How to Get into Claremont McKenna: Admission Requirements and Tips

Thinking about how to get into Claremont McKenna College (CMC)? It’s an excellent choice! Claremont McKenna offers the perfect combination of a tight-knit college experience with small classes and an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio, all while providing access to the resources of a larger research university. It’s the best of both worlds!

That said, getting in isn’t easy. With an acceptance rate of 9.6%, Claremont McKenna looks for students who are not only academically strong but also passionate and eager to make an impact. Good grades and test scores are important, but there’s more to it.

In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about how to get into Claremont McKenna, from GPA expectations to test scores, extracurriculars, and application tips. Let’s get started!

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

How Hard Is It to Get into Claremont McKenna?

Claremont McKenna is a selective school, and getting in can be tough. For the Class of 2028, Claremont McKenna received 6,529 applications and admitted only 626 students, resulting in an acceptance rate of 9.6%.

Here’s a quick look at how Claremont McKenna’s acceptance rates have changed for recent years:

As you can see, the acceptance rate for Claremont McKenna has been hovering around 10% to 13% in recent years. This shows that more students are applying, and the competition is only getting tougher.

With thousands of applicants vying for a limited number of spots, it’s important to stand out in your application. If you’re wondering **how to get into Claremont McKenna**, focus on showcasing who you are, what you’ve accomplished, and how you’ll contribute to the campus community.

Claremont McKenna Admission Requirements

Claremont McKenna looks for students who are driven, curious, and well-prepared to take on academic challenges. The admissions team evaluates applications holistically, so they consider more than just test scores and grades.

Here’s what you need to know about the application requirements:

• High school transcript. Claremont McKenna wants to see that you’ve taken a rigorous course load. Most successful applicants take honors, AP, IB, or advanced classes.
• Recommendation letters. You’ll need one letter from your school counselor and one from a teacher who knows you well. Choose someone who can speak to your academic ability, work ethic, and character.
• Personal statement. Claremont McKenna accepts either the Common Application or the Coalition Application, both of which require a personal statement. This is your chance to showcase your personality and experiences and why you’d be a great fit for Claremont McKenna.
• Supplemental essay. You’ll have to respond to two Claremont McKenna supplemental essay prompts. The first essay asks about your motivation to attend CMC, while the second wants you to describe a time you disagreed with someone.
• Standardized test scores (optional). Claremont McKenna is test-optional, meaning you don’t have to submit SAT or ACT scores. If you think they’ll enhance your application, feel free to include them.
• Mid-year high school transcript. Your first-semester grades matter, so make sure your school submits them.
• Final high school transcript. After graduation, you’ll need to send your final transcript to confirm that you’ve completed your coursework.
• Extracurricular activities. Claremont McKenna looks for students who are involved in their communities, whether through school clubs, sports, internships, or other meaningful activities.
• Video response (optional). After submitting your application, you’ll have the chance to submit an optional two-minute video. This is your opportunity to tell your story beyond what’s on your application.
• Interview (optional). While interviews are not required, they are highly recommended. It’s a great way to share more about yourself and show your interest in Claremont McKenna.

Once you’ve submitted your application, Claremont McKenna takes a holistic approach in reviewing it. If you’re thinking about how to get into Claremont McKenna, know that the admissions team looks closely at your academic performance—your GPA, the courses you’ve taken, and the recommendation letters from your teachers. They want to see that you’ve challenged yourself in school.

Beyond academics, Claremont McKenna values extracurricular activities, talents, and your personal character. They want students who are not only strong in the classroom but also engaged in their communities and passionate about their interests.

Your involvement in school clubs, sports, or volunteer work can make a difference. If you have work experience or are a first-generation student, these factors will also be taken into account. While interviews are not required, they are highly recommended. This is a great opportunity to share who you are and why you’d be a good fit.

There are a few factors that don’t really impact your application. Demonstrated interest, state residency, and religious affiliation are not considered in the admissions process. So, focus on your academics and the personal qualities that make you stand out.

