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College Essays

Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Emory University is a prestigious private university ranked within the top 25 universities nationwide . To apply here, you'll have to submit your transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and a few essays. But what do you actually have to write for your Emory essays?

Below, we present to you this year's Emory University essay prompts and offer you tips for figuring out which prompts you should choose for your application. We will also look at admissions officers' feedback for real Emory essays that worked.

Let's get started!

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What Are the Emory Essays?

All first-year applicants to Emory must submit one longer essay in response to either the Common Application or Coalition Application essay prompts and two short answers as part of the Emory supplement . For the first Emory essay, you must respond to the single prompt provided, and for the second essay, you can choose any one of the five prompts listed.

Here are the Emory University essay prompts for the 2022-23 application cycle:

Academics Essay (200 words max)

What academic areas are you interested in exploring in college?

Reflections Essay: Respond to one of the following (150 words max)

Reflect on a personal experience where you intentionally expanded your cultural awareness.

When was the last time you questioned something that you had thought to be true?

If you could witness a historic event (past, present, or future) first-hand, what would it be, and why?

Share a time when you were awestruck.

Which book, character, song, monologue, or piece of work (fiction or non-fiction) seems made for you? Why?

Fortunately, Emory offers a little advice on how you should answer these essay prompts: "We encourage you to be thoughtful and not stress about what the right answer might be. We simply want to get to know you better."

Now, let's take a closer look at each of the Emory University essay prompts.

How to Write the Emory Academics Essay

This is standard college essay prompt, asking you to elaborate on your academic plans. Emory is asking this because they want to get a better understanding of what you plan on studying in college and why you're excited about it. Students who have a solid plan for college and are genuinely passionate about their academics are more likely to do well in college and after graduation, and they're more likely to be involved on campus and give back as an alum.

As a reminder, this prompt is required for all applicants, and you can write up to 200 words.

So, what should you write about? Start with describing the academic area(s) you plan on focusing on in college. Then, dive into it more. If you want to major in biology, what areas of biology are you most interested in? What about these topics excites you? What career are you hoping to pursue with a biology degree? Are there internships/research opportunities you hope to do? You don't need to include all those parts, but be sure to give an in-depth answer that makes it clear what your academic interests and plans are.

But what if you don't know what you want to study? That's OK; this isn't a binding document that requires you to follow up on what you write about. Choose an area or areas that you're thinking about, and go with that. Don't write that you have no idea what you're going to study because that can cause Emory to worry that you won't be interested in your studies/won't be able to commit to anything.

How to Write the "Reflections" Emory Essay

For this essay, you'll have to select one prompt to answer (out of five possible prompts). These prompts are pretty varied, but they all ask you to reflect on something meaningful to you and that has helped you become the person you are today , whether that's an experience you had, an insight you gained, or a field you're passionate about.

As a reminder, your essay must be no longer than 150 words.

Now then, let's go through the "Reflection" Emory University essay prompts one at a time and give you tips on how to answer each of them effectively.

"Reflections" Emory Essay Prompt 1: Cultural Sensitivity

Emory is a competitive school and admits students from all over the world. In order to be a good member of the Emory community, you'll need to understand and thrive in a diverse environment. To that end, this essay gives you the opportunity to showcase your cultural sensitivity.

But what is cultural awareness? The National Center for Cultural Competence defines cultural awareness as "being cognizant, observant, and conscious of similarities and differences among and between cultural groups." So to answer this prompt, you'll have to share an experience where your understanding of cultural awareness grew.

A good place to start is to think about your experiences with people from different cultures. When have you been in this situation before? And what did you learn?

On the other hand, you may be a member of a cultural minority in the United States. If you are, this would be a great prompt to talk about how that has impacted you, and how that has shaped your own unique understanding of how cultural awareness works in American society.

Regardless of which strategy you choose, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to learn from others and your capacity to be thoughtful about your own actions. The kiss of death for this prompt? Bragging. No one is perfectly culturally aware: developing our cultural sensitivity is a lifetime process. Acting like you've got it all figured out isn't going to impress anyone, especially admissions counselors.

Should You Choose This Prompt?

Do you have a good understanding of diversity and what it means to be "culturally sensitive"? This goes beyond just knowing the definitions of these terms. Have you had experiences where diversity played a key role? You'll need real, first-hand experience if you want to tackle this prompt well. If you haven't had that, then this might not be the best prompt for you.

Tips for Answering This Prompt

• Be honest and specific about your experience. Do not make something up to try and answer this prompt! Additionally, make sure you're being honest about the experience in general. Don't try and make yourself into the "hero" of the situation. Instead, admissions counselors want to see that you can be thoughtful about cultural differences, and that you've learned something about being part of a diverse community.
• Explain how this will make you a better Emory student. Like we mentioned earlier, Emory is a diverse campus. How will you bring what you've learned about cultural awareness to Emory? Explain how what you've learned has prepared you for your Emory experience, and touch on how your experience will help you be a better member of the Emory community.

"Reflections" Emory Essay Prompt 2: Questioning Beliefs

Emory uses this question to get to know more about your opinions and how you have learned to think more objectively .

In other words, the admissions committee wants to see how you have become more open-minded and that you are ready and willing to explore outside your safe comfort zone. Are you intellectually curious? Are you willing to admit when you're wrong?

This is the type of student Emory is looking for—someone who can be honest and open with themselves , who is introspective and always willing to learn.

If you can easily think of a time when you questioned any major beliefs you used to hold—whether it was something religious, political, or otherwise highly personal—this would be a great prompt to choose for your first Emory essay.

For example, maybe you used to eat meat but became a vegetarian after visiting a slaughterhouse as part of a school trip.

Or maybe you used to think that libraries were completely useless and should simply go away. But after getting help from a kind librarian one day, you realized that libraries are necessary to have in society, especially considering that people of lower-income backgrounds typically do not have easy access to computers, books, and other repositories of knowledge.

• Follow a clear structure. Present what you used to believe, explain what or who caused you to question this belief, and finally clarify how this process has (positively) impacted you.
• Focus on a unique moment from your life. Don't just talk about how you used to believe in Santa Claus and eventually grew out of it—most, if not all, of us have had similar experiences. Try to find something unique to you and that will set you apart from other applicants.
• Think beyond religion and spirituality. It's not inherently bad to write an essay about how you used to practice a certain religion and now practice another one or none at all, but don't feel limited to only topics regarding faith or religion just because this prompt is asking about your beliefs!

"Tell Us About You" Emory Essay Prompt 3: Historic Event

This next Emory essay prompt is a fun and interesting way for admissions officers to get a clearer sense of what your interests, passions, and values are .

There are no limits to what you can put down here—you could focus on a big event from as recent as the late 20th century, such as the fall of the Berlin Wall, or something that happened thousands of years ago, such as the building of the great Egyptian pyramids.

Your goal should be to choose something that highlights a critical aspect of your personality and/or interests.

For instance, perhaps you want to minor in architectural studies, which is why you're so fascinated with how the pyramids were constructed. Or maybe your mother was present when the Berlin Wall fell and you'd love to have seen her expression of joy at having helped reunite her country.

Is there a specific moment from the past that you have always wished to see because it genuinely interests, excites, or fascinates you? Is there a certain event from history that means something special to you and/or your family, and that you wish you could have actually been there for?

If you answered yes to one of these questions, then this would be a great prompt to choose for your second Emory essay.

• Describe the event in detail. Before you jump into the "why" part of your essay, take care to set up the details of the scene by using literary devices such as images and metaphors. Doing this will show admissions officers that you're passionate about both this event and the details of how it happened.
• Clearly and cogently explain why this event is so important to you on a personal level. Once you've set up your essay with some details of the event, it's time to dive into the "why" with full force. A historic event could be special to you for a number of reasons: for example, maybe you've got a burning desire to study physics at Emory after learning about the Wright brothers' first successful flight.
• Try to find a more positive or empowering event. While it's not off the table to write about horrible (but important to know) things that have happened, such as the assassination of JFK or the Holocaust, make sure you manage to tie this back to yourself in a meaningful, positive way. For example, maybe you've always felt that witnessing the Holocaust with your own eyes could help you better relate to your great-grandparents who suffered through it.

"Reflections" Emory Essay Prompt 4: Awe

The purpose of this essay prompt is for the admissions committee to understand what really moves you.

To answer this prompt, think back to the times when you were overcome with a sense of wonder or awe. Did it happen when you reached the summit of a long hike and stared at the vista surrounding you? Or when you heard a particular piece of music for the first time? Or when you traveled to a new city that's nothing like your hometown?

As you think about what to write about here, remember that the most powerful answers will involve telling a story of some kind. Let's say you were awestruck the first time you got a clear view of the Milky Way Galaxy. You were ten years old, on a camping trip with your dad, and, since you'd grown up in the city, you'd never seen so many stars before. The sight of all of them made you appreciate the vastness of the universe, and ever since you've had a passion for outer space. Including those details will make your essay more memorable and unique to you.

As you tell the story, always remember to connect it to the most important part of your essay: your discussion of who you are as a person and what about you makes you a good fit for Emory.  In this example, you could say that you use that memory to remind yourself you're just a single person in a vast place, and it helps you stay humble and put your challenges into perspective.

This prompt is great for people who've experienced awe that caused some sort of change in their lives . If you're a thoughtful person who can reflect on that experience in positive ways, then this prompt is a good fit for you!

• Pick one experience and focus on that. Even if you regularly feel awe when you fly in an airplane, pick one specific example and focus on that for this essay. Discussing a single experience will make it easier for you to tell a story as well as keep within the wordcount for this essay. 
• Think about the long-term impact it had on you. In the moment you felt awe, but what were the lasting impacts of the experience? How did feeling awestruck convince you to change yourself/your plans/your view of the world? Emory wants to see the bigger picture in all of this, so make sure you include that in your essay. 

"Reflections" Emory Essay Prompt 5: Artistic Representation

The point of this prompt is for Emory to get a clearer, more holistic sense of not just who you are, but also how you see yourself. What qualities do you feel represent your personality? Your goals? Your best traits? Your challenges?

Remember that you should aim to tell the admissions committee something new and unique about yourself that they haven't yet gleaned from your application or other essays.

When thinking of how a piece of art represents you, don't think literally—try to go beyond generic and superficial traits and think about the deeper meaning and symbolism that speaks to you.

For example, maybe you've always felt a strong connection to the character of Forrest Gump—not because you literally fought in a war, started a restaurant, and met the president, but because you were always supported by your family, especially your mom, and believed that your optimism and positive outlook is what ultimately helped you attain some of your biggest goals in life so far.

My recommendation is to choose this prompt only if you can immediately come up with a specific piece of art or character you've always felt a strong personal attachment to. Remember that it's not just about something you like but something that truly gets across the essence of who you are .

If nothing comes to mind right away, it's probably best to go with another prompt. You don't want to write this essay and have it feel heavily forced or contrived!

• Choose a topic that emphasizes your most prominent and best qualities. Obviously, you don't want to compare yourself to something or someone that's notoriously corrupt, bigoted, immoral, mean, or unlikable. The point here is to show the Emory admissions committee key positive traits you have, such as your selflessness or ability to see the best in everyone.
• Avoid exaggeration. No matter how strong of a connection you might feel to Batman, your life is most certainly not a carbon copy of his. Don't hyperbolize any traits you (think you) share with your character or art piece by making ridiculous claims, such as how you're a real-life superhero or secret genius.
• Don't just choose something because it's famous or "impressive." If you've never actually read Great Expectations or have but never had any real connection to it, Emory admissions officers will be able to tell. So don't worry—it's OK to pick something that's less well-known or not very intellectual or scholarly, just as long as you can cogently explain how this piece of art or character encapsulates you .

Admissions Feedback for Emory Essays That Worked

One thing that can really help you while applying to Emory is seeing examples of real Emory essays that worked and secured students admission. Fortunately, the official Emory website has an entire series dedicated to going over their applicants' best personal essays .

The downside is that these are all for the Common App/Coalition App essay prompts, so they are a lot longer and do not respond directly to any of the short-answer supplemental questions above.

Still, you can use these essay examples and their feedback from admissions officers to get a better sense of what to write about, how you can effectively structure your thoughts, and what Emory is ultimately hoping to learn about you through your writing .

We've consolidated the most important ideas from admissions officers' feedback for you. Here's a basic overview of what Emory is looking for in your essays:

• "Expressive language," "interesting vocabulary," and showing instead of telling
• A sense of maturity
• Clear connections between your interests, experiences, and/or goals
• Authenticity
• The ability to reflect on your experiences (and learn from them)
• Either a unique topic or a unique approach to a more common topic

Make sure your Emory essays have most (ideally all!) of these essential qualities.

How to Write the Emory Essays: 4 Essential Tips

Here are four tips to keep in mind as you write your Emory University supplemental essays.

#1: Write Concisely

You have just 200 and 150 words for the supplemental Emory essays, so don't waste space— include only the most essential facts and information you want to present to the admissions committee .

Use these essays as an opportunity to practice writing more succinctly. Take your time to try to cut out any irrelevant or ineffective words or phrases that don't answer the prompt or reveal anything important or unique about you.

#2: Be Highly Specific

Don't make the mistake many students make by not being specific enough in your college essays—especially considering how little space you have for the Emory essays!

The trick here is to not dawdle in your writing : get straight to the point and overarching topic of your essay, and then dive right in so that you're fully answering the question.

To truly make your writing come alive, you must home in on the most essential info about yourself. Use examples, anecdotes, and plenty of details to paint an accurate picture of who you are and how you see yourself.

#3: Avoid Repeating Yourself

You have to write two short essays for the Emory supplement and one longer essay in response to one of the Common App or Coalition App prompts. Because some of these Emory University essay prompts are similar to the Common App/Coalition App ones, you'll want to check that you're not repeating anything you already wrote .

The point of all these essays is to give you the chance to introduce a range of different, but equally important, sides of yourself. Repeating yourself shows a lack of creative thinking and will most certainly not leave a good impression on the Emory admissions committee.

