be compatible with you.

Lynette

Start looking early. Talk with students who are in the major of study you want to pursue. Ask them for the good and the bad. If they don't tell you anything bad, find someone who will. Every school has its negatives. What is key is knowing what those negatives are and comparing them to the negatives of the other school(s). What can you tolerate? What is a deal-breaker? Find that out. Request to shadow someone for a day. See everything from the view of an actual student attending there. Once you're enrolled at a school, get involved immediately. It will be the best way to meet new people and make friends. Try something that you've never done before. College is the time to explore and be adventurous. Go to class and be respectful of professors. Not only is it the nice thing to do, it can also mean a better chance of a favorable response if you run into an issue with your schoolwork and need help. Maintain a good reputation for being a good student and being responsible.

Lauren

I would say to be willing to meet and love new and different types of people. If you aren't willing to do that then you should find a school that has clones of youself, which I do know that they exist. Also, there is not one right college for everyone, it's what you make of the one you are at. College is great! Live it up and don't waste any time worrying about what else you could be doing. Also, make sure to work an appropriate amount while you're at school because you don't want to not be able to do something all your friends are doing do to work, however, you also don't want to not be able to just because you are broke.

Andrew

For both parents and students, the path to finding the right college and making the most of the college experience lies in taking a close look at both what the student sees themselves doing wit their adult life and what they would enjoy doing. As the saying goes, if you find a job that you like, you were never work a day in your life! Students and parents should look at schools that provide the most opportunities with regards to education in the desired fields. In addition, take a look at the area surrounding any potential school and find out what opportunities exist for work and professional experience as well as what options there are for leisure and cultural enlightenment.

Kacey

The first college that I attended for my freshman year was not my first choice. I did well there, but it wasn't focused to what I am passionate about, and the setting just wasn't right for me. Transfering to my first choice school was the best thing that I have ever done. It is so important to be in a place that you enjoy and can thrive in, or else the college experience will not be everything you want it to be. So, I suggest that you take the time to research schools and find one that you're enthusiastic about, and if you arn't accepted the first time, keep trying! College isn't just about getting a degree, it's about making the most of an oustanding education and life-changing experience.

Rachel

Talk to students on campus. I was admitted to my two top schools and I almost made the wrong decision. However, I visited both campuses for a second time, and went out of my way to get to know some of the students. Without a doubt, this cleared up my decision. I knew where I wanted to go because I got along with everyone. They seemed to have the same ambitions as me and enjoyed the same activities. If at all possible, try to stay over at your top schools for a night or two. You will know where to go by the end.

Michael

Tour the school before you even consider applying. Also - thanks to social networking (Facebook, MySpace) it is easy to get a hold of already enrolled students. Ask them their opinions (outside of the "tour guide" setting) to get a true feel for the school.

Heather

Try to find a balance between what is financially best and a place you really love. Because you don't want to hate your school, but you also don't want to spend every day worrying about money. To make the most of the college experience, get involved in anything and everything. Find your niche by trying different things and don't be afraid to try something new. And remember that college isn't just about studying, it's about finding yourself and learning things that classes can't teach you. I've learned more doing extracurricular programs and studying abroad than I have from books, but at the same time I love the classes I'm taking because they make me think. Balance is important.

Kristen

make sure to visit. don't be afraid to ask questions about the school before you come. the faculty are a great resource - use them! ...oh, and you're not going to be a "finished product" by the time you get out - you never stop learning - so just think of this as part of the process. "cherish the questions themselves, as if they were locked rooms or books written in a very foreign language." -Rilke

Danielle

Make sure you visit all the schools you are looking at, a school might sound great on paper but when you visit you can find it isn't a right fit and a school you weren't that into can become your favorite.

