First-Year Applicants
As a first-year student at Emory, you’ll step into a collaborative environment where students, faculty, and staff work together to tackle big questions and create meaningful change. We’re looking for students who bring bold ideas, global perspectives, and a desire to grow through community.
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Rigor and Courses
Academic Preparation
The classes you take and the grades you earn matter. We value students who challenge themselves and succeed, adjusting our review based on each high school’s standards. While test scores are optional, strong grades in advanced courses can offset lower scores, and high scores alone can’t make up for poor grades. Learn more about our test optional policy.
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Teacher Insight
Teacher Recommendations
Teachers know you best in the classroom, and we want to know what they think about you. Consider asking for recommendations not only from teachers in courses where you excelled, but also from those where you faced and overcame challenges. They can provide us with unique insights into your resilience and character.
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Authentic Voice
Essays and Short Answers
This is your place to show us who you are. We’re looking for students who have a voice, who are intellectually curious, and who have demonstrated an engagement with the world around them. Take time to pick the topic that suits you best and be sure to proofread your work before submitting it.
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Engagement and Contribution
Activities and Engagement
We value students who will contribute to life beyond school—on campus, in Atlanta, and in the world. What will you gain from our community, and what will you give? Whether through clubs, sports, work, family, research, or service, we want to know how you make an impact.
Ready to take the next step?
Add Emory University to your college list in the Common Application.
What Emory Looks For
Getting Started
Start Your Application
- Apply through the Common App: Begin by adding Emory University to your list of colleges on the Common Application.
- Select Emory Scholar Consideration: Select “Yes” or “No” to be considered for the Emory Scholars Programs.
Write Your Essays
- Personal Essay: Complete the general Common App personal statement.
- College Questions: Answer the two additional short answer questions specific to Emory's application.
Request Teacher Evaluations and Recommendations
- Two Teacher Evaluations: Request letters from two core academic teachers (e.g., English, math, science, social studies, or foreign language).
Provide Test Scores (if applicable)
- TOEFL or IELTS (Recommended): If English is not your first language, submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.
- SAT/ACT (Optional): You may self-report scores in the Common App or send official ones.
- AP Scores: You may self-report scores in the Common App or send official ones.
NOTE: Emory is test optional for the 2026–2027 application cycle. Applicants my choose to self-report or submit official test scores.
- Review our detailed policy for standardized tests and test optional policy.
Pay Application Fee or Request a Fee Waiver
- Submit a $75 application fee or request a fee waiver.
