What should I do this summer?

Applying to College
1

After getting deferred (And later denied) from Duke as an ED applicant, I decided to go to Emory. At first, I was thrilled when I got in, but I now feel that the school was a poor fit. The ENTIRE social scene Revolves around Greek life and drinking.Nearly all the friends that I made during the first few months decided to rush/join, and now I hardly ever see them. As a freshman who chooses not to drink/ go to parties, I have felt increasingly isolated during this second semester. It is clear now that, while Emory is a great school, it is not the right school for me. I want to transfer somewhere like Duke, which I feel has a more intellectual atmosphere with less Greek life/partying. I have thus far been successful in maintaining a 4.0 GPA and good extracurricular involvement; however, I don’t know what to do for the summer. I have been accepted to study abroad in Paris for six weeks (I’m a French minor); however, I’m not sure this is the best option. My only other option, however, is to shadow a doctor for three half days a week (I’m pre-med). I can try to get a research position foe the rest of the time, but I don’t know if this will be possible. Any thoughts? I’m planning on applying for transfer for my Junior year.

BTW, I’m a freshman now

2

Duke has a pretty big party scene, too. I think your people are there at Emory – you use haven’t met them yet. Is there sub-free housing? You should try to live there next year.

I’d go to France!

3

Perhaps you should more carefully consider what aspects of your present school you dislike and choose a school that is unlikely to have the same dynamic. As intparent notes, Duke (and I’d add Dartmouth) have an active party scene whereas other similar sized schools are known to have less of that type of atmosphere (say Rochester). I’m not sure where you 'd find a listing of the schools that are more intellectual and less party hardy-but it might be worth thinking about before jumping form Emory to Duke.