Emory University vs. Southern Methodist University

FLStudent97
Wed, 15 Apr 2015 23:07:42 +0000

With May 1 rapidly approaching, I have narrowed down my decision between Oxford College of Emory University and Southern Methodist University. I am considering in majoring in biology while going on the pre-health track, which both of these schools offer. I would describe myself as a white, male, Methodist, conservative.

The problem is that I cannot simultaneously attend two schools! I like Oxford College and SMU practically the same, but for different reasons.

With respect to Emory, I was admitted to both Emory College and Oxford College with an $18,000 per year Emory Merit Achievement Award contingent upon my enrollment at Oxford College. I would be a double legacy and a third generation Emory student. Emory definitely has the stronger pre-health track of these two schools and from what I understand a degree from Emory bears more weight than a degree from SMU - at least outside of Dallas. I have attended a small private school of 450 students since the first grade so the adjustment to Oxford College would not be a difficult transition. The two cons for attending Oxford College I have determined to be its relatively remote location and, for me personally, its slightly politically left-leaning student body. Also, Oxford College has the subtle reputation of being the backdoor into Emory; however, at the end of the day, I would graduate with a degree from Emory University.

With respect to SMU, I was admitted with a $15,000 per year Founders’ Scholarship and an invitation to join the Hilltop Scholars Program, from which I would eventually like to join the University Honors Program. I would say that SMU’s location in Dallas is superior to Oxford College’s location in the outer suburbs of Atlanta. The fact that SMU is larger than Oxford College could also be a benefit for fear of being stir crazy in rural Georgia with 950 students. I could attend SMU for my undergraduate years and then attend Emory for medical school. I also like SMU’s conservative-leaning student body, but I am unsure of whether or not I want to be a part of the Greek scene, which, from what I understand, plays a very active role in student life.

Does anyone have thoughts about the choice between SMU and Emory? My other top choice was Davidson College, but I received no merit or need-based aid and cost will play a large factor in my selection. I was also admitted to Washington and Lee University, Rhodes College, the University of Florida, and the University of Richmond.