By Jenna Wetzel

In the shifting landscape of college admissions, the personal essay has undergone a quiet transformation. As application numbers climb and the applicant pool grows increasingly competitive, students are feeling additional pressure to compose essays that are not only personal but moving, increasingly innovative, and that cater to the expectations of their admission counselors. What once served as an opportunity to showcase academic achievements, personal accolades, or positive outcomes in the face of adversity are now being replaced with more negative and performative stances instead of authentic experiences.

This dramatic shift from authenticity to tactical narratives seems brought on by rising acceptance standards and the endless accessibility of “successful” college essay templates online. Instead of reflecting on personal achievements or life lessons, students have become reliant on exaggerated experiences that often self-aggrandize their struggles as less of a relatable topic and more of an opportunity to voice their troubles. As the tone of essays grows increasingly melancholic and curated, admission counselors now face the mounting challenge of distinguishing genuine voices from strategic constructions.

At the heart of the issue, the pressure to make a memorable impression on admission committees is pushing students to outsource help through the help of parents, AI tools, or stockpile essay templates that can be revamped. The outcome is essays that may read at a higher academic level and present more professional and rehearsed language but lack any raw experience.

As student applicants continue to blur the lines between authenticity and performative ambition, the question of true college readiness and linguistic integrity hangs in the balance for future student body populations. The good news is that students who are willing to share genuine accounts of perseverance, triumph, and scholastic success are the true standouts in a sea of doctored admission essays.

Personal essays should continue to serve as a small glimpse into a student’s character – not a stage for calculated performances. As the admission process continues to evolve, it is crucial that authenticity is not replaced by strategy.��

We can’t wait to read your essay. Apply today!

By Sammi Rowell ’23

If you’re planning to attend ���ϳԹ���, the #1 college location in Georgia, Atlanta has plenty to see while you’re here for a tour of campus.��

Starting a new chapter of your life in Atlanta can be tricky, especially if you’re starting your college career! If you’re getting ready to move to Atlanta (or “Hotlanta,” if you’re a tourist circa 2010), you’re in luck: the city is full of vibrant neighborhoods, rich history, and plenty of spots to unwind, explore, and connect with others.��

Whatever you’re into, Atlanta has something for everyone. Here are five must-visit places to kick off your Atlanta adventure.

1. Town Brookhaven

Located right next to ���ϳԹ���, has a little something for everyone. Looking for a fun place to shop? You’ve got boutiques, Marshalls, running stores, Publix, and even a Costco. Need a weekend activity? Check out LOOK Dine-In Cinemas, where you can watch the latest movies and eat dinner at the same time.

Speaking of food— Town Brookhaven has some incredible options:

Looking for comfort food? Try HobNob. Their mac and cheese quite literally got me through college. Something quick and affordable? Moe’s or Newk’s is your go-to. Feeling brunchy? Flying Biscuit. Their potatoes are hands down the best I’ve ever had. Need a caffeine boost? Town Brookhaven has one of the only Costa Coffee locations in the entire country.

The best part? It’s only a 10-minute walk away from ���ϳԹ���’s campus.

A Bit of History: Brookhaven became a golf town in 1910 and still has deep ties to the sport, with neighborhoods like Silver Lake showing that legacy. It didn’t officially become a city until 2012 — before that, it was an unincorporated community. The land ���ϳԹ��� sits on was once a much larger area called ���ϳԹ��� Park, before it was sold off by real estate developer Edwin P. Ansley. Now, it’s the place that Petrels proudly call home.

2. Little Five Points

When you ask an Atlanta native where to go for fun, Little Five Points is always going to come up. With its vibrant energy, connection to the arts, and wild variety of shops, it’s been a staple of Atlanta’s alternative scene for decades.

Looking for a fresh outfit? Try Junkman’s Daughter or The Clothing Warehouse. Need accessories? Twisted Sisters has you covered. Want to thrift something completely unique? Rag-O-Rama is the place.

As for food, Little Five slaps. The Vortex is an iconic burger joint (21+ only!). Little Five Points Pizza is fast, cheesy, and always a win. Aurora Coffee is one of the best spots in the city (I highly, highly recommend their everything bagels).

There’s a shop for everything: crystals, comics, records, vintage clothes. Plus, the community is pretty hard to beat. L5P is always buzzing, and it hosts events like the legendary Little Five Points Halloween Festival every fall.

A Bit of History: Little Five Points was one of Atlanta’s first commercial districts. Back in the day, trolley lines from different parts of the city all converged here—hence the name “Five Points.” In the 1960s, road construction pushed residents away, but urban revitalization efforts in the 1980s helped bring it back to life. Today, it’s a creative and cultural heartbeat of the city.

