FAQ
| General Questions | Application Process |
| General Questions |
Does the Graduate School offer counseling services to assist applicants in choosing which program/department will best suit the applicant’s academic needs and research interests?
Does Emory offer campus tours?
How long does it take to receive a paper application?
What is the application deadline?
When can I expect a decision on my application?
Can I apply to more than one program?
Can I start Graduate School in spring or summer semester, or must I start in the fall?
Must I take the GRE?
What is the minimum GRE score?
What is the Emory code for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)?
Can I only apply for a master's and not a Ph.D.?
Can I earn a second bachelor's degree at Emory?
Do I need a master's degree before applying to a Ph.D. program?
Can I enroll in more than one school at Emory?
What options are available for people who only want to take classes and not apply them toward a degree?
What does it cost to attend Emory?
What’s the cost of auditing a class?
Where is the Graduate School located?
Directions to the Graduate School?
Does the Graduate School offer counseling services to assist applicants in choosing which program/department will best suit the applicant’s academic needs and research interests?
Emory does not offer counseling services of this nature. Please contact directly the department or program to which you wish to apply.
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Does Emory offer campus tours?
Most departments invite admitted students for campus visits. If you are in Atlanta prior to submitting an application, contact the department to which you wish to apply to arrange a visit. Additional information is available on our Visit Emory page.
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How long does it take to receive a paper application?
Ordinarily, we do not mail paper applications. If you are unable to or prefer not to use the online application, you may download a PDF version of the application and the Paper Application Checklist (PDF). If for some reason you cannot access the PDF version, you may request that the Graduate School print and mail you a paper application (PDF). There is a $15 fee for this service, and you should allow 4-6 weeks for receipt.
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What is the application deadline?
The Graduate School’s deadline for receipt of all application materials is January 3. You must meet this deadline to be considered for special fellowships, such as the George W. Woodruff Fellowship, the Emory Graduate Diversity Fellowship and the Arts and Sciences Fellowships. (All eligible applicants are considered for these fellowships, for which no separate application is required.) Some departmental deadlines fall before the Graduate School deadline. If you apply to a department or program with a deadline before January 3, you must meet the departmental deadline. Check with department or program to which you wish to apply to verify current application deadlines.
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When can I expect a decision on my application?
The Council of Graduate Schools recommends that offers of financial support be made by April 15. You can expect to hear from departments before this date.
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Can I apply to more than one program?
Yes. You can use the online application to apply to the first program and submit a second application by downloading the PDF application forms. You must send credentials to both departments and pay a non-refundable $50 application fee for each application. Checks should be made payable to Emory University.
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Can I start Graduate School in spring or summer semester, or must I start in the fall?
Departments and programs normally admit Ph.D. students for fall semester only. Educational Studies admits students to its M.A.T. program in the summer.
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Must I take the GRE?
Yes, the Graduate School requires GRE scores for admission. Scores must be no more than five years old. Applicants to the Ph.D. program in business may take the GMAT instead of the GRE.
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What is the minimum GRE score?
There is no minimum score; however, your scores should be competitive with others applying to your program of interest. Contact the department for more information.
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What is the Emory code for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)?
- 5187
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Can I only apply for a master's and not a Ph.D.?
The Graduate School awards terminal master’s degrees in clinical research, computer science, educational studies, film studies, Jewish studies, and music. All other programs are Ph.D. programs and do not admit students for terminal master's work.
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Can I earn a second bachelor's degree at Emory?
No. If you are interested in taking undergraduate classes without obtaining another degree, you may apply to enroll in special standing. Contact the Graduate School office for additional information by calling 404-727-0184.
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Do I need a master's degree before applying to a Ph.D. program?
The only programs that require master’s degrees before admission are Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, the Division of Educational Studies, and the Graduate Division of Religion.
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Can I enroll in more than one school at Emory?
Emory students may not establish residence in more than one school of the university at the same time.
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What options are available for people who only want to take classes and not apply them toward a degree?
Applicants not interested in pursuing a degree at Emory may apply for admission in special standing. The graduate admissions office processes these applications. An applicant must have received a bachelor's degree with an overall grade point average of "C" or better. Students enrolled in special standing are required to pay tuition. Special standing students who subsequently wish to apply to degree programs must submit complete applications for admission and will be considered in the regular admissions process. Individuals wishing to take courses in the School of Nursing, Rollins School of Public Health, or Goizueta Business School should contact these schools directly.
