Standardized Exam Policies
SAT/ACT
Applicants who choose to submit test scores may submit either self-reported or official standardized test scores SAT, ACT, TOEFL, and IELTS. The writing portion is not required by Emory University. This underscores Emory University’s commitment to access and affordability for all students.
Self-reported test scores may be submitted (and updated) in any of the following ways:
- Enter scores in the testing section of the Common Application or QuestBridge Application
- Submit screenshots or scanned copies of score in your applicant portal
Official test scores may be submitted in any of the following ways:
- Sent directly from the testing agency
- Uploaded by the student’s high school counselor to the free platform Slate.org
- Sent directly by the student’s high school counselor via notation on an official transcript, and emailed to admission@emory.edu
Testing Codes
Score Choice
Emory superscores both the SAT and the ACT. For the SAT, Emory considers the highest section scores across all test attempts submitted. For the ACT, the four best subject scores from all submitted test attempts are averaged to reach the highest composite score.
A student’s application is updated each time we receive new scores from either the SAT or the ACT.
Exam Dates
If you choose to submit test scores with your application, our office accepts self-reported test scores after application deadlines, but we encourage you to send in scores by the deadline if you are able. Please refer to the chart below for our recommendations.
If the scores arrive before your application is reviewed, they will be considered. The review of your application, however, will not be delayed to wait for new scores.
Testing Deadlines
| Admission Plan | Application Deadline | Last Date for Standardized Exam* |
|---|---|---|
| Early Decision I | November 1 | Typically, scores from November exams arrive in time for consideration. |
| Scholar Programs | November 15 | Typically, scores from late November and early December arrive in time for consideration. |
| Early Decision II | January 1 | Exams must be taken and sent prior to the January 1 deadline. We cannot consider scores from January exams. |
| Regular Decision | January 1 | Typically, scores from January exams arrive in time for consideration. Scores from February or later cannot be considered. |
| *Students Living Overseas: We encourage you to learn about the tests offered in your country and register to take them as early as possible. In recent years, the capacity of testing centers has changed, and in some cases, there have been delays in universities receiving scores due to delays by the testing agencies. | ||
Verification of Self-Reported Test Scores
If you choose to submit test scores with your application, students who are admitted on the basis of self-reported test scores and choose to enroll at Emory University will be required to submit official test scores. Test score verification occurs in June/July before August enrollment. Based on the official score report(s), we will verify the accuracy of self-reported scores. Any negative discrepancy between official and self-reported scores may result in withdrawal of the offer of admission.
International Students
Applicants who do not use English as their primary language must demonstrate the ability to be successful in a rigorous English-speaking environment. Applicants must be fluent in written and spoken English at the time they apply. The review of English proficiency is viewed in the context of each application.
Students can demonstrate exceptional command of the English language through any one of the following criteria:
- A 700+ Evidence-based Reading and Writing score on the SAT
- A 30+ English subset score on the ACT
- Spending the most recent four years in a school where English is the language of instruction for all academic subjects (excluding global/world language)
If you do not meet that criteria, one of the following additional exams is required with your application. Only one of the three must be submitted.
TOEFL and IELTS
A score of 100 on the internet-based TOEFL (iBT or iBT Home Edition), a rating of C1 on the TOEFL ITP, and an overall band score of 7.5 on the IELTS is expected, though these scores are not used as cutoffs.
For students in mainland China, the TOEFL ITP Plus is offered. Scores which match the C1 level of CEFR (generally scores ranging from 63-68 on each of the sections – Listening, Reading, Structure and Written Expression) are acceptable.
The highest total score of a single sitting will be used if the student has taken an exam more than once. Students may also take the optional writing section of the SAT or ACT exam to demonstrate English proficiency.
DuoLingo (DET)
Applicants may also submit the Duolingo English Test, which combines a brief video interview with an English proficiency test. Duolingo’s technology and format allows applicants to complete the test at any time or place around the world, as long as they have reliable access to internet/web service.
The interview portion of this test is not scored, but Emory's most competitive applicants will have scores above 130 (out of 160) in the multiple-choice answer portion of the test. This score satisfies Emory's English-language testing requirement.
DuoLingo (DET) Fee Waivers
Emory University provides DuoLingo English Test fee waivers on a case-by-case basis. Fee waivers cannot be requested by prospective students. Instead, they are issued after an application has been submitted through the Common Application or QuestBridge Application. If eligible and necessary, students will be notified via email, sent to the address used in their application. This process ensures equitable access to fee waivers and is managed internally. No direct requests for DET fee waivers will be considered.
Official scores can be sent to Emory University. Self-reported scores can be uploaded to your applicant portal.