#4: Don't Forget to Proofread

Last, but certainly not least, remember to edit and proofread your Emory essays several times before you submit them with your application.

Once you've got a rough draft finished, put it away and don't look at it. After a few days, take it out and reread it, looking for areas that feel out of place, irrelevant, or unclear, and tweak as needed.

Lastly, give your draft to someone you trust , such as a teacher or parent, and have them read it over and give you some feedback. Ask them to also correct it for any technical or stylistic errors.

Do all this and you should have one unforgettable Emory essay ready to go!

What's Next?

Curious about what it takes to get into Emory as a freshman? Check out our Emory admission requirements page to learn the average GPA and SAT/ACT scores of admitted applicants.

Interested in applying to colleges in the South? Our expert guide walks you through all the very best schools in the South, including Emory .

Did you know that Emory University is one of a select number of schools that offers full-ride scholarships? To see even more colleges that do this, take a look at our complete list .

Want to write the perfect college application essay? Get professional help from PrepScholar.

Your dedicated PrepScholar Admissions counselor will craft your perfect college essay, from the ground up. We'll learn your background and interests, brainstorm essay topics, and walk you through the essay drafting process, step-by-step. At the end, you'll have a unique essay that you'll proudly submit to your top choice colleges.

Don't leave your college application to chance. Find out more about PrepScholar Admissions now :

Hannah received her MA in Japanese Studies from the University of Michigan and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California. From 2013 to 2015, she taught English in Japan via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel.

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Emory Supplemental Essays 2023-24 Prompts and Tips

September 12, 2023

Emory’s 16% acceptance rate for the Class of 2027 came after they received approximately 33,000 applicants for admission, numbers that have held steady over the past several years. Whether applying to Emory College, Oxford College, or both, applicants to this prestigious Atlanta-based research university face an epically challenging admissions process ahead. Emory is a rare school where a 1500ish SAT and 3.9 GPA are often necessary, but not sufficient for admission. In addition, application components like the Emory supplemental essays need to be exceptionally well done.

(Want to learn more about How to Get Into Emory? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into Emory University: Admissions Data and Strategies  for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

The good news is that this school does ultimately admit over 5,000 students each year. If you have the academic chops, then getting into Emory is an achievable goal. However, you’ll need to make sure that you use the two supplemental essays to showcase your writing ability by generating powerful and detail-rich essays that will stand out to an admissions officer.

Emory Supplemental Essays Prompt 1 – Academic Interests

What academic areas are you interested in exploring at Emory University and why ? (200 words)

We all have a story of what drives us to pursue a certain academic pathway and career. How did your interest initially develop? What was the spark? How have you nurtured this passion and how has it evolved over time? If you desire to go into engineering, for example, use this as a chance to talk about everything from your childhood fascination with how things work to your participation in an award-winning robotics program at your high school. Share a compelling narrative about how your love of your future area of study has blossomed to its present levels.

In addition to the above, Emory also wants to know why you desire to pursue your studies at their institution. Tie your passions into specific  academic opportunities  at Emory including courses, professors,  hands-on research programs , or any other aspects of your desired major that appeal most to you. The more specific, the better.

Emory Supplemental Essays Prompt 2 – Getting to Know You

In addition, answer one of the following questions.  Your response should be no more than 150 words.

In the university’s own words, “We encourage you to be thoughtful in your responses and not stress about what the ‘right answer’ might be, as there really isn’t one.”

a) Which book, character, song, monologue, or piece of work (fiction or non-fiction) seems made for you? Why?

What is your favorite (or most thought-provoking) book, character, monologue, or piece of short fiction or nonfiction? Why do you identify with it? Is it the protagonist’s tenacity, empathy, sense of justice, big heart, humor, resilience, uncompromising integrity, loyalty, self-awareness, or courage? Is it the overall theme, topic, or life lesson? Use the 150 available words to explain the powerful connection you feel to your answer. If you go the song route, explain why you connect so deeply with the music and lyrics.

b) Reflect on a personal experience where you intentionally expanded your cultural awareness.

Some students may have more direct experiences related to cultural awareness than others. But—no matter your background—this is an opportunity to demonstrate that you care about justice and fairness in your local community as well as the global community. If applicable, speak about a time when you spoke up for a peer in a moment of need. Alternatively, you could describe an instance when you became involved in a larger cause or movement. This could be in the realm of politics, activism, or volunteer work.

If you don’t happen to have a deeply personal story to tell in this realm, you’ll probably want to select a different prompt. While there’s nothing wrong with simply articulating your basic beliefs in the values of inclusion, equity, tolerance, and diversity, it doesn’t necessarily make for the most compelling essay, particularly when the school is asking for a specific “experience.”

Emory Supplemental Essays (Continued)

c) Emory University aspires for all students to flourish on campus. Reflect on what flourishing at Emory means to you.

There’s a lot to unpack in this prompt before you even enter the brainstorming phase of the essay-writing process. First, they want to know a bit about what “flourishing” means to you. This could be:

• Degree-oriented
• Career-focused
• A combination of two or all three of the previous options.

Does “flourishing” mean that you have the opportunity to engage in undergraduate research? Or does it mean taking advantage of internship opportunities? Does it mean continuing your advocacy work with a specific population? Does it mean exposing yourself to new perspectives and viewpoints?

Next, you’ll want to take note of the fact that the prompt wants to know how you hope to flourish at Emory specifically (not just at college in general). As such, you should consider discussing Emory-specific offerings that reinforce your ideas and are distinct from those mentioned in the earlier “Academic Interests” prompt.  Such school-specific detail can take an essay from good to great.

d) Emory University’s core mission calls for service to humanity. Share how you might personally contribute to this mission.

To truly understand where Emory is coming from with this question, one needs to look no further than the school’s own mission statement: “Emory University’s mission is to create, preserve, teach, and apply knowledge in the service of humanity.”

If you have been involved in some type of charitable/community service endeavor throughout your high school years, this is a great opportunity to speak about that venture in more detail. Looking forward, how might you continue the work you’ve been doing? You can also connect your aspirations in this realm to specific service opportunities that are available at Emory.

e) Emory University has a strong commitment to building community. Tell us about a community you have been part of where participation helped to change or shape the community for the better.

“Community” can be defined in myriad ways: it could be large-scale, like an ethnic, religious, or neighborhood community, or small-scale, like a group of individuals who gather for a club, sport, or service project.

Most applicants to Emory are involved in at least one “community.” You may be the captain of a team, the editor-in-chief of your school paper, a member of your town’s trail clean-up team… but don’t just rest on those laurels—instead, bring your involvement to life. Use your writing ability to  show  what type of community member you are rather than merely  telling . What is your role within your chosen community? Within that role, how do you lead, guide, or interact with others? What have you learned and how have you grown? How have you positively impacted your chosen community? Strive for personal detail here rather than re-hashing your resume.

f) Reflection is a central tenet of Emory University’s values. Craft a personal email giving advice to yourself in your first year of high school.

You know the old saying “Hindsight is 20/20”? Think about the transition to your freshman year of high school: What were you nervous or anxious about? What did you spend too much time thinking about? What didn’t you spend enough time thinking about? Is there anything you wish you had done or approached differently? Did you face any significant personal or academic obstacles? If any of those questions resonate, this could be a great prompt for you. Think about how you’ve grown and changed over the past four years, and what you’d tell fourteen-year-old you as a result. The goal here isn’t to lament your decisions or be hard on yourself, but instead to show the admissions committee that you’re thoughtful, self-compassionate, and capable of growth.

One piece of advice here: given the tight word count, don’t get too caught up in the “personal email” directive and spend too much valuable space on creative formatting.

How important are the Emory supplemental essays?

Emory views six factors as being “very important” to their applicant evaluation process. They are: the rigor of one’s coursework, the GPA earned, recommendations, character/personal qualities, extracurricular activities, and talent/ability. The essays are “important,” alongside standardized test scores and volunteer work.

Want personalized assistance with the Emory supplemental essays?

If you are interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your Emory supplemental essays, we encourage you to  get a quote  today.

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Emory University is a highly selective, private research university in Atlanta , Georgia , with only an 18% acceptance rate . Due to its competitive application process, there are two required Emory supplemental essays . This helps the admissions committee personalize their admission decisions among a large pool of equally qualified high school applicants with impressive GPAs and high test scores . Emory supplementals are key factors in the admissions process, so its important to familiarize yourself with past Emory University essay prompts , Emory essays that worked, and tips for writing compelling Emory supplemental essays that will help you stand apart from other applicants.

Emory University has an esteemed liberal arts college, noteworthy professional and graduate programs, and is well-known for its healthcare system. The school attracts lots of medical students and is recognized as one of the nation’s leaders in research. There are lots of reasons why Emory University receives so much attention, and there are lots of qualified applicants who would like to take advantage of the great opportunities Emory has to offer. Read on to gain insights and tips on how to write a successful supplemental essay .

Before you get started on your Emory University supplemental essays for 2022-23:

As a highly-selective institution, Emory University requires two Emory supplemental essays as a part of its application. These brief essays, both of which are under 200 words, help Emory’s admissions officers get a feel for applicants’ individual personalities, passions, and opinions. Test scores and statistics are important, but each Emory University application essay helps narrow down prospective students and personalize the admissions process. Focus on writing personal, compelling Emory supplemental essays in order to stand out and give the admission committee a reason to want to admit you. Emory supplemental essays are typically announced around the end of June. In the meantime, in order to prepare for the college application season, familiarize yourself with the Emory supplemental essays of 2021. 

How to answer the “Academic interests” Emory essay prompts

The first Emory University supplemental essay is always the same and is devoted to your academic interests . This essay is 200 words and is often referred to as the “why this major?” essay. The specific Emory essay prompt is: 

What academic areas are you interested in exploring in college? 

Of course, not all incoming freshman know what they want to major in; don’t let this dissuade you. Use this Emory application essay to convey your passion for and commitment to learning — regardless of whether or not you know what you’d like to study. 

Generally, though, your college essay should answer the following questions:  Why this major? How will this major help you achieve your goals? How will  Emory University  help you specifically?  In terms of organization, addressing these questions, in this order, is straightforward, flows well, and is well-structured.

Step 1: Brainstorm

Brainstorm thoroughly before you start writing your Emory personal statement . Jot down bullet points, record your stream of consciousness, or discuss the Emory essay prompt aloud with a friend. Whatever works best for you. The point is, in order to write a powerful, concise supplemental essay (remember, you only have 200 words!) , you need to have a clear focus and already know what you want to say. Do your best to communicate your personal connection to your chosen essay prompts when drafting your short answer responses. Otherwise, you risk rambling. Take time to reflect deeply before you jump into this part of college admissions . 

Step 2: Why This Major?

Start your Emory supplement essay by explaining why you are passionate about your prospective major. How did you develop an interest in this subject? When did you encounter or experience this subject for the first time ? How will it help you personally and professionally? Why do you believe it is important? 

Be as specific and personal as possible. Ideally, you want to tell a story. A good way to begin this essay is to share a short personal anecdote. Remember though, you only have 200 words so be concise. Just because the essay is brief does not mean it cannot be filled with lots of unique, interesting details.

Step 3: Goals and Aspirations

Discuss some of your greater, post-college goals and aspirations in this Emory University supplemental. This might be highly specific (i.e. a detailed career path), or it may be more abstract (such as pursuing a set of values or ideals). The point is to contextualize your course of study. How does your major fit into the world? Why is it important? What do you hope to accomplish by pursuing this major? Use lots of details.

Step 4: Why Emory?

Conclude your essay by discussing how Emory University , specifically, will help you reach your personal, academic, and professional goals. Again, you want to be as specific as possible, so research the university and your major carefully. Mentioning specific courses, resources, and professors by name will help communicate to the admissions officers that you are committed not only to your education, but to Emory University as well. The admissions officers want to create a dynamic campus community. Therefore, they prioritize admitting applicants who are serious about making the most of Emory University ’s unique resources. 

Step 5: Edit and Proofread

Give yourself enough time to proofread and edit. Ask for feedback on your Emory University application essay from your teachers, peers, guidance counselor, parents, etc. Be confident that your essay is free from grammatical errors.  

How to answer the academic interests Emory essay prompts

There are five essay prompts to choose from for the second Emory supplemental essay . Consider each prompt carefully. Your Emory University essays should feel genuine and natural. There are no “right” answers, so don’t get distracted by what you think might sound impressive. The admissions committee wants to get to know you, so always be truthful and genuine. 

Although the specific essay prompts change year to year, they are typically centered around something meaningful in your life that has changed you in some way. This could include an experience you’ve had, a personal insight, or a field you’re passionate about.

Emory Essay Prompt 1

Reflect on a personal experience where you intentionally expanded your cultural awareness..

Should you choose this prompt?

Certain areas of the country are much more diverse than others. Only choose this Emory essay prompt if you have real, first-hand experiences of cultural diversity. This is a good prompt to choose if you are an international student, a cultural minority, or grew up in a culturally diverse community. Don’t choose this prompt if you are merely interested in cultural diversity, but do not have any actual, lived experiences to discuss.

The right strategy for this prompt

Like with all of the Emory supplemental essays , be specific, direct, and honest. Do not make up details to make your experience or your reaction seem more impressive. The admission committee wants to see how you interact with others and are able to gain personal insights and integrate them into your actions and worldview. Emory University has a diverse campus culture, so use this essay to show how you can contribute to Emory’s diverse student body and overall sense of community.

Emory Essay Prompt 2

When was the last time you questioned something you had thought to be true.

Choose this prompt if you can easily think of a time when you questioned a religious, political, or otherwise deeply personal view. For instance, did you decide to become a vegetarian after watching a documentary about factory farming? Were you raised in a homophobic household but realized that you wanted to be more open and welcoming? 