High school coursework recommendations

When it comes to your high school transcript, Claremont McKenna looks at the courses you’ve taken as one of the first things during the admissions process. To stay competitive, you should challenge yourself with a well-rounded set of courses:

• 4 units of English
• 3-4 units of Mathematics
• 2-3 units of Science(including 2-3 units of lab)
• 3 units of Foreign Language
• 1 units of Social Studies
• 1-2 units of History

This adds up to at least 14 core academic units. If you want to stand out, taking more advanced coursework—like AP, IB, honors, or dual-enrollment courses—can definitely help strengthen your application. If these options are available at your school, it’s a great way to show that you’re ready for the academic challenges at Claremont McKenna.

Claremont McKenna GPA Requirements

Claremont McKenna does not have a strict GPA cutoff for admission, but if you’re wondering how to get into Claremont McKenna, rest assured that a strong academic record is essential to be considered a serious contender in its highly competitive applicant pool.

Claremont McKenna average GPA

While Claremont McKenna does not publish GPA data, successful applicants tend to have very high GPAs. Given the rigorous academic environment, aiming for a GPA of 3.9 or higher will put you in a good position.

For students who reported class rank, Claremont McKenna admits students who are typically among the top of their high school classes:

• 75% ranked in the top 10% of their high school class
• 91% ranked in the top 25% 
• 100% ranked in the top half 

This data confirms that Claremont McKenna is looking for students with exceptional academic performance. However, GPA is only one part of the process. Claremont McKenna takes a holistic approach, meaning that factors such as extracurricular activities, leadership experience, recommendation letters, and essays also play a role in the final decision.

If your GPA is not as high as you would like, don’t stress. Taking the most rigorous courses available, excelling in other areas, and submitting a compelling overall application can still improve your chances of getting in.

Claremont McKenna SAT Scores

Claremont McKenna is test-optional, meaning you don’t have to submit SAT scores if you don’t want to. However, if you choose to send them, strong scores can help demonstrate academic readiness and may strengthen your application.

Claremont McKenna average SAT

Based on Claremont McKenna’s Common Data Set for 2024-2025, here’s a breakdown of the SAT scores for admitted students:

Here’s a breakdown of section scores:

Most admitted students score very high on the SAT. In fact, 98.8% of students had composite scores between 1400 and 1600, with only 1.1% scoring between 1200 and 1399.

Looking at section scores:

• 94.2% of students scored between 700 and 800 in SAT EBRW.
• 95.4% of students scored between 700 and 800 in SAT Math.

To stay competitive, aim for a 1550 or higher, with solid scores in both Math and EBRW. Strong scores like these can give you an edge if you’re thinking about how to get into Claremont McKenna and handle its rigorous academics.

That said, don’t stress if your scores aren’t perfect! Claremont McKenna evaluates applications holistically, so other factors like your coursework, extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations all play a major role in the decision process.

If your SAT scores are close but not quite where you want them, consider retaking the test to boost your chances.

Does Claremont McKenna require the SAT?

Not at all! Claremont McKenna is test-optional, which means it’s totally up to you whether you submit your SAT scores. If you have a strong score, including it might give your application a little extra boost. But if your scores aren’t where you want them to be, leaving them out won’t hurt your chances.

Claremont McKenna cares about more than just your test scores. They also look at your coursework, extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations. Instead of just focusing on numbers, Claremont McKenna wants to understand who you are as a person and how you’ll contribute to their community. So, even if your SAT scores aren’t perfect, there’s still plenty of room to shine in other areas.

Claremont McKenna ACT Scores

You don’t have to submit ACT scores if you don’t want to, since Claremont McKenna is test-optional. But if you’re thinking about how to get into Claremont McKenna, submitting strong scores can highlight your academic strengths and help boost your application.

Claremont McKenna average ACT

Here is a look at the ACT scores for admitted students, based on Claremont McKenna’s latest Common Data Set:

As for the subject breakdown:

Most admitted students score between 30 and 36 on the ACT composite. In fact, 97.78% of students had an ACT composite score between 30 and 36, with only 2.22% scoring between 24 and 29.

Looking at section scores:

• 95.6% of students scored between 30 and 36 in ACT English.
• 86.7% of students scored between 30 and 36 in ACT Math.
• 100% of students scored between 30 and 36 in ACT Reading.
• 91.1% of students scored between 30 and 36 in ACT Science.

