LIFE AT EMMA— What do you want to know?
20
COUNTDOWN OF THE TOP QUESTIONS
Welcome to our E(mma)-book.
Interact with all things Emma, and see just how you’ll fit in.
www.emmawillard.org
What do future students want to know about
LIFE at
EMMA WILLARD SCHOOL
?
www.emmawillard.org
20
C O U N T D O W N O F T H E TO P
QUESTIONS 20
How would you describe an Emma Girl?
19
What is the campus like?
18
How does Emma compare to other schools?
17
Where do Emma’s graduates go to college?
16
Do day and boarding students get along?
15
What is the social life like—is there a lot to do?
14
What is the food like?
13
What are the favorite traditions at Emma?
12
What are the most important things new students should know?
11
What is it like having a roommate?
10
Why is a girls’ school cool?
9
What are the favorite spots on campus?
8
What opportunities are there for learning abroad?
7
What are the most popular classes at Emma?
6
How rigorous are the academics?
5
Practicum—what’s that all about?
4
How extensive are the arts, athletics, and other extracurricular activities?
3
What about boys?
2
What would you say all Emma alumnae have in common?
1
Why choose Emma?
20
How would you describe AN EMMA GIRL
?
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An Emma Girl is. . .
“Someone who is super goofy at times.” “Ready and able to take center stage .”
“Informed about the world around her.”
“Someone who dares to try something new.” “Someone who is true to herself.”
“Intellectual, non-materialist, fun-loving, and caring. ” Ask any of our students to describe an Emma Girl, and each response will be unique. That’s because an Emma Girl is unique. Here, you’re encouraged to be yourself—be your best self—and use your curiosity, creativity, and passions to make a difference in ways that matter most to you.
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19
What is the CAMPUS LIKE
?
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It’s like living in a castle with all the comforts and warmth of home—from pizza Fridays to houseparents and even their pets. On the National Register of Historic Places, Emma is one of the oldest schools for girls in the country, dating back to 1814, but the school doesn’t feel old at all. The classrooms are spacious and really comfortable—and equipped with all of today’s must-have technologies. The science labs are just like those found in research universities. Rooms in the residence halls are beautiful, ranging from cozy to colossal!
The campus also has an athletic facility with a large gym and indoor pool, baseball fields, tennis courts, and a track. There is a student café, a store, a spacious library, as well as art, music, and dance studios for practice or private lessons. There is even a weaving studio and a computer programming and design laboratory.
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Located in a secure, gated residential area, campus security patrols 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and Emma staff are always present in the residence and dining halls and at all activitiesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;so you always feel safe.
With its Tudor Gothic buildings and expansive 137-acre campus, Emma has been featured in several films, including Scent of a Woman and The Emperorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club, and we get calls all the time for photo shoots and filming!
The best way to discover Emma is to visit campus for yourself.
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18
How does Emma compare TO OTHER SCHOOLS
?
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There are a lot of great prep schools out there, but Emma offers a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Here are some reasons why:
You first!
It’s not just equal opportunity, but every opportunity. Whether you love modern dance or mitochondrial DNA, at Emma, we know that there is enormous potential and power in every girl. With our individualized study, if you love it, the Emma faculty will find a way for you to learn it!
We’re cosmopolitan.
Emma Girls come from across the United States and more than 30 countries—so we learn firsthand about the cultures, traditions, and values that shape our world.
We’re inspired.
Encouraged to discover our own “Emma voice,” we make a difference in the ways that matter most to us. From supporting animal rights to devoting an entire day to community service together each winter, Emma Girls find ways to change the world around them.
“What makes Emma special? The true sense of belonging to something bigger than oneself.”
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17
Where do Emmaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s graduates GO TO COLLEGE
?
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After Emma, our graduates continue on to some of the best colleges and universities in the world. But, the real goal of an Emma education is to help our students gain admission to colleges and universities that best fit their interests and, most of all, their aspirations. At Emma, we ask, “Whom do you hope to become?” Our college counseling team does an amazing job of guiding, supporting, and advocating for our students throughout the college process to find the best fit. It’s their philosophy that “college is a match to be made, not a prize to be won.”
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16
Do day and boarding students GET ALONG
?
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Emma is one of the most supportive communities you’ll ever experience! Whether a day student or a boarder, we are all part of something wonderful here and are bonded together by the experiences and traditions of Emma. We not only spend our days together, we spend our nights and weekends together studying, hanging out, or in extracurricular activities.
All day students are assigned to a residential hall and are invited to participate in hall events. On Friday and Saturday nights, it’s not uncommon for day students to stay for sleepovers with friends in the residence halls and enjoy the weekend activities together.
“Emma is home whether you come from a few miles away or a thousand.”
A day in the life ... Check out boarding student life GO Check out day student life GO
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15
What is the social life likeâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; IS THERE A LOT TO DO
?
