Application Tips
We realize the college application process can feel overwhelming sometimes, and we want to help alleviate some of that stress with this advice.
Letters of Recommendation
Carefully select teachers to write your recommendations. They should come from teachers who taught you in a core academic area (English, math, science, social sciences, global/foreign language, or visual performing arts).
You do not have to pick the teacher who gave you the highest grades. Consider the teacher who challenged you the most, can share details about your
Personal Statement & Short Answers
We get inspired hearing about you. Your test scores and grades are an important part of demonstrating your academic achievements, but your essay and short answers tell us just a bit more about you and allow us to hear your voice.
In this example of a well-crafted essay, the admission committee member who reviewed this student’s file had this to say:
One of the first things that stood out to me about this essay was the consistent voice. I felt as though this student was talking to me in a way that felt very natural to them about something that was important to them personally. The second thing that stood out to me was that, after I finished the essay, I understood why it was so important to this student to write about dancing. No matter how well written an essay is, if I can’t understand why a student felt it was important to write about the topic they selected, I feel as if an important component of the story was missing. The third thing that stood out to me was the greater context provided. I got to see this student not only realize that they loved dancing, but also how they were different before and after that realization. All of these aspects together helped me feel as if I got a truly authentic glimpse into this student’s life and way of thinking.
We hope you use your essay to give us a compelling glimpse of the real you.
Standardized Tests
Only after we’ve reviewed your high school transcript, personal statement, short answer responses, and extracurricular activities, do we turn to your standardized test scores. Usually, they confirm the impressions we have from the rest of your application.
Learn more about our test requirements
AP, IB, and College Credit
We know you’re an exceptional student, and you’ve worked hard to earn academic credit that may be applied to courses in college. Here are some parameters around what type of credit Emory does (and does not) accept.
Get details about AP, IB, and college credit