We are the Enrollment Management Association
Our vision is to champion transformational education journeys. Our tools and resources provide insights beyond academics so schools can empower students to seamlessly navigate their unique paths to success.
Together, let's champion transformational education journeys.
EMA, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, was founded in 1957. We are the leading resource dedicated to helping independent school leaders with their enrollment needs. Most know us for pioneering the gold-standard SSAT, administered to 50,000 potential students each year.
We have since evolved beyond traditional testing services, offering timely data, insights, and digital solutions to help sustain the independent schools of the future. We've grown from admissions professionals to a vast network of experts and advocates—developing the industry-standard Character Skills Snapshot, leadership tools like Learning Pass, and first-rate recruitment resources, like the Standard Application Online and Student Prospect List.
Today, EMA’s commitment to helping students break down barriers and navigate the admission process to access the independent school community is more important than ever. As a nonprofit, a cornerstone of our commitment to access, inclusion, and diversity has included contributing millions of dollars in fee waiver services to thousands of students on their education journey.
To continue to deliver on our mission, we are calling on you—our partners to support our Fee Waiver Program, which directly benefits students demonstrating financial need.
Let's break down barriers to independent school enrollment.
#LetsChampionTransformation
The generous financial support we receive will make it possible for us to expand private school enrollment opportunities for free services in assessment, online preparation, education, and application processes for students of limited economic means globally.
Here's how we empower you for success.
It’s our mission to provide unparalleled leadership and service in meeting the admission assessment and enrollment needs of schools, students, and families.
We’re stronger by association.
We support more than 1,300 independent schools across the globe, empowering both school leaders and students to navigate their journey toward success. This path is unique and requires transformational support at every stage that evolves with them as they learn, grow, and shape the future.
It's time to champion transformational education journeys. Let's do it together.
Partners and Sponsors
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See what admissions professionals have to say about EMA.
"After nearly two decades working in Admissions and Marketing in independent schools, I can say with confidence that the Student Prospect List (SPL) has been one of the most reliable tools in my toolkit.
The SPL helps us reach high-intent families who are already exploring independent school options—even if we weren’t originally on their radar. Because these families opt in, we know they’re open to hearing from us and genuinely interested in learning more.
My approach is multi-channel: we pair targeted introductory email campaigns with supportive direct mail to drive stronger engagement. It's also easy to run quick, highly effective outreach—like promoting a virtual information session—where the immediate boost in registrations is a clear indicator of its impact. Every time we use it, the results are fast and visible."
"At a time when we are trying to reduce barriers, create access, and alleviate unnecessary stress on families, the value of the SAO has never been more evident."
"We leverage EMA in various ways. Certainly, we use the SAO and the SSAT. And the daily Member Community emails that come through my inbox early in the morning remind me that the entire school community is thinking through the same questions we are. And it's exciting to have those conversations and know that we're not in this by ourselves. To remind ourselves that we're hundreds and thousands strong is impactful and important, particularly from a professional development opportunity for my staff."
"Not being an EMA member is not an option. It's where I get so much information, professional development, and support. Every newsletter that goes out, every visit we get from the EMA team, and every resource provided by EMA help us do our job and do it well."
Careers at EMA
Educating our future is no simple task. Your success factors are complex, and an ever-changing education landscape presents new challenges each step of the way. Learn how we can help.