First-Year Application Process

There are two ways to apply to Emerson College: through the Common Application or the Emerson Application. Once submitted, you’ll receive an email confirmation.

If you apply through the Common Application, you’ll also receive instructions for creating your Emerson Admission Portal account within two business days. Depending on your selected program, you may be required to submit additional materials through the portal.

Note: This page is specifically for new first-year students. If you’re not sure if you should apply as a first-year or transfer student, see the list below:

Apply as a first-year student if you:

  • Enrolled full-time at another college but withdrew before the school’s add/drop deadline
  • Attended college part-time after high school and earned eight or fewer college credits
  • Earned college credits before graduating from high school (e.g. dual-enrollment programs)

Apply as a transfer student if you:

  • Are currently enrolled full-time at another college
  • Attended college part-time after high school and earned nine or more college credits

Choose Your Application Plan

Emerson offers four application plans for fall admission, and one for spring admission. Consider how certain you are about attending Emerson and when you’d like to receive your decision.

Early Decision I or II — Binding

Early Decision (ED) may be right for you if Emerson is your clear first choice. By applying ED, you commit to enrolling at Emerson if you’re admitted. You must also withdraw any other ED applications. You may apply Early Action (EA) to other colleges, but you’ll need to withdraw those applications if you’re admitted to Emerson.

Early Action — Non-Binding

Early Action (EA) lets you receive your admission decision earlier without committing to enroll. You’re welcome to apply EA to Emerson even if you apply ED or EA to another college.

Regular Decision — Non-Binding

Regular Decision (RD) gives you more time to complete your application and compare admission and financial aid offers before making your choice. RD applicants may also apply ED or EA to other colleges. Emerson releases RD results in early April.

Fall Admission Deadlines

Early Action

Application Deadline November 1
Honors Essay Deadline November 15
Decision Notification Mid-December
Deposit Deadline May 1

Spring Admission Deadlines

Regular Decision Application Deadline: November 1
Decision Notification: Rolling

Applications completed after November 1 will be considered on a space-available basis.

What You’ll Need to Apply

Your application should include the academic materials below. Make sure your full name and date of birth appear on everything you submit so we can match each item to your application.

High School Transcript and School Report

Submit an official, signed transcript from every high school you attended, along with a completed School Report from your school counselor.

Transcripts issued in a language other than English must include a certified English translation.

Secondary School Counselor Evaluation

Ask your secondary school counselor to submit an evaluation with your transcript and School Report.

Teacher Evaluation

Submit at least one evaluation from a teacher who taught you in an academic subject.

Standardized Testing

Emerson is test optional. Submit scores if you feel they strengthen your application, skip them if they don’t reflect your abilities.

SAT code: 3367
ACT code: 1820.

First Marking Period Grades and Midyear Report

Submit your first marking period grades and midyear report as soon as they become available.

Your application may still be reviewed while we wait for these grades, but they should be submitted promptly once issued.

Early Decision (ED) Agreement

If you’re applying through Early Decision I or Early Decision II, you must also submit a completed Early Decision Agreement.

Additional Requirements

Depending on your background or intended program, you may need to submit additional materials. Review the requirements that apply to you:

Creative Sample

Some Emerson programs require a creative sample, while others give you the option to submit one.

Submit yours through the Admission Portal after you submit your application and fee. If you apply close to the deadline, please submit your sample as soon as possible. We understand that there may be a brief delay between submitting your application and uploading your work.

After You Submit

Check Your Status

Log in to the Admission Portal to track your application. It may take up to two weeks for newly submitted materials to appear.

Apply for Financial Aid

You don’t need to wait for an admission decision to apply for financial aid. Review the financial aid requirements and deadlines early so you have time to complete each step.

Keep an Eye on Your Inbox

Add admission@emerson.edu to your approved senders and keep your email preferences active. If you opt out, you won’t receive deadline reminders and decision notifications.