To stay competitive, aim for a 35 or higher. However, if your score isn’t quite there, don’t worry. Claremont McKenna takes a holistic approach and considers all aspects of your application, including your coursework, extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations. If standardized testing is not your strongest area, other parts of your application can still make a big impact.

Does Claremont McKenna prefer the ACT or SAT?

Claremont McKenna doesn’t have a preference between the ACT or SAT. You can choose which one to submit—or whether to submit scores at all, since Claremont McKenna is test-optional. If you do decide to submit scores, they should be strong to help your application stand out.

Among first-year applicants, 26% submitted SAT scores, while 13% submitted ACT scores. This shows that many students either didn’t submit test scores or chose to focus on other parts of their application.

The good news? Claremont McKenna superscores both tests, which means they’ll take your highest section scores from multiple test dates to create your best possible composite score. If you’ve taken the SAT or ACT more than once, this can work in your favor. Just make sure to send in your best scores.

How to Increase Your Chances of Getting into Claremont McKenna

Getting into Claremont McKenna can be tough, but don’t worry! A well-rounded application can help you stand out. If you’re working on how to get into Claremont McKenna, here’s what really matters when applying:

1. Focus on keeping your GPA strong.

Your GPA plays a huge role in Claremont McKenna’s admissions process. To be a competitive applicant, aim for a GPA of 3.9 or higher. Strong grades will show you’re ready for Claremont McKenna’s challenging academic environment. Taking rigorous courses, such as AP, IB, or honors classes, can really help you stand out and demonstrate that you’re academically prepared.

If your GPA isn’t as high as you’d like, it’s okay! Claremont McKenna values students who improve over time. If you’ve shown progress in certain subjects, make sure to highlight that in your application. If you’ve worked hard to boost your grades, it’s worth mentioning. It’s all about showing growth and resilience.

And if you’re struggling in any subject, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Get a tutor, form a study group, or speak with your teacher. Taking initiative and seeking support will show that you’re committed to your education, and that can make a big difference.

2. Submit SAT/ACT scores if they help your application.

Since Claremont McKenna is test-optional, submitting SAT or ACT scores is up to you. If your scores are solid, sending them can give your application an extra boost.

To be as competitive as possible, aim for a score of 1550 or higher on the SAT or 35 or higher on the ACT. If your scores are lower than that, it might be better to focus on showcasing other strengths in your application.

If you’re not happy with your scores, don’t panic! You can always retake the test, do practice exams, or get private tutoring to improve.

Claremont McKenna also superscores both the SAT and ACT. This means they’ll take your highest section scores from different test dates, so if you’ve taken the test more than once, it’s worth submitting your best results to create the strongest composite score.

While scores are important, they’re only part of the picture. If you’re figuring out how to get into Claremont McKenna, remember that the school takes a holistic approach, considering your coursework, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations. So, play to your strengths and highlight the areas where you excel.

3. Let your essays tell your story.

You’ll need to submit a personal statement, choosing a prompt from the Common Application or Coalition Application. Along with this, Claremont McKenna requires two supplemental essays to give you a chance to showcase your fit for the school.

Here are the required Claremont McKenna supplemental essay prompts for the 2024-2025 application cycle:

• CMC’s mission is to prepare students for thoughtful and productive lives and responsible leadership in business, government, and the professions. With this mission in mind, please explain why you want to attend Claremont McKenna College.
• A critical part of fulfilling our mission is living out the commitments of CMC’s Open Academy: Freedom of Expression, Viewpoint Diversity, and Constructive Dialogue. We want to learn more about your commitment to listening and learning from others with different viewpoints, perspectives, and life experiences from your own. Describe a time when engaging with someone about a specific topic resulted in you changing your attitude, belief, or behavior, or you changed the belief or behavior of someone else. What was the change that occurred for you, and what facilitated that change? What did you learn from that experience, and how has it informed how you engage with others?

