For students wanting both a small-school experience and big-city living, Emerson College, founded in 1880, may fit the bill. Located in Boston's fabulous theater district (overlooking Boston Common), the urban setting of Emerson offers unparalleled access to a bustling city. Known for it's highly regarded theater and communications offerings, the roughly 3,600 students at Emerson tend to be an eclectic, engaged group of learners. 

Boston, aka America's College Town, is truly Emerson's campus. Students live in high-rise suites and dorms--more of which are being built to address the college's tight housing (transfer students, for example, may find campus housing impossible). Food on campus is adequate, if not raved about, but the city offers no shortage of amazing food choices and the college is working hard to increase dining options with their new construction.

While the school focuses on writing, communications and liberal arts, the general education curriculum can be adapted to each student's major. Students love the ability to pair interests across disciplines (an environmental studies major writing a screenplay to address a current issue, for example) and the infusing of the arts and communications in all facets of learning. Hands-on learning is standard protocol at Emerson, where students have access to world-class facilities--from broadcasting studios, an on-campus marketing firm, TV station and much more. Students joke that desks are coat racks at Emerson--they are all too busy actually working to sit down for any length of time. Faculty achievements are impressive, and students are taught by highly successful and well-regarded professionals who have all worked in their fields. Internships are plentiful and a vast majority of students take advantage of the school's professional contacts. Notable and popular programs offered include study abroad in a castle in the Netherlands and a semester-long internship on Sunset Boulevard in LA.

Fast Facts:

• Average GPA 3.6, near 50% admit rate (media and performing arts are tougher!)
• Students may apply only to one major; undecided not recommended
• Early action encouraged for all students
• Interviews and auditions are by invitation once applications have been reviewed (and all students can submit creative supplemental materials, even if not required by major)
• Student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1; more than 65% of classes have fewer than 20 students
• Creative Writing, Cinematography and Film/Video Production, and Marketing/Marketing Management are most popular majors
• 4-year graduation rate: 77%
• Emerson is supportive to students with learning differences and wants to know this in your application

Fun Facts:

• Emerson's Quidditch (yup!) team has expanded from 14 players in 2007 to more than 200 players and 5 teams
• The school owns more performance space in Boston than any other organization
• The cafeteria offers a milkshake machine; to offset the treats, free personal training is available to all students in the fitness center
• Notable alums include: Comedian Jay Leno, Actors Henry Winkler and Dennis Leary and makeup mogul Bobbi Brown



If you would like to learn more about Emerson College, give us a call!