How to Get Into Emory University Guide

How to get into Emory University—General Information

Emory University is a private university in Atlanta, Georgia. It was founded in 1836 as Emory College and has a student body of just under 14,000. As of fall 2020, the total undergraduate Emory University enrollment totaled 7,010. The Emory University enrollment has diversified in recent years. Emory welcomes students from all backgrounds, identities, and interests.

What we’ll cover in this How to Get Into Emory guide:

Emory average GPA scores
Optimal Emory SAT scores
Emory application deadline
Details on Emory Early decision
Emory supplemental essays
Emory class of 2025 statistics, and more.

When thinking about how to get into Emory University, you will want to make sure each part of your application—your GPA, test scores, and Emory supplemental essays—is the best it can be. This means maintaining a high GPA, ensuring strong Emory SAT scores or ACT scores, and building up your extracurriculars. To increase your chances, you should start planning well before the Emory application deadline.

Figuring out how to get into Emory University takes strategy. We can help. CollegeAdvisor.com’s network of 300+ Admissions Experts (and former admissions officers) includes Emory graduates. Want to maximize your Emory admissions odds? Create your free account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.

How can I get into Emory University?

The first thing to look at when thinking about how to get into Emory University is the acceptance rate and the Emory Early Decision acceptance rate. Nearly 34,000 students applied for the Emory class of 2025. Of those students, 6,892 got into the Emory class of 2025. This makes for a total acceptance rate of 20%. The school releases the Emory Early Decision acceptance rate separately. The Emory Early Decision acceptance rate was 32%—much higher than the overall Emory acceptance rate.

Like other top schools, Emory uses a holistic review process. Besides your grades and scores, Emory looks at your traits and background. Then, they review how you might enrich campus culture.

Many students think about how to get into Emory University, so competition is fierce. Start planning well before the Emory application deadline. Keep your GPA up, prepare early to compete with the average Emory SAT scores, and find ways to lead and grow.

How hard is it to get into Emory University?

If you’re thinking about how to get into Emory University, know that the school is very selective. Emory admissions are serious about their standards.

Emory ranked #21 in the U.S. News 2022 edition of Best National Universities. So, getting into Emory will take more than meeting the Emory average GPA or Emory SAT scores. To increase your Emory admissions odds, prepare early. This requires keeping your GPA up, studying for the SAT or ACT, and drafting your essays well before the Emory application deadline.

Emory University enrollment isn’t high, so you try to impress. The Emory University enrollment also impacts grants and scholarships. By staying small, Emory can provide more aid to the students who make up the Emory University enrollment.

What is the average GPA for Emory University?

When figuring out how to get into Emory University, know that no GPA will guarantee admission. However, if you want a shot at getting in, aim for a high GPA.

The Emory average GPA tends to lie between 3.80 and 4.00. In the last cycle, the Emory average GPA ranged between 3.76 and 3.98. So, aim for no less than A-’s in all of your classes. However, don’t take easy courses to hit the Emory average GPA. Emory also considers the rigor of your courses—not your grades alone.

Are you already a junior or senior wondering how to get into Emory University with a GPA lower than 3.80? First, know that high Emory SAT scores can offset a lower GPA. Check out our article for advice if your grades don’t match the Emory average GPA. There, you’ll also find useful tips if you can’t meet the average Emory SAT scores.

What does the Emory University application look like?

Thinking about how to get into Emory University? You’re likely curious about the application. This might seem clear, but understanding the Emory University application should be key to your “how to get into Emory University” strategy.

By “complete,” we mean more than submitting the bare minimum of materials. Emory implemented a test-optional policy as a response to COVID-19. However, if you can safely test, we still suggest you submit Emory SAT scores. You’ll also answer one required academic essay question, and you’ll choose one of five personal Emory supplemental essays.

The Emory application deadline for Early Decision I is November 1st, and the Emory application deadline for Regular Decision is January 1st.

According to the Office of Undergraduate Admission, applicants must submit:

The Common Application or Coalition Application
$75 application fee or fee waiver
Official high school and official college transcripts
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) results if English is your second language
Secondary school report/counselor’s recommendation
Two teacher recommendations
Midyear report and transcript

Wondering how to get into Emory University? Start by collecting all of your materials well before the Emory application deadline. For more tips on how to ace the Common App, click here.

In addition to your Common App or Coalition App Personal Statement, you’ll need to answer two Emory supplemental essays. Check out our guide for tips on writing your Emory supplemental essays.

What extracurriculars does Emory University like?

Want to know how to get into Emory University? Start by thinking about your values. The extracurriculars you do say a lot about you, and they help the admissions team decide if you’ll be a good fit.

Don’t overdo it with a long list of activities you don’t really care about. That’s not how to get into Emory University. Aim for activities that genuinely interest you—don’t try to be someone you’re not.

The answer to how to get into Emory University boils down to authenticity. If you care about inciting change, join clubs that line up with activist interests like Amnesty International. You can also display your competitive skills in academic competitions, like the United States Academic Decathlon and Chemistry Olympiad.

When thinking about how to get into Emory University and the impact of your extracurriculars, remember to choose depth over breadth. Highlight two or three activities that show your growth and achievement.

What is the acceptance rate for Emory University?

The RD acceptance rate and Emory Early Decision acceptance rate are the first things to think about when planning how to get into Emory University. Since the Emory Early Decision acceptance rate is considerably higher, you might consider Emory Early Decision if you know Emory is your top choice.

