Short answer: the middle 50% of first-year students who enrolled at Emory University scored about 1470 to 1550 on the SAT, with an average of 1520. That means a quarter of enrolled first-years scored 1470 or lower and a quarter scored 1550 or higher. These numbers come from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
Emory at a glance
SAT middle 50%: 1470 to 1550 | Average: 1520
Reading and Writing: 720 to 760 | Math: 750 to 790
ACT middle 50%: 32 to 35
Admission rate: 10.7%
Emory SAT scores by section
| Section | 25th percentile | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | 720 | 760 |
| Math | 750 | 790 |
| Total (sum of sections) | 1470 | 1550 |
The total row adds the two section numbers, so treat it as a close estimate, not an exact percentile of total scores. For comparison, the average SAT score for the class of 2026 was 1045 (528 Reading and Writing, 517 Math), according to College Board.
Does Emory require the SAT?
No. Emory is test-optional for first-year and transfer applicants starting in fall 2027. Emory’s advice is to send SAT or ACT scores only if they strengthen your application.
- Superscoring: Emory considers your highest section scores across all SAT attempts you submit.
- Self-report: allowed, or send official scores.
- AP scores: Emory encourages every applicant, including test-optional ones, to self-report AP scores of 3 or higher.
- SAT code: 5187.
Emory’s own numbers for the Class of 2030: Emory College admitted students had a middle 50% SAT of 1500 to 1550. Oxford College, Emory’s two-year starting campus, had 1490 to 1550.
What SAT score should you aim for?
Emory’s Class of 2030 number, 1500 to 1550 for Emory College, is the best guide. Send your score if it is about 1500 or higher, since Emory says to submit only scores that strengthen your application. Oxford College’s range is almost the same.
Emory College admitted students also had unweighted GPAs of 3.85 to 4.00, so the score works alongside top grades, not instead of them. Math at Emory runs 750 to 790 in the Scorecard numbers.
Where do you stand against Emory’s range?
Take a free full-length practice test and compare your section scores to 760 (Reading and Writing) and 790 (Math).
How to close the gap
- Find your weaker section by comparing each score to Emory’s 75th percentile above.
- Practice at the top difficulty level. Scores in this range come from getting the hardest questions right. Try these hard SAT math questions and this hard SAT English practice test.
- Drill your weak skills in Targeted Practice.
- Compare schools with similar ranges in the College Finder.
Frequently asked questions
What SAT score do you need for Emory?
There is no cutoff, but the middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored about 1470 to 1550.
What is the average SAT score at Emory?
College Scorecard lists an average of 1520.
Does Emory require the SAT?
No. Emory is test-optional for fall 2027 entry, recommends sending scores only if they strengthen your application, and superscores.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard: Emory University (latest admissions data, accessed October 2026).
- Emory Admission, Standardized Exam Policies.
- Emory Admission, Student Profile.
- College Board Newsroom, Class of 2026 SAT results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What SAT score do you need for Emory?
There is no cutoff, but the middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored about 1470 to 1550.
What is the average SAT score at Emory?
College Scorecard lists an average of 1520.
Does Emory require the SAT?
No. Emory is test-optional for fall 2027 entry, recommends sending scores only if they strengthen your application, and superscores.