Emory University Undergraduate Admissions: A Comprehensive Guide
Gaining admission to Emory University, a highly selective institution with a 10% acceptance rate, requires a multifaceted approach. This guide provides a detailed overview of the admissions requirements, offering insights for prospective first-year students. Emory seeks students with bold ideas, global perspectives, and a desire to grow through community.
Holistic Admission Approach
Emory University employs a holistic admission process, evaluating applicants based on various factors beyond academic achievements. This comprehensive review considers academic preparation, personal qualities, and potential contributions to the Emory community.
Academic Preparation
GPA and Coursework
A strong academic record is paramount. Emory seeks students who have challenged themselves with rigorous coursework and excelled. The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. Emory requires you to be near the top of your class, and well above average. Your transcript should show mostly A's. While Emory adjusts its review based on each high school’s standards, a GPA of 3.84 or higher is generally expected. For students with a GPA at or below this average, a higher SAT or ACT score can help compensate.
Standardized Testing: Test-Optional Policy
Emory University is test-optional for the 2026-2027 academic year, providing flexibility for applicants. Students can choose whether or not to submit SAT or ACT scores. However, if students feel their SAT or ACT score represents them well as a student, submit them. If test scores are submitted with the application, they will be considered and reviewed.
For Students Submitting Test Scores
While not required, standardized test scores can be a valuable component of the application for students who feel the scores reflect their academic abilities.
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SAT
The middle 50% of admitted students who submitted SAT scores achieved between 1470 and 1550. The 25th percentile SAT score is 1480, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1540. Emory University superscores the SAT, meaning they combine the highest section scores from multiple test dates. This allows applicants to focus on improving individual section scores and submit only the tests that yield the highest superscore. Therefore, if your SAT superscore is currently below a 1540, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the SAT and retaking it. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and Emory University forms your Superscore, you can take the SAT as many times as you want, then submit only the tests that give you the highest Superscore.
ACT
The middle 50% of admitted students who submitted ACT scores scored between 32 and 35. The 25th percentile ACT score is 32, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 35. Emory University likely does not superscore the ACT. When you send ACT scores to colleges, you have absolute control over which tests you send. You could take 10 tests, and only send your highest one. To try to aim for the school's ACT requirement of 35 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can.
Test Submission
Emory accepts self-reported test scores. The SAT code is 5187, and the ACT code is 0810.
Non-Academic Factors
Letters of Recommendation
Recommendations are considered very important for admissions officials at Emory University. Though not required, you may submit no more than three letters of recommendation. 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 Essays and Statements
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. Make sure to dedicate sufficient time and effort to the supplemental essays required by Emory. In addition, answer one of the following questions. Option 1: Emory University has a strong commitment to building community. Option 3: Emory University’s unique mission calls for service to humanity. Option 4: In a scholarly community, differing ideas often collide before they converge.
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Extracurricular Activities and Engagement
Time Outside of ClassWe 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. Emory seeks students who will contribute to life beyond the classroom, whether through clubs, sports, work, family responsibilities, research, or service. The admissions committee values students who demonstrate engagement with their communities and a willingness to make an impact. Extracurricular activities are considered very important for admissions officials at Emory University.
Talent and Ability
Emory values talent and ability as significant factors in the admissions process. This can encompass a wide range of skills and accomplishments, from artistic talents to leadership abilities. The admissions committee seeks students with unique gifts who can enrich the Emory community.
Character and Personal Qualities
Character and personal qualities are rated as being “very important” to the Emory admissions process. Emory seeks students with strong character, integrity, and a commitment to personal growth. The admissions committee looks for applicants who demonstrate qualities such as resilience, empathy, and a genuine desire to learn and contribute to society.
Volunteer Work
Volunteer work is deemed “important” in the Emory admissions process. Engaging in volunteer activities demonstrates a commitment to service and a desire to make a positive impact on the world. The admissions committee values students who have dedicated their time and energy to helping others.
Application Process
Application Platforms
Submit the Common Application to Emory College, Oxford College, or both. Students can apply to just one school or both via the Common or Coalition Application.
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Application Deadlines
Emory University offers Early Decision I and Early Decision II. Regular Application Due January 1. Early Decision Deadline November.
Early Decision
Emory University offers Early Decision I and Early Decision II options. Applying Early Decision can increase your chances of admission, as ED acceptance rates are typically higher than the Regular Decision round. Emory admitted 995 ED I applicants and 336 ED II students in the 2024-25 admissions cycle. Emory College typically fills about 60% of its incoming class through the ED rounds. Please select “Early Decision 1” as your admission application type. This does not mean you are applying Early Decision 1, but it allows the Office of Financial Aid to process your financial aid paperwork quickly and in time for the Match.