The applicant pool for the Emory Class of 2025 was the largest and most diverse in Emory’s history. In total, Emory accepted 6,892 students—just 20% of applicants. Out of the nearly 7,000 applicants admitted, the final Emory University enrollment included 6,690 students.

According to the Office of Undergraduate Admission, as of June 2021, 1,534 of Emory College accepted applicants completed their Emory University enrollment. So, if you want to pursue Emory University enrollment, you’ll have some competition.

The Emory Early Decision acceptance rate was slightly higher. The university accepted 672 of 2,127 Emory Early Decision applicants to the main campus. This led to a total Emory Early Decision acceptance rate of 32%—a 1% increase from the previous Emory Early Decision acceptance rate. For international students, the Emory Early Decision acceptance rate was about 20%.

While Emory SAT scores are optional, we advise you to take the SAT or ACT. Test scores can be key factors in how to get into Emory University. The average Emory SAT scores for Evidence-Based Reading and Writing range from 710-770, and the Average Emory SAT scores for Math range from 740-780.

Want to learn more about acceptance rates? Check out our expert guide.

How do I write an Emory supplemental essay?

Writing strong Emory supplemental essays should be a key part of your “how to get into Emory” plan.

In addition to your Personal Statement, Emory requires you to answer two short-answer essay questions. All Emory supplemental essays give you the chance to shine, so you should use them to your advantage.

These Emory supplemental essays appeared in the 2021-2022 application:

Academic Interests: (respond in 200 words or fewer)

What academic areas are you interested in exploring in College?

Getting to Know You: (respond in 150 words or fewer)

Reflect on a personal experience where you intentionally expanded your cultural awareness.
When was the last time you questioned something you had thought to be true?
If you could witness a historic event (past, present of future) first-hand, what would it be, and why?
Share about a time when you were awestruck.
Which book, character, song, monologue, or piece of work (fiction or non-fiction) seems made for you? Why?

Learning how to respond to these Emory supplemental essays should be central to your “how to get into Emory” strategy. Check out our Emory supplemental essays guide for expert tips.

How does Emory University review applications?

When thinking about how to get into Emory, it’s easy to zero in on the Emory SAT scores and Emory average GPA. While these factors matter, it takes more than high grades and test scores to get in.

Like many top schools, Emory relies on a holistic review process, which appears on their “First-Year Applicants” page. The Emory University Admission blog outlines in detail how Emory admissions evaluates students:

Context – Emory admissions officers consider what you did in the context of your geographic area.
High School academics – Your grades, courses, and test scores give Emory a sense of your academic ability.
Application reading – Applications are read with the campus community in mind.
Letters of recommendation – The recommendations of your teachers and counselors and your essays offer insight into your love of learning.
Committee vote – Upwards of seven Emory admissions offers will read and review all applications.

The Emory review process is detailed. By using multiple readers, Emory ensures that no individual biases will affect a decision.

Keep in mind that your candidate profile spans beyond your ability to meet the Emory average GPA or Emory SAT scores. Emory, like most selective schools, admits people—not numbers.

When thinking about how to get into Emory University, you may wonder how your social media presence might affect your admissions odds. Since Emory receives thousands of applications a year, readers largely do not have time to look at applicants’ social media accounts.

This doesn’t mean, however, that you should post offensive or irresponsible content on social media. While it might not hurt you Emory admissions odds, the content you post could affect you in other ways.

Improper social media usage could also disqualify you from opportunities that would boost your candidate profile. While social media activity might not get in the way of Emory admissions, you should use social media responsibly. Plus, Emory might look up your profiles—you never know.

Is Emory University a good school for me?

When researching how to get into Emory University, most students don’t think about whether Emory is right for them. However, Emory isn’t for everyone.

As is the case with other top schools, Emory is a reach for any student. Sometimes the fit just isn’t right. However, if you’re thinking about how to get into Emory, chances are you’ve made grades close to the Emory average GPA, won awards, and overcome challenges. If this is true, we bet you’ll thrive at any school.

Don’t think about how to get into Emory University just because of prestige. Instead, be mindful of how the school would serve your goals.

Ask yourself the following:

Does Emory align with my interests?
Who do I see myself becoming on Emory’s campus?
What do I want to do with my future, and can Emory get me there?

If you are on the fence, know that a little self-reflection can help. Plus, in your Emory supplemental essays, you’ll want to show your readers that you’ve thought deeply about why Emory is the place for you.

Additional tips to get into Emory University

1. Build your profile

When thinking about how to get into Emory University, remember that the school looks for students who take initiative and show intellectual curiosity. Well before the Emory application deadline, develop your interests and seize opportunities that strengthen your profile.

2. Cultivate your relationships

Emory relies on your recommendation letters to help understand who you are. So, your letters are an important factor in how to get into Emory University. During high school, build strong relationships with your teachers, counselors, coaches, and mentors.

3. Don’t wait

The Emory application deadline can sneak up on you, so prepare early. If you’re applying for Emory Early Decision, give yourself enough time to collect your application materials.

Emory wants students who think outside the box. As such, there’s no one answer to how to get into Emory University. However, if you want to go to Emory, apply! Don’t let the Emory average GPA or the Emory SAT scores scare you off. Instead, focus on submitting the strongest application you can, and consider Emory Early Decision if Emory is your top choice. Good luck!

This guide was written by Amanda Rebuck. If you want to know how to get into Emory University, we’ve got you covered. CollegeAdvisor.com’s network of 300+ Admissions Experts (and former admissions officers) includes Emory graduates. Create your free account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.