Claremont McKenna Acceptance Rate: Class of 2028 Admission Statistics

Claremont McKenna College is a small liberal arts school in California, but don’t let its size fool you. It’s both influential and highly selective. For the Class of 2028, the college had a tiny 9.6% acceptance rate. To give you an idea of how tough that is, Cornell has the highest acceptance rate among the Ivies at 8%. Claremont McKenna is quickly approaching that level of difficulty.

And it’s not just about exclusivity. The school ranks #8 on this year’s Best National Liberal Arts Colleges list from U.S. News and holds the #5 spot on the Wall Street Journal’s list of the Best Colleges in the U.S. That kind of recognition makes it clear: CMC isn’t just hard to get into; it’s one of the best out there.

So, does the low acceptance rate affect your chances of getting in? It sure does! That is why in this blog, we provide a breakdown of Claremont McKenna’s acceptance rate and other admissions stats that will help us understand how these numbers affect your chances of getting in.

• What Is Claremont McKenna’s Acceptance Rate?
• Claremont McKenna Acceptance Rate Trends
• Claremont McKenna Regular Decision Acceptance Rate
• Claremont McKenna Early Decision Acceptance Rate
• How to Get Accepted into Claremont McKenna
• Claremont McKenna Transfer Acceptance Rate
• Claremont McKenna Waitlist Acceptance Rate
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Is Claremont McKenna’s Acceptance Rate?

For the Class of 2028, Claremont McKenna recorded an all-time low acceptance rate of 9.6%, both encompassing Early Decision and Regular Decision applications. Looking closer, how you apply can change your odds:

Out of 6,529 applicants, only 626 got accepted, making the overall acceptance rate just 9.6%. If you went for Early Decision, you had a much better shot—23.4% of ED applicants got in (226 out of 967). But for Regular Decision, things were way more competitive. Only 7.2% made the cut (400 out of 5,562).

So, applying Early Decision can give you a real edge, but even then, it’s no guarantee. Claremont McKenna is one of the most selective liberal arts colleges out there, and getting in is a big deal.

Claremont McKenna yield rate

The yield rate tells you how many admitted students actually decide to enroll in a college. It’s a big deal for schools because it shows how many applicants see them as a top choice.

For the Class of 2028, Claremont McKenna had an impressive 53.8% yield rate. Out of the 626 students who got accepted, 337 chose to attend. That means more than half of the admitted students saw CMC as the place to be. It is a clear sign that it’s a highly desirable school.

To put things in perspective, the national average yield rate for four-year nonprofit colleges in fall 2022 was 30%. Private colleges did slightly better at 33%, while public colleges were lower at 25%. Claremont McKenna, on the other hand, had an impressive 53.8%—way above the average. That means a lot of admitted students didn’t just get in, they actually wanted to go.

So, what does that mean for you as an applicant?

• It makes things tougher for waitlisted students since more admitted applicants are accepting their spots.
• It proves that Claremont McKenna’s academics, campus life, and career opportunities make it a top pick for students.
• It means your application has to stand out in every possible way.

Claremont McKenna Acceptance Rate Trends

Claremont McKenna’s acceptance rates in the last five years have been dipping. We’ve gathered the recent data from the school’s Common Data Set:

Claremont McKenna’s acceptance rates over the last five years tell a clear story: getting in is getting harder. For the Class of 2024, the acceptance rate was 13.3%. Fast forward to the Class of 2028, and that number has dropped to just 9.6%. That’s a pretty steep decline in a short time.

Applications to Claremont McKenna have been soaring, jumping from 5,306 for the Class 2024 to a record-breaking 6,529 for the Class 2028. However, the number of admitted students hasn’t increased at the same pace, making the admissions process even more competitive each year. This downward trend signals that getting into CMC is only becoming more challenging.

This is a sign that more students are setting their sights on CMC. If this pattern continues, future classes might see even lower acceptance rates, turning CMC into an even bigger admissions challenge.

Claremont McKenna acceptance rate vs Ivy League schools

As one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country, Claremont McKenna is often mentioned alongside Ivy League schools, even though it’s not officially part of the group. But how does Claremont McKenna’s acceptance rate stack up against the Ivies?