To answer this prompt well, you will need to focus on a specific event. Show how this instance inspired, challenged, and changed you. Emory University values students who are willing and able to challenge their existing beliefs and grow.  Are you intellectually curious? Are you able to change your mind? Are you comfortable stepping out of your comfort zone?

Emory Essay Prompt 3

If you could witness a historic event (past, present or future) first-hand, what would it be, and why.

This essay prompt gives you the opportunity to show some of your passions, interests, and values. Choose this prompt if you can think of an answer that clearly resonates with you. Have you always been fascinated by a specific moment in time or a historical event ? Perhaps you wish you could go back in time to experience an event that was particularly impactful for a loved one so that you can understand them better. Or maybe you are passionate about Ancient Egypt or Ancient Greece.

Set the scene and describe the event in detail. Use literary devices such as imagery and metaphors. Then explain why this event is important to you personally. Use the beginning of your essay to share your passion for and knowledge of the subject. Then use the remainder of your essay to explain why you’d like to witness this event.

Emory Essay Prompt 4

Share about a time when you were awestruck..

Are you a thoughtful, reflective person? Do you regularly experience awe or feel inspired by nature, music, etc.? This is a great Emory essay prompt to choose if you can think of a powerful instance of feeling inspired.

Choose a specific instance to focus on. Even if you are routinely inspired by nature, choose a specific memory and describe it in detail. The admission committee wants to know what moves you and where you find inspiration. Then focus on how this instance of inspiration has had a positive impact on your life. Make sure you clearly communicate how your experience of awe changed you.

Emory Essay Prompt 5

Which book, character, song, monologue, or piece of work (fiction or non-fiction) seems made for you why.

This prompt is great for avid readers, musicians, and other creative types. Your connection to this book, character, song, etc.  should feel natural and genuine.

Choose something that holds personal meaning to you. Do not try to choose an “impressive” answer. Start your essay by describing the work in detail and then showing how it connects to your larger personality, interests, and passions.

Emory essays that worked: 3 inspiring Emory essay examples

Thankfully Emory University provides top-tier examples every year of successful Emory secondary essays. In this article we will look at several Emory essay examples and discuss why each of these Emory personal statements is successful. 

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Emory Essay Example 1

My interest in Gender and Sexuality Studies was sparked in my eighth grade Civics class when we studied topics pertaining to sexual equality. I went into the class knowing I believed women had a right to make choices for their own bodies and that view remained the same, but I discovered the complexity of abortion debates. I challenged myself by thinking about the disparity between actual and potential personhood and the moral rights of unconscious lives. If pregnancy had the same consequences for men as it does women, how might the debate be different? Would this debate even exist? 

A year later, I shadowed an OB/GYN at a nearby hospital. On my first shift, I watched an incarcerated woman receive a postpartum exam after giving birth in her cell toilet with just Advil, and the issues discussed in Civics suddenly became urgent and real.

My school projects have often focused on reproductive rights. I’ve spent numerous hours delving into summaries of Supreme Court cases on abortion and contraception, and I’m even known as the “Tampon Fairy” at school because I frequently restock the school bathrooms with tampons and condoms.  

I’m interested in exploring how Gender and Sexuality Studies connect to Public Health and Reproductive Biology, as well as Public Policy and Law. The interdisciplinary nature of this major will allow me to investigate many other areas of study and create a more nuanced understanding of how this particular field interacts with our world and society. 

There is no one “right” way to write successful Emory supplementals. In fact, Emory University says “We encourage you to be thoughtful and not stress about what the right answer might be. We simply want to get to know you better.” A general sense of direction can be helpful, however, so here are some helpful tips to get you started on your Emory essays. 

Why did this essay work?

This essay is concise, contains interesting details, and follows a clear narrative arc. The student shows how she is willing to change her mind and follow her passion in interesting ways. This student is clearly passionate about her course of study and shows a commitment to the subject matter, academically through her research, and personally through their unique actions as the “Tampon Fairy.” This Emory personal statement is detailed, emotional, passionate, and grants the reader insight into the student’s various ways of learning and interacting with the world. 

Emory Essay Example 2

“If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” the book goes, then the mouse will ask for a glass of milk. If you ask me a question, I’ll answer with another question. 

I’m naturally inquisitive. As a girl, I’d interrogate my parents during 13-hour flights to Beijing: “If we’re traveling to a later time zone, does that mean we’re entering the future?” or “If planes have autopilot, why do we need pilots?” 

Today, my curiosity has transitioned to topics like thermodynamics. Through questioning, I’ve made boring lectures more engaging for me and my peers, while also helping us better internalize the information and develop an appreciation for scientific theories—the ideal gas law and atomic configuration—that help us make sense of our surroundings. 

Questioning my surroundings has allowed me to find my voice in the crowd, letting me step out of my comfort zone while furthering my and my peers’ knowledge.

The opening of this essay is creative and concise. This fictional mouse is known for its dizzying insistence and humor and is an effective cultural touchstone. It hooks the reader, is witty, and demonstrates the student’s personality clearly. Overall, this essay covers a lot of ground in a short amount of space, spanning from childhood to present day. It is humorous, warm, and clearly demonstrates the student’s inquisitive nature and how this will enhance Emory’s academic culture.

Emory Essay Example 3

In 2018, I was eager to see the Senate vote on DACA, an issue I only knew through debate, so I sat in the Senate gallery for 8 hours, surrounded by DREAMers in neon-orange shirts. When Senator McConnell quoted the White House calling the DREAMers unlawful immigrants, we exchanged grimaces. When Senator Schumer listed all he was willing to give up to save DACA, I smiled at the woman next to me. 

As we sat for hours with no food, water, or bathroom breaks, I began to understand the gravity of the issue, realizing the impact 60 people can have on millions, through just one vote. After the government shut down without passing protections for DREAMers, I understood the human impact of our immigration policies. This experience expanded my awareness of the struggle that immigrants go through, and I recognized my responsibility in seeking justice for others. 

This Emory secondary essay hones in on a specific event and shows how the student is willing and able to learn and form new opinions, and apply personal insights to policy. The fact that the student attended this Senate Vote shows that they actively seek out new learning experiences, surround themselves with new people and communities, and are eager to enact change.

Extra tips for a killer Emory supplemental essay

Include lots of details. Try to be as specific as possible. Use precise words. You only have 200 words or less to communicate something important in each of these supplemental essays . Do your best to make each word count . 

Establish a tone. Emory University wants to know who you are, so try your best to convey your personality. Try to write the way you talk. If you’re bubbly and personable, do your best to convey that. If you’re shy and thoughtful, try to communicate that. If you have an interesting sense of humor, use that!

Choose a unique topic or approach your topic in a unique way. You want to be memorable so brainstorm interesting topics or unique ways to structure your essay. For example, if you love theater,  write your essay with stage directions. If you’re involved in orchestra, use music theory vocabulary to discuss something non music-related. Your topic itself could be fairly common and straightforward, but if you have an interesting, unique way of discussing it, you’ll have a better chance of being remembered.

Connect your story with the present. The experience you write about doesn’t necessarily have to be recent, but try to convey how your experiences continue to have meaning in the present. The admission committee wants to know how you learn, grow, and create meaning. 

Key takeaways on Emory essays

There are lots of factors to consider when writing a successful Emory supplemental. There are countless decisions to make about your topic, which Emory essay prompt to choose, vocabulary, style, etc. but there are also some more logistical questions to consider. In the following section, we will go over some of these frequently asked questions and answers.

Emory requires 2 supplemental essays . The first essay is academic-focused and is 200 words. The second essay is more reflective and should grant the admissions committee insight into your personality. Emory supplemental essays give you the opportunity to make your application stand out and be memorable.

Emory University is a test-optional school that allows students to either self-report or send official score reports. The test-optional application component, along with the two ways of reporting is meant to increase student accessibility. The writing portion of the SAT is also optional for this reason. 

Emory supplemental essay prompts come out during the summer, typically around the end of June. The first essay prompt , however, is always the same: What academic areas are you interested in exploring in college? The five essay prompts for the “ getting to know you ” essay vary year to year. Past essay prompts , however, can help you begin brainstorming before the prompts are available. Check the Emory website to stay up to date. 

Think outside the box! How can you be creative while still being genuine? If your essay is gimmicky, the admissions staff will know. Authenticity is key. There are lots of ways to stand out. Think about what makes you unique and brainstorm from there. The possibilities are endless!

Emory University is a highly-selective institution with an 18% acceptance rate . Lots of qualified students apply, but there are only so many available slots. Emory supplemental essays give you a chance to stand out from your peers by sharing who you are as a person and what you care about. Choose your essay question carefully; ideally, choose a prompt that differs from your common app college essay . 

• November 10, 2020
• 12th Grade , College Admissions

How to Write Emory Supplemental Essays: 2022-23 Guide

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Emory University Supplemental Essays Guide: 2021-2022

Not sure how to approach the Emory essay prompts? CollegeAdvisor.com’s guide to the Emory supplemental essays will show you exactly how to write engaging Emory supplemental essays and maximize your chances of admission. If you need help answering the Emory University essay prompts, create your  free account  or  schedule a no-cost advising consultation  by calling  (844) 343-6272 .

Emory  Essay Guide Quick Facts:

• Emory has an acceptance rate of 19.0%— U.S. News  ranks Emory as a  highly selective  school.
• In addition to your personal statement, there are  two  Emory supplemental essays you will need to complete. The first of the Emory essay prompts asks about your academic interests. The second asks you to choose from five additional Emory essay prompts so the admissions team can get to know you better.

Does Emory Require Supplemental Essays?

Yes. In addition to your  Common App  or  Coalition App  personal statement, you will also need to answer two shorter Emory essay prompts. Along with your personal statement, extracurriculars, and academic history, your Emory supplemental essays play a key role in sharing who you are with the admissions team. Be sure to take your time with each Emory University essay and consider how the topics you choose enhance your application narrative.

Need some help writing your Common App essay? Get great tips from our Common App essay  guide .

What are the Emory Supplemental Essays?

There are  two  school-specific Emory supplemental essays in the 2021-2022 application. Both Emory University essay prompts are  required , meaning you must complete both Emory University essay prompts to submit your application. While the first of the Emory University essay prompts is the same for all applicants, the second asks you to choose your own prompt.

To complete your Emory supplemental essays, you will need to take some time to decide which Emory essay prompt will best showcase who you are, what matters to you, and why you’d be a good fit for Emory.

How do I Write the Emory Supplemental Essays?

Let’s break down the Emory University essay prompts!

The Emory supplemental essays allow you to use your own voice to show your readers who you are as a person. Neither of the Emory essay prompts explicitly asks, “Why Emory?”; however, each of your responses should answer this question. When they read your Emory supplemental essays, the admissions team should be able to imagine you on their campus.

Now, as you begin considering the Emory essay prompts think about the picture you want to paint for your readers. What is important to you? Why is Emory the best place for you to continue pursuing your passions? Don’t worry if you don’t feel you’ve found your “passion” quite yet. Remember, college is all about exploring and cultivating your interests. Most importantly, your Emory supplemental essays should reveal your potential to make an impact on Emory’s campus, even if you don’t have a clear set of goals.

Make some lists

If you’re having trouble coming up with something to write about for your Emory application essay, try making two bulleted lists: “What Do I Think About” and “Characteristics of Me.” This is only a brainstorm, so include everything that comes to mind. What do you think about your stamp collection? Your dance class routines? Do you have a favorite subject in school? Are there certain aspects of your identity you have a strong connection to?

Then, turn to your own characteristics. Are you independent? Do you like doing research? Do you love collaboration? Once you have these lists side by side, look for ideas that connect with one another. Use this brainstorm as a way to consider not only  what  you will write about but  how  it connects to you.

We have provided the 2021-2022 Emory University essay  prompts  below. You’ll find a breakdown of how to approach each Emory University essay in addition to your personal statement. We’ll also discuss tips for writing Emory supplemental essays that will help you stand out in admissions.

Emory Supplemental Essays – Question 1 (Required)

What academic areas are you interested in exploring in college? (200 words or less).

The first Emory application essay is about your  academic interests . When writing this Emory essay, remember to stay in the realm of  academics . Even if you are passionate about activities outside of the classroom—like athletics or the arts—you’ll want to spend this essay describing your academic engagements. In general, ground your essay in a few academic disciplines and build from there. For example, if you’re interested in Astronomy, you might focus your Emory application essay on specific classes, student groups, or research opportunities related to this topic.

Your first step in writing your Emory University essay is to pick your academic area(s) of interest. Start by looking at Emory’s list of  majors, minors, and programs . For example, if you are passionate about painting, look at the Art History Department’s  website  to see what topics and classes that Emory offers excite you. If you are interested in writing, explore Emory’s pages on English, English and creative writing, English and history, and playwriting to see which program best fits your interests.

Remember, you only have 200 words in this Emory essay. Consequently, you’ll want to be clear and concise in your response. Even if you brainstorm a list and find ten areas of study that excite you, pick two or three areas to focus on in your Emory application essay. This will let you tell a story in your Emory University essay rather than simply listing your interests. Once you have picked your topic(s), think about  why  these academic areas interest you,  what  you hope to learn about them, and  why  Emory is the right place for you to do so.

Emory Essay Draft Key Questions:

• Does my response highlight an area of study Emory offers classes in?
• Do I reflect my genuine interests in my Emory essay?
• Does my response answer the questions of why am I interested, what do I hope to learn, and why is Emory the place to do it?

Emory Supplemental Essays – Question 2 (Required)

Answer one of the following questions (in 150 words or less):

1. Reflect on a personal experience where you intentionally expanded your cultural awareness.

2. When was the last time you questioned something you had thought to be true?

3. If you could witness a historic event (past, present, or future) first-hand, what would it be, and why?

4. Share about a time when you were awestruck.

5. Which book, character, song, monologue, or piece of work (fiction or non-fiction) seems made for you? Why?

On closer inspection, the second Emory application essay is about  getting to know you . Unlike the first Emory supplemental essay, this Emory essay prompt allows you to select your own question. Take advantage of this opportunity—spend time with each of the Emory essay prompts and select the one that most engages you. When considering topics, remember to review your other essays and think about how you can share something new!

