--- title: How to Use the Emory Common Data Set description: Discover how to use Emory University's Common Data Set to craft a standout application. image: https://admitreport.com/hubfs/Emory%20CDS.jpg --- [Think you can get into a top-10 school? Take our chance-me calculator... if you dare. 🔥](https://uq2z800a22f.typeform.com/to/GSbIvdW0) [![](https://admitreport.com/hubfs/admit-report-logo-black.svg)](https://admitreport.com/) [College Essays](https://admitreport.com/college-essays) Personal Statement Supplemental Essays Writing Advice Example Essays Other Application Writing Sections Personal Statement Foundations [How to Write a Personal Statement](https://admitreport.com/blog/personal-statement-for-colleges) [Brainstorming a Personal Statement](https://admitreport.com/blog/college-essay-brainstorming-questions) [Personal Statement Mistakes](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-end-a-college-essay) [How to Revise a Personal Statement](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-write-a-college-essay#how-to-edit-a-common-app-essay) Personal Statement Strategy [Writing About Strengths](https://admitreport.com/blog/personal-statement-for-colleges) [Finding a 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Examples](https://admitreport.com/blog/personal-statement-examples#bad-personal-statement-examples) Types of Supplemental Essays [Why Us](https://admitreport.com/blog/why-this-college-essay) [Diversity Supplemental Essay](https://admitreport.com/blog/diversity-essay) [Community Supplemental Essay](https://admitreport.com/blog/community-essay-examples) [Academic Interest Supplemental Essay](https://admitreport.com/blog/academic-interest-essay) [Why This Major Supplemental Essay](https://admitreport.com/blog/why-this-major-essay-examples) [Challenge Supplemental Essay](https://admitreport.com/blog/personal-challenge-essay-examples) [Extracurricular Supplemental Essay](https://admitreport.com/blog/extracurricular-activities-essay) Supplemental Strategy [Writing About Strengths](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-write-a-college-essay#goal-1-write-persuasively-about-your-strengths) Our College Essay Philosophy [Creating a Cohesive Application Narrative](https://admitreport.com/blog/cohesive-application) [Writing Vulnerably](https://admitreport.com/blog/personal-statement-for-colleges) [Strengths-Based Writing](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-write-a-college-essay#goal-1-write-persuasively-about-your-strengths) Writing Techniques [Brainstorming a College Essay](https://admitreport.com/blog/college-essay-brainstorming-questions) [Drafting a College Essay](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-write-a-college-essay#how-to-draft-a-common-app-essay) [Revising a College Essay](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-write-a-college-essay#how-to-edit-a-common-app-essay) Personal Statement ["Great" Example Essays](https://admitreport.com/blog/personal-statement-examples#the-best-personal-statement-examples) ["Good" Example Essays](https://admitreport.com/blog/personal-statement-examples#good-personal-statement-examples) ["Bad" Example Essays](https://admitreport.com/blog/personal-statement-examples#bad-personal-statement-examples) Supplemental Essays [Why Us Examples](https://admitreport.com/blog/why-this-college-essay) [Diversity Supplemental Examples](https://admitreport.com/blog/diversity-essay) [Extracurricular Supplementals](https://admitreport.com/blog/extracurricular-activities-essay) [Academic Interest Supplementals](https://admitreport.com/blog/academic-interest-essay) [Community Supplementals](https://admitreport.com/blog/community-essay-examples) [Why this Major Supplementals](https://admitreport.com/blog/why-this-major-essay-examples) [Challenge Supplementals](https://admitreport.com/blog/personal-challenge-essay-examples) School-Specific Supplementals [Harvard Supplementals](https://admitreport.com/blog/harvard-supplemental-essays) [Yale Supplementals](https://admitreport.com/blog/yale-supplemental-essays) [Stanford Supplementals](https://admitreport.com/blog/stanford-supplemental-essays) [USC Supplementals](https://admitreport.com/blog/usc-supplemental-essays) [Dartmouth Supplementals](https://admitreport.com/blog/dartmouth-supplemental-essays) [All Supplemental Essays](https://admitreport.com/blog/tag/supplementals) Activities Descriptions [Writing Activities Descriptions that Stand Out](https://admitreport.com/blog/extracurricular-activities-essay) Admissions Office Communications [Finding Your Admissions Officers](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-write-an-email-to-a-college-admissions-office-sample#contacting-your-admissions-counselor-vs-the-admissions-office) [Emailing an Admissions Office](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-write-an-email-to-a-college-admissions-office-sample) [Preparing to Apply](https://admitreport.com/how-to-apply-to-college) Preparation Pathways Extracurricular Activities Academic Basics Testing Admissions 101 Grade-Based Timelines [First-Year Timeline](https://admitreport.com/blog/first-year-timeline) [Sophomore Timeline](https://admitreport.com/blog/sophomore-timeline) [Junior Timeline](https://admitreport.com/blog/junior-timeline) [Senior Timeline](https://admitreport.com/blog/senior-timeline) International