Atlanta, GA: Who knew that getting dragged along with your mom and brother to visit a college campus could be such a great experience? Although I was forced to go, I must say I am glad I did. Emory was the seventh college I've visited. I am only a sophomore, but my brother is a year ahead. No matter what year in high school you are, visiting a college can be very helpful.

By far, Emory is my favorite of the schools I have seen. Location is an important factor in choosing a school. If you're not careful, you could end up in a place that is too cold, too hot, or located in a lifeless town. Emory is right in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia, which has been described as having the best weather in the country. I have to agree. In addition, Atlanta is a spectacular city. There are plenty of restaurants, stores, and things to do. This city is a great resource for students because it has so much to offer.

The school itself is beautiful. It has about 7,000 undergraduates, but the campus is huge. This is because the graduate school programs are on the same campus, so in total, there are over 13,000 students. This is really nice because you get a small student body with a large campus feel. The buildings are designed after Mediterranean architecture, so they are nothing short of beautiful. The campus feels like a country club, with perfectly manicured trees and plants and is sure to impress you with its good looks.

Emory's diverse student body is 38 percent Caucasian, 25 percent Asian, nine percent Black, and five percent Hispanic. With students from around the globe, you are sure to meet people from every background. Emory is a very prestigious school as well as highly selective. It has a 29 percent acceptance rate; about 74 percent of students are admitted with a GPA of 3.75 or more. The average SAT score is between 1960 and 2250.

The academics are amazing here. Professors are talented, dedicated, and willing to help. Courses are rigorous and provide students with a rich learning environment. Emory students are sure to get an excellent education.

Like any college, Emory is not perfect. There is minimal school spirit. There is no football team and few NCAA sports. One major turn-off about Emory is the lack of interest in extracurricular activities. However, this may be a positive for some, including me.

Overall, visiting Emory was incredible. I would love to attend such an amazing school, therefore it motivated me to work harder in high school. As a sophomore, I have time to get myself on track to live up to Emory's expectations.

Visiting colleges really opens your mind and helps you experience the places you may end up. It is important to think about college while in high school; it may seem far away now, but it is really just around the corner. Emory is an amazing place and I highly recommend researching it and deciding if it is the place for you. I know I can definitely imagine myself there!

Learn more at www.emory.edu.