You’ve taken the leap and submitted your Emory application—congrats! Now comes the part every applicant knows too well: the waiting. If you find yourself checking your inbox or refreshing the Applicant Portal more often than you’d like to admit, you’re definitely not alone. Thousands of students are wondering the same thing: when do Emory decisions come out?
In this post, we’ll break down when you can expect Emory to release decisions for Early Decision I, Early Decision II, Regular Decision, transfer, and even the waitlist. We’ll also share what past acceptance rates look like and give you some tips on what to do once your decision is finally in.
- When Does Emory Release Decisions?
- When Do Emory Early Decisions Come Out?
- When Do Emory Regular Decisions Come Out?
- When Do Emory Waitlist Decisions Come Out?
- When Do Emory Transfer Decisions Come Out?
- What to Do After Receiving Your Emory Admissions Decision
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Takeaways
When Does Emory Release Decisions?
Emory offers several application routes, each with its own timeline and set of outcomes. Students can apply through Early Decision I, Early Decision II, Regular Decision, or as a transfer applicant. In addition, those applying for the Emory University Scholar Programs have their own notification schedule too.
The table below highlights when Emory decisions come out and the types of outcomes you can expect.
|
Application Route |
Decision Release Date | Decision Types |
|
Early Decision I |
By December 15, 2025 |
Admit, Defer, Deny |
|
Early Decision II |
By February 15, 2026 |
Admit, Defer, Deny |
|
Emory University Scholar Programs |
By March 1, 2026 |
Admit, Deny |
|
Regular Decision |
By April 1, 2026 |
Admit, Waitlist, Deny |
|
Transfer Admission |
By Early May, 2026 |
Admit, Deny |
Early Decision I comes in December, giving you peace of mind before the new year, while Early Decision II in February offers a second chance to commit early. Regular Decision results arrive by April 1, aligning with the national admissions timeline so you still have a month to choose by May 1.
When Do Emory Early Decisions Come Out?
If you applied to Emory through Early Decision I (ED I) or Early Decision II (ED II), your notification arrives much earlier than Regular Decision (RD) applicants. Here’s a closer look at the Emory Early Decision deadlines:
|
Date |
Event |
|
November 1, 2025 |
Early Decision I application deadline |
|
December 15, 2025 |
ED I decision notification |
|
January 15, 2026 |
ED I Enrollment Deposit Deadline |
|
January 1, 2026 |
Early Decision II application deadline |
| February 15, 2026 |
ED II decision notification |
| March 1, 2026 |
ED II Enrollment Deposit Deadline |
Keep in mind that along with the ED deadlines, you’ll also need to make sure other parts of your application are submitted on time.
That means completing the Common Application, turning in your short answer responses, paying (or waiving) the $75 fee, and submitting your recommendation letters, transcripts, and financial aid forms by the listed dates. If you’re applying for the Scholar Programs, don’t forget the separate November 15 deadline for consideration.
What is Emory Early Decision?
Emory’s Early Decision is a binding plan, meaning if you’re admitted, you must enroll and withdraw all applications to other schools. Students can apply to Emory College, Oxford College, or both. If accepted to both, you get to choose your campus.
ED I is best for students who already know Emory is their top choice by November, while ED II gives you a little extra time to decide but still lets you hear back well before Regular Decision.
Emory Early Decision results
When Emory Decisions come out for ED applicants, you can receive one of three outcomes:
- Admit. You’re in and committed to Emory.
- Defer. Your application is moved into the Regular Decision pool for reconsideration in April.
- Deny. Your application is closed for this cycle, though you may reapply in the future as a transfer.
Results are posted in the Emory Applicant Portal, and you’ll also receive an email once your decision is ready.
Emory Early Decision acceptance rate
For the Class of 2029, Emory admitted 995 students through Early Decision I. This round saw a 31% acceptance rate, highlighting the advantage of applying early if Emory is your clear first choice.
In Early Decision II, Emory admitted 336 students across Emory College of Arts and Sciences (ECAS), Oxford College, or both. Of these, 235 were admitted to ECAS, 153 to Oxford, and 52 to both colleges. The ED II acceptance rate was 10% for ECAS and 11% for Oxford, making it significantly more competitive than ED I.
When combining both ED I and ED II, the overall Emory Early Decision acceptance rate was about 25%. Since a substantial portion of the incoming class is filled through the early rounds, the Emory University Regular Decision acceptance rate is considerably lower by comparison.
When Do Emory Regular Decisions Come Out?