Claremont McKenna’s 9.6% acceptance rate is definitely competitive, but it’s still higher than all the Ivy League schools. Schools like Harvard (3.6%) and Yale (3.7%) are way tougher to get into, making the Ivies even more exclusive. That said, CMC is still super selective and holds its own as one of the top liberal arts colleges out there.

Acceptance rates don’t tell the whole story. Claremont McKenna’s 53.8% yield rate proves just how many admitted students actually want to enroll. In fact, its yield rivals or even beats some Ivy League schools, showing that CMC is a top choice for many.

While Claremont McKenna’s acceptance rate isn’t as shockingly low as Harvard’s or Yale’s, application numbers keep rising, and the admit rate keeps shrinking. The competition is getting tougher every year. If you’re aiming for CMC, you’ll need to approach your application with the same level of focus and strategy you’d use for an Ivy.

Claremont McKenna Regular Decision Acceptance Rate

Getting into Claremont McKenna through Regular Decision was no easy feat for the Class of 2028. The acceptance rate fell to 7.2%, the most competitive year in recent history:

For the Class of 2024, Claremont McKenna’s Regular Decision acceptance rate was 10.4%, but for the Class of 2028, it had dropped to just 7.2%. That’s a pretty big dip, showing that more students are applying while fewer are getting in.

Over the years, applications have shot up from 4,679 in 2024 to 5,562 in 2028 and yet, the number of admitted students hasn’t kept up, making admissions even more competitive. If this trend keeps up, snagging a spot through Regular Decision will only get tougher.

Claremont McKenna Regular Decision deadline and notification date

If you’re aiming for Claremont McKenna College’s Regular Decision, mark your calendar for a January 10 application deadline. After you submit your application, expect to hear back by April 1. This timeline gives you until May 1 to make your decision. For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, be sure to submit your application by December 1.

Claremont McKenna Early Decision Acceptance Rate

Applying to Claremont McKenna through Early Decision gives you a better chance of getting in, with an acceptance rate of 23.4%. But there’s a catch: Early Decision is binding, which means if you apply and get accepted, you’re committing to attend. So while it can improve your odds, you should only go for it if you’re absolutely sure CMC is the right school for you.

Here are the latest ED rates:

Over the years, Early Decision acceptance rates have been dropping, making it harder to get in—even through ED. For the Class of 2024, more than a third of ED applicants were accepted (35.1%), but for the Class of 2028, that number had fallen to 23.4%. At the same time, applications have steadily increased, jumping from 627 in 2024 to 967 in 2028.

Even with the declining acceptance rates, applying ED still gives you a significantly better shot than Regular Decision. For comparison, the Regular Decision acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 was only 7.2%, making ED nearly three times more favorable. However, the increasing number of ED applicants means that more students are using this route to improve their chances, making it harder to stand out.

In short, Early Decision is still your best bet if CMC is your top choice, but the growing number of highly qualified applicants means it’s no longer the “easier” way in.

Claremont McKenna Early Decision policy

Claremont McKenna College offers two binding Early Decision (ED) options for applicants who consider CMC their top choice. Applying ED means you’re committed to attending if accepted and must withdraw all other college applications upon admission.

When applying through ED, you can receive one of three decisions:

• Admitted. You’re in and must attend.
• Deferred. Your application moves to Regular Decision for reconsideration.
• Denied. You won’t be reconsidered for Regular Decision.

Because ED is a serious commitment, make sure CMC is truly the right fit before applying.

Claremont McKenna Early Decision deadline and notification date

Claremont McKenna College offers two binding Early Decision (ED) options for applicants who consider CMC their top choice: ED I with a November 1 application deadline and ED II due by January 10.

For ED I applicants, decisions are typically released by December 15, while ED II candidates can expect notifications by February 15.

How to Get Accepted into Claremont McKenna

Claremont McKenna College looks for students who are not just strong academically but also show leadership potential and a real commitment to its core values. The school values freedom of expression, diverse perspectives, civil discourse, and mutual respect—so they want students who will contribute to that kind of environment.

CMC takes a holistic approach, which means they also look at your extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and personal qualities to see how you’ll fit into the community.

Here’s how your application can stand out:

Target GPA

Claremont McKenna doesn’t officially list a minimum GPA, but let’s be honest—strong academics are a must. The average GPA for admitted students is around 3.9, meaning most successful applicants are top of their class with mostly A’s.

