How to Get into Carnegie Mellon: Admission Requirements and Tips

So, you want to know how to get into Carnegie Mellon University? Ranked #21 among the best universities in the U.S., Carnegie Mellon is a hub for tech-savvy, innovative, and ambitious students.

With an acceptance rate of only 11.5%, let’s be real: Carnegie Mellon is not an easy school to get into. But you’re here because you’re ready to take on the challenge, right? To learn exactly what it takes to become a Tartan.

Here’s the bottom line: Carnegie Mellon doesn’t just want brainiacs. Sure, grades matter, but they’re looking for students with grit, creativity, and big ideas. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about how to get into Carnegie Mellon.

• How Hard Is It to Get into Carnegie Mellon?
• Carnegie Mellon Admission Requirements
• Carnegie Mellon GPA Requirements
• Carnegie Mellon SAT Scores
• Carnegie Mellon ACT Scores
• How to Increase Your Chances of Getting into Carnegie Mellon
• Carnegie Mellon Application Deadlines
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

How Hard Is It to Get into Carnegie Mellon?

Let’s get straight to the point: Carnegie Mellon is tough to crack. For the Class of 2028, Carnegie Mellon received nearly 34,000 applications and admitted 11.5% applicants. Sure, it’s not as frighteningly low as some Ivy League schools, but don’t let that fool you—it’s still highly selective.

Here’s a quick look at Carnegie Mellon’s acceptance rates over the past few years:

Notice the steady decline? The competition is real. But don’t let the numbers freak you out. With the right application strategy, you can stand out from the crowd.

Carnegie Mellon Admission Requirements

Applying to Carnegie Mellon is straightforward. They use the Common Application exclusively. Here’s what you’ll need to submit:

• High school transcript. Advanced coursework like AP, IB, or honors classes will make your transcript stand out.
• Letters of recommendation. Two letters are required: one from an academic teacher who knows you well, and another one from your school counselor.
• Essays. The Common Application essay and one CMU-specific writing supplement (three short-answer questions).
• Extracurricular activities. They want to see your passions and impact outside the classroom.
• Standardized test scores (optional). Carnegie Mellon has a test-optional policy, but submitting scores can still boost your application.
• Mid-year and final reports. Updates on your grades during and after senior year.

Remember to keep an eye on Carnegie Mellon’s applicant portal for updates and deadlines after you submit your application.

The big three “very important” academic factors are your GPA, the rigor of your high school classes, and class rank—basically, they want to know you’ve been working hard and taking challenging courses. Your essays and recommendations also hold a lot of weight, so make sure they’re top-notch.

On the non-academic side, CMU is all about your extracurriculars, talent, and character. Whether you’re a robotics whiz, a performing arts superstar, or someone who’s made a big impact in your community, they want to see what makes you unique.

First-gen students also get extra consideration, as does volunteer work. On the flip side, things like interviews, alumni connections, and state residency? Not a factor. So, focus on what matters and show them what you’re made of!

High school coursework requirements

Carnegie Mellon wants to see that you’ve challenged yourself in high school. Here’s what they require:

• 4 units of English
• 4 units of Mathematics
• 3 units of Science (including lab work)
• 2 units of Foreign Language
• 3 units of Academic Electives

If your school offers AP, IB, or honors classes, load up on those whenever you can. CMU loves seeing students who go the extra mile and aren’t afraid to push themselves.

Just remember, these are general requirements. Some programs might expect more. Check the specifics for the department you’re applying to so you can be sure you’re ticking all the right boxes.

Carnegie Mellon GPA Requirements

Carnegie Mellon doesn’t set an official minimum GPA, but let’s be honest—you’ll need some seriously strong grades to catch their attention.

Carnegie Mellon’s average GPA

According to Carnegie Mellon’s Common Data Set for 2023-2024, the average high school GPA of enrolled students was 3.91. A whopping 92.2% of students were in the top 10% of their high school graduating class, and 99.5% were in the top quarter.

Let’s break it down even further: 48.9% of enrolled students had a perfect 4.0 GPA, and another 40.9% fell between 3.75 and 3.99. So yeah, competition is pretty stiff.