How to write a winning essay:

• Start strong. Begin your essay with something that will catch the attention of the admissions team. Think about how your personal experiences align with Claremont McKenna’s mission of promoting leadership and academic excellence. Use a compelling story or a moment that reflects your values, something that shows you’re ready to be a part of a rigorous, thought-provoking community.
• Show your leadership, not just tell. CMC looks for students who are not just passive learners, but active contributors. Highlight leadership in any form: whether in the classroom, in extracurriculars, or even in a personal project. For instance, don’t just say you’re a leader; explain how you led a community project or spearheaded a club initiative.
• Be concise. CMC values quality over quantity. With the word limit in mind, focus on one experience that deeply resonates with their mission. Don’t feel the need to cover everything. Choose a specific story and elaborate on it in a way that showcases who you are and why you’re a great fit for CMC.
• Make it personal. CMC wants to get to know who you are beyond your grades and test scores. Reflect on how your personal journey has shaped you and your aspirations. Show them why you’re not only a good fit for their academic community but also how you plan to contribute to their campus culture.
• Revise and refine. Don’t just settle for your first draft. After writing your first draft, step away and return to it with fresh eyes. Get feedback from someone who understands the school’s culture to make sure your essay is not only compelling but aligned with CMC’s values.

Your essays are a reflection of who you are, what you value, and how you plan to make an impact at Claremont McKenna. Take this opportunity to showcase your unique qualities and demonstrate why you’re a perfect fit for their dynamic academic environment.

Need more help with your personal statement? Check out our go-to guide on Claremnont McKenna’s supplemental essays!

4. Consider registering for an interview.

While interviews are not required at Claremont McKenna, they are highly recommended and provide a valuable opportunity to personalize your application. Virtual interviews are conducted by senior interviewers or admission staff, typically lasting around 30 minutes. These interviews give the admissions team a deeper insight into who you are beyond your essays, grades, and test scores.

If you choose to interview, make sure to prepare. Think about your motivations for applying, how your experiences have shaped your goals, and how you align with Claremont McKenna’s values. A successful interview will not only highlight your academic interests but also demonstrate your potential as an active and engaged member of their vibrant community.

Tips for preparing for your Claremont McKenna virtual interview:

• Know your story. Be prepared to discuss your academic journey, extracurricular activities, and why you want to attend Claremont McKenna. Have a clear, compelling narrative about your experiences and future goals.
• Research CMC’s values. Familiarize yourself with CMC’s mission and community values. Understand how their academic programs, commitment to leadership, and focus on diversity align with your aspirations and goals.
• Express your enthusiasm. Show your excitement for what CMC offers, and highlight specific aspects of the college that appeal to you, such as its programs, resources, or campus culture. Demonstrating enthusiasm can help you stand out.
• Prepare for common questions. Practice answers to common interview questions like, “Why do you want to attend Claremont McKenna?” or “How do you see yourself contributing to the community?” This will help you feel more confident during the interview.
• Discuss your extracurriculars. Be ready to talk about your involvement outside of the classroom. Highlight leadership roles, community service, or any projects that show your initiative and commitment.
• Ask thoughtful questions. Prepare a few insightful questions to ask your interviewer. This could be about academic opportunities, campus life, or community involvement at CMC. Asking questions shows your genuine interest in the school.
• Test your technology. Since this is a virtual interview, make sure your computer or device is working properly. Test your camera, microphone, and internet connection ahead of time to avoid technical issues during the interview.
• Be yourself. Most importantly, stay authentic and be yourself. Claremont McKenna wants to get to know you as a person, not just an applicant. Let your personality shine through during the conversation.

Interviews at Claremont McKenna typically last around 30 minutes and are conducted by senior interviewers or admission staff. Use this time to showcase your interest in the school and how you’ll contribute to its community. With preparation and a genuine approach, you’ll leave a lasting impression!

5. Showcase impactful and meaningful extracurriculars.

If you’re thinking about how to get into Claremont McKenna, know that the school values students who go beyond just participating in extracurricular activities. It’s not about being involved in everything; it’s about showing impact. Whether you’ve taken on leadership roles, worked to help others, or explored a new passion, the admissions team wants to know how you’ve made your mark.