James

Don't hold yourself back because of finacial complications. There is always a way to go where you want to. Research what is most important to you before you go to the college and make sure you like it. Also, it's ok not to know what you want to do with your life. College is about discovering who you are and what you want to do. You don't have to come into college with your whole life mapped out, because there is no chance whatsoever it will actually work that way. Try new things, make new friends, and grow as a person. College is supposed to be fun and exciting and a time to expand your horizons. Do not let your inhibitions hold you back from what you want. College is the time to begin reaching for the stars.

Laura

For students searching for their ideal college: it is helpful to consider not only the school, but its location and student body, because the kind of people you go to school with, as well as the environment of the campus, will both affect you college experience. Asking current students of the college about their experiences is the best way to learn about your school. Spending time on the college's campus is beneficial. It is important to consider programs outside your major, especially extracurricular activities, campus jobs and internships, and opportunities to study abroad. To make the most of the college experience, the single most important thing to remember is: Don't stress. I often find myself stressing about classes, friendships, even worrying about future jobs. I try to remember that college is about balance, and worrying about an upcomming test or the next big party is unnecessary. A great way to proactively deal with the every day stress is to join some interesting clubs, or take an elective that is meaningful to you. Take advantage of the school's Career Services department, and find a cool internship. College is an incredibly exciting time, so relax, enjoy!

Kelly

College is what you make of it! You can attend a commnnity college and get a stellar education and have the time of your life, while someone might attend an Ivy league school and absolutely hate it! Don't take only the required classes. Take a look at the entire catalogue and pick courses that sound fun! Get involved - do as many extra-curriculars as your schedule allows, take challenging, interesting classes and meet people! Most of your learning will be done outside of the classroom. Live on campus for at least one year, if possible - dorm life is amazing! Use college as a time to explore and discover, both yourself and the world around you. Don't settle for the school that is the cheapest, or most convinent. Don't pick the major that will get you the most money - Find something you're passionate about and LIVE IT! Take advantage of everything and everyone your school has to offer. We change so much from freshman year til graduation - enjoy the ride! College should be the greatest 4 (or 5, or 6!) years of your life - don't settle for anything less!

Anne

Do as much research as you can but don't think you've made the wrong decision nased on your first semester or quarter.

Shaunagh

Go with your gut instinct; it's usually right, and if that instinct coincides with your parents' pocketbook, great!

Lauren

The internet is your most valuable tool in your arsenal! I love my school, which I chose based on Q&A sessions online with other students and online message boards and chat rooms for the city the campus was in. I had never even been to that coast before, but I moved there and never looked back.

Jesse

Look for happy people. Once you're there, the most important thing is to become one of them.

Elizabeth

I would say definitely visit all the campuses you apply to, even if you get in early to the one you think you want the most - Emerson was my backup to my backup school academically, but when i visited there I realized that everything I would learn would be the newest, most useful things we could possibly use - I mean I got a 1420 on my SAT's (equal to a modern 2130), which is WAY WAY WAY above the Emerson average, but the second I stepped in the entryway I knew I needed to go there.

Anthony

Take many tours from many different schools

Andrew

With the wisdom of experience, I would tell any incoming college student to never have the audacity to think you can plan your life out. You may enter college convinced that your major and career path are absolute certainties, then realize a few years later that you're meant to make an impact elsewhere. Thus, you should always be open to any learning experience and never consider anything you've done to be a mistake or cause for regret, rather an opportunity and a contribution to your overall education. Since you don't know for sure this what you'll spend the rest of your life doing, grab on to any class, program, organization, or volunteer work which attracts you, and along the way either you'll find your calling, or find a path which will lead to your calling. In the end, you will be very happy, I promise. And parents, give your children permission to explore and dream and make their happiness and satisfaction the paramount results of an education...but also be clear when the ties to the nest will be cut.