However, if the thought of picking just one of these Emory essay prompts seems daunting, try a timed freewrite, or brainstorming session. To begin, write out five lists: “cultural awareness,” “questioned truth,” “historic event,” “awestruck,” and “art made for you.” Then, take five minutes with each list and write out anything that comes to mind. Feel free to just write a few words or go more in-depth with your bullets and add details. In less than thirty minutes, you should have a substantial list of potential Emory essays.

As you narrow down your ideas to respond to the Emory University essay prompts, consider how your topic can share something important about you as a person. In general, the best Emory essays will be the most authentic. For example, if you decide to write your Emory essay for Prompt #5 about a book or character, be sure to focus on the words “ made for you .” Even if you really like a character from your favorite TV show, think about what that character really means to you.

Affirm and/or change

If you’re having trouble finding a deeper, personal connection to your Emory University essay topic, ask yourself this question: does this thing or experience  affirm  or  change  who I am or how I see the world? Following the example of Prompt #5, does this character affirm something about my identity? Did they change my perception of myself? Do we have a shared experience? Did they show me a new way of thinking?

No matter what prompt you select for your second Emory University essay, keep the 150-word limit in mind. If you are having trouble staying under the world limit, consider how to make your sentences more concise. For example, instead of repeating the prompt in your response and starting with “____ is a character that was made for me,” try diving straight into the  why  in your topic sentence and elaborating from there.

• Does my response reflect something important to me?
• Do I address the specific question asked in the selected prompt?
• Does my response tell a story of my change and growth?
• Do I avoid repeating information found elsewhere in my application?

How Important are Emory’s Supplemental Essays?

The Emory supplemental essays are extremely important to your application. Overall, the university will consider your Emory supplemental essays alongside your transcript, personal statement, and extracurricular activities before they turn to your standardized test scores. While it’s a good idea to remember that the essays are just one part of your application, you’ll want to make them as strong as possible to build the most compelling candidate profile. In fact, if you are applying with lower test scores, it is especially important you take your time with each Emory application essay and make sure your final draft is personal and polished.

Emory Essay Quick Tips:

• Write in your own voice! Don’t focus on what you think Emory wants to hear. Instead, focus on being honest and truthful to your experiences.
• Think about what makes you interested in the world, then choose the Emory University essay prompts that helps you best tell your story.
• Proofread, proofread, proofread! If you can, ask a guardian, a counselor, or another mentor to read over your Emory supplemental essays for spelling, grammar, and clarity.

Is there an Emory Personal Statement?

No, there is no dedicated Emory personal statement. However, students who apply through the Common App or Coalition App will have to complete a  Common App  or  Coalition App  essay. This is the longest and most substantial essay Emory application essay.

When considering potential students, Emory’s admissions team looks for high achievers that want to change the world. As you begin brainstorming your Emory supplemental essays and personal statement, think about what kind of story you can tell that will show admissions what you are curious about and how that drives you to action.

Additional Tips for Writing Emory Supplemental Essays and Personal Statements:

To help prospective students, Emory’s Admissions Committee reviews Personal Statements written by current Emory students and highlights why they worked.

Below, you’ll find some tips to help you craft your personal statement. Keep in mind that every Personal Statement and Emory University essay will be different, so don’t panic if these tips don’t apply to your chosen topics. However, as you examine the Emory essay prompts, keep this advice in mind.

Let’s dive in!

Demonstrate your unshakeable curiosity

One trait that Admissions will look for in every Emory essay is curiosity. Your Emory application essay should illustrate what drives your desire to learn more about the world around you. Think about the extracurriculars you love or the classes that most interest you: Why are you drawn to them? How do these different elements of your application relate to one another? Are there similarities that show a common pattern in your thinking, or do you use a variety of approaches to different aspects of your life?

To start, make a list of the classes, sports, clubs, and activities included elsewhere in your application. Then, circle the ones where you feel most successful, motivated, and/or excited. Remember, this Emory University essay is your chance to show admissions  why  these things matter to you. If the interest you choose does not appear elsewhere in your application—like your love of fantasy novels or your interest in astronomy—that’s okay, too! If you have a strong connection to it, it will make a great topic for your Emory essay.

In their feedback for one of the example Emory application essays, the admissions team highlights how the writer communicated their desire to make a positive change in the world. As you craft your Emory University essay, recall Emory’s mission: to use knowledge to serve humanity. Once you have decided on a topic for your Emory University essay, think about why you are curious about it and how that curiosity fits into the bigger picture.

When approaching your prompts, consider telling your story in a progression: what are you curious about, how are you influenced by your curiosity, and how does your willingness to pursue this curiosity impact the world?

Describe a time your perspective shifted

Many successful Emory application essays highlight an important element of their university’s culture: community. As you review example Emory supplemental essays, notice how writers address the relationship between their own interiority and the communities they occupy. Successful Emory University essays offer the admissions team a glimpse of how a student’s community has influenced their beliefs; these essays then allow readers to imagine what this student would bring to Emory’s community.

Make a list of the communities and people that are important to you. What role do you play in these communities? How have these communities impacted you? How have you, in turn, impacted these communities?

Emory’s essays that focus on community, however, do present some challenges. As you answer the Emory University essay prompts, while you can talk about other people and experiences, make sure to center the bulk of your essay around you. Once you’ve completed a draft, write out a summary of how each paragraph connects to you. Think to yourself, how does this section of my essay reflect my curiosity? Something I’ve learned? A perspective I will bring with me into the future? Remember, if it doesn’t show Emory something about who you are, you may not need it in your essay.

If you’d like to see more examples of exceptional Emory personal statements and why they work, check out Emory’s Inside Admissions  blog .

Emory Supplemental Essays: Final Thoughts

As you work on your Emory Supplemental Essays, remember that they are part of a holistic application. Admissions will use your Emory essays and other materials to create a full picture of who you are and why you’d be an asset to Emory. You should view each Emory University essay, including your Common App Personal Statement, as complementary pieces that work together to tell the story of you. As you think about why Emory is the right school for you, allow yourself time to sit with the Emory University essay prompts, think about what is most important to you, and let your personality shine through!

If answering these Emory essay prompts seems like a challenge, remember that starting is the hardest part. The best thing you can do for yourself is to start early. This gives you the benefit of time to ensure your Emory supplemental essays are focused and clear. Give yourself enough time to write, rewrite, edit, and polish each of your responses to the Emory essay prompts.

This 2021-2022 essay guide on Emory University was written by Stefanie Tedards, Northwestern ‘17. For more CollegeAdvisor.com resources on Emory, click  here . Want help crafting your Emory supplemental essays? Create your free  account  or  schedule a no-cost advising consultation  by calling (844) 343-6272.

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Command Education Guide

How to write the emory university essays, updated for 2023-2024.

What academic areas are you interested in exploring at Emory University and why? (200 words or fewer)

Explanation:

As you tackle this prompt, it is important to remember that there is no particular academic area that the committee is looking for in your response. What is important is that you express both your authentic interests and why Emory specifically has the resources to help you explore your interests. Do your research. What professors, programs does Emory offer? What research do these professors conduct in your field of study? This essay should be specific enough that it could not possibly be written for a different college!

Many people assume that my passions—scientific research, mock trial, and acting— have little in common. However, this could not be further from the truth: all three offer lenses through which I seek to understand human behavior. Double majoring in Psychology and Theater Studies at Emory will allow me to continue this investigation from both scientific and artistic perspectives.

At Emory, I hope to research with psychology faculty mentor Patricia J. Bauer, whose research focuses on determinants of remembering and forgetting within memory. I hope to further understand how factors affecting memory influence human behavior through this work.

In addition, the holistic curriculum of Emory’s theater department would give me the chance to explore all my interests through theoretical lenses, finding the answers to questions such as ‘why would a character behave in this way?’ or ‘Which set design would be conducive to X or Y response?’ Aside from offering a fascinating interdisciplinary lens through which to explore my interests, I would also look forward to the opportunity to explore multiple sides of theater-making, most notably history and design.

I look forward to the opportunity to develop my understanding of human behavior, and apply my newfound knowledge to the artistic realm.

Please answer one of the following questions: (150 words or fewer)

For all of these questions, the admissions officers are looking for answers that highlight your unique attributes and values. What are your special interests? What makes your approach to the world unique to you? Be sure to use this opportunity to tell a story about yourself. Make sure you have a beginning, middle, and end. Ask yourself, which of these prompts allows you to add a new element to your application. Pick a prompt that allows you to be specific enough that admissions officers feel like they really know you.

1. Which book, character, song, monologue, or other creative work (fiction or nonfiction) seems made for you? Why?

Don’t spend too much time talking about the creative work you choose. In addition, focus less on choosing a creative work that is niche or uncommon and instead put your energy into ensuring that you are describing its significance for you in a unique and meaningful way. How did this creative work impact your life? How can you use this creative work to put an aspect of your personality or life experience into context?

“What matters isn’t if people are good or bad. What matters is, if they’re trying to be better today than they were yesterday. You asked me where my hope comes from? That’s my answer.”

Episode after episode, I watched as Michael helped Eleanor make sense of the world around her, and the repercussions of how she treated those in her community. In the midst of the show’s humor, the writers wove in profound lessons and theories from philosophers throughout history, teaching the audience through laughter.

As someone deeply interested in philosophy and psychology, I am endlessly amused both by the accidental truths that are woven into the show’s banter and by the way in which it demonstrates the absurdity of topics we deem serious. While the show itself is witty and entertaining, it inspires me as a person and student to maintain levity and embrace absurdity.

2. Reflect on a personal experience where you intentionally expanded your cultural awareness.

In answering this question, you should focus on demonstrating cultural growth. Was there a point in your life when something made you realize your cultural shortcomings and then take active steps to fix them? How does this experience impact who you are today? This is an opportunity to talk about how a specific experience inspired you to grow and develop into the person you are now. Consider stories that have a “before” and “after,” or a turning point that made a significant impact on you.

On National Hijab Day, my friend Saman encouraged members of her new club, the Muslim Student Association, to don hijab to see the world through her eyes. As the only Filipino person in our school, I could relate to how my friend must have felt as the only South Asian muslim student, and I wanted to support her as she worked to dispel misconceptions about her religion.

The experience opened up the space for conversations about others’ perceptions of our identities. Saman shared her feelings of isolation, while our friend Samuel, one of the only people of color attending our school, shared instances of microaggressions he had faced in and out of the classroom.

Although we had not previously spoken so openly about our experiences as minority students, I learned a great deal about my friends’ experiences. I look forward to opportunities to further expand my cultural understanding at Emory and beyond.

3. Emory University aspires for all students to flourish on campus. Reflect on what flourishing at Emory means to you.

While this prompt may seem similar to the prompt regarding academic areas of interest, the focus here is different. The first prompt asks applicants to demonstrate specific knowledge of the academic aspects of life at Emory, while this prompt requires you to show how you will thrive on Emory’s campus as a student. This is your opportunity to speak on one of your specific interests and show how you would use that interest to enrich Emory’s campus community. This does not need to be academic. You could use this essay to discuss what hobbies you have and why they bring you happiness. Mention clubs at the university that you would like to join. Is there a club you would like to start? Likewise, you can bring up the school’s traditions and why you connect with them.

Since my stage debut at 6 years old, I have always been fascinated by theater. Despite typically being on stage, I have also nurtured a persistent curiosity about what went on behind the curtain. During any free time at practices, I would sneak up to the lighting grid to examine how it all worked or chat with the props team about the objects neatly laid out offstage. The intricate networks of people working together on stage and off to create a compelling show have become like family to me—the theater is where I flourish.

Becoming a producer with Ad Hoc Productions, the entirely student run musical theater group, would provide me with a new home on Emory’s campus. In a college setting, with student-group level funding, I would continue to learn and grow alongside other performers and theater-makers.

4. Emory University’s core mission calls for service to humanity. Share how you might personally contribute to this mission.

In this prompt as others, specificity is key. Be sure to share any service activities you’ve done and why you care about them. Do research about the service activities and outreach that you could get involved with at Emory and tie those into your personal service goals.

Service has always been an important part of my life. Throughout my childhood, my mom would take my brother and I to volunteer for local food shelters and perform at nursing homes. Seeing the smiles on the faces of the elderly as my brother and I performed instilled in me from a young age the importance of giving back. However, I often felt as though the short hour of volunteering didn’t allow enough time to truly get to know the people we interacted with.

This is why Emory’s Alternative Breaks program within Volunteer Emory would be a great opportunity for me to serve the community and to establish relationships with the people I’m working with. The recent trip combatting Homelessness and Gender Inequality is of particular interest to me, as the emphasis on support for their mental and physical needs is a crucial part of helping homeless women recover.

5. Emory University has a strong commitment to building community. Tell us about a community you have been part of where your participation helped to change or shape the community for the better.

Pick a community that showcases a part of you that you have yet to talk about in your application. Why was this community important to you? How did you identify things you wanted to change? What did it take to change them? How is your community better now than it was before? Did your community need changing? Did you give back in one big way or did you give back in small ways that always worked toward a goal?

500 Saturdays go by so fast.

Every Saturday since I was 6 years old, I sang with the Imagination Players, a performing group that fundraises and brings joy to children’s hospitals, nursing homes, and veterans’ groups.

Kids Runway for Research is one of my favorite annual events. Children with cancer get makeovers and get to be stars for a day. After the event, I dressed up as Moana to go visit the kids who were too sick to participate, some of them younger than I was when I first joined the Imagination Players.

Twelve years with this group taught me that changing and improving the community for the better doesn’t necessarily have to involve wide structural change. It can simply look like many small acts of kindness that improve the lives of community members who are most in need of support.

6. Reflection is a central tenet of Emory University’s values. Craft a personal email giving advice to yourself in your first year of high school.

