Emory University SAT & ACT Scores
Emory does not require the SAT or ACT for students starting in fall 2027, and the test-optional policy covers both Emory College and Oxford College. Enrolled first-years who reported the SAT had a median of 1510 and a middle 50% of 1480–1540. ACT submitters scored in the 33–35 range. Emory admitted 10.3% of its 37,561 applicants for the fall 2025 entering class.
Where does your score land?
Compared with Emory University's enrolled first-years, fall 2025 entering class.
Is Emory University test-optional?
The rule for students applying now, for fall 2027 entry.
Emory is test-optional for first-year students starting in fall 2027 at both Emory College and Oxford College; applicants choose whether their SAT or ACT scores are considered.
Superscoring. Emory University superscores the SAT and the ACT.
Checked October 29, 2026 on Emory University's admissions site . Policies can change each cycle.
Policy timeline
- Fall 2021 entryTest-optional policy begins
- Fall 2027 applicantsTest-optional
Emory first dropped its testing requirement for the 2020–21 application cycle, for students entering in fall 2021, and has extended the test-optional policy since. It applies to both entry points, all decision plans, and merit scholarship programs. On the application, you answer whether you want SAT or ACT scores considered. If you answer no, Emory won't consider any scores, even ones that appear on your transcript. You can change that answer in the applicant portal until a deadline Emory sets for each plan. Emory superscores both tests. For the SAT it takes your highest section scores, and for the ACT it averages your four best subject scores across attempts. The ACT writing section is not required.
Emory University SAT scores
The middle 50% of enrolled first-years scored 1480–1540, and the median was 1510.
SAT score distribution
Enrolled first-years, fall 2025 entering class| SAT | 25th | Median | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 1480 | 1510 | 1540 |
| Reading & Writing | 720 | 740 | 760 |
| Math | 740 | 780 | 790 |
Scores of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores (Emory College and Oxford College combined), fall 2025 entering class. Source: 2025–26 Common Data Set. 47% of enrolled first-years sent an SAT score.
What your SAT means here
Emory's 2025–26 Common Data Set reports an SAT middle 50% of 1480–1540 for enrolled first-years who submitted the test. The 25th percentile was 1480, the median was 1510, and the 75th percentile was 1540. By section, the ranges were 720–760 in Reading and Writing and 740–790 in Math.
47% of enrolled first-years sent the SAT, and these figures cover the entering class at Emory College and Oxford College together. Emory says it reads your transcript, personal statement, short answers, and activities first, and turns to test scores only after that. It adds that scores usually confirm the impression the rest of the application gives.
Take full-length Digital SAT practice tests free, with an explanation on every question and a score report that shows what to fix.
Emory University ACT scores
The middle 50% of enrolled first-years scored 33–35 on the ACT, with a median of 34.
ACT score distribution
Enrolled first-years, fall 2025 entering class| ACT | 25th | Median | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 33 | 34 | 35 |
Scores of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores (Emory College and Oxford College combined), fall 2025 entering class. Source: 2025–26 Common Data Set. 21% of enrolled first-years sent an ACT score.
What your ACT means here
Enrolled students who reported the ACT had a composite range of 33–35 and a median of 34. Emory's 2025–26 Common Data Set does not list ACT English or Math section ranges. 21% of the class sent the ACT.
Emory builds an ACT superscore by averaging your four best subject scores from all submitted attempts. It accepts both the classic ACT and the newer version with an optional science section, and it considers your highest composite either way.
Take full-length ACT practice tests free, with a worked explanation on every question and a score report that shows what to fix.
Emory University acceptance rate
Very competitive: 10.3% of first-year applicants were admitted (fall 2025 entering class).
Each dot is 1 in 100 applicants.
- First-year applicants37,561
- Admitted3,869
- Acceptance rate10.3%
- Testing for fall 2027Test-optional
Early application plans: Early Decision I and Early Decision II (both binding); no Early Action.
Fall 2025 entering class. Source: Emory University 2025–26 Common Data Set.
Emory offers two binding plans, Early Decision I and Early Decision II, along with non-binding Regular Decision. You can apply Early Decision to Emory College or Oxford College and Regular Decision to the other. Emory does not offer Early Action.
What to aim for
An SAT of 1540 or an ACT of 35 matches the top quarter of enrolled students who reported scores. Scores near 1510 or 34 put you in the middle of that group. With an admit rate of 10.3%, scores in that range support an application but don't decide it.
Emory reviews applications holistically and adjusts its review to each high school's standards. It says strong grades in advanced courses can offset lower scores, but high scores alone can't make up for poor grades. Emory also encourages all applicants, including those who don't send the SAT or ACT, to self-report AP scores of 3 or higher.
How Emory University compares
Schools with a similar acceptance rate.
| School | Admit rate | Median SAT | SAT middle 50% | ACT middle 50% | Testing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of California - Los Angeles | 9.4% | — | — | — | Test-blind |
| Barnard College | 10.1% | 1510 | 1480–1540 | 32–35 | Test-optional |
| Emory University | 10.3% | 1510 | 1480–1540 | 33–35 | Test-optional |
| Tufts University | 10.8% | 1500 | 1460–1520 | 33–35 | Test-optional |
| Carnegie Mellon University | 11.1% | 1540 | 1500–1560 | 34–36 | Test-flexible |
| University of Southern California | 11.2% | 1510 | 1470–1540 | 32–35 | Test-optional |
Frequently asked questions
Is Emory University test-optional?
For students applying for fall 2027 entry: Emory is test-optional for first-year students starting in fall 2027 at both Emory College and Oxford College; applicants choose whether their SAT or ACT scores are considered. Emory University superscores the SAT and the ACT.
What is the average SAT score at Emory University?
The median SAT score of enrolled first-years was 1510 (fall 2025 entering class). The middle 50% scored 1480–1540, so a quarter scored 1540 or higher.
What SAT score do you need for Emory University?
A score at or above 1540 puts you in the top quarter of Emory University's enrolled first-years, and 1480–1540 is the middle 50% (fall 2025 entering class). Because the school is test-optional, those ranges come only from students who chose to submit.
What ACT score do you need for Emory University?
Emory University's enrolled first-years had a middle-50% ACT composite of 33–35, with a median of 34 (fall 2025 entering class). A 35 or above puts you in the top quarter.
What is Emory University's acceptance rate?
Emory University admitted 10.3% of first-year applicants for the fall 2025 entering class (3,869 of 37,561), which makes it very competitive.
How many Emory University students submit test scores?
In the fall 2025 entering class, 47% of enrolled first-years submitted an SAT score and 21% submitted an ACT score. Some students send both.
What are your chances at Emory University?
Scores are one part. Add your GPA, courses, activities and recommendations for a free reach, target or likely estimate.