If you applied through RD, your Emory decisions come out later in the spring, after Early Decision rounds are complete. Here’s a closer look at the Emory Regular Decision deadlines:
|
Date |
Event |
|
January 1, 2026 |
Regular Decision application deadline |
|
By April 1, 2026 |
Regular Decision notification release |
| May 1, 2026 |
Enrollment Deposit Deadline |
Along with the Emory Regular Decision deadline, you’ll also need to complete the Common Application, respond to Emory’s short answer prompts, pay (or waive) the $75 application fee, and submit your recommendation letters, transcripts, and financial aid forms on time.
What is Emory Regular Decision?
Regular Decision is Emory’s nonbinding plan, giving you the most time to put together your strongest application. Students can apply to Emory College, Oxford College, or both using one application. The majority of Emory applicants choose this route.
Emory Regular Decision results
When Emory decisions come out for Regular Decision, applicants can receive one of three outcomes:
- Admit. You’ve been offered a spot and have until May 1 to decide.
- Waitlist. You weren’t admitted right away, but you may be offered a place later in the spring or summer if spots open up.
- Deny. Your application is closed for this cycle, but you may reapply in the future as a transfer.
Emory’s regular decision notification date is by April 1 and is released via the Applicant Portal. Students receive an email once decisions are ready to view.
Emory Regular Decision acceptance rate
Emory University does not publish a separate acceptance rate for Regular Decision applicants. Instead, it reports an overall acceptance rate that combines Early Decision and Regular Decision rounds. For the Class of 2029, Emory released its Regular Decision results on March 26, 2025, admitting 4,327 students through this round.
In total, across all application plans, Emory admitted 5,658 students out of 37,855 applicants, resulting in an overall acceptance rate of 14.95%. Of these admits:
- 3,621 students were admitted to Emory College of Arts and Sciences (ECAS)
- 3,142 students were admitted to Oxford College
- 1,105 students were admitted to both campuses
While the university does not break out a specific Emory Regular Decision acceptance rate, these numbers make clear that Regular Decision admits make up the largest share of the incoming class. However, competition is tougher in RD because many spots are already filled during the Early Decision rounds.
When Do Emory Waitlist Decisions Come Out?
Getting waitlisted at Emory means the admissions office recognized you as a strong applicant, but there wasn’t enough room to offer you a spot during the first round. It’s not a denial, but it’s also not a guarantee. You’re still in the running, and if space opens up, Emory may extend you an offer later in the cycle.
Emory’s waitlist decisions are made on a case-by-case basis throughout the summer, beginning in early May and sometimes continuing into June or even July. Here’s how the timeline typically plays out:
|
Date |
Event |
|
By April 1 |
Notifications released for Regular Decision results |
|
April – Early May |
Students confirm interest in or withdraw from staying on the waitlist |
| May — July |
Rolling waitlist offers extended to select students |
For the Class of 2029, Emory College welcomed 87 students in the first wave of May offers and an additional 30 students in the second wave. Following the June 1 gap year deadline, the admissions office reviewed updated enrollment data and found the class to be nearly full. A much smaller third round (about 10 students) is expected in June, with continued monitoring into early July.
At the same time, Oxford College has admitted 30 students from the waitlist so far, including those starting on campus and through the Oxford Launch: London program.
If you’re admitted from the waitlist, you’ll be contacted directly by email and will usually need to respond within just a few days. Emory does not rank its waitlist; instead, offers are extended based on space, class balance, and institutional priorities.
Because the process is unpredictable, it’s important to secure a place at another college by the May 1 national deadline. That way, you have a backup plan in place while staying open to Emory if a spot becomes available.
Take note that most waitlist activity at Emory happens in May and June, with occasional offers extending into July. Keep checking your email regularly and be ready to act quickly if you’re offered a spot.
When Do Emory Transfer Decisions Come Out?
The transfer process at Emory follows a different timeline from that of first-year applicants. Here’s a timeline for the transfer process:
|
Date |
Event |
|
March 15, 2026 |
Transfer application deadline |
|
Early May 2026 |
Transfer admission decisions released |
| June 1, 2026 |
Transfer enrollment deposit deadline |
Emory typically releases transfer admission decisions in early May, giving students plenty of time to plan for a fall start. Decisions are posted in the Applicant Portal, and admitted students must confirm their enrollment by the June 1 deadline.
Emory is quite selective with transfers. For the Class of 2028, only 396 applicants were accepted out of 2,445, resulting in an admit rate of 16%.
