I knew that I wanted to major in screenwriting before I started applying to schools, so much of my search in high school was dedicated to finding somewhere that offered a program that was right for me, and Emerson was absolutely the right choice. Unlike other schools with comparable programs, Emerson starts every student in on their respective major right away. Rather than taking irrelevant courses or general education courses for the first year or so, Emerson allows and encourages students to mix it up. I'm going to be a sophomore, and I've already taken a number of courses pertinent to my major.
The professors are one of the best components of the college. Every professor I have had thus far has been enthusiastic, engaging, and knowledgeable. Many of the professors still work in their fields, which make them invaluable resources to students going into such nebulous areas as film, advertising, journalism, etc. The professors are also extremely approachable, available, and interested in helping their students reach their maximum potential and explore every opportunity. I was interested in an internship for the summer, but I didn't know how to go about applying, and so emailed one of my professors from the first semester. That professor had forwarded my email by the next day to another professor whom I hadn't met and she felt to be more knowledgeable, and this professor met with me on several occasions to help me in my endeavor.
Additionally, the classes are all very interesting, in part because the professors all seem to have such genuine love for what they're doing. The student body is inventive, intelligent, and committed, so you learn about as much from your peers as you do from the professors and classes. I haven't met an unfriendly student at Emerson yet. And although the classes may not be the most rigorous in the universe, it's accurate to say they are what you make them. One could probably skate by with decent grades and minimal effort, but of cou...
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
Emerson College has the best location of any school, in my opinion. Boston, Massachusetts is hailed as one of the best college towns in the country, and rightly so. There are so many schools in the area that it's impossible to run out of places to go on the weekend and people to meet--there's so much diversity that it's also impossible to get bored. Emerson is right in the heart of the city, located across from the Boston Common and Public Gardens, which are both gorgeous, green areas; down the road from Chinatown, which has some awesome food and cheap groceries; a fifteen minute walk from the North End, Boston's Little Italy which houses some of the best, most authentic Italian food you'll find; up the street from Newbury Street, lined with high-end stores and great food; and literally across the street from the T station, which can take you anywhere else you want to go.
Beyond its location, Emerson's student body is wonderful. Everyone is interesting, friendly, and engaging, and there's never a shortage of events on campus. The dorms are the nicest I've seen, and the food is as good as any. My overall experience so far has been positive without fail--the only downside is that the wi-fi is a little finicky in the dorms, but word on the street is that they're looking to fix that. In sum, I'm enjoying my time at Emerson immensely.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
There's no way around it. Emerson isn't cheap. It really, really isn't cheap. The tuition and living expenses aren't necessarily a bargain, and living in Boston certainly isn't a thrifty dream, but it's definitely worth it. The college is excellent, and it affords connections that make Emerson more than worth its slightly exorbitant fee. The dorms are awesome and the food is good, so the living expenses are justified; living in Boston in general is expensive, so the college can't really be faulted for its price being a little lofty. Although the college costs more than I would ideally like, even if I could go back and do the college search all over again, I wouldn't change it for anything.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Get involved! Emerson is full of interesting, creative people, and the best place to meet them is at club meetings or film shoots. There are constantly fliers all around campus and emails are sent out, as well as the occasional facebook message, when something comes up -- don't ignore it, go! Your experience at Emerson is definitely what you make it. Surround yourself with great people (which isn't hard), work to your full potential, ask questions, get involved, play a sport, go to parties, read every assignment, proof read your essays twice -- don't skimp on your end of educating yourself, and Emerson won't skimp on you.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Emerson is a great place for creative, social, and smart students. If you want to make a difference, if you want to do something great, there's no better place to be. If you find yourself turning up your nose at the students involved with the arts at your high school, you probably should think long and hard before attending, because the campus is definitely dominated by a very eccentric demographic. Sports, while present and generally decent, aren't a huge part of Emerson's culture, so if you're looking to go to football games and pep rallies, this isn't your school. However, the athletic department is great and, by virtue of its size, closely knit, so it's a great place to be for athletes, as long as you're not expecting some kind of notoriety for your athleticism. Emerson does, however, have a niche for everyone, and the campus is very diverse so far as types of students go, so I'd really, really recommend visiting the campus before opting to attend and getting a feel for the environment and people.
