How to Get into Emory: Admission Requirements and Tips

Curious about how to get into Emory University? Famous for its top-notch academics, innovative research opportunities, and vibrant campus culture, Emory is the perfect place for students who want to make their mark on the world.

Here’s the scoop: with an acceptance rate of just 14.5% for the Class of 2028, Emory’s admissions process is highly competitive. Emory is searching for students who bring more than great grades. They want passion, drive, and a little something that makes you stand out from the crowd.

Feeling a little overwhelmed? Don’t worry. We’ll walk through exactly how to get into Emory. From telling your story to highlighting what makes you unique, this guide is here to help you take on the challenge and make Emory your future home. Let’s get started!

• How Hard Is It to Get into Emory?
• Emory Admission Requirements
• Emory GPA Requirements
• Emory SAT Scores
• Emory ACT Scores
• How to Increase Your Chances of Getting into Emory
• Emory Application Deadlines
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

How Hard Is It to Get into Emory?

Getting into Emory University is a challenge, no doubt about it. For the Class of 2028, Emory received a total of 34,914 applications across its undergraduate programs and offered admission to around 5,067 students, resulting in an overall acceptance rate of 14.5%.

Curious about how Emory’s acceptance rates have shifted in recent years? Here’s a quick breakdown:

As you can see, Emory’s acceptance rate has been around 15-20% over the past few years. So, out of every 100 applicants, only about 15 to 20 get in.

While the numbers might seem daunting, don’t let them hold you back. If you’re figuring out how to get into Emory, know that with the right strategy, a compelling application, and a focus on showcasing your unique strengths, your dream of joining the Emory community is within reach.

Emory Admission Requirements

Applying to Emory University means showcasing not just your academic strengths but also your character and passions. Here’s what Emory expects from its applicants:

• High school transcript. Emory wants to see that you’ve challenged yourself with tough courses like AP, IB, or honors classes. Your transcript should tell a story of consistent effort and academic ambition.
• Recommendation letters. You’ll need three letters: one from your school counselor and two from teachers in core academic subjects. Choose teachers who know you well, both in and out of the classroom, and who can highlight your growth, resilience, and unique qualities.
• Essays. This is your chance to shine! Emory loves applicants who are intellectually curious and engaged with the world around them. Use your essays to show your voice, personality, and the passions that drive you.
• Standardized test scores (optional). Not feeling great about your SAT or ACT scores? No worries—Emory is test-optional. But if you think your scores can add a little sparkle to your application, go ahead and send them.
• Mid-year and final reports. Senior year still counts, so keep up the hard work. Emory will review these grades to see that you’re staying consistent.

If you’re wondering how to get into Emory, it’s important to understand that the university takes a holistic approach to admissions. Your character and personal qualities matter, too. What kind of person are you, and how will you contribute to their community? Volunteer work and work experience are also considered assets, and if you’re a first-generation student, that’s another plus in Emory’s holistic review.

Alumni connections, geographical location, and state residency are also considered, but they’re not at the top of the priority list. So, while they’re nice to have, don’t sweat them too much.

What won’t make or break you? Religion and demonstrated interest aren’t part of their review, so don’t stress about those. Emory’s looking for students who are not just smart but also driven, compassionate, and ready to make waves.

High school coursework recommendations

Your transcript is your academic story, and it’s one of the first things Emory looks at, so make it count. Here’s what they recommend for a balanced and competitive high school curriculum:

• 4 units of English
• 4 units of Mathematics
• 4 units of Science (with a focus on lab-based courses)
• 4 units of Social Studies (including at least 2 units of History)
• 2 units of Foreign Language
• 1 unit of Visual or Performing Arts
• 1 unit of Computer Science
• 2 additional units of electives

That’s a total of 22 academic units. Meeting these recommendations will make sure you’re on track with Emory’s expectations. If you want to stand out, consider going beyond the basics with advanced or extra courses to show you’re ready for the academic rigor Emory offers.

Emory GPA Requirements

When thinking about how to get into Emory, keep in mind that the university doesn’t have a strict minimum GPA requirement, but it’s safe to say that strong academics are a must.

Emory average GPA

The average GPA for admitted students is 3.8, according to Emory’s 2023-2024 Common Data Set, so it’s clear that Emory is a highly competitive school.

