Overview
Emory University is a highly selective private four-year institution in Atlanta, Georgia. The school accepts 11.4% of applicants and enrolls 7,275 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 11.4%
- Average SAT
- 1,490
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,430–1,550
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 33
- Total Enrollment
- 7,275
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Emory's admissions committee prioritizes intellectual engagement over pure academic performance, looking for students who will contribute meaningfully to classroom discussions and campus life. Your essays should showcase genuine curiosity about learning rather than listing achievements.
The school's emphasis on undergraduate research sets it apart from peer institutions. Reference specific faculty members whose work aligns with your interests, particularly in the sciences where Emory excels. The university's partnership with the Centers for Disease Control creates unique opportunities for public health research that you won't find elsewhere.
Don't write generic essays about Atlanta's culture or diversity. Instead, focus on Emory's specific traditions like Dooley Week or the Honor Code system that governs student life. The business school's emphasis on ethics and social responsibility offers rich material for supplemental essays if you're applying to Goizueta.
Your application will go through Emory College of Arts and Sciences unless you're specifically applying to the business or nursing schools. Each has different requirements and deadlines. The nursing program requires direct admission as a first-year student, while business students can apply during their sophomore year.
Early Decision provides a significant advantage, but only apply ED if Emory is genuinely your top choice. The admissions office can tell when students use ED strategically rather than out of genuine interest in the school.
Don't overlook Emory's global reach. The university operates campuses in Oxford (England) and has strong study abroad programs. If you're interested in international experiences, mention specific programs rather than making vague statements about wanting to study abroad.
The Oxford College pathway offers a unique two-year liberal arts experience before transitioning to the main Atlanta campus. This option appeals to students who want smaller classes initially but don't mention it unless you understand what makes Oxford different from traditional college experiences.
Your supplemental essays should avoid clichés about wanting to change the world. Instead, focus on specific problems you want to solve and how Emory's resources will help you tackle them. The admissions committee reads thousands of essays about making a difference.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $23,911/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $60,774
- Students Receiving Aid
- 18%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 91.8%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $80,137/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 96.2%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Emory University require standardized test scores for admission?
Emory University is test-optional for undergraduate admissions. Students can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their application.
What early admission options does Emory University offer?
Emory offers Early Decision I (November 1 deadline) and Early Decision II (January 1 deadline). Both are binding commitments that require enrollment if accepted.
Can you transfer to Emory University as a sophomore or junior?
Emory accepts transfer students for fall and spring semesters. Transfer applicants must have completed at least one year of college coursework at an accredited institution.
Does Emory University have separate application requirements for different schools within the university?
Students apply directly to either Emory College of Arts and Sciences or Oxford College at Emory. Oxford College is a two-year liberal arts program located on a separate campus before students continue to the main Atlanta campus.