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Students Demonstrating Interest in Emory

In every Emory application and on every Emory Common Application Supplement, a letter from the Dean of Admission to students states the following:

“Emory will likely receive more than 18,000 applications this year; there are many questions my colleagues and I will ask repeatedly while reviewing your file. Why should we choose to admit you? You have over 3,000 accredited colleges and universities from which to choose; why have you chosen to apply to Emory? We find answers to these questions from the information you submit to us. We look for future biochemists who will markedly alter cancer research, novelists who will produce groundbreaking works, diplomats who will address global inequalities, and musicians who will bridge gaps between the natural sciences and humanities; we want 1,270 pioneers—people who will change Emory and the world. What is more, we look for people excited about Emory and eager to become a part of this dynamic community. We carefully note demonstrated interest during the admission process and expect candidates to have done their homework on us: have you met us at a college fair, ordered the Emory Video Visit (800.255.0384 or www.videc.com), attended an information session, or perhaps visited campus? Most importantly, have you clearly and specifically articulated why Emory is a good match for you?”

We are honest in the fact that demonstrated interest can be a tip factor when we make admission decisions. We do not have unreasonable expectations of students, but we do expect at least one significant contact with the University, preferably the Office of Admission. More importantly we expect students to “clearly and specifically articulate why Emory is a good match” for them. In the Emory application or the Emory Common Application Supplement, every applicant is given the opportunity to explaining his or her interest.

Though we are often noted and occasionally criticized for noting demonstrated interest, we stand behind the reasonableness of the practice, and we openly explain our expectations to students, parents, and counselors. In last year’s application pool, lack of demonstrated interest affected a mere 6 percent of the applicants.