Remember that the admissions officers don’t know who you were in your first year of high school. Think about an experience you had in high school that you would approach differently now. Break it down into three parts.

• How did you approach the situation then? What was flawed about it? What were the repercussions of approaching it that way? What blind spot did you have at the time that caused a negative outcome?
• What experiences have you had since then that showed you your blind spot? What made you realize that you were wrong?
• How would you approach the situation now? How do you think that might have changed the outcome?

Samantha, High school will be hard. Don’t allow yourself to write off discrimination as common misunderstandings.

For example, junior year, the whole team will vote to demote you (the only woman or person of color) from a lawyer to a witness so that another male teammate can take on two attorney roles. Your scores will be equal to the lawyer they are trying to replace you with.

They’ll explain that, “you seem to be better at emotional aspects of mock trial than the logical ones. We think you’re better as a witness.”

“How could my friends be sexist?” You’ll think to yourself. Well, they’re high school boys with a lot of learning to do. They see you as traditionally female: passive, emotional. They see themselves as “aggressive” men: leaders.

Don’t be afraid to stand your ground. By denying their discrimination against you, they take away your power. Don’t let them.

Chin up. -Samantha

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How to Write the Emory Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

September 6, 2023

If you feel a strong pull towards Emory University, it's likely due to a multitude of reasons. Perhaps it's the appeal of smaller class sizes or the state-of-the-art lab facilities in Atlanta that have captured your attention. As a renowned research university, Emory looks for students who aren't afraid to take initiative in their communities and dedicate themselves to achieving their goals. By delving into your diverse interests and experiences, you have the ability to convince the admissions officers of your exceptional qualities and unwavering work ethic. In this blog post, I have provided a comprehensive discussion of the essay prompts and offered additional tips to help you successfully tackle the Emory supplemental essays for the 2023-2024 application cycle .

Emory Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

Academic interests (required), what academic areas are you interested in exploring at emory university and why (150-200 words recommended length).

The goal of this question is to assess whether you have done your research to determine if Emory is the right fit for you. InGenius Prep counselor Ken Johnson, who worked as an Admissions Officer at Emory, adds, “If you show you can write about some of Emory’s unique aspects that fit your particular academic interests or needs, then you will help admissions make a decision in your favor.”

If you have already decided on a major, visit the Academics section on Emory’s website, and thoroughly acquaint yourself with the offerings available. This will provide you with valuable insights into the courses, research programs, internships, and even professors that may be of interest to you. 

However, do not simply list what interests you. Ken adds, “The key point of the question is “why”.  Explain why the items you highlight interest you. It is better to focus on 2-3 things and explain in some detail why it is what you’re looking for and excited about. So rather than try to cover a lot of things superficially, scan and see what catches your eye. Then zero in on it and explain why.” Remember, the point is for admissions officers to gain insight into your interests and motivations, so don’t spend time reiterating information from the website.

If you are undecided and unsure about your major, don't worry! Emory has a liberal arts model of education, which means they encourage all students to explore various subjects and gain a breadth of knowledge and learning experiences. Emory's General Education Requirements are divided into four main areas, and two of these areas are particularly well-suited for showcasing why Emory is a great fit for you – even if you haven't decided on a major yet. 

First, there is “Exploration”, which encourages you to try courses from different disciplines. In this instance, Ken recommends that you mention 2 very different courses you’d like to check out. Second, there is “Experience and Application”, which presents an exceptional opportunity for students to gain practical experience and explore various career paths from the numerous organizations, research institutions, non-profits, and businesses that Emory is closely affiliated with. Ken also notes, "You might notice that the four areas of General Education requirements – exploration, communication, community/belonging, and practical experience – are related in part to the questions below."

Getting to Know You

In addition, please answer one of the following questions. (150 words)

Essay Option 1

Which book, character, song, monologue, or piece of work (fiction or non-fiction) seems made for you why.

For this prompt, you have the freedom to choose anything that resonates with you – whether it's from a movie, show, comedy routine, cartoon/anime, or even something outside of traditional literature like novels, short stories, or poems.

Ken adds, “The point is to explain how/why you relate to this piece of work. For example, with Japanese anime, such as the Evangelion series, I’ve seen students relate to it in completely different ways. One could relate to a character; another could relate to a philosophical theme, and another could relate to the artistic and production qualities. In explaining how you relate, you will reveal something about your own personality, interests, and even biases.” 

Essay Option 2

Reflect on a personal experience where you intentionally expanded your cultural awareness..

Oftentimes, the first thing that comes to mind when reflecting on expanding cultural awareness is the experience of traveling abroad. While this can be a transformative experience, you don't have to choose an exotic location to impress admissions officers. What matters most is how you gained insight into a culture that is different from your own – regardless of where you were.

In fact, even without leaving your home country, there are countless ways to expand your cultural awareness. Perhaps you visited an art or history museum in your town, which exposed you to different perspectives and artistic expressions. Alternatively, maybe you immersed yourself in a different genre of music, either by attending a concert or actively listening – which opened your ears to new sounds and rhythms. Or perhaps, you watched a foreign film recently that opened your mind to different storytelling techniques and another culture's cinematic traditions. 

But sometimes, it's the simplest of experiences that can have the biggest impact – like trying a new ethnic cuisine for the first time, opening your taste buds to the rich tapestry of culinary traditions and the cultural significance of food. Even without venturing far, the possibilities for expanding your cultural awareness are endless. Reflect on how these experiences broadened your understanding and appreciation of different cultures. Did it challenge any preconceived notions or biases you may have had? Did it spark a curiosity to learn more about the history, traditions, or customs of the culture you encountered? 

By delving into these aspects, you will demonstrate not only your willingness to embrace diversity but also your ability to engage with and learn from different cultures. Throughout your response, remember to incorporate anecdotes and describe how these experiences have shaped your perspective and understanding of the world. Ken also adds, "Consider concluding this essay with a brief statement about why “expanding” your cultural awareness proved valuable to you." 

Essay Option 3

Emory university aspires for all students to flourish on campus. reflect on what flourishing at emory means to you..

“Flourishing” at Emory means more than just academic success; it encompasses personal growth and development in all aspects of life. Imagine yourself as a seed, planted in the nurturing environment of the Emory campus. Just as a seed needs the right soil, temperature, humidity, water, and sunlight to flourish and bloom, you too need the right conditions to thrive.

To get a deeper understanding of the non-academic aspects of life at Emory, take a look at the Explore section on Emory’s website . Here, you will find a wealth of opportunities and activities that can enrich your life on campus. From joining student organizations and clubs to participating in community service projects, there are countless ways that you can enrich your experience at Emory.

When writing about how you can contribute to this vibrant campus life, consider your unique skills, interests, and passions. Are you a natural leader who can organize events and bring people together? Do you have a talent for public speaking or performing arts that can add excitement to campus events? Are you passionate about community service and eager to make a difference in the lives of others?

Remember, Emory values holistic development . Reflect on how you envision yourself actively engaging in campus life – therefore, creating a fulfilling and well-rounded college experience for yourself and your peers.

Essay Option 4

Emory university’s unique mission calls for service to humanity. share how you might personally contribute to this mission of service to humanity..

If you choose to answer this question, first read Emory’s own statements of its vision and mission . Emory University takes great pride in its affiliation with Jimmy Carter's Carter Center , a world-renowned organization dedicated to promoting peace, health, and human rights. In fact, in recognition of his contributions, Emory appointed President Carter as a Distinguished Professor at the university after his presidency. Human rights were a major theme of President Carter's time in office, and the Carter Center continues to engage in numerous service projects around the world.

Therefore, Emory particularly favors students who have a strong commitment to service and community involvement, which would be evident in your Activities List section of the application. For this prompt, Ken highly recommends that you mention your interest in Volunteer Emory , a student-run organization that offers a wide range of volunteer placement opportunities. 

Throughout your response, reflect on your commitment to making a positive impact in the world and provide examples, like Volunteer Emory, for how to plan to contribute to their mission. Remember, your goal is to show the admissions officers at Emory that you are a student actively engaged in service, plan on continuing your volunteering efforts, and seek to cultivate a community of individuals dedicated to service and social responsibility.

Essay Option 5

Emory university has a strong commitment to building community. tell us about a community that you have been part of where your participation helped to change or shape the community for the better..

Like the previous question, you should only consider answering this question if you have a strong service record on your Activities List and Honors/Awards sections of your Common Application. Additionally, keep in mind that the term "community" should be interpreted broadly. It can encompass physical communities, such as neighborhoods or schools, but it can also refer to social, academic, athletic, ethnic, gender, sexual orientation, or other communities. The focus for this prompt should be on how you personally contributed to improving or shaping the community. 

Ken adds, “You should refer (but not repeat the description) of a service activity, mainly focusing on the results and impact of your participation.” For instance, if you were part of a volunteer program that aimed to improve literacy rates in underserved communities, you could discuss how your dedication and efforts led to an increase in reading levels among the children you worked with. Highlight the specific strategies you employed, such as implementing interactive learning activities or creating a supportive and encouraging environment, and explain how these initiatives positively influenced the community. By expanding on your personal contributions and the tangible outcomes you achieved, you will effectively demonstrate your commitment to creating positive change in various communities.

Essay Option 6

Reflection is a central tenet of emory university’s values. craft a personal email providing advice to yourself in your first year of high school..

This is your chance to be creative! Use humor, or even be serious and lighthearted as you provide advice to your younger self.  Ken notes, "Think of things you had the most trouble with or things that you wish others would have told/warned you about. Your advice could focus on personal things – like getting to class on time, where to study, whether to join a club or team, your participation in class, procrastinating on assignments, etc.”

You could also reflect on things you wish others would have warned you about. Do you have any regrets or actions you wish you had done differently during your first challenging year of high school? As you write this email to your younger self, remember to share your personal experiences and insights to show the admissions officers a different side of you. 

Additional Tips for Writing the Emory Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

Now that you’ve taken a look at the prompts for the Emory supplemental essays , here are a few tips to help your brainstorming process: 

• Choose your prompt strategically. Pick a topic that you believe will bring the best out of you, and help paint an accurate picture of your personality and values. You want to choose the topic that brings forward the qualities that make you a unique and valuable applicant.
• Don’t repeat your personal statement or your activities list. The goal of the Emory supplemental essays is to provide further information on who you are and what you’re all about. Before you start writing, map out potential essays for different prompts. Compare your outlines and make sure that when side-by-side, they bring out different strengths. Most importantly, make sure that they do not repeat what’s in the rest of your application. Use every opportunity to tell the admissions office something new about you. Don’t repeat yourself!

The Emory supplemental essays 2023-2024 present an incredible opportunity to offer the admissions officers a deeper understanding of your character, passions, and ambitions – as well as how an Emory education can propel you toward success. Approach each prompt with the intention of showcasing your individuality and leaving a lasting impression as an exceptional candidate. The goal is to persuasively convey to Emory why you are a student they cannot afford to overlook!

If you are looking for a college admissions counselor to help maximize your chances of getting into your dream school, we can help! InGenius Prep has helped more than 6,000 students around the world gain admission into the most competitive schools including Harvard, Yale, MIT, Johns Hopkins, Cornell, NYU, and more. Sign up for a free strategy call today and join the 6,000+ students we've helped get accepted into their dream schools.

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September 10, 2023

2023-2024 Emory University Supplemental Essay Prompts

Emory University has released its supplemental essay prompts for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle . In addition to The Common Application ’s Personal Statement, applicants to Emory’s Class of 2028 are asked to respond to two 150-word short-answer essay prompts. So, what are this year’s prompts? Let’s dive in!

2023-2024 Emory University Essay Topics and Questions

Academic interests essay.

It’s recommended that students write about 150 words to respond to the first prompt, which is required:

What academic areas are you interested in exploring at Emory University and why?

This prompt is a hybrid question: Why Major and Why College . For the first part of the essay prompt, it would behoove applicants to articulate to Emory’s admissions committee why they wish to study what they wish to study by sharing the origin story of their interest in this discipline. The origin story should always take place during a candidate’s high school years. Too often, students focus on stories that stem from their childhood.

For the second part of the essay prompt, it’s all about capturing specifics about why Emory is the place to pursue this course of study. Too many applicants choose to name-drop professors and list classes in Why College essay prompts when they should instead capture the enduring specifics of a course of study at a school — the research, the programs and institutes, the design of the curriculum, and more. If a sentence in this second half of the essay can apply to another school, it should be deleted.

Getting to Know You Essay Prompts

Applicants must also write a response to one of the following six essay prompts in a recommended length of 150 words.

1. Which book, character, song, monologue, or piece of work (fiction or non-fiction) seems made for you? Why?

We would always prefer students showcase their intellectual curiosity in a short answer like this one. As such, choosing to write about a book (one that ideally is not required reading in classrooms around the world) is always preferred to choosing a song, film, or television series. Wouldn’t it be nice to showcase to Emory’s admissions committee that an applicant reads for pleasure?

2. Reflect on a personal experience where you intentionally expanded your cultural awareness.

Emory’s admissions committee wants to see that applicants have convictions but are also malleable to changing those convictions when presented with differing viewpoints. That’s the beauty of attending a school with a liberal arts curriculum and a diverse student body like Emory. The anecdote an applicant shares in this response should thus showcase the student’s intellectual curiosity as well as open mind.

3. Emory University aspires for all students to flourish on campus. Reflect on what flourishing at Emory means to you.

For this short answer, students can write about virtually anything, though — again — it would behoove them to tell a story highlighting their intellectual curiosity. It could be flourishing through an activity. It could be flourishing through reading an entire shelf of literature on a hot summer afternoon. 

4. Emory University’s unique mission calls for service to humanity. Share how you might personally contribute to this mission of service to humanity.

Too many college applicants feature activities in their Common Application activities section that make it seem like they’re trying to impress admissions officers with what good citizens they are. Too many college applicants think that by volunteering for a lot of hours, it’ll showcase their humanity. But that’s simply  not  how elite college admissions works. Admissions officers want to see a depth of involvement related to a student’s hook. If a student is interested in political science, let’s see how they serve their community by addressing unlevel sidewalks on the streets of their town.

