In 1990, The New York Times featured an article titled “With Money and Talent, Emory Raises Its Status,” highlighting a pivotal moment in Emory University’s trajectory. The transformative growth was catalyzed by a landmark donation of over $100 million from Coca-Cola tycoon Robert Woodruff, marking the largest philanthropic gift ever received by an educational institution at that time. Over the decade from 1980 to 1990, Emory’s applicant pool surged from 3,900 to 6,300. Fast forward to today, and the university now receives over 33,000 applications annually, resulting in a significant decline in the Emory acceptance rate.
Despite its already notable reputation, Emory’s journey to prominence saw remarkable improvements in academic standards. In 1984, the average SAT score for incoming freshmen stood at a modest 1138. By 1995, it had risen to 1234. As of 2022, the average SAT score is close to 1500, reflecting a substantial academic leap. While some degree of score inflation may have occurred over the years, the upward trend underscores Emory’s commitment to academic excellence and rigorous standards.
Emory University comprises two distinct undergraduate colleges: Emory College in Atlanta and Oxford College in Oxford, Georgia, approximately a 45-minute drive from the main campus. Prospective students have the option to apply to either or both colleges through the Common or Coalition Application platforms. Given the unique characteristics of each college, we will provide college-specific insights and data where available to offer a comprehensive view of the admissions landscape at Emory University.
What is The Emory University Early Decision Acceptance Rate?
In the 2022-23 admissions cycle, Emory University admitted 1,075 Early Decision I (ED I) applicants and 245 Early Decision II (ED II) students. The ED I acceptance rate stood at 31%, while the ED II acceptance rate was notably lower at 12%.
What is The Emory University Acceptance Rate?
In the 2022-23 admissions cycle, the acceptance rate for Emory College alone stood at a mere 10.3%, with the regular decision acceptance rate dipping even lower to 7.6%.
Considering both Emory College and Oxford College, the overall acceptance rate for the Class of 2027 at Emory University was 16.2%. Out of 33,534 undergraduate applications received, 5,445 students were admitted. Specifically, 3,428 students were admitted to Emory College and 3,335 to Oxford College. Among these admissions, 1,376 students were admitted to both colleges within the larger university.
Recent acceptance rates for Emory University are as follows:
- Class of 2026: 10%
- 2025: 13%
- 2024: 19%
What is The Emory University SAT, ACT, and GPA?
Emory College:
Members of the Class of 2026 at Emory College boasted impressive academic credentials, with ACT Composite scores ranging from 33 to 35, SAT math scores ranging from 750 to 790, and SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) scores ranging from 720 to 770. Additionally, their unweighted GPAs fell within the range of 3.83 to 4.0.
Oxford College:
Similarly, students enrolled in the Class of 2026 at Oxford College showcased outstanding academic achievements. Their ACT Composite scores ranged from 33 to 35, SAT Math scores ranged from 750 to 790, and SAT EBRW scores ranged from 720 to 770. Moreover, their unweighted GPAs spanned from 3.82 to 4.0.
What is The Admission Insights at The Emory University?
Admissions Trends & Notes
- Emory University has decided to maintain its test-optional policy for the upcoming 2023-24 admissions cycle.
- The accepted Class of 2027 represents a diverse array of backgrounds, with individuals hailing from 77 countries and all 50 states within the United States.
- Emory’s target class size for the incoming cohort remains at 1,420 students.
- A significant portion of the admitted Class of 2027, accounting for 22%, identifies as African American.
- Additionally, the incoming class includes 20% of students who self-identify as first-generation college students.
What is The Emory University Demographics?
Let’s delve into the demographics of the Emory College and Oxford College Classes of 2026:
Emory College Class of 2026:
- Southeast: 27%
- South: 8%
- Mid-Atlantic: 22%
- West: 12%
- New England: 6%
- International: 16%
- Midwest: 8%
Oxford College Class of 2026:
- Southeast: 29%
- South: 8%
- Mid-Atlantic: 18%
- West: 14%
- New England: 6%
- International: 15%
- Midwest: 9%
Examining ethnic identity, the Emory College Class of 2026 breakdown is as follows:
- Asian American: 23%
- Hispanic: 15%
- White: 23%
- African American: 20%
- International: 17%
The largest percentage of international students originate from countries like China, South Korea, India, Canada, and Brazil.
In terms of gender distribution among current undergraduates:
- Male: 42%
- Female: 58%
Due to this gender imbalance, the male acceptance rate tends to be slightly higher than that for female applicants.
What is The Emory University Yield Rate?
Emory University’s expected yield rate, which represents the percentage of accepted students who choose to enroll, is projected to be approximately 40% for the Class of 2027. While this figure is lower than some other top private universities such as Notre Dame and Duke, Emory’s yield rate aligns more closely with prestigious institutions like USC and Carnegie Mellon.
What is The Admission Criteria at The Emory University?
Emory University receives over 33,000 applications annually to fill a first-year class of approximately 1,300-1,400 students, which expands to 1,800 when including Oxford College. Despite the large volume, Emory employs a genuinely holistic review process for each applicant. Beyond test scores and other quantifiable metrics, the admissions committee seeks character traits, educational pursuits, and community involvement that would enrich the campus community.
Six factors are deemed “very important” in Emory’s admissions process: rigor of secondary school record, GPA, recommendations, extracurricular activities, talent/ability, and character/personal qualities. Additionally, standardized test scores, essays, and volunteer work are considered “important.” Athletes recruited to join Emory’s 19 Division III sports teams receive special attention, with over 400 undergraduates participating in varsity athletics. Excelling in a sport can provide applicants with a competitive edge in the admissions process.
The Emory University Application Process Key Tips
If you’re considering joining the 33,000+ hopeful applicants vying for a spot at Emory University, consider the following tips:
- Early Decision Advantage: Emory offers both Early Decision I and Early Decision II options. As mentioned earlier, ED acceptance rates tend to be higher than during the Regular Decision round, so if Emory is your top choice, consider applying early.
- Optional Alumni Interviews: While Emory does offer optional alumni interviews through its Alumni Interview Program, only a limited number of applicants will be invited for an interview. Keep in mind that the majority of applicants may not receive an invitation.
- Demonstrated Interest: Emory University states that they do not consider “demonstrated interest” in the admissions process. However, with a yield rate under 35%, it may still be beneficial to engage with the university by following them on social media, attending virtual tours, or reaching out to admissions officers with any inquiries.
- Supplemental Essays: Ensure you allocate ample time and effort to complete the supplemental essays required by Emory. These essays provide an opportunity to showcase your personality, interests, and fit for the university.
Conclusion
In conclusion, gaining admission to Emory University is a competitive endeavor, but with careful planning and preparation, it’s certainly within reach. By understanding the admissions process, highlighting your strengths, and demonstrating your genuine interest in the university, you can increase your chances of becoming one of the esteemed Eagles. Good luck to all applicants on their journey to Emory!