<h2>NOTE: About 2.5 years ago, I posted something about tips for admission to Emory. I am now re-posting (with minor editing) what I posted then because so many posts about "chances" surface, and hopefully this post will provide some answers. As well, some factors have changed in importance, and I have made the updates in this regard. My daughter is now a junior at Emory.</h2>
<p>As an Emory parent, I wanted to offer some general tips and pointers for those students who are considering applying for admission or seek to better understand your "chances".</p>
<p>I would first suggest looking at Emorys Common Data Set ( <a href="http://www.emory.edu/PROVOST/IPR/documents/factbookprofile/CDS_2008_2009.pdf%5B/url%5D">http://www.emory.edu/PROVOST/IPR/documents/factbookprofile/CDS_2008_2009.pdf</a> ) as a good starting point to finding valuable information about Emory University, especially with regard to student statistical information and factors for admission.</p>
<p>Also, the following Class Profile of the current Freshman Class may be useful to understand your relative chances: Class</a> Profile</p>
<p>While academic numbers (GPA and test scores) do not always guarantee admission, they are undoubtedly the key factors for entrance into any elite college/university. They represent the most tangible benchmarks against which the admissions staff will evaluate all applications. In general, students will be evaluated based on selected criteria, and include the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>High School Transcript (specific college prep courses/GPA/grades)</li>
<li>SAT or ACT Test Scores (middle 50% SAT Scores for Critical Reading and Math is 13301470 (25th - 75th percentile); SAT Subject Tests are recommended but not required)</li>
<li>School Profile (usually provided by high school counseling offices; describes school characteristics, academic programs available, average SAT/ACT scores, AP/Honors course information, special recognitions, and college placements)</li>
<li>Rigor of courses taken (they want to see that you have challenged yourself academically by taking available AP/Honors classes)</li>
<li>GPA (Emorys typical student has been an A to A-/B+ range student; 72% of enrolled freshmen for Class of 2008-2009 have unweighted GPA of 3.75 and above; average GPA was 3.82)</li>
<li>Extra-curricular (examples of leadership and standout recognition)</li>
<li>Recommendations (Guidance Counselor and any Teacher recommendations)</li>
<li>Demonstrated Interest (interest level is noted/tracked per each student applicant; scheduling a visit is best; otherwise, order Video online and/or show up at a regional visit by one of their Admissions counselors in the fall; it does not hurt but does NOT help to demonstrate interest in multiple ways; if you have visited or ordered the DVD, you've demonstrated interest, period.)</li>
<li>Essays as part of Application (there are 3 essays; they want to hear your true voice)</li>
</ul>
<p>The following reflect RELATIVE IMPORTANCE of various factors in making freshman admissions decisions:</p>
<p>ACADEMIC</p>
<p>Rigor of secondary school record (Very Important)
Class rank (Considered - because not all high schools rank students; 40% of applicants submitted class rankings, and 90% of these were in Top 10% of their respective classes)
Academic GPA (Very Important)
Standardized test scores (Very Important)
Application Essay (Very Important)
Recommendation (Very Important)</p>
<p>NON-ACADEMIC</p>
<p>Interview (Considered - because alumni interviews are not available to all students)
Extracurricular activities (Very Important)
Talent/ability (Important)
Character/personal qualities (Very Important)
First generation (Considered)
Alumni/ae relation (Considered)
Geographical residence (Considered)
State residency (Considered)
Religious affiliation/commitment (Not Considered)
Racial/ethnic status (Considered)
Volunteer work (Considered)
Work experience (Considered)
Level of applicants interest (Very Important - no school wants to admit somebody who doesn't truly want to attend)</p>
<p>Overall, the experience of dealing with Emory University has been highly positive. It is an outstanding national university that merits consideration by students seeking academic breadth and depth. That said, it is not for everybody. Know yourself and your interests. For instance, it does not have an engineering school, so if your interest is in electrical engineering, Emory would not be the best choice. If you know that it is your ideal college, after visiting especially, and it stands out as Number One on your list, then consider applying Early Decision. Statistics reveal the higher percentage of acceptances by ED applicants; however, be aware that this will is a binding decision if accepted. Although Emory is need-blind in their admissions process, be forewarned that this does not automatically mean they will commit to providing all the financial aid you will want. The need is based on a combination of formulae derived from using both the CSS Profile form (for institutional aid) and FAFSA (for federal aid). If financial considerations are important, you may be better off applying Regular Decision to keep all your options open.</p>
<p>I hope this helps with evaluating your chances. Good luck!</p>