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Emma is all about friends and friendships. Outside of the classroom, there are lots of things the girls do together at Emma. From clubs to weekend activities like midnight bowling, campfires, and Six Flags trips to community service and afternoons at the mall, there is always something to do here. You can explore a range of fun optionsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;both on and off campus. From movies and concerts at the Times Union Center or Capital Repertory Theatre to shopping or ski trips at Gore or Whiteface mountains, there are plenty of options to keep you busy and having fun. Emma has tons of clubs, sports teams (go Jesters!), and activities all over campus. We also visit other local schools for dances and social gettogethers such as hiking adventures or cultural events.
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Shopping Dinner out Clubs Sports Movie nights Skiing Dance parties Field trips Community service
“Some of the most essential parts of life at Emma take place at night, like the freshman hall dance parties and movie nights with your houseparent. You don’t have to go far to find something going on. Before long, the boisterous Emma nightlife will consume you.”
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14
Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the FOOD LIKE
?
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Eating here can be described in one word:
Delicious! Well, maybe two words:
Pizza Friday! At Emma, the dining experience is more than great food, it’s a community experience centered on fresh ingredients, healthy options, and a sense of environmental and social responsibility. As the first Fair Trade high school in the United States, we seek to support the communities that grow and produce our food and we locally source as much as possible. We also take special diets and food allergies very seriously. Many of our students and staff are vegetarians or are sensitive to nuts, gluten, dairy, and other foods, and we try to accommodate those needs whenever possible. Faculty, staff, and students all dine together and it is common to see teachers laughing right along with their students from across the dining hall!
It’s good food that’s also good for your conscience. Learn more about Emma as a Fair Trade high school GO
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13
What are the favorite TRADITIONS AT EMMA
?
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Here at Emma, traditions abound. Senior Triangle Takeover, May Day, Ring Week, Morning Reports, Senior Tea, Revels . . . you quickly find that you are part of something wonderful. From Freshman Retreat to Commencement— when the entire campus shows up on the lawn to hug the members of the senior class before they leave campus—these Emma traditions are yours to share.
Emma “Faves” Revels
Nothing quite describes this unique and vibrant Emma tradition. Let’s just say . . . monks dancing to Lady Gaga?
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Ring Week From creative activities to dress-up days, juniors receive their school rings amid much ceremony and celebration.
Senior Triangle Takeover
The moment when the junior class runs onto the Senior Triangle (the big triangle of grass in the middle of campus—off-limits to all but seniors and alumnae) for the first time and celebrates as the seniors head off to Senior Retreat.
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12
What are the most important things
?
NEW STUDENTS SHOULD KNOW
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Know that your potential is undeniable. Don’t be afraid to use your voice to make a difference in the ways that matter most. Welcome all that’s about to change—a new school, new friends, new challenges. It’s all good! One more thing . . . Just be yourself. Please.
“My freshman year at Emma was indescribably enjoyable. There were so many new discoveries to be made, both about myself and about the world around me.”
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11
What is it like HAVING A ROOMMATE
?
www.emmawillard.org
Think of it as having someone to confide in, laugh with, and share in your Emma journey. Having a roommate makes everything more fun.
my roomie!
I
Things to love about having a roommate: Sharing clothes Coordinating room décor (matching bedspreads!) Having a late-night study partner Knowing she’ll wake you up if your alarm doesn’t Always having someone to go places with
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10
Why is a GIRLSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; SCHOOL COOL
?
www.emmawillard.org
Every part in the play. Every seat of the student government. Every position on every team. At a girls’ school, there’s literally nothing we can’t do.
Without the boys, we can: Focus more on learning, and in ways designed specifically for how we learn. Enjoy greater opportunities—both academic and extracurricular. Spend more time building friendships—cliques and cattiness don’t exist here. Pursue areas of interest most often geared toward boys (like math, science, and technology). Be ourselves. With no one to try and impress, we dress and act how we want.
Studies show that girls who attend girls’ prep schools have higher SAT scores and are more politically engaged.
The National Coalition of Girls’ Schools (NCGS) reports on how all-girls’ environments empower girls.
Read it now GO
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9
What are the favorite SPOTS ON CAMPUS
?
www.emmawillard.org
Making smoothies and drawing silly pictures on the whiteboards at the
2e-cafĂŠ
Playing croquet on the
Senior Triangle
(as long as you are a
senior or Emma alumna!)
Celebrating birthdays in the
residence hall alcoves
Designing something new in the
Developing pics in the
Diving into the
pottery studio
photo lab darkroom
pool during open swim
Sunbathing behind the
chapel
Enjoying ballet or Zumba in one of the
Tearing up the
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dance studios
during a game
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8
What opportunities are there for LEARNING ABROAD
?
