Key differences on Getting in
- 1
Northwestern's yield is 18 pts higher than Emory's
Yield rate - 2
Northwestern admits 7.7% vs. 10% at Emory
Acceptance rate - 3
Northwestern's SAT midpoint is 35 points higher than Emory's
SAT midpoint
Admissions
Getting in, fall 2024
Acceptance and yield, test score ranges, test policy, and what each college weighs.
The funnel
Quad's selectivity
- EmoryHighly selective
- NorthwesternUltra selective
Men and women
Acceptance rate for men and women who applied, where a college reports admissions by sex.
Test scores
SAT total,
Axis runs 1400–1600. The dark tick marks the national median midpoint.
ACT composite,
Axis runs 29–36. The dark tick marks the national median midpoint.
Test policy
- EmoryTest scores required
- NorthwesternTest-optional
How they read a record
Emory
, GPA, and tests are all very important; class rank is considered. 77% of first-years who sent test scores had a 3.75 or higher, so and rarely sets an applicant apart; the courses behind it carry more of the weight.
Northwestern
The high school record and a college-prep program are required; GPA and class rank are considered.
What they look at
| Factor | Emory | Northwestern |
|---|---|---|
| High school GPA | Very important | Considered |
| High school record | Required | Required |
| Class rank | Considered | Considered |
| College-prep program | Considered | Required |
| Recommendations | Important | Required |
| Essay | Important | Required |
| Legacy status | Considered | Considered |
| Work experience | Considered | Considered |
| Demonstration of competencies | Considered | Not considered |
| English proficiency test | Considered | Required |
| Other tests | Not considered | Not considered |
Sources:Emory University (Fall 2025), Fall 2025;IPEDS Admissions survey, Fall 2024;Emory University Common Data Set 2025–26, Fall 2027 applicants;Emory University Common Data Set 2025–26, Entered fall 2024;College Scorecard, most recent release;College Scorecard, Entered fall 2023About the data(retrieved 2026-10-12)
Figures are the newest each college has published; years can differ between colleges. Each value's ⓘ shows its source and year. Why