Students [How to Apply as an International Student](https://admitreport.com/blog/applying-to-college-as-an-international-student) Extracurriculars in Admissions [How Admissions Officers Evaluate Extracurriculars](https://admitreport.com/blog/extracurriculars-and-college-admissions) [How to Find Authentic Extracurriculars](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-organically-find-your-extracurricular-interests) [Basic Extracurricular Pathways](https://admitreport.com/blog/extracurricular-pathways) [Extracurricular Magnitude and Impact](https://admitreport.com/blog/extracurricular-magnitude-and-impact) [Leveling Up Your ECs](https://admitreport.com/blog/leveling-up-your-extracurriculars) [Crafting ECs by Combining Interests](https://admitreport.com/blog/craft-amazing-extracurriculars) [Passion Projects](https://admitreport.com/blog/passion-project-ideas) GPA [How Admissions Officers Evaluate Extracurriculars](https://admitreport.com/blog/extracurriculars-and-college-admissions) [Unweighted vs. Weighted GPA](https://www.reddit.com/r/ApplyingToCollege/comments/15ehsq5/aos_dont_want_you_to_know_this_one_weird_fact/) [Assessing Your GPA & Admissions Chances](https://admitreport.com/blog/50-thousand-applications) [Class Rank](https://admitreport.com/blog/academics-gpa) Course Work [Course Rigor](https://admitreport.com/blog/do-colleges-care-about-ap-scores) SAT & ACT [How Admissions Officers Evaluate Standardized Test Scores](https://admitreport.com/blog/what-does-test-optional-mean#how-do-admissions-officers-evaluate-my-test-scores) [Test-Optional Admissions](https://admitreport.com/blog/what-does-test-optional-mean) AP & IB Tests [Do AP & IB Tests Matter in Admissions?](https://admitreport.com/blog/do-colleges-care-about-ap-scores) [When to Send Your Scores](https://admitreport.com/blog/senior-timeline) Types of Institutions [Liberal Arts College](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-make-a-college-list#liberal-arts-colleges) [Private University](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-make-a-college-list#highly-selective-private-institutions) [State University](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-make-a-college-list#large-state-schools) [Community Colleges](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-make-a-college-list#community-colleges) How Applications are Reviewed [How Applications are Reviewed](https://admitreport.com/blog/50-thousand-applications) [The Job of the Admissions Officer](https://admitreport.com/blog/reading-5k-essays-in-a-top-15-admissions-office) [What is the Committee?](https://admitreport.com/blog/50-thousand-applications#the-third-trial-committee-recommendations) [Your Application Strategy](https://admitreport.com/application-strategy) Navigating the application College Application Strategy College Research Building Your College List Application Materials Common Application Guide [How to Use the Common Application](https://www.reddit.com/r/ApplyingToCollege/comments/owlhkp/my_giant_guide_to_to_the_common_app_what_is_it/) [Common Application Essay Prompts](https://admitreport.com/blog/common-app-essay-examples#the-2022-2023-common-application-essay-prompts) Applying to International Schools [A Guide to Applying as an International Student](https://admitreport.com/blog/applying-to-college-as-an-international-student) Our Strategy Philosophy [Creating a Cohesive Narrative](https://admitreport.com/blog/cohesive-application) [How Admissions Offices Process Applications](https://admitreport.com/blog/50-thousand-applications) College-Specific Application Guides [Harvard](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-get-into-harvard) [Stanford](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-get-into-stanford) [Yale](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-get-into-yale) [MIT](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-get-into-mit) [USC](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-get-into-usc) [See the full list](https://admitreport.com/blog/tag/application-strategy) Tools & Resources [Demonstrated Interest](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-show-demonstrated-interest) [How to Use the Common Data Set](https://admitreport.com/blog/common-data-set) Visiting Colleges [When to Visit Colleges](https://admitreport.com/blog/touring-colleges#ways-to-visit-college-campuses) Resources [Common Data Set](https://admitreport.com/common-data-set) [Colleges That Change Lives](https://ctcl.org/) School List Basics [How to Build the Perfect School List](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-make-a-college-list) [Safety Schools](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-make-a-college-list#what-is-a-safety-school) [Target Schools](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-make-a-college-list#what-is-a-target-school) [Reach Schools](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-make-a-college-list#what-is-a-reach-school) Early Decision Strategy [Early Action vs Early Decision](https://admitreport.com/blog/early-action-vs-early-decision) [How to Pick Your ED](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-strategize-your-early-decision-application) [Early Decision II](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-strategize-your-early-decision-application#what-s-the-strategy-for-ed-ii-schools) Letters