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At Emma, we do much more than the routine trips to Paris or London. At Emma, we explore the entire world from Mongolia to Ethiopia. Students have the opportunity to take their education far outside the classroom by traveling abroad. With trips abroad, Emma Girls gain exposure to the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s environmental, economic, and political issues from a regional perspective. And nearly every trip includes service to our world whether it is visiting an orphanage in Thailand or teaching English to students in China.
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7
What are the most popular CLASSES AT EMMA
?
www.emmawillard.org
Practicum
Jazz Dance Ballet
Woven Structures Film and Video
Literature of Conflict: War, What Is It Good For? History of the Middle East
The Eagle in the World: U.S. Foreign Policy Latin
Neuroscience
Global Climate Change Forensic Science
Science Internship
Introduction to Engineering
Open Source Hardware and Computer Programming Our average class has 13 students.
Keep up with whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happening at Emma.
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6
How rigorous are the ACADEMICS
?
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Emmaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rigorous college preparatory program provides each of our students a strong foundation in all major academic areas, and Advanced Placement (AP) is offered in all disciplines.
Emma is all sorts of fun, but the school part is all about challenging you and expanding what you can learn and achieve.
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Course load:
• All students have schedules that include at least five courses each semester.
— Most classes meet four times each week for 50 minutes. The schedule allows for extended periods of study twice a day to accommodate labs or special projects or to provide students with opportunities to meet with faculty members.
With over 120 classes from which to choose, the Emma curriculum allows each girl to find her passion and excel .
• There are two grading systems in use at Emma. For most courses the grading system ranges from A to No Credit.
• Freshmen receive grades of Credit/No
Credit for their first semester. In the second semester, they receive letter grades.
See how Emma’s grading system works
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5
Practicum– WHAT’S THAT ALL ABOUT
?
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Practicum is individualized study where you get to create the “you” you want to be. Practicum allows you to pursue your passions and to explore virtually any activity that interests you. Guided by mentors, faculty advisers, coaches, and other students, you’ll be able to explore your strengths and stretch the boundaries of what you think you can do, and who you think you are.
What I did for my practicum ... Took tango lessons Interned in hotel management Competed in fencing Rode in an international horseback riding championship Did musical theatre Studied Korean sword training
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4
How extensive are the arts, athletics, and other
?
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
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At Emma, arts, athletics, and other extracurricular activities are as important to our education as our academic classes.
The arts
The arts department offers a variety of courses in music, theatre, dance, and visual arts. Course offerings are designed for students of all levels of interest and proficiency so that girls are able to explore new areas as well as study a particular art form in depth.
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Athletics & physical education Whether you play on an interscholastic team or want to maintain your personal fitness through Zumba, yoga, or Ultimate Frisbee, every girl at Emma benefits from a rigorous program of sports, aquatics, fitness, health, and wellness. Our athletics and physical education offerings range from levels that are just for fun to highly competitive.
Emma athletes on our junior varsity and varsity teams are serious competitors with all the commitment and teamwork it takes to play near the top of our league in a variety of sports. A certified athletic trainer and strength and conditioning coach are on staff to help our athletes perform at their best.
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Our tennis team was crowned New York State, Section II, Class AA champions for the second consecutive year!
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3
What about
?
BOYS
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Just because you’re thinking about going to a girls’ school doesn’t mean you have to give up boys. There are many events throughout the year where we welcome our guy friends—including prom! Boys are welcome on campus and can often be found hanging with girls in the common areas or at lunch and dinner in the dining hall. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are given permission from their parents can also go on dates off campus and frequently enjoy movies, hayrides, and other cool nights out with boys.
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2
What would you say all Emma alumnae
?
HAVE IN COMMON
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Emma Girls are BFFs not just for high school, but for life. Seriously. Our alumnae in their eighties still get together for girls’ nights. Emma alumnae are women of passion, vision, initiative, generosity of spirit, and humor (seeing the silly side of life is totally Emma). Emma is what it is today because of those who passed through its halls, who served and shaped the world, and who continue to lead its future.
What have Emma girls gone on to become? U.S. Senator
Documentary filmmaker
Human rights activist
Pediatrician in sub-Saharan Africa
Academy Award®-winning actress
Architect
Academy Award®-winning digital artist
AIDS researcher
Playwright
Bookstore owner
Restaurant owner
Winemaker
Professional dancer
Emmy®-nominated costume designer
“I am, and forever will be, an Emma Girl.”
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1
Why choose
EMMA
?
www.emmawillard.org
No other school in the country lets you choose your path quite the way we do at Emma. Whomever you are—or dream of becoming—Emma will inspire your curiosity, intellect, creativity, and passion.
Now’s the time to challenge yourself— to reach your undeniable potential, to make a difference, to dare to succeed .
YOU BELONG AT EMMA. Apply now GO
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