That said, don’t lose your mind just yet if your GPA isn’t spotless. Carnegie Mellon takes a holistic approach to admissions, which means they’ll consider other parts of your application: like killer essays, standout extracurriculars, and glowing recommendations. If you’re below the average GPA, show them your strengths in other areas to make your case.

Again, your target GPA for Carnegie Mellon should be a 3.91 or higher, so aim high and show the admissions team that you’re ready to tackle the academic grind once you’re on campus.

Carnegie Mellon SAT Scores

Carnegie Mellon doesn’t have a strict SAT requirement, but high scores will boost your chances.

Carnegie Mellon’s average SAT scores

According to Carnegie Mellon’s latest Common Data Set, here are the usual scores of students submitting their SAT:

Here’s a deeper look at the section scores:

About 95.33% of admitted students score between 1400 and 1600 on the SAT composite, so yeah, Carnegie Mellon isn’t messing around when it comes to academics. For the EBRW section, 93.05% of students score between 700 and 800, and in Math? 95.79% are in the 700–800 range. CMU students really know their stuff.

If you’re aiming for the top, shoot for a composite score of 1560 or higher. A score like that tells Carnegie Mellon you’re ready for the academic challenges they’re known for, especially in math-heavy programs.

But here’s the thing: if your scores are a little lower, don’t stress too much. Carnegie Mellon looks at more than just numbers. Essays that show who you are, extracurriculars that make an impact, and strong recommendation letters can all help balance things out.

If you’ve got time and resources, retaking the SAT to boost your scores—especially in Math and EBRW—can help. Carnegie Mellon superscores the SAT, meaning they’ll consider your highest section scores across multiple test dates. This policy can help you maximize your score submission.

But remember, it’s not the end of the world if your scores don’t hit the usual target. Focus on what you can control and put together a solid overall application. After all, CMU’s holistic review process is designed to see the bigger picture.

Does Carnegie Mellon require SAT scores?

Nope! Carnegie Mellon is test-optional. However, students applying to the School of Computer Science are strongly encouraged to submit SAT or ACT scores, including the math subscore.

Carnegie Mellon ACT Scores

Carnegie Mellon doesn’t officially say you need a specific ACT score, but let’s be honest: they’re not handing out acceptance letters to average test-takers. Submitting strong ACT results is a solid way to flex your academic muscles and show CMU you’re ready for the challenge.

Carnegie Mellon’s average ACT scores

The ACT scores of admitted students at Carnegie Mellon are seriously impressive, no surprise there. According to their latest Common Data Set, here’s the breakdown:

For individual sections, here’s what you should aim for:

Carnegie Mellon’s ACT scores are no joke. Nearly 97.89% of students who submit ACT scores fall into the 30–36 range for both their Composite and English scores, while 91.55% hit that same range for Math. 

Only a small fraction of students land in the 24–29 range: 1.76% for Composite, 2.11% for English, and 7.39% for Math. Scores below 24 are almost non-existent, with less than 0.35% of students in the 18–23 range and virtually none scoring lower than that.

If you’re aiming to impress, a composite score of 35 or higher is your target. And if you’re applying to one of Carnegie Mellon’s tech-heavy programs like Computer Science, those Math and English scores are especially important. Scoring at the top end not only makes you a strong contender but also shows you’re ready to jump straight into CMU’s rigorous curriculum.

Does Carnegie Mellon prefer the ACT or SAT?

Nope, they’re cool with either. Whether you submit the ACT or SAT depends entirely on where you stand out. The numbers tell us 51.4% of applicants submitted SAT scores, while 16.6% submitted ACT scores, so both are fair game. Whichever test you choose, make sure your scores are competitive enough to stand out from the pack.

How to Increase Your Chances of Getting into Carnegie Mellon

Getting into Carnegie Mellon isn’t a casual stroll in the park, but don’t worry. You can do this! Here’s how to craft a standout application:

1. Keep your GPA high.

Numbers matter, especially at Carnegie Mellon. The average GPA for admitted students is 3.91, and 92.2% of students were in the top 10% of their graduating class. To stay competitive, your transcript needs to show serious academic rigor.

Take the most challenging courses your school offers, like AP, IB, or honors. Carnegie Mellon loves students who push themselves. If you’re struggling in a class, don’t just sit back—get proactive. Join a study group, schedule extra help with your teacher, or hire a private tutor.