of Recommendation [Teacher Letters](https://admitreport.com/blog/letters-of-recommendation-for-college) [Counselor Letters](https://admitreport.com/blog/letters-of-recommendation-for-college) [How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation](https://admitreport.com/blog/letters-of-recommendation-for-college#how-to-get-the-best-letters-of-recommendation-possible) School Report [What Is a School Report?](https://www.reddit.com/r/ApplyingToCollege/comments/vz09mf/the_document_in_every_application_most_students/) [All Resources](https://admitreport.com/blog) [College Consulting](https://sierraadmissions.com/) [About Us](https://admitreport.com/about-us) [![](https://admitreport.com/hubfs/admit-report-logo-black.svg)](https://admitreport.com/) [College Essays](https://admitreport.com/college-essays) [Preparing to Apply](https://admitreport.com/how-to-apply-to-college) [Your Application Strategy](https://admitreport.com/application-strategy) [All Resources](https://admitreport.com/blog) [College Consulting](https://sierraadmissions.com/) [About Us](https://admitreport.com/about-us) ###### Contents Last updated March 21, 2024 Every piece we write is researched and vetted by a former admissions officer. Read about [our mission](https://admitreport.com/standards) to pull back the admissions curtain. [Blog](https://admitreport.com/blog) > [Common Data Set](https://admitreport.com/blog/tag/common-data-set) > How to Use the Emory Common Data Set # How to Use the Emory Common Data Set Admissions officer reviewed by [Ben Bousquet, M.Ed](https://admitreport.com/about-us) Former Vanderbilt University Written by [Kylie Kistner, MA](https://admitreport.com/about-us) Former Willamette University Admissions ###### Key Takeaway Emory University's Common Data Set can guide you to create a compelling application. Emphasizing your academic GPA, recommendations, extracurricular activities, character, and personal qualities is essential. Regardless of the major you're pursuing, telling a cohesive story about your academic and personal journey can improve your chances of acceptance. The [Emory University Common Data Set](https://provost.emory.edu/planning-administration/_includes/documents/sections/institutional-data/Emory-Common-Data-Set-2023-2022.pdf) is full of great information to help you with your Emory application. When you understand the data, you get a better picture of what Emory admissions officers look for in applicants. This knowledge can then guide you through building an application that meets their expectations and [tells a meaningful personal story](https://admitreport.com/blog/50-thousand-applications). Ready to jump in? ## How Emory Evaluates Applicants — based on CDS data Emory looks at many factors when reviewing your application—factors like GPA, class rank, and your application essays. As you can see in the chart below, the most critical factors are the rigor of your high school record, academic GPA, recommendations, extracurricular activities, talent/ability, and character/personal qualities. So, Emory is looking for well-rounded applicants who shine both in the classroom and personally. These rankings highlight the importance of [telling a clear story](https://admitreport.com/blog/cohesive-application) throughout your application. Note that volunteer work ranks highly in importance, so you’ll want to draw out any volunteer experiences you can. |   | Very important | Important | Considered | Not considered | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Rigor of Secondary Record | X |   |   |   | | Class rank |   |   | X |   | | Academic GPA | X |   |   |   | | Standardized test scores |   | X |   |   | | Application Essay |   | X |   |   | | Recommendation(s) | X |   |   |   | | Interview |   |   | X |   | | Extracurricular activities | X |   |   |   | | Talent/ability | X |   |   |   | | Character/personal qualities | X |   |   |   | | First generation |   |   | X |   | | Alumni/ae relation |   |   | X |   | | Geographical residence |   |   | X |   | | State residency |   |   | X |   | | Religious affiliation/commitment |   |   |   | X | | Racial/ethnic status |   |   | X |   | | Volunteer work |   | X |   |   | | Work experience |   |   | X |   | | Demonstrated interest |   |   |   | X | ## Does Emory track demonstrated interest? Interestingly, demonstrated interest isn't a factor for Emory. So, while being enthusiastic about Emory can help you in your own research, activities like opening Emory emails, attending visits, or talking with an admissions counselor aren't taken into account. ## Does Emory care about standardized test scores? Emory does care about standardized test scores, with 41% of students submitting SAT scores and 23% submitting ACT scores. But these scores are “important,” not “very important.” So while good scores can help your application, other factors like your GPA, essays, and extracurriculars also matter. ## Does Emory care about essays? Yes, essays matter a lot in the Emory application process. These personal narratives let admissions officers dig into your character, strengths, and qualities. They help them decide if you're the right fit for the university. [Writing standout college essays](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-write-a-college-essay) that line up