What Is Emory’s Waitlist Acceptance Rate?
Emory Admissions places 4,000-6,000 applicants on the waitlist annually. The acceptance rate from the waitlist varies significantly by year – in strong yield years, Emory may admit very few students from the waitlist, while in lower yield years, several hundred may receive offers. Emory’s waitlist is not ranked (Emory admissions policy), meaning all waitlisted applicants are theoretically considered equally.
| Year (Class of) | Waitlist Size | Accepted WL Spot | Admitted from WL | WL Accept Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class of 2029 | ~5,000 | ~3,500 | ~400 | ~11% |
| Class of 2028 | ~5,500 | ~3,800 | ~100 | ~3% |
| Class of 2027 | ~4,500 | ~3,000 | ~450 | ~15% |
| Class of 2026 | ~4,800 | ~3,200 | ~80 | ~2% |
Sources: Emory University Common Data Set 2024-2025, Office of Institutional Research.
When Does Emory Release Waitlist Decisions?
Emory typically begins releasing waitlist offers in mid-to-late May (Emory admissions office timeline), after the May 1 enrollment deposit (NACAC enrollment guidelines) deadline. Most waitlist movement occurs between May 15 and June 30. Emory communicates waitlist updates through its applicant portal and email. The admissions timeline for waitlisted students extends 2-3 months beyond the standard April decision window (Emory CDS 2024-2025).
| Waitlist Milestone | Typical Date | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Waitlist notification | Late March – early April | Notified through portal and email |
| Accept/decline waitlist spot | Within 7-10 days | Must actively accept through portal |
| Submit LOCI | April – early May | Email or portal submission |
| May 1 deposit deadline | May 1 | Deposit at another school; can still receive Emory WL offer |
| First waitlist offers | Mid-May | Emory begins pulling based on yield gaps |
| Primary waitlist movement | May 15 – June 30 | Most admissions from waitlist during this period |
| Final resolution | Late June – early July | Remaining applicants notified of final status |
How to Write a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) for Emory
Emory accepts LOCIs from waitlisted applicants. An effective LOCI should be 250-400 words (admissions counselor recommendation), reaffirm that Emory is your top choice, provide meaningful updates since your original application (new grades, awards, research, or leadership), and reference specific Emory programs. The strongest LOCIs for Emory reference the Oxford College two-campus model if you applied to Oxford, specific undergraduate research opportunities, the Emory Global Health Institute, or particular departments within Emory College. Follow the same principles as a strong “Why Us” supplemental essay – specific, program-focused, and authentic.
What Is the Difference Between the Emory College and Oxford College Waitlists?
Emory has two undergraduate entry points: Emory College (the main Atlanta campus) and Oxford College (a smaller liberal arts campus in Oxford, Georgia where students spend their first two years before transferring to the main campus). Each has its own waitlist with different dynamics. Oxford’s waitlist historically sees more movement than Emory College’s because Oxford has a smaller enrolled class and more variable yield. Applicants who indicated interest in both campuses may be considered for either waitlist. If you were waitlisted at Emory College but would be willing to attend Oxford, communicating this flexibility in your LOCI may improve your overall chances.
Does Demonstrated Interest Help on the Emory Waitlist?
Emory’s CDS rates demonstrated interest as “considered” – not as impactful as schools like Tulane or Boston College where DI is rated “important” or “very important,” but not ignored either. For waitlisted students specifically, sending a well-crafted LOCI, attending any virtual admitted student events if invited, and staying engaged with Emory’s communications all signal continued interest. Avoid excessive contact – one strong LOCI and one brief update (if you have significant new information) is sufficient.
Should You Deposit at Another School While on the Emory Waitlist?
Yes, absolutely. Deposit at another school by May 1 – being on Emory’s waitlist does not guarantee enrollment anywhere. If admitted from the waitlist later, you can withdraw from the other school (forfeiting only the deposit). Build your college list using the reach, match, and safety framework to ensure you have a school you are excited about regardless of waitlist outcomes.
What Should You NOT Do on the Emory Waitlist?
Avoid four common mistakes. First, do not send multiple follow-up emails or call repeatedly – one LOCI plus one brief update if you have major new achievements is sufficient. Second, do not have parents or counselors contact admissions on your behalf – this signals immaturity. Third, do not send additional recommendation letters unless Emory specifically requests them. Fourth, do not delay committing to another school hoping Emory will come through – fully commit to your deposited school and plan for a great freshman year there.
