Emerson Admission Requirements
- 7/10 Overall Rating
- 4 Year
- Boston, MA
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Emerson Admission Overview
Emerson admission requirements are competitive. Last year Emerson admitted 51.3% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.73 GPA (A-) and SAT 1270-1420 / ACT 29-32. Emerson is test-optional, so you choose whether to send SAT or ACT. Those figures describe last year's class, not a score you must hit.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Emerson is test-optional for 2026-27. You choose whether to send SAT or ACT.
Emerson Acceptance Rate
Admission Rate & Difficulty
Acceptance rate Share of applicants offered admission last year.
Admission Standards Measure of enrolled testers' SAT/ACT scores vs. other colleges.
Applicant Competition Measure of this school's acceptance rate vs. other colleges. A low acceptance rate indicates high competition.
Average
Admission difficulty for Emerson College
Acceptance Rate
The Emerson acceptance rate is 51.3%. Last year, 5,325 of 10,378 applicants were admitted. That is the 22nd lowest acceptance rate in Massachusetts.
Admission Selectivity
How hard is it to get into Emerson and can you get accepted?
Emerson is a competitive school to get into, turning away a substantial share of applicants. You have a good chance of acceptance if you meet last year's profile.
Emerson College typically attracts "A-" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.73. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top quarter of their high school class. 16% of those admitted chose to enroll.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Emerson GPA
GPA of enrolled freshmen
Avg. High School GPA The average high school GPA for incoming freshmen on a 4.0 scale.
3.73Typical High School Grades Letter grade on a 4.0 scale for last year's average, not a cutoff.
A-Average GPA (4.0 Scale) 3.73
Average GPA
Enrolled freshmen at Emerson typically have around a 3.73 GPA (A-) on a 4.0 scale. That is last year's class average, not a cutoff. Enrolled students typically have very good grades in high school. Emerson is test-optional. If you withhold SAT or ACT, GPA carries more weight.
The school ranks #19 in Massachusetts for highest average GPA.
See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.7 GPA range.
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024
Emerson Test Policy
Test Submission Requirements
Emerson College is test-optional for first-year applicants in the 2026-27 admissions cycle. You may submit SAT or ACT scores if you believe they strengthen your application, or you may skip them if they do not reflect your abilities. Choosing not to send scores will not penalize your application; Emerson places greater emphasis on other materials, especially your high school coursework.
Cycle: 2026-27. Source: https://emerson.edu/admission-aid/undergraduate-admission/undergraduate-application-process/first-year-application-process/
Emerson SAT Scores
SAT scores of enrolled freshmen
SAT Range The middle 50% of enrolled testers who sent SAT. The maximum score is 1600.
1270-1420Freshmen who sent SAT Share of enrolled freshmen who submitted SAT scores. This is enrolled testers, not all applicants.
16%25th Percentile Scores
- Reading 660
- Math 610
- Composite 1270
75th Percentile Scores
- Reading 720
- Math 700
- Composite 1420
Average SAT
Enrolled testers at Emerson typically score around a 1350 SAT (middle 50% 1270–1420) out of 1600. That is last year's class, not a cutoff. The average SAT of enrolled testers is about the 92nd percentile nationally. Emerson ranks #18 in the state of Massachusetts and #143 in the nation for highest average SAT composite score.
SAT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 1270 to 1420
SAT policy
Emerson is test-optional. You choose whether to send SAT. If you send a score, it is considered.
View other colleges which accept students in the 1350 SAT score range.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
How SAT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers
This table compares SAT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. It is not a personal chance of admission. If you withhold SAT, skip this table.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Emerson ACT Scores
ACT scores among enrolled freshmen
ACT Range Mid-50 ACT composite among enrolled testers who sent ACT. The scale tops out at 36.
29-32Freshmen reporting ACT Percent of enrolled freshmen who reported ACT. Counts enrolled testers, not the full applicant pool.
5%25th Percentile Scores
- English 29
- Math 25
- Composite 29
75th Percentile Scores
- English 35
- Math 30
- Composite 32
Average ACT
Incoming testers at Emerson typically have around a 30 ACT (mid-50 29–32) on the 36 scale. That reflects last year's enrolled testers, not a cutoff. That average sits near the 93rd percentile of ACT takers nationwide. Emerson places #17 among colleges in Massachusetts and #137 nationwide for highest average ACT composite.
ACT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 29 to 32
ACT policy
You may apply to Emerson without ACT. A score you do send is still reviewed.
See colleges with similar ACT profiles in the 30.0 ACT score range.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
How ACT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers
This table compares ACT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. They are not your individual odds. If you leave ACT off your application, you can skip this table.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
High School Class Rank
Class Rank of Admitted Students
70% of Emerson College freshman are in the top twenty five percent of their high school graduating class and 29% are in the top ten percent.
Data Source, Peterson's Data
Estimate How You Compare
See how your GPA and scores compare with last year's enrolled testers. You can mark that you will withhold scores.
Open the Emerson chances calculatorApplying
Admission Statistics
Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed in the table below.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to Emerson College and what student information is used for admission decisions?
Test scores: school admissions site, 2026-27. Other fields: IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Fall 2027 Application Deadline
Applications Due
Feb 20, 2027Days left to Apply
173Applicants have 173 days left until the Fall 2027 term applications are due on Feb 20, 2027.
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to Emerson College is $65.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Credits Accepted
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Admission summary
Emerson is test-optional for 2026-27. Last year it admitted 51.3% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.73 GPA (about an A- average). Send SAT/ACT if you are at or above this campus mid-50 (1270-1420); otherwise withhold. Mid-50 scores, where shown, are enrolled testers, not cutoffs.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Other Colleges to Apply To
Students applying to Emerson College often consider these colleges
Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=165662.
GPA calculator: Emerson College GPA calculator.
Last updated: August 2026