I knew that I wanted to major in screenwriting before I started applying to schools, so much of my search in high school was dedicated to finding somewhere that offered a program that was right for me, and Emerson was absolutely the right choice. Unlike other schools with comparable programs, Emerson starts every student in on their respective major right away. Rather than taking irrelevant courses or general education courses for the first year or so, Emerson allows and encourages students to mix it up. I'm going to be a sophomore, and I've already taken a number of courses pertinent to my major. The professors are one of the best components of the college. Every professor I have had thus far has been enthusiastic, engaging, and knowledgeable. Many of the professors still work in their fields, which make them invaluable resources to students going into such nebulous areas as film, advertising, journalism, etc. The professors are also extremely approachable, available, and interested in helping their students reach their maximum potential and explore every opportunity. I was interested in an internship for the summer, but I didn't know how to go about applying, and so emailed one of my professors from the first semester. That professor had forwarded my email by the next day to another professor whom I hadn't met and she felt to be more knowledgeable, and this professor met with me on several occasions to help me in my endeavor. Additionally, the classes are all very interesting, in part because the professors all seem to have such genuine love for what they're doing. The student body is inventive, intelligent, and committed, so you learn about as much from your peers as you do from the professors and classes. I haven't met an unfriendly student at Emerson yet. And although the classes may not be the most rigorous in the universe, it's accurate to say they are what you make them. One could probably skate by with decent grades and minimal effort, but of cou...
Emerson College has the best location of any school, in my opinion. Boston, Massachusetts is hailed as one of the best college towns in the country, and rightly so. There are so many schools in the area that it's impossible to run out of places to go on the weekend and people to meet--there's so much diversity that it's also impossible to get bored. Emerson is right in the heart of the city, located across from the Boston Common and Public Gardens, which are both gorgeous, green areas; down the road from Chinatown, which has some awesome food and cheap groceries; a fifteen minute walk from the North End, Boston's Little Italy which houses some of the best, most authentic Italian food you'll find; up the street from Newbury Street, lined with high-end stores and great food; and literally across the street from the T station, which can take you anywhere else you want to go. Beyond its location, Emerson's student body is wonderful. Everyone is interesting, friendly, and engaging, and there's never a shortage of events on campus. The dorms are the nicest I've seen, and the food is as good as any. My overall experience so far has been positive without fail--the only downside is that the wi-fi is a little finicky in the dorms, but word on the street is that they're looking to fix that. In sum, I'm enjoying my time at Emerson immensely.
There's no way around it. Emerson isn't cheap. It really, really isn't cheap. The tuition and living expenses aren't necessarily a bargain, and living in Boston certainly isn't a thrifty dream, but it's definitely worth it. The college is excellent, and it affords connections that make Emerson more than worth its slightly exorbitant fee. The dorms are awesome and the food is good, so the living expenses are justified; living in Boston in general is expensive, so the college can't really be faulted for its price being a little lofty. Although the college costs more than I would ideally like, even if I could go back and do the college search all over again, I wouldn't change it for anything.
Get involved! Emerson is full of interesting, creative people, and the best place to meet them is at club meetings or film shoots. There are constantly fliers all around campus and emails are sent out, as well as the occasional facebook message, when something comes up -- don't ignore it, go! Your experience at Emerson is definitely what you make it. Surround yourself with great people (which isn't hard), work to your full potential, ask questions, get involved, play a sport, go to parties, read every assignment, proof read your essays twice -- don't skimp on your end of educating yourself, and Emerson won't skimp on you.
Emerson is a great place for creative, social, and smart students. If you want to make a difference, if you want to do something great, there's no better place to be. If you find yourself turning up your nose at the students involved with the arts at your high school, you probably should think long and hard before attending, because the campus is definitely dominated by a very eccentric demographic. Sports, while present and generally decent, aren't a huge part of Emerson's culture, so if you're looking to go to football games and pep rallies, this isn't your school. However, the athletic department is great and, by virtue of its size, closely knit, so it's a great place to be for athletes, as long as you're not expecting some kind of notoriety for your athleticism. Emerson does, however, have a niche for everyone, and the campus is very diverse so far as types of students go, so I'd really, really recommend visiting the campus before opting to attend and getting a feel for the environment and people.