Also, 59.8% of admitted students boasted GPAs between 3.75 and 3.99, and 17% achieved a flawless 4.0 GPA. Translation? Over three-fourths of admitted students were at the top of their academic game. As for class rank, here’s how Emory’s recent admits stacked up:

• 83.9% of admitted students ranked in the top 10% of their high school class.
• 14% made it into the top quarter.
• 1.7% were in the top half.

The takeaway? While Emory values academic excellence, they also take a holistic approach. If your GPA isn’t picture-perfect, your essays, extracurriculars, and recommendation letters can help you stand out.

If you’re figuring out how to get into Emory, aim for a GPA of 3.8 or higher and enroll in challenging courses like AP, IB, or honors. Grades matter, but Emory wants to see the full picture, from your academic rigor to your personal story. Focus on giving them a well-rounded application that shows why you’re a perfect fit for their dynamic community.

Emory SAT Scores

Emory doesn’t require SAT scores, but if you decide to submit them, they need to be impressive. With Emory’s test-optional policy, the decision to send scores is entirely up to you.

That said, strong SAT scores can help your application stand out, giving the admissions team confidence that you’re prepared to excel in Emory’s academically rigorous environment.

Emory average SAT

According to Emory’s latest Common Data Set, here are the typical SAT scores for admitted students:

Here’s a breakdown of section scores:

And check this out:

• 94% of admitted students scored between 1400 and 1600 on the SAT composite.
• For the Math section, 93% of students scored between 700 and 800, while in EBRW, 85% hit the same range.

To stay competitive, aim for a composite score of 1540 or higher, with strong performances in both Math and EBRW. Scores in this range signal to Emory that you’re ready to tackle its academic challenges.

If you’re thinking about how to get into Emory and your scores fall slightly short, don’t stress. Emory evaluates applicants holistically, meaning your coursework, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations are all part of the equation. If your scores are close but not quite there, consider retaking the SAT to give yourself an edge.

Does Emory require SAT?

Good news: nope! Emory is test-optional, meaning you only need to submit SAT scores if you believe they’ll strengthen your application. Strong scores can highlight your academic potential and give your application a boost.

If you decide not to submit, no worries. Emory will focus on other critical parts of your application, like your high school coursework, extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendation letters. Remember, they’re looking for the full picture of who you are.

Emory ACT Scores

Emory doesn’t have a strict ACT score cutoff, but if you’re submitting scores, they need to be solid. The ACT is your opportunity to show Emory that you’re prepared to take on their rigorous academics.

Emory average ACT

According to Emory’s latest Common Data Set, here’s how admitted students performed on the ACT:

For score ranges:

• 98% of admitted students scored between 30 and 36 on the ACT composite.
• 2% scored between 24 and 29.

To stay competitive, aim for a composite score of 34 or higher. Scores in this range show your readiness for Emory’s rigorous academics.

If your ACT scores aren’t as strong as you’d like, don’t stress. Emory’s holistic admissions process looks at your entire application, including coursework, essays, extracurricular activities, and recommendations. Even without test scores, you can showcase your unique strengths and accomplishments to stand out.

Does Emory prefer the ACT or SAT?

Not at all! Emory doesn’t have a preference between the ACT and SAT. Among first-year applicants, 42% submitted SAT scores, while 19% submitted ACT scores. This shows that both tests are widely accepted, and you should pick the one that best highlights your academic strengths.

Also, if you’re learning how to get into Emory, it helps to know that the university superscores both the ACT and SAT. This means they’ll combine your best section scores across multiple test dates to create the highest possible composite score. If you’ve taken the test more than once, this can work to your advantage. Just make sure to submit your strongest scores to boost your application.

How to Increase Your Chances of Getting into Emory

Getting into Emory isn’t exactly easy, but don’t stress. With a solid plan and a standout application, you can make your mark. Let’s break it down:

1. Keep your GPA in check.

A strong GPA is key when it comes to Emory. The average for admitted students is 3.8, and many have taken on tough classes like AP, IB, or honors. Challenge yourself and aim to do well since it shows Emory you are ready for their rigorous academics. If your grades are trending up, that is a great sign of growth, and admissions officers appreciate that effort.

No one is perfect, and maybe you had a rough patch but worked hard to bounce back. That effort counts. If you are struggling with a subject, do not be afraid to ask for help. Whether it is a tutor, study group, or online resources, showing you are willing to put in the work speaks volumes about your character.

