<p>I got accepted to both Oxford and Emory class of 2017, and my SAT score was 20 points lower than yours, I have almost no community service hours, I never visited campus, and I attend a ridiculously small high school. I don’t think there is any “magic formula” to being accepted to Emory- I think your application has to reflect that you’re a dedicated student who is passionate in both a particular area of studying and attending Emory. Study up on your major, find specific classes you’re interested in taking, and mention any professors that jump out at you.
As for ECs and that kind of application crap, you don’t have to have a ton of activities. I’m in a few clubs at my school, but I dedicate most of my time to only two activities- band and drama- and as a result, I have both leaderships positions and numerous awards in both. I think this stands out more on an application than half-hearted involvement in several activities. It shows that you have priorities, that you know what’s important to you.
I honestly don’t know how I got in, except maybe because my application was earnest and I put a lot of effort into it. I didn’t try to flub anything and I wasn’t pretentious. I just showed them that I have a passion for literature and that Emory was the best choice for me, and I guess they believed me.</p>