Consistency is key. If you’ve had a rough start in high school, show an upward trend in your grades. That tells Carnegie Mellon you’re resilient and capable of growth.

2. Submit strong SAT/ACT scores (if you want to).

Carnegie Mellon is test-optional, so you don’t have to submit SAT or ACT scores. However, if you’re applying to the School of Computer Science, you’re strongly encouraged to submit either an SAT or ACT score, including the math subscore.

If you choose to submit scores, aim high. For the SAT, shoot for a composite score of 1560 or above. For the ACT, target a composite score of 35 or higher. Carnegie Mellon superscores the SAT, meaning they’ll combine your best section scores across multiple test dates.

Unfortunately, Carnegie Mellon doesn’t superscore ACT results. Only the composite score from a single test date will be considered.

Practice makes perfect. Use practice tests, focus on weaker sections, and consider investing in a prep book or a private SAT/ACT tutor if necessary. But don’t stress if tests aren’t your strong suit. Carnegie Mellon takes a holistic approach, so focus on making the rest of your application outstanding.

3. Write essays that pack a punch.

Your essays are your chance to show CMU the real you: not just the GPA-and-test-scores version, but the person behind the application. Carnegie Mellon’s writing supplement includes three short-answer questions, each with a 300-word limit.

Here are the Carnegie Mellon supplemental essay prompts for the 2024–2025 cycle:

• Most students choose their intended major or area of study based on a passion or inspiration that’s developed over time—what passion or inspiration led you to choose this area of study?

• Many students pursue college for a specific degree, career opportunity, or personal goal. Whichever it may be, learning will be critical to achieve your ultimate goal. As you think ahead to the process of learning during your college years, how will you define a successful college experience?

• Consider your application as a whole. What do you personally want to emphasize about your application for the admission committee’s consideration? Highlight something that’s important to you or something you haven’t had a chance to share. Tell us, don’t show us (no websites, please).

To ace these:

• Be yourself. Don’t write what you think Carnegie Mellon wants to hear. Write about what actually makes you tick. Passion and authenticity are way more memorable than trying to sound “perfect.”
• Get specific. Use real examples from your life and connect them to opportunities at Carnegie Mellon. Whether it’s a unique program, an inspiring professor, or cutting-edge research, show them why you and CMU are a perfect match.
• Go deep. Talk about how your experiences have shaped your goals and what you’ll bring to the Carnegie Mellon community. Think of it as your chance to make them root for you.

Take your time with these essays. Brainstorm, draft, revise, and then revise again (and again… and again). Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from someone who knows you well. These essays are your opportunity to grab CMU’s attention. Make them count.

4. Crush it in your extracurriculars.

Carnegie Mellon doesn’t want students who just join a bunch of clubs to pad their resumes. They want leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers who make an impact. Show them you’re someone who takes action and creates change.

For instance, if you’re into computer science, build an app that solves a real problem, develop a machine learning project, or participate in a hackathon like CMU’s own TartanHacks. For performing arts enthusiasts, CMU’s world-renowned School of Drama would love to see a portfolio packed with standout theater performances, film projects, or original compositions.

The key here is depth over breadth. Focus on a few meaningful activities where you’ve made a significant impact. Carnegie Mellon values students who aren’t afraid to take risks, dig deep into their passions, and drive change in their communities. Whatever your thing is, own it, take it to the next level, and let Carnegie Mellon see the difference you’ve made.

5. Nail your recommendations.

Carnegie Mellon requires two letters of recommendation: one from a high school counselor and one from a teacher. These letters give the admissions team a glimpse of who you are beyond the numbers, so make sure they pack a punch.

Start by actually building a connection with your counselor and teachers (pro tip: don’t just talk to them for the first time a week before asking for a rec). Show up, participate in class, ask thoughtful questions, and show them you’re more than just a name on a seating chart.

When it’s time to ask for a recommendation, help them out with a list of your achievements, goals, and any key points you’d love for them to highlight. The more they know about you, the better the letter will be.

Timing is everything, so don’t wait until the last minute. Give them at least a month to write the letter. And don’t forget to thank them—a heartfelt note or gesture of appreciation can go a long way. After all, they’re taking time out of their busy schedules to help you succeed.

