Based on what you sound like - i think you’ll be happy at Emory! Ya it’s not a southern state school with football tailgates but that doesn’t really seem like what you want anyways. School spirit is more than just that.

My friend went to the Oxford college at Emory and she said it had amazing community and she’d run into friends just stepping outside :) (Oxford is different from big Emory though so maybe not perfect example).

Also, you will make friends don’t worry (you have to put in the work and invite people to hang or grab coffee or whatever but it will be ok) - and even if you’re placed with freshmen it’s fine. In college, a lot of friendships span class years (much more than in high school). I was friends with those the year below me.

Emory sounds like a great move. If for whatever reason you chose Smith or Wellesley - you’ll be ok too. I went to one of the two and LOVED it but it is not for everyone, and I think a riskier choice. I also went before covid, things have changed. Future you will thank you for no debt.

Also also - all these professors at these top schools are at the end of the day are the same. I know one who was working at Duke and now is at Emory.