Application Review Process
All completed applications will be reviewed and will remain in review until the end of the interview season (September – February). We cannot guarantee the time frame in which your application will be reviewed – only that it will be reviewed thoroughly. No completed applicant will be rejected during the interview season and the ONLY decision that is made during this time is the decision to invite for an interview. If you are selected for an interview, you will be contacted by email or telephone.
It is extremely critical that you keep your contact information updated with AMCAS during this time. Please also let the Office of Admissions know if you will be out of the country or unreachable by telephone or email for any period of time during the interview season (September – February).
A personal interview is required to be considered for acceptance – there are no exceptions. (Due to the high volume of applications we receive from exceptional candidates each year, it is impossible to interview all qualified applicants. Consequently, failure to be offered an interview is not an indication that an applicant is unsuited for a medical career.)
Criteria for Selection
Competitive applicants will present a superb level of scholarship and strong MCAT scores. Additional factors that are considered by our Admissions Committee include:
- personal motivation for pursuing a career in medicine
- letters of recommendation
- experience with patients and physicians in a clinical setting
- leadership
- extracurricular activities
- service and involvement in community activities
- potential barriers to resources and support
- alignment with Emory’s mission and the SOM mission
Emory seeks a diverse student body – diversity in race, ethnicity, national origin, and personal and academic pursuits. The personal characteristics that we look for during the review and interview process are: Strong Communication Skills, Listening to Others, Integrity, Warmth, Compassion/Empathy, Positive Outlook, Logical/Critical Thinking, Maturity, Commitment to Community, and Suitability for the Profession of Medicine.
Acceptance
The Admissions Committee meets monthly from October to February. If you are accepted, you will be notified via regular U.S. mail. Applicants will NOT be notified by email or telephone.
Emory School of Medicine operates on a rolling admission cycle. If you are not selected for admission at the first Committee meeting following your interview day, your application will remain in consideration at all subsequent meetings. No completed applicant will be rejected during the interview season.
If you are accepted, you will be asked to confirm your spot in the incoming class within two weeks of the receipt of your acceptance letter. No admissions deposit is required.
Throughout the spring and summer prior to matriculation, accepted students are required to submit the following (more details will be provided to accepted students):
- Final, official transcripts from all schools attended (even if credits were transferred to another institution)
- A medical history, separate physical examination report, and an updated immunization record (Emory School of Medicine forms must be used)
- Notarized Georgia Certificate of Residence (for residents of the State of Georgia only)
- Release of criminal background check and drug screening results to Emory
- Waiver of health insurance (if not purchasing the Emory student health insurance)
- Required online training courses prior to Orientation
A Few Pointers
Do not wait until the deadline
It is to your advantage to submit your AMCAS application and, if you are selected to receive one, your Emory Supplemental Application as early as possible. The earlier your applications are completed, the earlier your file can be placed in review with our Admissions Committee. Your file cannot be reviewed until we have received all of the following materials:
- Verified AMCAS Application
- Emory Supplemental Application (with fee payment and photo)
- MCAT scores (sent by AMCAS)
- All letters of recommendation (via the AMCAS Letter Service)
Consider your competitiveness
We expect to receive more than 13,000 applications for our entering class of only 138 students—that means your application must be as competitive as possible. We fully consider all applicants based upon their entire application, which includes all academic achievements, letters of recommendation, community involvement, leadership, exposure to patients in a clinical setting and extracurricular activities. However, a solid foundation in the sciences and a strong GPA and MCAT are important in order to be a competitive applicant.
Keep your AMCAS file updated
Keep your AMCAS file updated with any changes in your contact information. Changes submitted through AMCAS will automatically download to our database. You will be given an opportunity to report other updates (new grades, publications, awards, activities, etc.) when you complete the Emory Supplemental Application. Subsequent updates may be added to your application electronically as well.