Navigating Emory University Admissions: ACT and SAT Requirements

Emory University, a highly selective institution in the United States, seeks students with bold ideas, global perspectives, and a desire to grow through community. With an acceptance rate of approximately 13%, gaining admission to Emory requires a comprehensive understanding of their admission criteria, including the evolving testing policies and academic expectations. This article delves into the specifics of Emory's ACT and SAT requirements, providing a detailed overview for prospective students.

Holistic Admission Approach

Emory University employs a holistic approach to admission, considering various factors beyond just academic achievements. While academic preparation is crucial, the admission committee also evaluates an applicant’s recommendation letters, personal statements, short answer questions, and transcript. In the absence of test scores, more weight is given to other application materials. Emory encourages applicants to demonstrate their interests and commitments inside and outside the classroom, as well as their readiness for the academic rigor of an Emory education.

Academic Preparation: Grades and Coursework

Academic preparation is paramount, with a focus on the classes taken and the grades earned. Emory values students who challenge themselves and succeed, adjusting their review based on each high school’s standards. Strong grades in advanced courses can compensate for lower test scores, but high scores alone cannot make up for poor grades. A GPA of 3.84 or higher is generally expected for a strong chance of admission.

The Role of Standardized Tests: Evolving Policy

Emory's testing policy has evolved. Emory was test-optional in recent years, but for the 2025-26 admissions cycle (for fall 2026 entry), Emory will require SAT or ACT scores again (with hardship exceptions). In other words, applicants next year must submit test results. Even before this change, nearly all successful applicants who reported scores were at the very top of the national scale, reflecting Emory's rigorous academic profile.

For the 2026-2027 academic year, Emory is test optional. If test scores are submitted with the application, they will be considered and reviewed. Students who choose to submit test scores may submit either self-reported or official standardized test scores SAT, ACT, TOEFL, and IELTS. The writing portion is not required by Emory University. For the SAT, Emory considers the highest section scores across all test attempts submitted. For the ACT, the four best subject scores from all submitted test attempts are averaged to reach the highest composite score. A student’s application is updated each time new scores are received from either the SAT or the ACT.

Read also: UCF Application Strategies

If you choose to submit test scores with your application, our office accepts self-reported test scores after application deadlines, but we encourage you to send in scores by the deadline if you are able. If the scores arrive before your application is reviewed, they will be considered. The review of your application, however, will not be delayed to wait for new scores.

Emory SAT Scores: What to Aim For

The middle 50% composite SAT range for admitted students is approximately 1420-1540. This indicates the high academic standards and expectations at Emory.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Recommended Score: 1500
25th Percentile: 1420
75th Percentile: 1540
Reading and Writing: 690-750
Math: 730-790

Aiming for the mid-1500s on the SAT is a good strategy. However, Emory evaluates applications holistically, so scores below 1420 do not automatically disqualify an applicant. Compensating strengths, such as outstanding coursework, unique talents, or leadership impact, can bolster an application.

Emory SAT Superscoring Policy

Emory superscores the SAT, meaning they consider the highest Reading and Writing and Math section scores from all test dates. This policy allows applicants to retake the test to improve a weaker section and boost their overall evaluated score.

Emory ACT Scores: Setting Your Target

The middle 50% of composite ACT scores for Emory's admitted students falls between 32 and 34. This suggests that most successful applicants score near the top percentile nationally.

Here's a closer look at the ACT section scores:

Recommended Score: 34
25th Percentile: 32
75th Percentile: 34
English: 30-34
Math: 28-33

Aiming for an ACT score around 34 is advisable. Given Emory's competitive admit rate, even a slight improvement from a 32 to 34 can strengthen your profile.

Emory ACT Superscoring Policy

Emory superscores the ACT, taking the highest section scores across multiple test dates. The optional writing section is not required, but applicants may submit it if it strengthens their profile. Utilizing superscoring allows applicants to focus on improving weaker sections in additional attempts.

Test-Optional Considerations

Emory University is test optional, meaning students can apply without submitting their SAT or ACT score(s) in the 2025-2026 academic year. For the 2026-2027 academic year, Emory is test optional. If test scores are submitted with the application, they will be considered and reviewed.

Application Requirements and Deadlines

To apply to Emory University, students must submit the Common Application to either Emory College, Oxford College, or both. Emory prefers that students use their QuestBridge application.

Key application requirements include:

High school GPA (required)
High school rank (considered if submitted)
College prep courses (considered if submitted)
SAT/ACT scores (required for the 2025-2026 admissions cycle, optional for the 2026-2027 academic year)
Recommendations (required)

Important deadlines to note:

Early Decision I: November 1
Scholar Programs: November 15
Early Decision II: January 1
Regular Decision: January 1

International Students: English Proficiency

International students who do not use English as their primary language must demonstrate their ability to succeed in a rigorous English-speaking environment. Fluency in written and spoken English is essential at the time of application.

Demonstrating English proficiency can be achieved through any of the following:

A 700+ Evidence-based Reading and Writing score on the SAT
A 30+ English subset score on the ACT
Spending the most recent four years in a school where English is the language of instruction for all academic subjects (excluding global/world language)

If these criteria are not met, applicants must submit one of the following:

A score of 100 on the internet-based TOEFL (iBT or iBT Home Edition), a rating of C1 on the TOEFL ITP, or an overall band score of 7.5 on the IELTS.
The Duolingo English Test (DET), with a score above 130 (out of 160) in the multiple-choice answer portion.

Additional Factors for Admission

Besides test scores and grades, Emory University considers several other factors:

Recommendation Letters: Teachers know you best in the classroom, and we want to know what they think about you. Consider asking for recommendations not only from teachers in courses where you excelled but also from those where you faced and overcame challenges.
Personal Statements and Essays: This is your place to show us who you are. We’re looking for students who have a voice, who are intellectually curious, and who have demonstrated an engagement with the world around them.
Time Outside of Class: We value students who will contribute to life beyond school-on campus, in Atlanta, and in the world. What will you gain from our community, and what will you give? Whether through clubs, sports, work, family, research, or service, we want to know how you make an impact.
Extracurricular Activities: Emory values students who will contribute to life beyond school-on campus, in Atlanta, and in the world. What will you gain from our community, and what will you give? Whether through clubs, sports, work, family, research, or service, we want to know how you make an impact.
Essays: This is your place to show us who you are. We’re looking for students who have a voice, who are intellectually curious, and who have demonstrated an engagement with the world around them.

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