If your GPA isn’t quite there, don’t stress. You can make up for it with strong test scores, standout essays, or impressive extracurriculars. Taking challenging courses like AP, IB, or honors classes can also prove that you’re ready for the academic intensity at CMC.

Target test scores

Although Claremont McKenna is test-optional, strong SAT or ACT scores can still give your application an edge. If you’re submitting scores, aim for the typical test scores of CMC admits to stay competitive:

Hitting the 75th percentile (1540 for SAT, 35 for ACT) or above shows that you’re ready for the academic challenges at CMC.

If you choose not to submit test scores, make sure the rest of your application is top-notch. Showcase your achievements in extracurriculars, write compelling essays, and secure strong recommendation letters to make your application stand out.

Extracurriculars

Claremont McKenna values freedom of expression, diverse perspectives, civil discourse, and mutual respect. They also care about leadership, creativity, and a genuine passion for making an impact.

Focus on what truly excites you. Maybe you’re leading your school’s math or debate club, volunteering for a cause you care about like Digital4Good or a Climate Change Club, or dedicating time to mastering a skill. What really matters is how your activities reflect who you are and what you bring to the table. CMC looks for students with intellectual curiosity, civic engagement, and leadership, so show them how you live out those qualities in your everyday life.

Show them who you are—what excites you, what challenges you’ve tackled, and how you want to make an impact. Make it personal, make it real, and most importantly, make it you.

Essays and supplemental video

Claremont McKenna requires two supplemental essays, which are specific to the school and only submitted to CMC. You’ll find these prompts in both the Common Application and the Coalition Application. For effective tips on writing Claremont McKenna’s essays, check out our detailed guide.

Once you submit your application, CMC’s Admission Office will send you an email with instructions on how to submit an optional two-minute video. Think of it like a casual alternative to an interview—it’s your chance to show more of your personality beyond what’s on paper. The best video responses feel genuine, thoughtful, and authentic, giving admissions officers a better sense of who you are.

Recommendation

You can submit up to two extra recommendation letters from teachers, coaches, advisors, supervisors, or mentors. Pick people who really know you well and can talk about both your academic strengths and personal character. The more detailed and specific these letters are, the better they’ll help you stand out to the admissions team.

Want to know how to get into Claremont McKenna? Here is a simple guide that breaks down the admissions process and gives you tips to make your application shine.

Claremont McKenna Transfer Acceptance Rate

Claremont McKenna’s transfer acceptance rate has been on a sharp decline over the past five years, making it increasingly difficult for transfer applicants to secure a spot. Here are the latest stats from the school’s Common Data Set:

For both the Class of 2024 and the Class of 2025, Claremont McKenna’s transfer acceptance rate was 11.1%, with 37 and 33 students accepted, respectively. But for the Class of 2026, it had already dropped to 6.2%, then briefly ticked up to 8.3% during the Class of 2027, before hitting an all-time low of 5.7% for the Class of 2028—with just 24 students accepted out of 423 applicants.

It’s clear that transferring to CMC is getting tougher every year. Applications are going up, but the number of admitted transfer students isn’t. With such a low acceptance rate, you’ll need a strong academic record, great recommendations, and a compelling reason for transferring to stand out. This also shows that CMC focuses more on first-year admissions, making it even harder for students looking to transfer from another college.

Important dates and transfer requirements

If you’re thinking about transferring to Claremont McKenna, here’s what you’ll need:

• Academic record and GPA
• Official transcripts
• College report
• One academic recommendation
• Mid-term college grades
• Supplemental essays (2 essay prompts)

CMC is test-optional for transfer applicants in the 2024-2025 cycle, but submitting solid SAT or ACT scores can still help your application stand out. You can also include optional materials like a “Glimpse” video or arts supplements to showcase your personality and unique talents.

CMC accepts transfer applications for both Spring and Fall admission. Make sure you meet these deadlines to be considered:

• Spring admission. Application deadline – October 15 | Decision released – December 1
• Fall admission. Application deadline – February 15 | Decision released – May 1

If CMC is your dream school, make sure to submit a strong, well-rounded application that highlights both your academic strengths and personal experiences!