Melissa

Finding the right school is critical! I spent the first year of college at a university at home, because I was too afraid to move 1,500 miles away. When I transferred the next year, I realized how worth it it was. Take risks! Challenge yourself. Find a place that you truly feel like will give you the resources to do what you want to do, and put your full heart into it. ASK QUESTIONS!! Talk to your professors after class. Build relationships with them--you'll regret it if you don't. They're real people, you know, and usually real people that work in the industry: fantastic resources, references, and human beings. Make friends, but don't be afraid of your peers--if you focus on yourself, realizing that when you walk at graduation, that education is yours and only yours, you won't regret any of the sleepless nights spent pushing yourself to be where you need to be. And make sure that you DO push yourself!

Melissa

Go with your gut. There are lots of colleges out there, and there's plenty of places that are so close to right for you, but might have those few things out of place. If you're from the suburbs, try for a rural small college with a tight-knit community or an urban campus where you'll be surrounded by people. Changing up what you know is invaluable to the college experience. If you stay home, live with your parents, or go to somewhere exactly like home, you won't ever grow as a person. College is just as much a social education as an academic education. And finally, don't let money hold you back--graduating with loans being a happy, improved person with a bright future is always better than graduating debt-free and being the same person you were in high school.

Anne

I would say, first and foremost, to look for a school that has a strong program in your area of academic interest. A school could be in your preferred location, be the right size, and have a wonderful mealplan, but if it doesn't have what you want academically, you most likely will be dissatisfied with your educational experience. I am a "go big, or go home" kind of person; I make the most of my college experience by wholly dedicating myself to the things I am passionate about. Dive in, and dive deep. I remember how stressful applying to college was, and it's crucial to keep in mind that ultimately, you should just go find your dreams. If you're not happy at a particular school or in a specific program, find something else that you can really sink your teeth into. You owe it to yourself to find something that is worth your time and money. Is isn't always the college you chose, it's what YOU make of your college experience.

Alexandria

Finding the right college is a difficult task. Choose a school that fits all your needs academically, socially, and financially. The advice I would give students, which may worry their parents, is to not be afraid to transfer if you feel another school fits your needs better. The first semester of college is when you really start figuring out what you are want out of your college experience and for the future so it is never a bad idea to look at your options. In terms of making the most of your college experience that is up to you. College is what you make of it. Don't hesitate to get involved in extra-curricular activities first semester. I would recommended getting invovled right away and using the resources that are given to you during those four years because you might never have them again.

Kimberley-Marie

Do what you love. Do your thing. Don't follow into any trends. Be unique and creative and follow the path you want to take, not the one others want you to take. It's very important to be happy with the choices you make. Be open-minded, but ultimately, make your own decisions. Be ambitious and driven and keep working hard at what you want, no matter what stands in your way. It's possible.

Jenna

Kids: do your homework when hunting for a school. It's not your parents' responsibility to find which school is right for you. Book the tours, book the flights, memorize your social security number. Parents: don't shadow your kids, it's a disservice to the development of their autonomy, they WILL struggle when you ship them off to college. Let them do their laundry, teach them a few dishes to cook, & if they're not interested in anything you have to say, simply say, "Alright, but you'll miss this."

Josephine

You have to see a campus, really feel the atmosphere, to know whether it is right for you. Nothing feels better than arriving on a campus after a 6 hour drive and saying "no, this isn't the one, let's go home". When you get there, making friends is easy enough (read the hand outs, listen to your RA) but what's important is getting involved with something you love. If you don't have that connection with an extra-curriculur, grounding you, but still separate from your school work, you'll never feel like you 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} belong. Don't room with your friends. Just don't. Stay on campus for at least a year. Go to class, save your absences for crunch week (or month as it turns out) Find the Counseling Center, the Academic Advising Center, and the Student Services Center while you're still a freshman. Having to look like an idiot asking where the Financial Aid office is as a junior is not fun. People will laugh. Love your advisor, but make sure they know how to work the system. They are a tool for your graduation. Respect your teachers; their your ticket out.

Abbie

Feeling comfortable on the school's campus and with other students is a good indicator of how well the school suits you.