In short, in this answer, it would behoove applicants to tell a small story here — ideally backed up with an activity in their activities section — that shows how they’re acting locally, even if they are thinking globally. 

5. Emory University has a strong commitment to building community. Tell us about a community that you have been part of where your participation helped to change or shape the community for the better.

Here’s Emory’s community essay. In the wake of the United States Supreme Court ruling outlawing Affirmative Action , many universities included community or background questions on this year’s application — to capitalize on the loophole Chief Justice John Roberts penned in the majority opinion.

In that opinion, Chief Justice Roberts wrote, “Nothing in this opinion should be construed as prohibiting universities from considering an applicant’s discussion of how race affected his or her life, be it through discrimination, inspiration, or otherwise.”

Students need not be underrepresented minorities to answer this essay prompt. They can instead focus on their faith, hometown, fellow mathematicians, or just about anything so long as they showcase small moves they made to make these groups they consider community stronger.

6. Reflection is a central tenet of Emory University’s values. Craft a personal email providing advice to yourself in your first year of high school.

This essay offers applicants an opportunity to showcase how they hope to contribute to Emory during their first year. While it’s not a Why Emory essay, it’s a chance to pepper in some specifics that applicants didn’t get to include in the first essay, which focused more on academics at Emory. For this essay, as an example, applicants could instead concentrate on extracurriculars or school traditions. 

Ideally, applicants will highlight how they’re contributing the singular hook they’ve hopefully expressed on their application — rather than well-roundedness — to clarify to Emory’s admissions committee how they’ll make Emory stronger.

Ivy Coach’s Assistance with Emory Essays

If you’re interested in optimizing your case for admission to Emory, complete Ivy Coach ’s free consultation form , and we’ll be in touch to outline our college counseling services for applicants to the Class of 2028.

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Application Tips

We realize the college application process can feel overwhelming sometimes, and we want to help alleviate some of that stress with this advice.

Letters of Recommendation

Carefully select teachers to write your recommendations . They should come from teachers who taught you in a core academic area (English, math, science, social sciences, global/foreign language, or visual performing arts).

You do not have to pick the teacher who gave you the highest grades. Consider the teacher who challenged you the most, can share details about your strengths, or can tell us how you overcame obstacles.

Personal Statement & Short Answers

We get inspired hearing about you. Your test scores and grades are an important part of demonstrating your academic achievements, but your essay and short answers tell us just a bit more about you and allow us to hear your voice. 

In this example of a well-crafted essay , the admission committee member who reviewed this student’s file had this to say:

This essay is all about honesty. Being honest about their background, honest about their relationship with friends, and honest about their own feelings toward their community. The essay shows growth and reflection. While the simple topic of the essay is essentially not attending a high school dance, it is about so much more. The writing style is straightforward and simple—in a good way—and it is an edited and polished piece. The author of the essay is reflective about their community and does not try to be anything they are not. They understand that if they expect change, they themselves have to be a part of that change.

We hope you use your essay to give us a compelling glimpse of the real you.

Standardized Tests

Only after we’ve reviewed your high school transcript, personal statement, short answer responses, and extracurricular activities, do we turn to your standardized test scores. Usually, they confirm the impressions we have from the rest of your application.

AP, IB, and College Credit

We know you’re an exceptional student, and you’ve worked hard to earn academic credit that may be applied to courses in college. Here are some parameters around what type of credit Emory does (and does not) accept.

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Emory Supplemental Essay Examples for

These Emory supplemental essay examples will give you some good insights into what Emory is looking for in their essays. Oftentimes, just reading up on college essay tips can be useful, but this can be augmented by taking a look at existing essays to see how they are put together.

So, while you’re perusing Common App essay examples , you might want to consider some that are more pointedly directed at your school of choice – in this case, Emory – to know how to specifically approach Emory’s supplemental essays.

In this article, we will cover the different prompts through Emory supplemental essay examples, and also provide you with expert tips on how to write a college essay .

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

Article Contents 9 min read

Introduction.

Emory requires a personal statement submitted through the Common App as well as two supplemental short essays. Here, we provide examples of all three essays, based on the prompts for 2024.

Emory Personal Statement

Required for all applicants

Length: 500–650 words (approximately)

I’ve never enjoyed baseball, or sports of any kind, but my dad does. I was looking forward to the “big game” far less than he was. My high school team had done very well, and we were entering a cycle of semi-finals and finals, and I got weary just thinking about it.

When I was little, I loved playing catch with Dad. My father has always been important to me. When I was a boy, I liked playing games with my friends, because I’m very social. I loved playing with people, but sports never really appealed, and the minute they became formal and competitive, I checked out.

In the week leading up to the game, I finally told my dad that I didn’t want to play anymore because I just didn’t care about the games. He was upset, which made me upset, too, and I went to bed that night feeling like he didn’t understand me and wasn’t really listening to me.

In short, I had a typical teenaged angry reaction.

Length: 200 words, max.

“What academic areas are you interested in exploring in college?”

On my desk, while I write this, is the broken shard of a smashed vase. I love this and keep it because it is a piece of history, found on an archaeological dig in Peru. I saved up a lot of money to buy it.

Anthropology gives us valuable insight into the future. Most people think of it as the past, but I know that studying who we – as human beings – were will lead us into understanding who we are and who we want to be. I believe this study is essential to humanity’s forward progress. A lack of understanding will lead to regression.

Like most anthropologists and archaeologists, working in the field is what excites me the most, and Emory’s field schools, like the Huari-Ancash Bio-Archaeological Research Project, interest me greatly. My dream is to find my way to Peru and learn about the people who made my broken vase.

The Bachelor of Science in Anthropology with a specialization in Biological Anthropology and Cultural Anthropology is what most interests me , because searching for answers right in the physiology of our ancestors can reveal how we lived, which is as close to a first-hand account as an archaeologist can hope for!

Looking for more tips? Check out the infographic below:

Third Essay: Answer any one of the prompts (below).

Length: 150 words, max.

A. “Reflect on a personal experience where you intentionally expanded your cultural awareness.”

My family took a trip down to Mexico when I was a boy. My sister and I were having a wonderful time, but on the third day, I saw a Mexican boy, about my age, who said something to me; I didn’t speak Spanish.

A few years later, I started paying attention to the news, drawn into stories of border crossings and immigration reform. I saw somebody on the news, trying to cross into the US, who looked exactly like that boy.

I started Spanish classes the next year and joined a humanitarian society to do some volunteering in Mexico. I spent my time there working and speaking with locals.

If we’re going to learn to share the world, we must learn about each other, and I want to do my part to bridge the gaps and reach across the barriers and borders we put up.

When writing your essays, there are two ways to prepare: first, by understanding essay writing in general, and second, by knowing Emory’s specific parameters and expectations. We will cover a bit of both below.

Emory describes on their website the qualities they are looking for in their personal statements. Two blog articles discuss changing perspectives or opinions, so you will want to take that to heart and highlight your own personal growth in your essays. They also value curiosity, which is often a catalyst for change and growth, so notice a trend here.

Both of Emory’s supplemental essays are pretty short, 200 words or less, so you don’t have time to work your way through the careful machinations of a standard essay.

That doesn’t mean that you should abandon the standard essay format, however; it just means that, while writing for Emory specifically, you should keep your writing quick and lean. Note that this doesn’t apply to the personal statement for Emory, which is allowed to be longer.

Check out this video for some additional college essay tips:

For your introduction, look into how to start a college essay . You’re going to need a “hook” sentence that reels in readers. Think about how to make anybody want to read your work, even if they weren’t part of the admissions committee.

It might be useful to look up some college essay introduction examples to see how other people start their essays.

Normally, one or two paragraphs would be devoted to opening an essay, but with Emory’s truncated format, go for a brief paragraph of one or two sentences.

The opening of an essay sets up the body – the middle section wherein you unpack the details of what you want to say, present any arguments you are making, and fulfill the bulk of what the essay is about. Normally this would be at least two paragraphs dealing with the main ideas of the essay, but again, given Emory’s essays’ short length, you’ll want to keep to shorter statements and focus on just one idea.

Finally, wrap up your essay with the right touch: your conclusion should connect to the opener’s presentation and show how your ideas in the body all come together. It can be tricky to do this in a short paragraph of one or two sentences, but by focusing on exactly what you need to say, you should be able to whittle it down.

It can also be helpful, as a general tip, to recruit a college essay review service , either to help you get off the ground with your own essay, or to help as you refine it.

Thus armed with these Emory supplemental essay examples and the knowledge about how to write an essay and how to write for Emory, in particular, you should be well equipped to craft your own.

Remember to keep your writing tight – to respect the close word limits – and to bring yourself into the foreground of each answer; the admissions committee is looking to see why you are uniquely, specifically, the best candidate and fit for their school.

Beating writer’s block – a terribly common problem – might not be easy if you don’t know what to do. The best way to proceed is to take a blank page of paper and give yourself no more, and no less, than two minutes to just free-associate by writing whatever pops into your head. Remember to keep to the topic on which you are writing. If your prompt is “why this school?” for instance, you should free-associate about Emory – or whichever school you happen to be writing about.

Whenever you are given a limit – a character count, word count, page count, etc. – for any essay, make sure that you closely adhere to that limit. Note that character counts often include spaces, so be sure to measure your writing accurately. If you are using a word processing software, you can find this information in the document properties.

When essays don’t include direct limits, first, make sure you are consulting the correct requirements and, if in doubt, reach out to the admissions office. If there is no limit, it still doesn’t mean you should tear off a novella for the admissions committee to peruse. Respect their time, and the fact that they have a stack of papers to get through. Be economical with your words: if you can say something in ten words, don’t use twenty. Brevity is the soul of wit, as the saying goes, and you should default to “less is more.”

You can also judge an essay’s length based on similar essays. A short answer essay, including most supplemental essay prompts, will have a limit of around 200–250 words. Of course, there are exceptions – like Emory’s much shorter 150-word essays – so always double-check that you’re respecting given limits.

Everything counts. Admissions are competitive in post-secondary institutions, so you need to remember that while building your own application package. While a typo or two are unlikely to cost you a spot, you should still aim for flawless writing: several errors, mounting up over your application, will be an indication of a lack of precision, attention to detail, and general skill, and will make your essays frustrating to read. Whether you use a spell-checking and grammar-checking program, or employ a proofreader, make sure you deliver polished work that is error-free. With so many available options, there is not much room for excuses.

Give yourself two to three weeks to produce all the brainstorming, drafts, writing, revision, and editing that you’ll need to build an effective essay or two. You don’t have to make it a full-time job but try to spend at least some time on it each day.

No. You need to write three essays in total: a personal statement, the short essay on academic interests, and a response to one of the remaining prompts, which is your choice.

What you’re trying to do with your personal statement is show the committee something about yourself that they cannot get from anything else in your application: a good look at the personal you.

Of course, this doesn’t just mean listing likes and dislikes, or talking about your favorite book. You can talk about your favorite book, but it must relate to your personality, your goals, your values, times of change, or times that were important to you and had an impact in your life. Say something deeper about yourself than a transcript or a favorite ice cream flavor will reveal.

The goal, of course, is to show them why you fit with the school’s values, and why you’re the perfect candidate.

Aim to get close to the final word count as a rule of thumb, but if you’re a few words short, that’s okay. Emory’s short answer essays are small enough that you shouldn’t have trouble filling them out; however, if you’re wrapping up your personal statement at 200 words, you will want to dig deeper.

Common Application, or Common App, is a centralized application system for colleges and universities around the world. It allows students to create one application that they can submit to a variety of schools, saving them time in the process.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, what makes the emory supplemental essay unique, and how should i approach it.

Hey, guys! I'm applying to Emory and I've heard their supplemental essays are a big deal. What's different about Emory's essays compared to other schools, and do you have any advice on how to make my response stand out? Also, how do they use these essays to assess applicants? Any tips are much appreciated!

Absolutely, Emory's supplemental essays are indeed a significant part of their application process. What makes Emory's supplemental essays stand out is that they tend to be thought-provoking and value a deep understanding of self and community. They often ask you to connect personal experiences or interests to Emory's unique opportunities or values, looking to see how you will contribute to and benefit from the Emory community.

To approach these essays, my best advice is to be introspective and genuine. Instead of repeating information from your main Common App essay or list of extracurriculars, use this space to share new insights about yourself. Reflect on what aspects of your life have shaped you, and how those parts will translate to your time at Emory.

Make sure your response stands out by providing specific details and examples. For instance, if you're discussing your interest in Emory's sustainability initiatives, talk about your own experiences with environmental advocacy rather than just stating that you care about the environment. Emory uses these essays to assess not only your writing ability but also your fit for the university's culture and values.

Lastly, research Emory thoroughly and, if possible, connect your essay to specific programs, professors, or opportunities that are available at Emory and align with your interests. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the school and that you've done your homework. Good luck with your essay – show Emory what makes you unique, and how that uniqueness aligns with their community!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

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How to Write the Emory University Application Essays 2018-2019

Emory University, a medium-sized research university with a strong liberal arts foundation, has a wide array of majors and opportunities. Located in Atlanta, Georgia, Emory is in close proximity to the Center for Disease Control and eighteen Fortune 500 companies. Additionally, Emory partners with the Carter Center, a non-governmental organization founded by former President Jimmy Carter, which seeks to eradicate poverty and disease and advance democracy. Emory has 550 clubs and organizations, many with an emphasis on service.

With strong programs and resources, Emory has seen an increase in applications . For the class of 2022, Emory received 27,982 applications, a 16% increase from the class of 2021, with an 18.5% acceptance rate 3.5% lower than the year before.

Along with an increase in application number, Emory also saw an increase in selectivity. The class of 2022 had an average SAT score of 1500 and average unweighted GPA of 3.91 —those in the class of 2021 had 1475 and 3.83, respectively.