Claremont McKenna Waitlist Acceptance Rate

Claremont McKenna does put students on a waitlist. Getting out of that list isn’t necessarily easy, though. Here are the school’s latest waitlist acceptance rates:

Over the years, fewer students have been admitted from Claremont McKenna’s waitlist, making it a far less reliable path to acceptance. The waitlist acceptance rate for the Class of 2024 was 9.7%, with 75 students admitted out of 776. However, this number dropped sharply in the following years. For Class of 2025, only 9 students were admitted, bringing the rate down to 1.0%.

The trend continued into the Class of 2026, with just 11 students accepted from 850 on the waitlist, resulting in a 1.3% acceptance rate. For the Class of 2027, there was a brief increase to 7.4%, with 44 students admitted, but this was still well below the Class of 2024 level.

The downward trend continued for the Class of 2028, where the acceptance rate fell again to 3.3%, with just 33 students admitted from a record-high 997 on the waitlist.

This pattern suggests that getting off the waitlist at CMC is becoming increasingly difficult, with fewer spots available each year. If you are waitlisted at CMC, it’s crucial to have a strong backup plan and not rely on a waitlist offer as a primary route to admission.

What to do if you’re waitlisted

Getting waitlisted isn’t a no—it’s more like a maybe. Claremont McKenna sees you as a strong applicant but doesn’t have a spot for you right now. The waitlist acts as a backup pool in case some admitted students decline their offers.

While there’s still a chance, being on the waitlist doesn’t guarantee admission. It’s important to stay realistic and have a backup plan, which includes committing to another school while keeping an eye on CMC.

Here’s how you can improve your chances:

• Confirm your spot. Follow CMC’s instructions to officially accept your place on the waitlist. If you skip this step, you won’t be considered.
• Send a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI). Write a short, genuine note to CMC’s admissions office. Reaffirm your enthusiasm for the school and highlight any new achievements or updates since you applied.
• Keep your grades up. Stay strong academically and continue participating in your extracurriculars. CMC looks for consistency and dedication, even after you’ve submitted your application.
• Stay grounded. The waitlist process is unpredictable, so while you can remain hopeful, make sure you focus on the school where you’ve already been accepted to set yourself up for success.

The best way to avoid the uncertainty of the waitlist is to submit a strong, well-rounded application in the first round. But if you do find yourself in this position, these steps can help you stand out as a committed and competitive candidate. Just remember—CMC’s waitlist acceptance rate is low, so manage your expectations while staying optimistic about your future.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Claremont McKenna’s latest overall acceptance rate?

Claremont McKenna’s overall acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 was 9.6%. Out of 6,529 applications, only 626 students were admitted.

2. What is Claremont McKenna’s Early Decision acceptance rate?

For the Class of 2028, CMC’s Early Decision acceptance rate was 23.4%. Out of 967 ED applicants, 226 students got in. That’s a much higher chance compared to Regular Decision, but keep in mind that ED is binding, meaning you’re committing to enroll if accepted.

3. What is Claremont McKenna’s Regular Decision acceptance rate?

CMC’s Regular Decision acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 was just 7.2%. Out of 5,562 RD applications, only 400 students were admitted.

4. What is Claremont McKenna’s transfer acceptance rate?

CMC’s transfer acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 was 5.7%. Out of 423 transfer applications, only 24 students were admitted.

5. What is Claremont McKenna’s waitlist acceptance rate?

CMC’s waitlist acceptance rate varies by year, but for the Class of 2028, only 33 waitlisted students were admitted, bringing the acceptance rate to 3.3%. In previous years, the waitlist acceptance rate has fluctuated, with 9.7% admitted in 2024 and just 1.0% in 2025, showing how unpredictable the process can be.

id=”take-aways”> Takeaways

Claremont McKenna’s acceptance rate shows just how competitive it is to get into this top-tier liberal arts college. If you’re aiming for a spot, here are five key things to keep in mind:

• CMC’s overall acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 was 9.6%, making it one of the most selective liberal arts schools in the country.
• CMC’s selectivity rivals some Ivy League schools, with acceptance rates dropping steadily over the years.
• Early Decision applicants had a much better chance, with a 23.4% acceptance rate, compared to just 7.2% for Regular Decision.
• A strong academic profile is key—a GPA around 3.9 and SAT/ACT scores in the upper range (SAT 1450-1560, ACT 33-35), along with strong essays and recommendations, will help you stay competitive.
• Given CMC’s highly selective admissions process, consider seeking guidance from a college admissions expert to fine-tune your application and make yourself stand out.