Here are some ways you can highlight your extracurriculars:

• Leadership roles and student government. Were you involved in your school’s student government or perhaps led a project that made a difference? If you helped organize a community service initiative, led a school-wide event, or advocated for something important on campus, make sure to share that. Programs like the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) or Akili Leadership Institute (ALI) can help you showcase your leadership potential.
• Community service and social advocacy. If you volunteered at a local charity or led initiatives to help others in your community, that speaks volumes. Being a part of causes like Habitat for Humanity, Feeding America, or local food banks shows a deep commitment to making the world a better place. These are great to mention in your application to demonstrate your values and community impact.
• STEM and innovation projects. If you’re into science, technology, or engineering, participating in research projects, hackathons, or STEM fairs like the Google Science Fair can make a big impact. Whether you developed an app, helped create a new product, or led a robotics team, these experiences show your intellectual curiosity and problem-solving skills.
• Arts and performance. Whether it’s in music, dance, or theater, Claremont McKenna appreciates creative talent. If you performed in a musical, organized an art exhibit, or wrote a script for your school’s play, don’t leave it out. Programs like Scholastic Art & Writing Awards or summer camps focused on the arts can really show your dedication to developing these skills.
• Entrepreneurship and new projects. Have you started your own business or helped develop a community project? If you’ve run a small business, started an online campaign, or developed a tutoring program, this shows your initiative and entrepreneurial mindset. Competitions like Diamond Challenge for High School Entrepreneurs can be a great platform to demonstrate your skills.
• Athletics and sports leadership. Participation in sports shows dedication and teamwork. If you’ve played a competitive sport and held leadership roles like team captain, or if you worked hard to improve after an injury, highlight those experiences. Sports like AAU basketball or US Youth Soccer ODP are recognized programs that show your commitment to teamwork and excellence.
• Cultural programs and inclusivity efforts. Whether you organized a cultural awareness event or participated in a group promoting inclusivity, it’s all valuable. Clubs or programs that advocate for diverse voices, such as Global Citizen Corps can demonstrate how you work to bring people together and promote an inclusive community.

Claremont McKenna is looking for students who show passion, drive, and the ability to make a difference. So, when you list your extracurriculars, focus on how you’ve grown, how you’ve led, and the difference you’ve made. It’s not about having a long list, it’s about having a meaningful one.

6. Secure strong recommendation letters.

At Claremont McKenna, you’ll need two recommendation letters: one from your school counselor and another from a teacher. These letters help admissions see the qualities that grades and test scores can’t fully capture: your work ethic, character, leadership abilities, and contributions to your school community.

Tips for getting solid recommendation letters:

• Choose someone who knows you well. Pick a teacher who has seen you excel, grow, or overcome challenges. If they’ve witnessed your leadership or how you engage in class, they’ll be able to provide a more personalized and impactful letter.
• Have a conversation with your counselor. It’s important to give your counselor a little more insight into who you are. Make sure to discuss your goals, accomplishments, and any challenges you’ve faced. This will allow them to write a letter that goes beyond basic information and really highlights your strengths.
• Ask in advance. Teachers and counselors often have many requests to handle, so it’s best to ask at least a month before your application deadline. This gives them enough time to write a thoughtful and thorough letter.
• Provide supporting details. Share a list of your key accomplishments, specific projects, or leadership roles with your recommender. The more details they have about your contributions, the more unique and tailored the letter will be.
• Show your appreciation. A simple thank-you note or small token of appreciation can go a long way in expressing your gratitude. It’s a great way to maintain a positive relationship and make a lasting impression with your recommenders.

Claremont McKenna allows you to submit up to two additional letters of recommendation from teachers, coaches, advisors, mentors, supervisors, or anyone else who can offer further insight into your strengths and character. But remember, only submit them if you truly believe they’ll add value to your application.

7. Consider applying Early Decision (ED).

Claremont McKenna College offers an Early Decision option that could help boost your chances if it’s your top choice. For the 2024 entering class, CMC received 967 ED applications and admitted 226 students. That gives an acceptance rate of around 23.4%, which is higher than the overall admission rate of 9.6%.

If you’re pretty sure that Claremont McKenna is the place for you, applying ED might be a good strategy to show your commitment. Keep in mind that if you apply and are accepted, you’re agreeing to attend and will need to withdraw any other college applications you have in the process.