with your application story is key. ## What GPA do I need to get into Emory? Looking at the GPA of first-year students who enrolled gives us a good idea of what GPA you might need to get in. | GPA | % of Enrolled Students | | --- | --- | | 4.0 | 17.7% | | 3.75-3.99 | 59.6% | | 3.50-3.74 | 19% | | 3.25-3.49 | 3.3% | | 3.00-3.24 | 0.3% | | 2.50-2.99 | 0.1% | | 2.0-2.49, 1.0-1.99, Below 1.0 | 0% | Further, class rank data shows that 81% of students were in the top tenth of their graduating class. From this information, we can gather that a high GPA is key for getting into Emory. ## Emory Acceptance Rate Of the 33,179 applications received, Emory accepted 3,767, which gives us an acceptance rate of 11.35%. That’s really competitive. For virtually everyone who applies, Emory will count as a “[reach school](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-make-a-college-list).” ## Emory Early Decision Acceptance Rate Emory University offers the chance to apply under a binding Early Decision agreement. This option could possibly increase your chance of admission. Of the 3,560 students who applied Early Decision, Emory admitted 940. This corresponds to an acceptance rate of 26.4%, about 15% higher than the Regular Decision and Early Action rate. This rate might affect your [strategy for applying Early Decision](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-strategize-your-early-decision-application). ## What’s the right application option for you? While a 26.4% acceptance rate under Early Decision might seem appealing, remember it's still highly competitive. Plus, Early Decision applicants to Emory are likely strong candidates who are sure Emory is their top choice. Applying Early Decision shouldn't just be about a potentially higher acceptance rate. You should also think about whether you're a good fit for the academic environment and campus culture at Emory. If your qualifications don't line up with the application evaluation criteria, you might want to rethink applying Early Decision to a school where you're unlikely to be accepted. Overall, having the [right guidance](https://admitreport.com/how-to-apply-to-college) can make this process easier. ## Most popular majors at Emory While the CDS doesn’t report major information directly, we can infer which majors are popular by looking at the percentage of degrees conferred in each field. | Major | Percent of Degrees Conferred | | --- | --- | | Social sciences | 14.6 | | Business/marketing | 14.3 | | Biological/life sciences | 14 | | Health professions and related programs | 11.7 | | Mathematics and statistics | 9 | | Psychology | 6 | | Physical sciences | 4.7 | | Visual and performing arts | 4.3 | | Parks and recreation | 3.4 | | English | 3.3 | This data can help you figure out if Emory aligns with your academic goals and gives you an idea of the potential competition in your chosen academic area. If you're drawn towards less popular majors like parks and recreation or English, you may have a unique opportunity to stand out. Conversely, if you're applying to a popular major like social sciences or biological/life sciences, it would be good to clearly express your motivation and passion for these fields because lots of other applicants will be doing the same. ## What should you do with all this information? With Emory's acceptance rate at 11.35%, creating a strong application is crucial. The CDS data shows Emory puts a lot of weight on factors like academic GPA, recommendations, and extracurricular activities. Your character and personal qualities are also highly valued. Use this knowledge when creating your application strategy, emphasizing these factors through your essays, extracurricular activities, and recommendations. In the end, your application should tell a cohesive story of your academic and personal journey and show your potential to contribute to the Emory community. *Explore the [Data Room](https://admitreport.com/common-data-set) for more Common Data Set data and compare admissions criteria between schools.*     ###### Liked that? Try this next. ###### [![post preview thumbnail](https://admitreport.com/hubfs/siora-photography-hgFY1mZY-Y0-unsplash.jpg) How A Selective Admissions Office Reads 50k Applications In A Season](https://admitreport.com/blog/50-thousand-applications) ###### [![post preview thumbnail](https://admitreport.com/hubfs/CDS%20Posts%20(8).png) How to Use the Common Data Set](https://admitreport.com/blog/common-data-set) ###### [![post preview thumbnail](https://admitreport.com/hubfs/UCLA%20CDS.jpg) How to Use the UCLA Common Data Set](https://admitreport.com/blog/ucla-common-data-set) ###### [![post preview thumbnail](https://admitreport.com/hubfs/Tufts%20How%20To.png) How to Use the Tufts Common Data Set](https://admitreport.com/blog/tufts-common-data-set) ### Upgrade your college journey ###### Content [Admissions Guides](https://admitreport.com/admissions-guides) [Categories](https://admitreport.com) ###### Legal [Privacy Policy](https://admitreport.com/privacy) [Terms of Use](https://admitreport.com/terms) K&S Canon, PLLC 1200 5TH Ave Ste 1950, Seattle, WA, 98101-1183, United States Copyright © 2026 McNeil Admissions ### "The only actually useful chance calculator I’ve seen—plus a crash course on the application review process." 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