2. Submit solid SAT/ACT scores (if they help your case).

Emory is test-optional, so submitting scores is up to you. If you have strong SAT or ACT results, they can help your application stand out. For reference, Emory’s middle 50% of admitted students scored between 1470 and 1540 on the SAT or 33 and 34 on the ACT. If you are in that range or higher, go ahead and send them in.

If your scores are not quite there yet, do not worry. If you are thinking about retaking a test, focus on the areas you can improve and use resources like practice tests or private tutors to help boost your score. Emory also superscores, meaning they will take your best section scores from different test dates to calculate your highest composite.

If standardized tests are not your thing, that is okay. If you’re exploring how to get into Emory, remember that the university takes a holistic approach to admissions, which means your essays, extracurriculars, and overall story matter just as much. Focus on what makes you unique and let your strengths shine. Emory wants to see what sets you apart.

3. Write essays that showcase your personality and values.

If you’re thinking about how to get into Emory, know that your essays are a fantastic chance to introduce yourself beyond your academic stats. The admissions team wants to see your unique voice, creativity, and perspective. What drives you? What challenges have shaped you? These essays are where you can really let your personality shine and show how you’d thrive at Emory.

Emory’s supplemental essay prompts for the 2024–2025 application cycle are all about exploring your interests and personal experiences. You’ll be asked to answer one required prompt and select one from a list of thought-provoking questions. Here’s the breakdown:

Emory’s supplemental essay prompts:

Academic interests (required; 200 words recommended length)

• What academic areas are you interested in exploring at Emory University and why?

Choose one of the following (150-word limit)

• Which book, character, song, monologue, or piece of work seems made for you? Why?
• Reflect on a personal experience where you intentionally expanded your cultural awareness.
• Emory’s mission focuses on service to humanity. How might you contribute to this mission?
• Describe a community you’ve been part of and how you helped shape it or how it shaped you.

How to nail your essays:

• Keep it authentic. Let the admissions team hear your true voice. Share personal anecdotes that reflect your values and growth.
• Be specific. Avoid generalities. Highlight meaningful moments or lessons that connect to who you are today.
• Show your curiosity. Use your essays to demonstrate how you think and engage with the world. Emory loves students who seek knowledge and growth.
• Use every word wisely. With tight word limits, make sure each sentence contributes something valuable to your story.

Take your time brainstorming and revising your essays. This is your chance to leave a lasting impression. Be thoughtful, creative, and reflective, and you’ll craft essays that stand out.

Need more help crafting your essays? Check out our go-to guide on Emory’s supplemental essays!

4. Make an impact with your extracurriculars.

At Emory, it’s not about how many clubs you’ve joined. They care about the story behind what you’ve done, why you did it, and the difference it made. It’s all about showing how your passions and values connect to Emory’s mission of making a positive impact.

If you’ve stepped up as a leader, that’s great! Maybe you started a recycling program at school, organized a fundraiser for a cause close to your heart, or mentored younger students. Emory wants to hear what drove you to take action and how it shaped your community.

Not a leader? No problem. Emory values all kinds of contributions, whether it’s volunteering at a local shelter, helping out with family responsibilities, or working a part-time job. These experiences show qualities like determination, empathy, and commitment, which Emory really appreciates.

Here’s a pro tip: be specific when you describe your activities. Instead of just saying “Volunteer,” share details like “Tutored elementary students in math, improving their confidence and grades over a semester.” Little details can make a big difference.

5. Nail those recommendation letters for Emory.

Emory requires three letters of recommendation: one from your school counselor and two from core-area academic teachers. If you’re working on how to get into Emory, remember that these letters are your chance to let others highlight your achievements, growth, and personality in ways that go beyond what’s on paper.

Pro tips for stellar letters:

• Choose your recommenders wisely. Pick teachers who truly know you beyond just your grades. Aim for someone who can speak to your character, your curiosity, and how you’ve tackled challenges head-on.
• Start early. Teachers and counselors are busy. The earlier you ask, the more time they have to craft a thoughtful, impactful recommendation. Giving them at least a month before the deadline is a good rule of thumb.
• Keep them in the loop. Share your goals, accomplishments, and maybe even a small brag sheet (nicely done, of course). This helps your recommenders write a letter that’s specific, personal, and paints you in the best light.
• Show gratitude. A quick thank-you email, a handwritten note, or a small token of appreciation goes a long way. A little gratitude can make your recommender feel valued.