Emory Waitlist vs. Similar School Waitlists
| School | WL Accept Rate (Range) | WL Size | Accepts LOCI? | DI Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emory | 2-15% | 4,000-6,000 | Yes | Considered |
| Tulane | 3-10% | ~5,000 | Yes | Very Important |
| WashU | 2-12% | ~4,000 | Yes | Important |
| Vanderbilt | 1-8% | ~3,500 | Yes | Not Considered |
| Rice | 3-10% | ~3,000 | Yes | Considered |
What Are Your Alternatives If the Emory Waitlist Doesn’t Convert?
If you are not admitted from Emory’s waitlist, your strongest options include fully committing to the school where you deposited, or considering transfer applications after freshman year. Emory does accept transfer students, though the process is competitive. Families who applied to other Southern schools – Vanderbilt, Tulane, or Duke – may have received offers from those institutions. Students who are also waitlisted elsewhere should review our Ivy League waitlist comparison and other school-specific waitlist guides for tailored LOCI strategies. The Common App essay and extracurricular profile you developed for Emory will serve you well wherever you enroll.
Final Thoughts
The Emory waitlist offers a real but unpredictable chance of admission, with historical rates ranging from 2% to 15%. The strongest waitlist strategy combines a targeted LOCI referencing specific Emory programs, meaningful updates on recent achievements, and the flexibility to consider Oxford College if originally waitlisted at Emory College. Families navigating this uncertainty should fully commit to another school while keeping the Emory option open. For personalized waitlist guidance, schedule a consultation with Oriel Admissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Emory College (Atlanta campus) and Oxford College (two-year campus in Oxford, GA before transferring to Emory) maintain separate waitlists with different dynamics. Oxford’s waitlist is typically more active because more admitted students choose Emory College over Oxford, creating more openings. If your child was waitlisted at Emory College, you may also want to confirm interest in Oxford if that option was presented – the Oxford-to-Emory pathway produces the same Emory degree and can be a strategic backdoor for students who would not otherwise get off the Emory College waitlist.
Not dead, but constrained. With 50% of the class locked in through ED I and ED II, the Regular Decision acceptance rate drops significantly, and fewer RD spots means fewer potential waitlist openings. Emory’s historical waitlist acceptance rate has ranged from 2-15% across recent cycles, with significant year-to-year variation. In years when yield is lower than projected, the waitlist can be surprisingly active. The 50% ED fill rate makes the waitlist less reliable than at schools with smaller ED classes, but it does not eliminate the possibility of movement.
Yes, write a LOCI within 7-10 days of your waitlist notification. Emory values community engagement, interdisciplinary thinking, and Atlanta as a resource. Reference specific Emory programs – the Goizueta Business School, the Rollins School of Public Health undergraduate pathway, specific research centers, or the Atlanta semester opportunities. Include one meaningful update since your original application. State clearly that Emory is your first choice. Keep it under 400 words. Generic LOCIs that could apply to any school are counterproductive at Emory, where admissions officers are reading for genuine institutional knowledge.
Emory does not rank its waitlist. All waitlisted students are re-evaluated holistically when spots open, meaning your initial position does not determine when or whether you receive an offer. This also means a strong LOCI and updated information can genuinely influence your chances – unlike at schools with ranked waitlists where your position is fixed. The unranked format works in your favor if you can demonstrate meaningful new developments or clarify why Emory is your first choice.
Commit to whichever school your child prefers between Emory and Tufts by May 1, then stay on the WashU waitlist if WashU is genuinely the top choice. WashU’s waitlist is notoriously inconsistent – they admitted zero students from the waitlist in four recent years. Emory (11% acceptance rate) and Tufts (10%) are peer institutions with comparable outcomes. Committing to Emory while waiting on WashU is a strong position – if WashU does not come through, your child attends an excellent school. Do not hold off on committing to Emory hoping WashU will move.
Emory meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, including those admitted from the waitlist. Your financial aid package is determined after admission using the same methodology as all other students. However, for families earning $250K+, the expected family contribution will likely approach the full cost of attendance (approximately $80,000 per year). Emory’s Emory Advantage program provides grant-based aid (no loans) for families under certain income thresholds, but high-income families should expect to pay close to full price regardless of whether admission comes through the standard or waitlist process.