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What does it cost to attend Emory?
The Graduate School offers tuition scholarships and stipend support to most admitted students. For a tuition and fee schedule and other helpful information, please visit our Tuition and Fees page.
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What’s the cost of auditing a class?
The tuition is the same whether you are a degree-seeking or special standing student, whether you are auditing or taking classes for a grade.
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| Application Process |
What should I do if I have problems with the online application?
Does using the online application increase my chances of being accepted?
How much is the application fee?
May I request a fee waiver?
Should I wait until I have my official transcripts before submitting my application?
Do I need to submit non-degree transcripts?
If my undergraduate degree is from Emory, do I need to request a transcript from Emory?
If I participated in an exchange program while an undergraduate, do I have to request that transcript?
Where should I mail my transcripts?
How can I check on the status of my application?
Does the recommendation letter have to be on the Emory form?
Where should I mail paper letters of recommendation?
Can I reactivate my application from last year? Am I still eligible for fellowships and merit awards?
What should I do if I have problems with the online application?
Access the online help system at http://embark.custhelp.com or email questions to embarksupport@custhelp.com.
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Does using the online application increase my chances of being accepted?
No. Departments review all applications equally. When you apply online, however, the department has immediate access to your file and you can track the receipt of transcripts, GRE scores, and letters of recommendation. Online applicants do not need to send paper applications.
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How much is the application fee?
$50 US.
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May I request a fee waiver?
Yes. The admissions office may waive the application fee for applicants who demonstrate financial need. Applicants receiving substantial financial aid at their undergraduate institution, for example, may ask their financial aid officer to write a letter to the graduate school confirming the extent of financial aid.
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Should I wait until I have my official transcripts before submitting my application?
No, you should complete the online application or mail the PDF version at your earliest convenience. When the Graduate School receives your transcripts, we will match them with your application.
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Do I need to submit non-degree transcripts?
Yes. The graduate school requires an official transcript from each institution that you attended.
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If my undergraduate degree is from Emory, do I need to request a transcript from Emory?
No. Emory graduates do not need to supply transcripts from Emory. You do need to supply transcripts from all other schools listed on your application.
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If I participated in an exchange program while an undergraduate, do I have to request that transcript?
If the courses you took while in an exchange program are listed in detail on your transcript you may not need to request a separate transcript. Please contact the graduate school for evaluation.
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Where should I mail my transcripts?
All applicants are required to submit one official copy of transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended, present school included. If you are currently enrolled and your degree is not yet conferred, you must submit an additional, final transcript following graduation before you will be permitted to enroll. International transcripts must be translated and notarized. Transcripts should be mailed to the department at:
_____________ Department
Emory University Graduate School
Room 209, Administration Building
201 Dowman Drive
Atlanta, GA 30322
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How can I check on the status of my application?
You can contact the department to which you applied to check on the receipt of your application and supporting credentials. Because we receive such large volumes of mail, please allow 4-5 weeks from the time you submitted the application.
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Does the recommendation letter have to be on the Emory form?
We encourage the use of the online recommendation system. However, if your recommenders prefer to submit by paper or if you are submitting a PDF application, you should give your recommenders the recommendation forms included in the PDF application. Recommenders may attach letters on their institutional letterhead. Paper recommendations must be received in sealed envelopes, with the recommender’s signature across the seal.
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Where should I mail paper letters of recommendation?
Mail paper recommendations to the department to which you are applying:
Graduate Admissions
_____________ Department
Emory University
Atlanta, GA 30322
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Can I reactivate my application from last year? Am I still eligible for fellowships and merit awards? Yes, an applicant who is not admitted to a department or program may request that the department reactivate and reconsider the application within one year of initial application. Make your request in writing to the department, which will notify the Graduate School. Your application will be considered for admission and fellowship support. It is not necessary to send a second application fee.
Applicants who wish to reapply more than one year after the initial application must submit a new application, application fee, and supporting credentials.
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If you're trying to contact a Graduate School staff member, please see our Administrators and Staff list. If you are trying to locate a Graduate School faculty or other Emory University staff member, please try the University directory.
