Emory Admissions 2024-2025

Emory University recently released their Common Data Set for 2024-2025, offering valuable insights into what it takes to be admitted to this highly selective institution. Let's examine the data to understand who gets into Emory and what factors matter most in their admissions process.

Emory's Remarkable Selectivity

Emory's admissions statistics reveal an increasingly competitive landscape:

• Total applicants: 34,614

• Admitted students: 3,562

• Enrolled students: 1,438

• Acceptance rate: Approximately 10.3%

With just over 1 in 10 applicants receiving an offer, Emory has established itself as one of the most selective universities in the country.

Academic Profile of Admitted Students

The academic credentials of Emory's Class of 2029 are truly impressive:

Test Scores

• SAT Composite (middle 50%): 1480-1540 (median: 1510)

• SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 720-760 (median: 740)

• SAT Math: 750-790 (median: 780)

• ACT Composite (middle 50%): 32-35 (median: 34)

It's worth noting that only 43% of enrolled students submitted SAT scores and just 20% submitted ACT scores, as Emory maintained a test-optional policy for this admissions cycle.

GPA and Class Performance

• Average high school GPA: 3.84

• 17.4% had a perfect 4.0 GPA

• 58.4% had a GPA between 3.75 and 3.99

• 80% ranked in the top tenth of their high school class

• 97% ranked in the top quarter of their class

These statistics demonstrate that virtually all Emory admits have exceptional high school academic performance.

Interesting Demographic Information

Emory's first-year class shows considerable diversity:

• International students: 16.6% (238 students)

• Asian: 24.4% (351 students)

• White: 27.8% (400 students)

• Hispanic/Latino: 12.0% (173 students)

• Black or African American: 9.9% (143 students)

• Two or more races: 3.5% (50 students)

• Race/ethnicity unknown: 5.6% (81 students)

• American Indian/Alaska Native: 0.14% (2 students)

• Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0% (0 students)

Emory's undergraduate population overall reflects similar diversity, with international students making up 16.7% of all undergraduates.

What Matters Most in Emory Admissions

Emory's Common Data Set provides valuable insights into what factors weigh most heavily in their admissions decisions:

"Very Important" Factors

• Rigor of secondary school record

• Academic GPA

• Application Essay

• Recommendation(s)

"Important" Factors

• Interview

• Extracurricular activities

• Talent/ability

• Character/personal qualities

• First generation status

• Volunteer work

• Work experience

• Level of applicant's interest

"Considered" Factors

• Class rank

• Standardized test scores

• Alumni/ae relations

• Geographical residence

• State residency

"Not Considered" Factors

• Religious affiliation/commitment

What These Ratings Mean for Applicants

Emory's ratings reveal their holistic approach to admissions:

• Academics remain foundational: The rigor of your curriculum and GPA are "very important" - you need to challenge yourself with the most demanding courses available to you and perform excellently.

• Essays and recommendations matter tremendously: Both are rated as "very important," suggesting that Emory values the qualitative aspects of your application as much as the numbers.

• Character and personal qualities are significant: These being listed as "important" underscore Emory's interest in who you are beyond your academic achievements.

• Extracurricular distinction matters: "Talent/ability" and "extracurricular activities" being rated as "important" suggests that Emory values significant achievement or contribution in your activities.

• Test scores are only "considered": Even though admitted students have outstanding scores, Emory rates standardized tests as less important than many other factors, consistent with their test-optional policy.

• First-generation status is "important": This indicates Emory's commitment to increasing access for students who would be the first in their families to attend college.

Notable Observations

Several other details from the Common Data Set stand out:

• Outstanding retention rate: 96% of first-year students return for their sophomore year, indicating extremely high student satisfaction.

• Impressive graduation rate: The six-year graduation rate stands at 91.1%, with even Pell Grant recipients graduating at a 91.6% rate.

• Excellent student-to-faculty ratio: 8:1, offering students significant access to faculty.

• Early Decision advantage: Emory offered admission to 974 students from 4,193 Early Decision applicants (23.2%), giving ED applicants a much higher acceptance rate than the overall pool.

• Residential campus: 98% of first-year students live in college-owned housing, creating a strong community experience.

• Class sizes: Emory maintains intimate learning environments with 283 classes having just 2-9 students and 611 classes with 10-19 students.

• Academic diversity: From the degrees awarded, business/marketing (19.6%), biological sciences (15.4%), and social sciences (14.2%) are the most popular fields, reflecting Emory's strengths across disciplines.

• Financial aid commitment: 99.7% of first-year students who demonstrated need had their need fully met, with an average financial aid package of $66,706.

What This Means for Future Applicants

For students aspiring to Emory, these numbers highlight the importance of:

• Academic excellence: Taking the most challenging courses available and excelling in them.

• Authentic engagement: Developing genuine interests and making meaningful contributions.

• Powerful writing: Crafting essays that reveal your authentic voice and perspective.

• Strong recommendations: Building relationships with teachers who can speak to your intellectual curiosity and classroom contributions.

• Character development: Demonstrating positive personal qualities through your actions and impact.

Remember that while these statistics provide insight into Emory's admissions process, they don't tell the full story of what makes a successful applicant. Emory seeks students who will contribute to their community in diverse and meaningful ways, not just those with perfect numbers.

Need help applying to Emory for the 2025-2026 admissions cycle? If so, contact an admissions expert at Cosmic College Consulting today.