Transfer applicants must already have completed at least one year of full-time college coursework (minimum of 28 credit hours) and are expected to present a strong academic record (most admitted transfers have a 3.5 GPA or higher).
Transfer applications are reviewed holistically, just like first-year admissions, with an emphasis on academic performance, faculty recommendations, and your reasons for transferring to Emory.
It’s important to note that Emory does not offer merit scholarships to transfer applicants, and need-based financial aid is only available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. International transfer students, meanwhile, are required to submit Documentation of Finances and proof of English proficiency unless they meet the exemption criteria.
What to Do After Receiving Your Emory Admissions Decision
When Emory decisions come out, it can feel like a big turning point. No matter what the outcome is, there are clear next steps you can take to stay on track with your college journey.
If you’re admitted
Congrats—you did it! Take a moment to celebrate all your hard work.
Then, head to your Applicant Portal to officially accept your spot at Emory. Don’t forget about the response deadlines: May 1 for Regular Decision or your specific deposit date for Early Decision.
After that, carefully review your financial aid package. If something doesn’t look right, or you’re unsure about the details, reach out to Emory’s Office of Financial Aid.
Once everything is set, start planning for the exciting months ahead—housing, orientation, and connecting with future classmates are all part of the transition.
If you’re deferred
A deferral can feel uncertain, but it just means Emory is giving your application another look during the Regular Decision round.
You can use this time to strengthen your case. A short letter of continued interest goes a long way—reaffirm your enthusiasm for Emory and share any important updates since you applied.
Meanwhile, keep your academics and extracurriculars strong. Admissions officers want to see that you’re finishing your senior year on a high note, so staying consistent can make all the difference.
If you’re waitlisted
Being waitlisted shows that Emory thinks highly of you, but space was just too limited in the first round.
If you’re still interested, confirm your spot on the waitlist through your portal. At the same time, you can commit to another school by May 1. That way, you’ll have a secure option while still keeping Emory open.
Most waitlist activity happens in May and June, though a few offers sometimes come in July. If Emory does reach out, you’ll need to respond quickly, so keep an eye on your email.
You may also send a brief note reaffirming your interest and updating the admissions office on any new achievements.
If you’re denied
It’s tough to hear “no,” but remember: Emory’s process is highly competitive, and many strong students don’t get in simply because of limited space. This doesn’t reflect your worth or potential.
Focus instead on the great opportunities waiting at the other schools where you’ve been accepted.
If Emory is still your dream school, keep the transfer option in mind—you can reapply after completing at least one year of college elsewhere. For now, take pride in what you’ve achieved and step into the next chapter with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When do Emory decisions come out?
Emory decisions come out depending on the application plan. Early Decision I applicants hear back by mid-December, Early Decision II by mid-February, Regular Decision by early April, and transfer applicants in early May. Waitlist activity usually begins in May and can extend into June or July.
2. When do Emory decisions come out for Early Decision?
ED I notifications are typically released by December 15, while ED II results arrive by February 15.
3. When do Emory decisions come out for Regular Decision?
For most students, the big date is the Emory Regular Decision release date, which usually falls by April 1. This gives you time to compare offers and financial aid packages before the May 1 national decision deadline.
4. When do Emory waitlist decisions come out?
If you’re on the waitlist, the timeline is less predictable. Most offers are extended in May and June, though occasional spots may open up into July. Since decisions are case-by-case, it’s important to check your Applicant Portal and email regularly.
5. When do Emory transfer decisions come out?
Transfer applicants usually hear back in early May, giving them enough time to plan for a fall start. Emory typically admits 100–120 transfer students each year. Keep in mind that Emory does not offer merit scholarships to transfers, and the admit rate is historically around 20–25%.
Takeaways
- Emory decisions come out following a set timeline: ED I in December, ED II in February, Regular Decision by April 1, and transfers in early May.
- Early Decision offers an edge. While Emory doesn’t have Early Action, the combined Early Decision admit rate is about 25%, higher than the rate for Regular Decision applicants.
- Regular Decision is the toughest round. With many spots filled early, the Regular Decision pool faces intense competition. For the Class of 2029, Emory’s overall acceptance rate was 14.95%, which includes RD admits.
- Waitlist and transfer timelines are flexible. Most waitlist and transfer offers happen in May and June, with some extending into July, so always secure a backup option at another school.
- Expert guidance makes a difference. Partnering with a private admissions consultant can strengthen your application strategy and boost your chances in your Emory application.
