Emerson's biggest major is film studies, followed by television production, acting, creative writing, animation and journalism. Students declare a major before arriving at school; most of us have known for years what we wanted to study. Professors are usually industry leaders themselves--CNN correspondents, Boston Globe reporters, professional actors--with an anything-goes approach to final projects that encourages students to tap into their creativity.

There is nothing Greek at Emerson, known affectionately as "the school surrounding the 'Cheers' bar," and Homecoming means nothing. Instead, you'll find students hoarding the film-editing room until 2 a.m. or holding literary magazine meetings on Saturday nights. Many Emersonians intern with Boston newspapers, film companies or television studios. The Princeton Review has voted Emerson College's radio station number one in the country.

One drawback at Emerson is that every major, whether it be creative writing or musical theater, is secluded. The print journalism students don't have much contact with the broadcast journalism students, and so on. And everyone has the same classmates, and professors, for years.

There are ways around the isolation, however. Declaring a "minor" is common, for instance. Another secret is to join as many on-campus student organizations as possible. With over 120, Emerson College has something for everyone.