If you’re considering an extra recommendation from a mentor, coach, or employer, make sure it offers a fresh perspective. Emory values quality over quantity, so only add if it truly strengthens your application.

6. Consider applying Early Decision (ED).

If Emory University is your top choice, applying through Early Decision could give you a leg up. According to Emory’s latest Common Data Set, the school received 3,924 ED applications and admitted 975 students. That’s an Early Decision acceptance rate of around 24.8%, noticeably higher than their overall acceptance rate of 16.2% for that cycle.

Applying ED shows Emory that you’re fully committed to joining their community, which can give your application a competitive edge. But keep in mind, ED is a binding agreement, so if you’re admitted, you’re going to Emory. No second-guessing.

Before jumping into ED, make sure Emory is a great fit for you not just academically, but also socially and financially. Chat with your family, and take a good look at Emory’s financial aid policies to ensure everything lines up. ED can be a fantastic opportunity, but it’s a big commitment. Make sure you’re ready to say yes without hesitation.

Emory Application Deadlines

Got your planner ready? Keeping track of how to get into Emory means staying on top of their application deadlines. This is essential to ensure your application gets in on time. Here’s the breakdown:

Make sure to set up alerts and reminders for these key dates. Whether you’re applying through Early Decision I, Early Decision II, or Regular Decision, staying organized will help you breeze through the process with confidence!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get into Emory with low test scores?

If your SAT or ACT scores aren’t within Emory’s middle 50% range (SAT 1470–1540 or ACT 32–34), don’t sweat it. Emory is test-optional, so you’re not required to submit scores. If you feel your scores won’t enhance your application, focus on other strengths like your GPA, essays, extracurriculars, and recommendation letters to make your application stand out.

2. What are Emory’s GPA requirements for admission?

Emory doesn’t have a strict GPA cutoff, but admitted students generally have a GPA of 3.8 or higher. Challenging yourself with AP, IB, or honors courses can show that you’re ready for Emory’s rigorous academic environment. If your GPA isn’t as high as you’d like, balance it with compelling essays and meaningful extracurricular activities.

3. Does applying Early Decision improve my chances of getting into Emory?

Applying Early Decision can give you a boost. For the Fall 2023 class, Emory received 3,924 Early Decision applications and admitted 975 students, resulting in an ED acceptance rate of approximately 24.8%, higher than the overall acceptance rate of 16.2%.

But keep in mind, ED is binding. Only apply if you’re confident that Emory is the perfect fit academically, socially, and financially.

4. Is Emory test-optional?

Yes, Emory is test-optional. You don’t have to submit SAT or ACT scores if you don’t feel they add to your application. If your scores are strong, submitting them can give your application a boost. Otherwise, focus on highlighting your GPA, essays, extracurriculars, and recommendation letters. Emory’s holistic review process makes sure you can shine in multiple ways.

5. How much does it cost to attend Emory?

For the 2024–2025 academic year, Emory’s tuition is $63,400 a year. When you add housing, meals, books, and personal expenses, the estimated total cost of attendance is around $83,715. Emory is committed to making education accessible through generous need-based financial aid and merit scholarships for qualified students.

Takeaways

Trying to figure out how to get into Emory? Here’s a quick recap of the most important things to keep in mind:

• With an acceptance rate of 14.5%, Emory is highly selective. To stand out, your application should tell a cohesive and compelling story. Strong academics, impactful essays, and meaningful extracurriculars are key to success.
• Aim for a GPA of 3.8 or higher, and take challenging courses like AP, IB, or honors to show you’re prepared for Emory’s rigorous academics.
• Test scores are optional, but if you submit them, aim for strong results: 1540 or higher on the SAT and at least 34 on the ACT. Emory superscores, so be sure to send your best sections to make your application stand out.
• Use your essays and extracurriculars to showcase your individuality. How have you grown? What challenges have you overcome? Emory values students who are not just academically gifted but are also driven to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.
• Still unsure about how to get into Emory? Working with a college admissions consultant can make the process smoother. AdmissionSight can help you strategize, perfect your application, and present your strongest case to Emory.