President Claire E. Sterk commented on the class of 2022: “The depth and diversity of this year’s record-setting applicant pool showcases Emory’s reputation as a home for students and faculty dedicated to both academic excellence and making transformative contributions to the world. We look forward to welcoming these students to Emory’s community of committed, engaged scholars and future leaders in a world that faces drastic changes.”

If you hope to join this community of committed, engaged scholars and future leaders, the CollegeVine Essay Team is here to break down how to approach each prompt.

Want to learn what Emory University will actually cost you based on your income? And how long your application to the school should take?  Here’s what every student considering Emory University needs to know.

Emory University Application Essay Prompts

All applicants to Emory University must answer supplemental essay questions. We’ll break down each of these prompts to help you optimize your answers. Here are Emory’s instructions:

In addition to your Personal Statement, please choose two (2) of the short answer prompts below. Be thoughtful in your responses, but don’t stress about what the right answer might be. We just want to get to know you a bit better. Each response should be no more than 150 words.

(1) what is your favorite fiction or non-fiction work (film, book, tv show, album, poem, or play) why, (2) what motivates you to learn, (3) what do you want to bring from your community to the emory university community, (4) in the age of social media, what does engaging with integrity look like for you.

These prompts give Emory a chance to learn about you and who you will be on campus. Because these prompts are specific to Emory, they highlight what Emory wants in their students.

In the campus news, John Latting, associate vice provost for enrollment and dean of admission, commented on the 2018 applications cycle for the class of 2022 : “We are moving beyond focusing on students who have the ability to do something wonderful to those who will. Emory is attractive not just for its liberal arts and research excellence but for students who are thinking of how to have a positive influence on the world.”

Each of these essays also have a word limit of 150 words, which means that you will need to be concise and to the point. Emory wants to know as much about the different sides of you as possible in a short amount of time. So don’t waste your words talking about the same parts of yourself, either in your two supplement essays or in your Common App essay.

A note on picking prompts: don’t just pick the prompt you think they want you to answer, pick the prompt that will showcase the best parts of yourself. These prompts are very personal and offer a lot of room for self-expression. Do not abuse this opportunity in a blatant attempt to stand out by trying to be “edgy” or “uncouth” for shock value. At the end of the day, your goal is not to just stand out, but to convince the reader that you will be a positive addition to the Emory campus community.

What is your favorite fiction or non-fiction work (film, book, TV show, album, poem, or play)? Why?

When asked what your favorite work is, you may be tempted to highlight your intellect by talking about a book you read in a high school english class, such as A Tale of Two Cities or Pride and Prejudice. However, this question is an opportunity for you to share what you value and care about. Don’t waste this opportunity just trying to sound smart. Your transcript and test scores will establish your academic abilities — your essays are your chance to showcase your personality.

The most important aspect of this essay is to be true to yourself. Don’t overthink the work you choose! Choose a work that really means a lot to you and will allow you to demonstrate an interesting part of your personality.

Below are a few different approaches of types of works and what you can use them to showcase:

Academic: There are a lot of books tangentially related to your academic pursuits, like When Breath Becomes Air for biology majors or The Big Short for economics majors. These books can offer a platform to discuss aspects of your academic passions that extend beyond the classroom. For example, the fragile balance between patient care and technology or the implications of financial instruments on a larger society.

Memories: If there’s a musical work that you associate with a memory, like the first song you performed on stage or the song you listened to right before a big sports game, this question can be a way for you to talk about what you learned from that special moment in your life.

Alternate Realities: Many movies and musicals demonstrate parts of life that you probably don’t normally encounter, from Star Wars to Hamilton to Grey’s Anatomy. Maybe these alternate realities spurred an interest in a topic that you would not have come across otherwise or just showed you a different type of life you never imagined.

Inspiration: From autobiographies with interesting life philosophies or movies with an all-asian ensemble, media can inspire us. By sharing how a work inspired you, you can also share what motivates and drives you.

At the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter which work you choose. The bulk of this essay lies in the “why?” By being really specific in the “why?”, you can really showcase what you value. Don’t waste your limited word count on explaining the plot of a work: the reader can easily google a plot summary if they’re curious. Of course, you should provide some context to explain the “why?”, but don’t spend the majority of your essay summarizing.

A note about intellectual maturity: While you don’t need to pick an incredibly intellectual work such as Anna Karenina , you should probably stay away from anything incredibly immature such as Spongebob or Finding Nemo. Although you could probably learn a lot from these works, it would require a lot more work to recover from the initial reaction to a movie for children.

What motivates you to learn?

As mentioned above, Latting describes the students that Emory appeals to as “students who are thinking of how to have a positive influence on the world.” This prompt gives you a wonderful opportunity to showcase your motivations and how you fit into the type of environment that Emory is cultivating. You can demonstrate not only what you care about, but also your desire to take action to change the world around you.

This question requires a lot of deep reflection, and it may be difficult for some to articulate the abstract idea of motivation. Think about what inspires you to study when you would rather be sleeping or playing basketball with your friends. Is it your family, an event in your past, or the hope for a better future? Continue asking yourself the hard questions until you can pinpoint what inspires you to keep working.

For this question, it is very important to avoid clichés. Admissions officers read hundreds of essays every day, and it can be really easy for essays to blend together if they are full of general or vague statements like “learning is the path to success” or “I value knowledge above all else.” Anecdotes are one way to help your essays stand out: no one else has the same experiences you do, so your stories will make you unique. Anecdotes can become the springboard for the analysis of your inspirations.  

Be careful not to attribute your motivation to politically incorrect desires for fame or wealth. Emory wants to create a community of students who will better the world, not students who are on a quest for wealth and power. Think about your deeper motivations, and use anecdotes to “show, not tell.”

What do you want to bring from your community to the Emory University community?

When answering this prompt, be sure to address the following in addition to the main prompt:

• What kind of environment are you from?
• Who and what do you interact with most commonly and most memorably?

This question serves two purposes: it gives Emory an opportunity to learn more about your values and to understand what you will bring to campus. This question allows you to draw parallels between what you are currently active in and what you will be active in at Emory. In a way, this question also asks “Why Emory?” The most important part of this question is to emphasize how you match with Emory, so you need to talk about you and about Emory.

Emory is a relatively small university, with a total undergraduate enrollment of  6,861. Especially evident at their secondary Oxford College campus, Emory fosters a tight sense of community among their student body. Focus on painting the picture of who you will be on campus and how you will make an impact.

Here are some examples of ways to create parallels between your community and Emory:

Volunteer work: If you’re engaged in community service, look for similar volunteer programs at Emory.

Ethnic or religious community: Your cultural background may be a big part of your home life, and Emory has programs and clubs that can fill the void you may feel by leaving your community. If Emory doesn’t have a club, you can always start one!

Academics: Maybe you appreciate the support system of your local high school. Emory also has programs to help new students adapt, such as the Emory STEER team . Beyond support systems, Emory also has small class sizes, and you’ll have ample opportunity to grow closer to your professors. All of this may offer you an academic environment that feels like what you love about your own high school.

In the age of social media, what does engaging with integrity look like for you?

As mentioned earlier, Emory is located in Atlanta, which is also the home to eighteen Fortune 500 companies. In such a bustling cosmopolitan city, emerging technologies play a large role. Emory is also a leading research university looking for students who want to change the world, and innovation is one way to do so. In today’s environment, technological advances have created a quickly evolving society where norms of morality can’t always keep up. Emory wants to make sure that it’s creating a community of future leaders whose innovations are based in a strong ethical code. This is your opportunity to discuss your own personal moral compass.

Ultimately, this prompt is asking about two things: your definition of integrity, and how you apply this definition to engaging in social media, a world where users can hide behind their screens and suffer few consequences for their actions.

Integrity can generally be defined as honesty and moral uprightness. Of course, this is a broad definition that leaves a lot of room for interpretation. Essentially, Emory wants you to reflect on and define your own moral code. What would you consider breaking your moral principles? How do you prevent violations of your moral code of conduct?

Here are a few questions to help you get started:

• What sort of actions trigger a gut “this is wrong” reaction?
• What makes these actions so wrong?
• How do you avoid these actions?
• How would you discourage or explain these actions in those who are new to social media?
• What would you do if you saw someone else engaged in one of these actions?

Once you’ve defined your own personal moral code, reflect on how it shapes your interactions with social media. Social media can make abiding by your own ethical code difficult, as there can be few connections between your actions and your own identity. In a world where information can be quickly and anonymously shared, Emory wants to ensure that you will engage with integrity.

Below are a few aspects of social media with interesting moral implications for you to reflect upon:

• Photoshop : Is it dishonest to use photoshop to make yourself look better?
• Curation: Would only posting pictures that showcase the best aspects of yourself be considered a dishonest self depiction?
• Clickbait: Should you use blatant over-exaggerations to increase viewership?
• Anonymity: How does anonymity encourage unethical conduct, such as virulent comments or cyberbullying. How do you resist the temptation of hiding behind your anonymity online?
• Fake news : Where does the responsibility for verifying viral news lie: in the social media companies that allow them to flourish or in the consumers of information?
• Sponsorships: Would you trust the opinion of someone who endorses a product that they’ve been sent for free to review? E.g.: the opinion of a popular beauty guru on a foundation she received in a PR package.

Above all else, make sure to connect this essay to yourself, by using anecdotes and personal examples. Everyone defines integrity slightly differently, and everyone interacts with social media in different ways. Efficiently conveying your uniqueness through anecdotes and personal reflection will give your voice a chance to shine and stand out amongst other applicants.

We hope this guide was helpful and has allowed you to tackle Emory’s application with the utmost confidence. Happy writing!

Want help with your college essays to improve your admissions chances? Sign up for your free CollegeVine account and get access to our essay guides and courses. You can also get your essay peer-reviewed and improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays.

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Emory University 2019-20 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Regular Decision: 

Emory University 2019-2020 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: Answer two of the four prompts. 150 words each. Supplemental Essay Type: Oddball , Community

In addition to your Personal Statement, please answer two (2) of the prompts below. Choose one prompt from the “Reflections” category and one prompt from the “Tell us about you” category.

We encourage you to be thoughtful and not stress about what the right answer might be. we simply want to get to know you better. each response should be no more than 150 words., “reflections” category: respond to one of the following., share about something you want to bring from your community to the emory university community..

Ah, the infamous “community” essay. Many schools ask students about their communities because they want to know how said students relate to the people around them, forge connections, and commune with their peers. Emory also wants to know, however, how you are going to contribute to the diverse Emory community, should you be accepted.  Perhaps you developed strong bonds with your peers in student council and you hope to continue learning and growing with the Student Government Association. Maybe you make the best samosas (thanks to your grandma’s secret recipe) and you look forward to sharing your love of cooking with your fellow freshmen in the residence halls. Whatever it may be, you’re going to want to make sure you connect a community that you are a part of now to a community you will join (or even create!) on campus. Emory wants to know about your life beyond the classroom and hear about how you will contribute to their campus.

Share about a time when you questioned something that you believed to be true.

This prompt is A LOT like the Common Application’s prompt #3 . It requires a student to speak about beliefs and ideology, which are often onerous subjects that can be difficult to mold into compact stories. A response to this prompt can be incisive and deeply personal, as it was for a student who questioned her lifelong diet after she visited an animal sanctuary for the first time. As you consider this prompt, think back on those impassioned, “Aha!” moments that forced you to drastically reexamine a long-held belief. As you tell your story, include sensory details to make your experience defending the need for gender neutral bathrooms at your school or challenging Prince Harry’s suggested ban on Fortnight come to life. Applicants who can articulate their thoughts and feelings while showcasing malleability and willingness to thoughtfully consider the ideas of others will likely stand out as valuable additions to Emory University. If this prompt jumps out at you because you have a very specific story to tell or opinion to voice, run with it!

Emory University’s shield is a crossed torch and trumpet representing the light of learning and the proclamation of knowledge. It symbolizes our mission to impact the world through discovery. What truth or knowledge do you want to see shared?

Responding to this prompt is a fantastic way to showcase an area of interest or passion you have not had the opportunity to expand on already. Maybe you want more people to know about the importance of recycling or the harmful effects of fast fashion . Perhaps you are interested in creating a free mountain biking app that offers in-depth, local trail information and ratings to fellow biking aficionados in your area. As you consider this prompt, ask yourself what is important to you that you want more people to know or learn? Essays responding to this prompt tend to lean in the direction of activism and community engagement, but don’t feel limited to these angles – anything you want to share with others is fair game, as long as it is reflective of something about which you feel strongly.

“Tell us about you” Category: Respond to one of the following.

Which book, character, song, or piece of work (fiction or non-fiction) represents you, and why.

In this prompt, Emory University is looking for more than just a summary of your favorite book. Admissions wants to know why a certain work of art is meaningful to you, and how it connects to your identity, history, or values. As with all supplemental essays, your goal should be to use this prompt as an opportunity to tell admissions something new about yourself through your relationship to a particular piece of art. Does “ Still I Rise ” by Maya Angelou resonate with you as a young woman of color overcoming obstacles with courage and determination? Have you always felt that you and Allison from The Breakfast Club were cut from the same cloth? How come? Be careful to avoid self-aggrandizing or pandering choices rather than writing about works that truly speak to you. Don’t write about Charlotte Brontë unless you genuinely feel connected to her life and work. When you give admissions insight into the art that you feel is representative of your personality, experiences, or background, you will be revealing a fascinating, newfound piece of the complex puzzle that is you.

If you could witness a historic event first-hand, what would it be, and why?