Regular Decision
Regular Decision Requirements: Step 1: Select Emory University on the QuestBridge Regular Decision Form on your Application Management page between November 4 - December 11. Only check the box if you fully intend to submit a complete application to Emory University (including all of the materials detailed in the table below). Step 2: Activate your Emory University Applicant Portal. QuestBridge will send Finalists’ applications to Emory University on December 16 and Emory University may need a couple days to import them into their system. Emory prefers that students use their QuestBridge application.
Application Fee
Transcripts
All transcripts must be submitted directly to Emory Office of Admission by your high school guidance counselor or a high school administrator.
Alumni Interviews
Emory University does offer optional, non-evaluative alumni interviews.
Demonstrated Interest
Emory University states that they do not consider “demonstrated interest” in the admissions process.
Emory University Scholar Programs
All applicants, except Match Finalists who ranked Emory, who would like to be considered for the Emory University Scholar Programs must submit the Common Application by November 15. Only one application is needed; therefore, they do not need to also forward their QuestBridge application to Emory in December.
QuestBridge Applicants
QuestBridge will send Finalists’ applications to college partners on October 21, and Emory University may need a couple of days to import them into their system. Finalists who do not match who elect to forward their QuestBridge application to Emory in December are automatically considered under the Regular Decision admission plan. Finalists who rank Emory but did not match will be considered for admission to both first-year classes of Emory University - Emory College of Arts and Sciences (in Atlanta) and Oxford College (in Oxford, GA, 38 miles east of the city) through Regular Decision. Please submit an updated transcript and any relevant updates. If you no longer wish to be considered for either Emory College of Arts and Sciences or Oxford College, you must contact the Admissions Office to withdraw your application (see Contact Information below).
Financial Aid for Divorced or Separated Parents
If your parents are divorced or separated: Each parent will need to complete their own CSS Profile application. Your parents should not share their CollegeBoard log-in credentials with each other so as to keep their financial information private. If you do not have any contact with your non-custodial parent, then you may submit a request to waive the requirement of their financial information. Once you complete the CSS Profile, you will be given instructions on how to submit your parents’ federal tax returns through the CollegeBoard IDOC service. Please include all schedules, attachments, W-2 forms and other earnings and/or year-end benefit statements. Please include personal and business returns if applicable. Your non-custodial parent must also submit copies of their 2024 federal tax return with all schedules, attachments, W-2 forms and other earnings and/or year-end benefit statements. Do not submit directly to Emory as they will not be accepted or posted.
FAFSA
2026-2027 FAFSA FAFSA code: 001564 Submit as soon as available The FAFSA will open this fall. Citizens and Eligible Noncitizens.
Campus Visit
The optional campus visit is a time for you to “set yourself apart” by letting us get to know more than just your statistics. You’ll have the opportunity to tour the campus and see what it’s like to be an E&H student. Emory University offers several ways for you to experience its campuses and learn all it has to offer. Experience Emory from home with our virtual tour or visit us in person for a self-guided or guided tour.
Two Campuses, Two Experiences
Whether you are looking for a liberal arts college on a small, close-knit campus or one on a bustling campus at the heart of a research university, you can find your fit at Emory. Learn more about what makes Oxford College or Emory College the right place for you to start. It’s worth noting that Emory has two undergraduate colleges, Emory College of Arts & Sciences in Atlanta, and Oxford College located in Oxford, Georgia, roughly a 45-minute drive from the main campus. Students can apply to just one school or both via the Common or Coalition Application.
Additional Considerations
Financial Aid
Starting Fall 2026, students whose families earn $200,000 or less will pay no tuition at Emory.
Emory University Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Emory University is 10%. extremely selective. The acceptance rate at Emory is complicated, as students can apply to Emory College, Oxford College, or both. When factoring in both Emory College and Oxford College, the overall Class of 2029 Emory University acceptance rate was 14.95%, a slight increase from the previous year. There were 37,855 undergraduate applications received (a record) and 5,658 students were admitted. 3,621 students were admitted to Emory and 3,142 were admitted to Oxford College.
Yield Rate
Emory University’s yield rate-the percentage of accepted students who elect to enroll, divided by the total number of students who are admitted-was around 40% for the Class of 2028. For comparison, many other top private universities have superior yield rates (e.g., Notre Dame and Duke). Emory is a bit closer to other elite private schools like USC and Carnegie Mellon.
Diversity and Community
With students from over 100 countries, Emory is a place where different voices come together to drive progress. Diverse, collaborative, and connected, our community will support you as you explore big ideas and take on new challenges.
Conclusion
Admission to Emory University is highly competitive and requires a strong academic record, compelling personal essays, meaningful extracurricular involvement, and strong letters of recommendation. By understanding the holistic admission process and focusing on both academic and non-academic achievements, prospective students can increase their chances of gaining admission to this prestigious institution. In addition, make sure to have multiple other schools on your list where you are more likely to gain acceptance. All students need to make sure that they formulate an appropriate college list, containing a complement of “target” and “safety” schools.
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