Emory University Remains Test Optional for 2025-2026

February 11, 2025

Updated February, 2025

Emory University has extended its test optional policy for applicants who plan to enroll as first-year students in Fall 2026. In addition, transfer applicants for Fall 2026 can also take advantage of this test optional policy.

TEST POLICY SUMMARY:

Submitting standardized test scores is completely optional.
Students will not have to justify or disclose why they are not submitting scores.
Students will not be disadvantaged in the review process if they do not submit scores.
The timeline for changes to a student’s test optional selection aligns with their earliest decision plan, regardless of college within Emory University.

WHO DOES THE POLICY APPLY TO?

First-year students who apply to start school in Fall 2026.
Transfer students who apply to start school in Fall 2026.
Both entry points of Emory University: Emory College of Arts and Sciences and Oxford College.
All decision plans: Early Decision I, Early Decision II, Regular Decision, and Transfers.
All first-year applicants under consideration in any of Emory’s Scholar Programs, including awards for full and partial scholarships.

STUDENTS WHO HAVE TAKEN OR PLAN TO TEST

For those who choose to take an exam:

Emory will continue to accept self-reported or official test scores.
Emory will continue to superscore the ACT and SAT.
Scores will be reviewed in the context of the student’s whole application.
We expect that standardized test scores will continue to demonstrate academic preparation for many students.

Students who have taken an exam, or more than one exam, but prefer that we not look at those scores can make that choice when they apply.

STUDENTS WHO ARE UNABLE TO TAKE AN EXAM

Understanding that test availability remains unpredictable:

Students will not have to justify their reasons for not submitting test scores.
Students will not be disadvantaged in the review process if they do not submit a standardized test score.
Emory will continue to partner with applicants and their advocates to understand each applicant’s unique circumstances.

While test scores have been part of Emory’s evaluation process in the past, scores represent only one component in our comprehensive review process. The admission committee also looks at an applicant’s personal statements, short answer questions, letters of recommendation, and transcript.

In the absence of test scores, we will lean more heavily on other application materials. We will continue to look for students who have:

Taken challenging classes in the context of their school and done well in them.
Pursued outside-of-class educational, volunteer, or work opportunities, whether in person or virtual.
Authentically shared of themselves through their application personal statements and short answer questions.

We encourage applicants to demonstrate what they are interested in, what they are committed to inside and outside of class, and that they are prepared for the academic rigor of an Emory education.

AP/IB EXAMS

Students are encouraged to self-report AP and IB exam scores on your application, but official exam results do not need to be sent at the time of application. Review our AP, IB, and college credit policies for further details.

Emory University values the academic achievements and potential of all applicants. As part of our commitment to a holistic review process and understanding academic excellence, we encourage students to report scores of 3 or higher from their Advanced Placement (AP) examinations. Emory University encourages all applicants, including those applying as SAT/ACT optional, to self-report their AP exam scores of 3 or higher at the time of application. This self-reporting can be done through the Common Application or the Questbridge Application. If admitted and choosing to enroll at Emory University, students will be required to submit official AP score reports from the College Board to verify their self-reported scores.

LOOKING AHEAD

We continue to evaluate our selection process, analyze indicators of academic promise, and assess how we can further advance equity, access, and diversity in our student community.

We continue to be committed to the thoughtful, student-centered practices that have guided our work for decades. A student’s full potential is the joy we seek to understand each year.

Don’t hesitate to connect with us by posting a comment to this blog, following us @emoryadmission, or emailing us at admission@emory.edu. We look forward to hearing from you!