Before you commit, make sure Claremont McKenna is the best fit for you academically, socially, and financially. Chat with your family, review financial aid options, and make sure you’re 100% confident in your decision.

If you’re serious about how to get into Claremont McKenna, applying ED is a great option. Just keep in mind that it’s a binding decision, so only choose it if you’re sure you want to spend the next four years there.

Claremont McKenna Application Deadlines

Keeping up with deadlines can really take the pressure off as you work on your college applications. Whether you’re applying Early Decision I, Early Decision II, or Regular Decision, having these key dates marked down will make the process a lot easier and help avoid any last-minute panic.

Don’t forget to mark these dates on your calendar, set some reminders, and give yourself enough time to perfect your application. Planning ahead will help you avoid unnecessary stress down the road!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I get into Claremont McKenna with low test scores?

Yes! CMC is test-optional, so you don’t have to submit SAT or ACT scores if they’re not your strong suit. Your application will still be considered holistically, meaning that your GPA, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendation letters will all play a role in the admissions process.

However, if you choose to submit your test scores, it’s best to aim for a competitive score, which will help boost your application. A score of 1550+ on the SAT or 35+ on the ACT is generally recommended for stronger candidates. If you feel your scores don’t reflect your full potential, consider retaking the test for a better outcome.

2. What GPA do I need to get into Claremont McKenna?

CMC doesn’t have a strict minimum GPA requirement, but to be competitive, it’s ideal to have a GPA of 3.9 or higher. Most successful applicants are at the top of their class and have completed challenging courses like AP, IB, or honors classes.

If your GPA is a bit lower, don’t stress! CMC looks at applications holistically, so strong essays, extracurricular involvement, and recommendation letters can help make up for a lower GPA.

3. Does applying Early Decision improve my chances of getting in?

Yes! Applying ED can definitely give you an advantage in the admissions process. For the Fall 2024 admissions cycle, CMC received 967 ED applications and admitted 226 students, which gives an ED acceptance rate of around 23.4%. This is much higher than the overall acceptance rate of 9.6%, so if you are set on CMC, ED could be a great way to boost your chances.

Keep in mind that ED is binding, meaning that if you’re accepted, you have to commit to Claremont McKenna and withdraw your applications from other schools. Make sure CMC is the right fit for you before committing to this plan.

4. Is Claremont McKenna test-optional?

Yes, Claremont McKenna has a test-optional policy. You can choose whether or not to submit SAT or ACT scores with your application. If you think your test scores will strengthen your application, feel free to submit them. However, if testing isn’t your strength, don’t worry. It won’t hurt your chances at all. CMC takes a holistic approach to reviewing applications, considering other aspects like your academic record, essays, extracurriculars, and letters of recommendation.

5. How much does it cost to attend Claremont McKenna?

For the 2024-2025 academic year, the tuition at Claremont McKenna is $71,700. When you factor in other costs like housing, meals, books, and personal expenses, the total cost of attendance is expected to be around $97,010.

CMC offers need-based financial aid, so don’t let the cost discourage you from applying. They’re committed to making education affordable for all students who are admitted.

Takeaways

Curious about how to get into Claremont McKenna? Here’s a quick rundown of what matters most:

• With a competitive acceptance rate of 9.6%, CMC stands out as a selective school. To make your application stand out, you need to highlight your intellectual curiosity, leadership, and meaningful involvement in your school and community.
• Aiming for a 3.9 GPA or higher while challenging yourself with courses like AP or honors classes will show you’re ready for CMC’s rigorous academics. Don’t be afraid to push yourself academically.
• Test scores are optional, but if you choose to submit them, aim high. For SAT, a competitive score would be 1550+, and for the ACT, a strong score is 35 or higher. Aim for the 75th percentile to boost your application.
• Your essays and extracurriculars should highlight what makes you unique. What have you contributed to your community? How have you grown as a person? CMC values students who are deeply engaged, think critically, and bring new perspectives.
• Still unsure about how to get into Claremont McKenna? Asking help from a college admissions consultant can help make the process easier. With expert guidance, you can craft an application that helps you make a lasting impression on the Claremont McKenna admissions team.