Emory is really not messing around with these questions! Your choice of topic, and what it communicates about you, is everything. Maybe you want to witness the the “ Shot Heard ‘Round the World ” a.k.a. the game-winning home run by Bobby Thomson in 1951 because you are a HUGE sports fan (and aspiring Human Health major with a Health Innovation concentration). Perhaps you want to witness Neil Armstrong’s first moon landing to experience one of the most exciting moments in the United States’ 20th century history (and you’re also a total outer space nerd). Be sure to dig into the empirical details to bring your particular event to life (let the reader hear Hodges’ frenzied cry of “The Giants win the pennant!” as the ball soars past the outfielders) and don’t ignore the critical “why” part of the question, which is asking you to connect your chosen historical scene to your own interests, passions, or experiences. Whatever you do, try to avoid subjects other students will likely flock to. MLK’s “I Had A Dream” speech is incredible, but it might not make for the best topic here — unless, of course, you have a highly personal story that connects to that moment. (There are always exceptions to the rules!)

If asked to write a 150-word tweet to tell the world who you are, what would you say? (Yes, the actual Twitter character limit would likely be shorter than 150 words, but thanks for indulging us.)

No rest for the weary. Emory wants you to tell the world who you are in a pithy, tweetable 150 words! This might seem like an impossible feat, but we promise it’s very doable. What admissions is really asking here is this: what is the most important thing we should know about you? Who are you? What makes you, you?! As with every prompt, feel free to get creative. Take advantage of this quirky opportunity by infusing your response with #Hashtags and/or a more informal, conversational tone.

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March 29, 2024

On March 27, students across the country — and around the world — celebrated as they were notified of their acceptance to Emory’s undergraduate Class of 2028. These students applied under the Regular Decision admission plan.

A total of 34,914 students applied this year across all admission plans. Students admitted to Emory’s Class of 2028 hail from all 50 states and are citizens of 110 countries; 15.7% will be the first in their families to attend a four-year college or university.

Applicants can apply to  Emory College of Arts and Sciences ,  Oxford College  or both. In total, Emory admitted 5,058 students to the Class of 2028, with 3,453 admitted to Emory College and 2,792 admitted to Oxford College. Of those students, 1,187 were admitted to both colleges and may choose which to attend.

Each location offers a robust education with a distinct atmosphere. The Atlanta campus is home to Emory College, plus Emory’s renowned graduate and professional schools, all minutes from downtown. Oxford College, located 38 miles (61 km) east of Atlanta, is home to a close-knit community of approximately 1,000 first- and second-year students.

Whether they begin at Emory College or Oxford College, students complete their degrees in Atlanta by continuing in Emory College, applying to Goizueta Business School or transitioning into the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing .

“We are thrilled to welcome this outstanding class to Emory,” says President Gregory L. Fenves. “As the Class of 2028 embarks on their college journey here, they will find an innovative academic experience uniquely tailored to their goals, eminent faculty dedicated to mentoring them and a community deeply vested in supporting them. We are eager to welcome our newest Eagles and empower them to learn, grow and flourish.”

Emory offers both Early Decision and Regular Decision options for undergraduate applications. Watch as Early Decision students react to learning that they will be the first students in Emory's Class of 2028.

Flourishing at Emory

At Emory, students will find a community dedicated to helping them flourish academically, personally and professionally. 

The university offers 80 majors, 60 minors and 13 preprofessional tracks to choose from. The Pathways Center on the Atlanta campus and the Oxford Center for Pathways and Purpose help students prepare for professional paths that integrate what they learn in the classroom with hands-on, high-impact experiences like internships, undergraduate research and intentional advising and career services.

Students also benefit from the community-building work Emory offers across the university. From programs like the Belonging and Community Justice Identity Spaces , Emory Interfaith Center and First-Gen Week initiatives to thriving student organizations and exciting athletics events on both campuses, there are multiple in-roads to seek out new friends and perspectives.

The Emory Advantage program works to decrease barriers to enrollment by eliminating need-based loans as part of undergraduate students’ financial aid packages. Instead, eligible students receive institutional grants and scholarships. This initiative allows more students to graduate debt-free, reflecting the university’s commitment to making an Emory education accessible to talented students regardless of their financial resources.

Emory also participates in the QuestBridge National College Match program, which matches outstanding high school seniors from low-income households with some of the nation’s best colleges. This fall, Emory offered admission to 85 QuestBridge Match Scholars. An additional 254 students who applied through QuestBridge, but did not initially match with Emory, were admitted through Regular Decision.

Emory’s admissions process will continue throughout the spring. Given the Supreme Court's ruling on the use of race in college admissions,  Emory is not able to release specific data on the makeup of its incoming class until that process is complete. Emory plans to release data for the enrolled class later this year.

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NFL Draft 2024: Trading up for a quarterback, veterans on the move and other top draft storylines

Who will be the first running back drafted, and when.

The excitement ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft is palpable as fans anxiously await the fate of top quarterback prospects and the dominoes that those decisions topple. Here are five of the top storylines ahead of this month's draft:

1. Will a team trade out of the top 10 overall selections so that another can trade up for a quarterback?

USC's Caleb Williams, LSU's Jayden Daniels and North Carolina's Drake Maye have been suspected to come off the board early for several months and the quarterback needs of the teams atop the draft order only cemented the likelihood. Michigan's J.J. McCarthy has been charging up the board of late as well. 

The belief is that the teams picking in the top three overall are going to stick and pick quarterbacks rather than trade out, which means teams like the Vikings, Raiders and Broncos will need to trade up if they are going to land a signal caller of their own. If a run on the position happens early, then that benefits the next tier of quarterbacks like Washington's Michael Penix Jr.; the odds of five quarterbacks going in the first round increases exponentially if that were to occur.

2. What will Jim Harbaugh do with his first draft since returning to the NFL ?

Los Angeles' pick at No. 5 overall is one of intrigue. At one point, Georgia tight end Brock Bowers was viewed as the most likely choice for Harbaugh. Then, there was significant dialogue regarding his philosophy to field a physical football game that wins in the trenches. Many wonder if that means they are inclined to draft an offensive lineman. Finally, the Chargers released veteran wide receiver Mike Williams and traded away veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen. They could also be the team that trades out, allowing a team to move up for a quarterback. 

There are a lot of options for the AFC West franchise and that is expected to be a turning point in the draft. Harbaugh has actively talked about how much talent was on his national championship Wolverines. Could he be responsible for taking a few Michigan players in their bid to break Georgia's record for the most draft picks by a college program in a single year (15)?

3. Who will take tight end Brock Bowers? 

Bowers is and has been regarded as one of the best players in this draft class regardless of position. However, the tight end position is not viewed in the same light as other premier positions, such as quarterback, wide receiver, offensive tackle, etc. While Bowers is no less of an impact pass catcher on the gridiron than he was at the start of the season, others have risen up the rankings and it is difficult to justify taking the Georgia tight end in the top 10 overall when so many others are also deserving. 

Until the Jets solidified their holes at offensive tackle, it was not easy pinpointing a likely landing spot for Bowers. If he slips beyond New York at No. 10 overall, there is no telling when the junior will come off the board. Some mock draft scenarios have seen him falling into the 20s. 

4. Will a veteran be moved on draft night? 

There have been multiple veteran players moved on draft night in recent years, including wide receivers A.J. Brown and Hollywood Brown, offensive tackle Trent Williams and running back D'Andre Swift. 

Could the Bengals trade away wide receiver Tee Higgins? Cincinnati used the franchise tag on the wide receiver and he has voiced his displeasure about the organization's lack of interest in signing him to a long-term deal. Brandon Aiyuk has been disgruntled with his contract situation and that could force San Francisco to make a decision this offseason. There could be others that become available as a result of decisions made during the draft. Swift fell into that category when Detroit took Jahmyr Gibbs in the first round. 

5. When will the first running back be drafted?

A year ago, Alabama's Jahmyr Gibbs and Texas' Bijan Robinson were taken in the first dozen picks. Fans will not see history repeat itself this year, but there are plenty of possibilities once Day 2 arrives. When will the first running back be drafted? 

The latest that the first running back has came off the board since 2000 was No. 54 overall. The Titans took Washington's Bishop Sankey in 2014. Jeremy Hill, Carlos Hyde, Devonta Freeman and Jerick McKinnon were others taken that year. It is entirely possible that pick No. 55 overall arrives and top running back prospects are still waiting by their phones. 

Florida State's Trey Benson, Texas' Jonathon Brooks and Michigan's Blake Corum are a few of the best available running backs in this year's class.

The 2024  NFL Draft  will take place from April 25-27 in Detroit. More draft coverage can be found at CBSSports.com, including the weekly  updated draft order ,  mock drafts  and a regularly available  look at the eligible prospects . 

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Guest Essay

Elite College Admissions Have Turned Students Into Brands

By Sarah Bernstein

Ms. Bernstein is a playwright, a writing coach and an essayist in Brooklyn.

“I just can’t think of anything,” my student said.

After 10 years of teaching college essay writing, I was familiar with this reply. For some reason, when you’re asked to recount an important experience from your life, it is common to forget everything that has ever happened to you. It’s a long-form version of the anxiety that takes hold at a corporate retreat when you’re invited to say “one interesting thing about yourself,” and you suddenly believe that you are the most boring person in the entire world. Once during a version of this icebreaker, a man volunteered that he had only one kidney, and I remember feeling incredibly jealous of him.

I tried to jog this student’s memory. What about his love of music? Or his experience learning English? Or that time on a summer camping trip when he and his friends had nearly drowned? “I don’t know,” he said with a sigh. “That all seems kind of cliché.”

Applying to college has always been about standing out. When I teach college essay workshops and coach applicants one on one, I see my role as helping students to capture their voice and their way of processing the world, things that are, by definition, unique to each individual. Still, many of my students (and their parents) worry that as getting into college becomes increasingly competitive, this won’t be enough to set them apart.

Their anxiety is understandable. On Thursday, in a tradition known as “Ivy Day,” all eight Ivy League schools released their regular admission decisions. Top colleges often issue statements about how impressive (and competitive) their applicant pools were this cycle. The intention is to flatter accepted students and assuage rejected ones, but for those who have not yet applied to college, these statements reinforce the fear that there is an ever-expanding cohort of applicants with straight A’s and perfect SATs and harrowing camping trip stories all competing with one another for a vanishingly small number of spots.

This scarcity has led to a boom in the college consulting industry, now estimated to be a $2.9 billion business. In recent years, many of these advisers and companies have begun to promote the idea of personal branding — a way for teenagers to distinguish themselves by becoming as clear and memorable as a good tagline.

While this approach often leads to a strong application, students who brand themselves too early or too definitively risk missing out on the kind of exploration that will prepare them for adult life.

Like a corporate brand, the personal brand is meant to distill everything you stand for (honesty, integrity, high quality, low prices) into a cohesive identity that can be grasped at a glance. On its website, a college prep and advising company called Dallas Admissions explains the benefits of branding this way: “Each person is complex, yet admissions officers only have a small amount of time to spend learning about each prospective student. The smart student boils down key aspects of himself or herself into their personal ‘brand’ and sells that to the college admissions officer.”

Identifying the key aspects of yourself may seem like a lifelong project, but unfortunately, college applicants don’t have that kind of time. Online, there are dozens of lesson plans and seminars promising to walk students through the process of branding themselves in five to 10 easy steps. The majority begin with questions I would have found panic-inducing as a teenager, such as, “What is the story you want people to tell about you when you’re not in the room?”

Where I hoped others would describe me as “normal” or, in my wildest dreams, “cool,” today’s teenagers are expected to leave this exercise with labels like, Committed Athlete and Compassionate Leader or Environmentally Conscious Musician. Once students have a draft of their ideal self, they’re offered instructions for manifesting it (or at least, the appearance of it) in person and online. These range from common-sense tips (not posting illegal activity on social media) to more drastic recommendations (getting different friends).

It’s not just that these courses cut corners on self-discovery; it’s that they get the process backward. A personal brand is effective only if you can support it with action, so instead of finding their passion and values through experience, students are encouraged to select a passion as early as possible and then rack up the experience to substantiate it. Many college consultants suggest beginning to align your activities with your college ambitions by ninth grade, while the National Institute of Certified College Planners recommends students “talk with parents, guardians, and/or an academic adviser to create a clear plan for your education and career-related goals” in junior high.

The idea of a group of middle schoolers soberly mapping out their careers is both comical and depressing, but when I read student essays today, I can see that this advice is getting through. Over the past few years, I have been struck by how many high school seniors already have defined career goals as well as a C.V. of relevant extracurriculars to go with them. This widens the gap between wealthy students and those who lack the resources to secure a fancy research gig or start their own small business. (A shocking number of college applicants claim to have started a small business.) It also puts pressure on all students to define themselves at a moment when they are anxious to fit in and yet changing all the time.

In the world of branding, a word that appears again and again is “consistency.” If you are Charmin, that makes sense. People opening a roll of toilet paper do not want to be surprised. If you are a teenage human being, however, that is an unreasonable expectation. Changing one’s interests, opinions and presentation is a natural part of adolescence and an instructive one. I find that my students with scattershot résumés are often the most confident. They’re not afraid to push back against suggestions that ring false and will insist on revising their essay until it actually “feels like me.” On the other hand, many of my most accomplished students are so quick to accept feedback that I am wary of offering it, lest I become one more adult trying to shape them into an admission-worthy ideal.

I understand that for parents, prioritizing exploration can feel like a risky bet. Self-insight is hard to quantify and to communicate in a college application. When it comes to building a life, however, this kind of knowledge has more value than any accolade, and it cannot be generated through a brainstorming exercise in a six-step personal branding course online. To equip kids for the world, we need to provide them not just with opportunities for achievement, but with opportunities to fail, to learn, to wander and to change their minds.

In some ways, the college essay is a microcosm of modern adolescence. Depending on how you look at it, it’s either a forum for self-discovery or a high-stakes test you need to ace. I try to assure my students that it is the former. I tell them that it’s a chance to take stock of everything you’ve experienced and learned over the past 18 years and everything you have to offer as a result.

That can be a profound process. But to embark on it, students have to believe that colleges really want to see the person behind the brand. And they have to have the chance to know who that person is.

Sarah Bernstein is a playwright, a writing coach and an essayist.

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips . And here’s our email: [email protected] .

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