3. Underground Atlanta

If you’re looking to catch a concert or go to a wild themed party, Underground Atlanta is calling your name. Home to the legendary Masquerade event venue, it’s a one-of-a-kind space that hosts raves, shows, festivals— you name it.

These days, Underground Atlanta is making a comeback. While it’s not the massive shopping and nightlife district it once was, it now hosts pop-up shops, art installations, private events, and Atlanta’s iconic New Year’s Eve Peach Drop.

A Bit of History: Underground Atlanta began in the late 1800s when viaducts were built to raise street levels above the city’s railroad tracks. The “underground” level became a network of storefronts and walkways. It boomed during Prohibition as a speakeasy hub. In the 1960s, it was revived as a nightlife district, but fizzled out in the ’70s. It had a short rebirth as a mall in the ’90s (especially during the 1996 Olympics), but closed again in 2017. Since then, new developers have been working to bring fresh energy to the space.

4. Midtown Atlanta

If you’re trying to do anything in Atlanta, Midtown is where it’s at. Whether you’re seeing a show, exploring a museum, or grabbing a bite, Midtown offers an unbeatable combo of accessibility, energy, and variety.

Art? Go to the High Museum of Art. History? Visit the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Theater? Catch a show at The Alliance Theatre or Theatrical Outfit. Shopping and eating? Explore Ponce City Market, The Beltline, and Atlantic Station.

Midtown also connects easily to other neighborhoods, and has one of the better MARTA transit hubs, making it easy to navigate even without a car.

A Bit of History: Midtown began as a residential neighborhood in the late 1800s and grew rapidly after Peachtree Street became a major corridor. By the mid-20th century, Midtown saw a boom in business and culture. The Woodruff Arts Center (whose director spoke at our Liberal Arts and Sciences Symposium), founded in 1968, solidified it as the city’s arts hub. Today, it’s a thriving mix of historic homes, skyscrapers, and everything in-between.

5. Druid Hills

Located just off North Druid Hills Road, this neighborhood is perfect for those who want great food and a quiet lifestyle.

Food Spots to Try:

• Masti: Indian street food and fun fusion
• Salaryman: cozy ramen and bar
• Yumbii: Korean-Mexican fusion (yes, really)

Druid Hills is also a great place to live — it’s relatively affordable, quiet, and full of tree-lined streets and gorgeous early-20th-century homes.

A Bit of History: Developed by Joel Hurt in the late 1800s, the area was planned as a “garden suburb.” In 1893, landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Sr. (of Central Park fame) drew up initial plans, which were completed by his sons in the early 1900s. The development was later backed by Asa Candler (founder of Coca-Cola), and most of the neighborhood’s beautiful homes were built in the 1920s. While you’re there, check out Lullwater Preserve and the Michael C. Carlos Museum on Emory’s campus for a dose of nature and culture.

Moving to Atlanta for college is a big step, but this city has your back. From offbeat neighborhoods and late-night eats to iconic museums and music venues, there’s something for everyone. These five neighborhoods offer a little slice of everything that makes Atlanta unforgettable. Now grab your student ID, your appetite, your curiosity, and go explore!

By Karina Lopez Duran ’25

Karina Lopez Duran ’25 is a business administration major and a communication studies minor. She has mastered balancing academics, extracurriculars and internships while being a student-athlete at ���ϳԹ���. Read how getting involved around campus exposed her to career development opportunities in Atlanta.

I wasn’t involved in anything as a first-year student, and I felt it. I lacked a sense of community and knew I could be more proactive. It wasn’t until I decided to put myself out there that things started to change.

I jumped in and joined the executive board for OU Monarchs, PRSSA, the Student Alumni Association, and even walked on to the Women’s Tennis team. Last year, I co-founded the Business Club and worked as an account executive for the Weltner Consulting Agency. Every single one of these experiences pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me skills you just can’t get sitting in a classroom: teamwork, leadership, communication, and confidence.

Those skills opened doors I never imagined, leading to opportunities with the Latin American Company and Atlanta United FC. Hiring managers notice when you take initiative. They want people who not only create opportunities for themselves but also help create them for others. That’s exactly what campus involvement taught me: how to show up, work hard, and make things happen.

I am not saying you have to be on an executive board to make a difference, but be a valuable and intentional member. If I could give one piece of advice, it would be to not just go through the motions in college, but be intentionally present in it, and reap the benefits of it. Be open-minded, say yes to new experiences, and watch how it all comes back to help you when you step into the professional world.

Find campus events at and explore student organizations and clubs to get involved!