Admission Considerations
We believe you deserve our full and focused attention, so rest assured that we carefully consider your application materials and these other factors:
High School Course Work
The Admission Committee will put the most emphasis on your high school curriculum and grades. We understand the availability of honors, AP and IB courses varies from school to school. Within the context of your school, we will expect that you have taken a solid load of the most challenging courses available. Most competitive students will have a B+/A- average or better within a rigorous course of study.
Test Scores
SAT I and/or ACT scores are very important but are not the deciding factors. Strong grades in rigorous courses may cause the committee to overlook below average standardized test scores, but high board scores will never make up for an applicant’s weak course selection or grades.
Last year, the mid-50th percentile of Emory’s admitted class had SAT I scores between a 2020-2240. Thus, 25 percent of the admitted class had scores above a 2240, and 25 percent had scores below a 2020. The ACT mid-50th percentile range was 30 to 33 with 25 percent having scores above or below.
Emory considers your highest section scores across all SAT dates submitted. You will be instructed to send scores from every SAT test date on which you received a top score in each section: mathematics, critical reading and writing. Final admission decisions are based only on your highest section scores, and Emory updates your records each time you receive new scores. You will be encouraged to submit scores each time you take the SAT because it will always benefit you to do so.
We invite you to submit SAT II results, but they are not required unless you are home-schooled. If home-schooled, you must submit from three SAT II subject tests: mathematics and two subjects of your choice.
Outside the Classroom
The Admission Committee notes with interest how you spent your time beyond the classroom. We look for leadership and/or commitment in extracurricular activities. We seek active students who will contribute to our dynamic community, students who will bring to our campus many different backgrounds, experiences, interests, opinions and talents.
Doing Your Homework
We pay close attention to the contact an applicant has had with the Office of Admission during the application process. It is important that you have done your research on Emory, whether through talking with a representative at a college fair, attending an information session in your city or at your school, or visiting our campus. We also expect a competitive candidate to articulate in one application essay why Emory is a particularly good match for you.
Recommendation
You must submit one recommendation from a high school counselor as part of the Secondary School Report. You must also submit two additional recommendations from teachers. You should choose recommenders who know you well, who know your academic strengths and who can tell us about your character. If you are home-schooled, at least one letter of recommendation must be submitted from someone other than a family member.
Essays
We read essays and short answer responses closely. These writing samples are your best opportunity to communicate who you are, what you enjoy, what issues interest you and what arouses your curiosity. In the writing samples, you should include any information you would like the Admission Committee to review when your application is considered.
