Interest among high-achieving students applying to Emory University (EU) undergraduate programs for the class of 2018 remained steady this year, but John Latting, assistant vice provost for undergraduate enrollment and Emory College dean of admission, notes there are powerful undercurrents at play in the college application process.
The most powerful undercurrent is the continued trend of students applying earlier in the college admission cycle. Applications for the early decision 1 (ED1) cycle were up 22 percent for Emory College and 35 percent for Oxford College making for a overall 29 percent increase for EU. Applications for the early decision 2 (ED2) cycle for the two colleges changed from 1,184 to 1,019.
The applicant pool also saw a 39 percent increase in applications for the Emory Scholars program and a 44 percent increase in applications to Emory with QuestBridge, a non-profit focusing on high-achieving, low-income, first-generation to college students. Both of these programs have application deadlines prior to the January 15 regular decision deadline.
As of Jan. 24, there were 17,358 applications to Emory College, compared with last year's 17,681 and it is expected the final application number that will be available later this semester will be very close to last year’s number. Additionally, there were 7,042 applications for Oxford College compared to 6877 last year according to unofficial, preliminary data.
"Prospective students are responding to Emory's commitment to the transformative power of the residential, liberal arts experience," says Latting, referring to the uncommon opportunity Emory students have to benefit from a traditional college experience at one of the world's leading research universities.
With increased competition, this year's admission rate was lower for applicants meeting the first of Emory's three admission deadlines. The ED1 admitted group indicates more interest in the humanities, includes more under-represented students, and reflects continued nationwide and international interest.
Acceptance decisions for ED1 showed 511 students were admitted to Emory College for the class of 2018. Among them, 17 percent are international; the top home states include New York, Georgia, California, New Jersey and Florida.
Acceptance decisions for ED1 showed 177 students were admitted to Oxford for the class of 2018. Among them, 31 percent are international; the top home states include Georgia, California, Florida, South Carolina, and Alabama.
"We’re thrilled with the high quality and diversity of the group of students admitted to Oxford for early decision," says Jennie Taylor, dean of enrollment services at Oxford. "This is the third year we’ve offered an early decision plan and we’re delighted by the interest students are showing in Oxford."
"I’m very proud of the work of the admission staff here on the Atlanta campus and know that Jennie is proud of her team at Oxford," says Latting. "We both appreciate the contributions of all the faculty, staff, students, and alumni who work with us to create interest in Emory’s rigorous liberal arts undergraduate experience."