If you know anything about Emory University, you probably know that it’s among the most prestigious and highly selective colleges in the American South. However, the Emory Class of 2029 admissions cycle has shown a slight increase in acceptance that breaks from the last four years of record-setting selectivity. Let’s unpack the data:

Emory University Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics (Classes of 2029 — 2025)

Emory University Class Year	Total Applications Received	Total Applications Accepted	Overall Acceptance Rate
Class of 2029	37,855	5,658	14.95%
Class of 2028	34,614	5,080	14.68%
Class of 2027	33,255	5,455	16.40%
Class of 2026	33,179	5,303	15.98%
Class of 2025	33,435	6,892	20.61%

Emory’s Class of 2029 in Historical Perspective

Before getting to know the students admitted to the Class of 2029, we must clear up some discrepancies in the data. According to reporting by The Emory Wheel, Emory had a 14.5% acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 and a 16.2% acceptance rate for the Class of 2027. Considering this data, this year’s 14.95% acceptance rate is not surprising and certainly in line with recent admissions trends. 

However, the Emory Common Data Set, a federally-mandated repository of admissions statistics, tells a different story because it only contains data on students admitted to Emory’s main campus, Emory College, not Oxford College (a 2-year liberal arts institution which operates under the Emory umbrella). In other words, stick to Emory’s press releases when looking at Emory admissions over time, as you might otherwise encounter discrepancies.

No matter how you parse the data, one thing is sure: this year drew a record number of applicants to the Atlanta-based private research university, clocking in at 37,855. However, the acceptance rate of 14.95% does not beat last year’s record-low 14.68%.

This year’s slight uptick in acceptance aside, there’s still a clear trend line to this data: Emory is generally getting more selective year by year, with a ballooning number of applicants who try their luck at admission each year.

The Demographic Breakdown of the Emory University Class of 2029

The Emory Wheel , Emory’s student-run campus newspaper, reports, “The Class of 2029 includes students from 48 states, Washington, D.C., five U.S. territories, and 68 countries. First-generation students, who will be the first in their families to attend a four-year college or university, comprise 12% of the Class of 2029.” The paper also notes that this year saw an increase in international applicants, but does not specify any numbers.

We would love to share with our readers more information on the racial demographics of the Class of 2029, but alas, that data cannot be collected until this new batch of students enrolls, as to do so would violate the 2023 SCOTUS ruling outlawing the use of Affirmative Action.

Why Test-Optional Admissions Are Inflating Emory’s Admissions Statistics

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit five or so years ago (remember that?), Emory joined leagues of elite colleges in piloting test-optional admissions to give high school students a break from this particularly grueling aspect of the application process. The college recently announced that this policy would extend through the 2025-2026 admissions cycle.

So what’s all the hullabaloo? Well, for one thing, we at Ivy Coach have long called out colleges for perpetuating the myth that students who apply to places like Emory without submitting test scores won’t be at any disadvantage when the opposite is true. These policies end up flooding applicant pools with “squeakers,” or students who think they can squeak past admissions officers by not submitting scores to schools they’re not qualified to earn admission.

Emory’s record-breaking applicant pools can thus be partly explained by its test-optional policy, which has inflated the number of students who apply each year and is bound to show a decrease in total applications once (or if) the policy is rescinded.

Ivy Coach’s Assistance With Emory Admission

Roughly 85% of students who applied to Emory’s Class of 2029 faced rejection. These surely are not betting odds, but with Ivy Coach’s team of former elite college admissions officers at your side, you can significantly increase your child’s odds of Emory admission. 

Simply fill out our complimentary consultation form to get started, and we’ll be in touch.