Strong recommendation letters can really make a big difference. Pick people who know you well, believe in you, and can make a compelling case for why you’re the perfect fit for Carnegie Mellon.

6. Consider applying Early Decision (ED).

If Carnegie Mellon is your dream school, Early Decision might just be your golden ticket.

According to the school’s Common Data Set for 2023-2024, CMU received 4,515 Early Decision applications and admitted 615 students, giving ED applicants an acceptance rate of about 13.6%. While it’s not exactly a free pass, it’s still a nice little boost compared to the Regular Decision acceptance rate of 11.5%.

Applying ED is basically like saying, “CMU, I choose you!” It shows the admissions team that you’re all in. But remember, it’s a binding agreement. If they admit you, you’re committing to pack your bags and head to Pittsburgh. So, unless you’re 100% sure Carnegie Mellon is the one, think carefully before clicking submit.

Carnegie Mellon Application Deadlines

While CMU accepts applications for undergraduate programs on an ongoing basis, you’ll want to stick to the key dates for Early Decision and Regular Decision to stay competitive. Missing a deadline? Not a great look. Here’s a quick cheat sheet to keep you on track:

Don’t let these dates sneak up on you, so set alarms, sticky notes, or whatever else you need to stay ahead.

If CMU offers you a spot, don’t leave them hanging. Early Decision admits need to enroll by February 1, while Regular Decision admits have until May 1 to commit. Whichever route you take, make it official and get ready for your life as a Tartan—because it’s about to get real.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get into Carnegie Mellon with low test scores?

If your SAT or ACT scores aren’t quite hitting Carnegie Mellon’s typical range (SAT 1500–1560 or ACT 34–35), don’t panic. CMU is test-optional, which means you can decide whether or not to submit scores. If you feel they don’t represent your abilities, focus on other parts of your application, like your GPA, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendation letters—those can make a big difference.

2. What GPA do I need to get into Carnegie Mellon?

While Carnegie Mellon doesn’t have a strict minimum GPA, most admitted students have stellar academic records. The average GPA is around 3.91, and the admissions team values rigorous coursework like AP, IB, or honors classes. If your GPA is a little lower, you can make up for it with standout extracurriculars, great essays, and strong recommendation letters.

3. Will applying Early Decision increase my chances of admission?

Yes, applying Early Decision can improve your chances. For the Class of 2027, the ED acceptance rate was around 13.6%, which is higher than the RD rate of 11%. However, ED is binding, so only apply if you’re absolutely sure Carnegie Mellon is where you want to be. If they say yes, you’re committing to enroll.

4. Is Carnegie Mellon test-optional?

Nope! Carnegie Mellon is test-optional, so it’s completely up to you whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. If you have strong scores, they can enhance your application, but they’re not a dealbreaker if you decide to leave them out. CMU takes a holistic approach and looks at everything, from your academics to extracurriculars and essays, to get the full picture.

5. How much does it cost to attend Carnegie Mellon?

For the 2024–2025 academic year, tuition at Carnegie Mellon is $64,596. Add in housing, meals, books, and other fees, and the total cost of attendance is $86,812 per year. Carnegie Mellon offers financial aid, scholarships, and grants to help make their education more accessible to students from all backgrounds.

Takeaways

Trying to figure out how to get into Carnegie Mellon? Here’s the lowdown:

• With an acceptance rate of 11.5%, Carnegie Mellon is super selective. That means your application needs to go beyond the basics. It has to show your story, your personality, and what makes you stand out.
• Aiming for a GPA of 3.91 or higher is a solid start, but make sure you’re taking challenging courses like AP, IB, or honors. Carnegie Mellon wants to see that you can handle their rigorous academics.
• Test scores are optional, but if you’re submitting them, make them count. Shoot for an SAT score of 1500–1560 or an ACT score of 34–35. Strong scores can only help your case.
• Your essays and extracurriculars are your chance to shine. Focus on your passions, the impact you’ve made, and what fires you up about Carnegie Mellon.
• Feeling overwhelmed trying to connect all the dots? Working with a college admissions consultant can make all the difference. With expert guidance tailored to your goals, let AdmissionSight help you show Carnegie Mellon exactly why you belong.