Admission Requirements of Claremont Mckeena College

Admission Gateway to Claremont Mckenna College

CMC is highly selective and traditionally accepts approximately twenty percent of applicants. What is this selectivity based on? There are the usual traits-each entering class includes its fair share of valedictorians and National Merit Finalists, and the median combined SAT score is around 2100. In addition, though, CMC seeks students who will be engaged learners and active members of the CMC community. Admissions officers look for students who have shown leadership potential, self-motivation, and interpersonal skills, and emphasis is placed on extracurricular involvement and how these activities could translate into success in the classroom and in the CMC community.

We're not trying to maximize pure intellectual performance. Certainly, we want to have good grades, test scores, and recommendations, but we balance it a lot with other considerations. It is ultimately important whether or not the student is a good fit for CMC, and vice versa.

CMC's small size allows the Admission Office to build a comprehensive class made up of individuals who will be well suited to the CMC community and CMC's educational style. The admissions officers will try to "get to know you" as they consider you admissions materials. The components of your application that allow your personality to shine through, such as your essays, along with other factors such as your test scores, will all be considered. One recent graduate recalled being amazed when, during her first semester at CMC, one of the admissions officers approached her in the dining hall to tell her how much she had enjoyed the student's personal statement.

It is equally important for you as an applicant to get to know CMC to determine that CMC is the best fit for you.

The Admission Office regularly offers tours of the campus and it is also possible to arrange an overnight stay in a dorm. Those who may be unable to visit the campus can write directly to current students with any questions that they may have by using the "Ask a Student" section of the Admission Office Website.

 Curriculum and Standardized Tests

 An applicant's high school education must have included four years of English, three to four years of math, at least three years of a foreign language, at least two years of science, and one year of history. All high schools are different however, and the availability of advance, honors,or AP classes at your school will be taken into account. Steady improvement over the high school career is considered, and slacking during the senior year is not viewed favorably. Admission Dean Vos said, "That last year is crucial because students who carry their grades through to the end will likely be people who see projects through and complete tasks to the best of their ability."

The SAT is required. The median SAT score for the entering class in 2006 was 700 on the Critical Reading portion and 700 on the Math portion. These are median scores, not hard-and-fast standards that all candidates must achieve and the Admission Office requests that applicants submit all scores earned for each and every time that an applicant has taken the SAT. Interested students should plan to take the exam during their junior year, or between October and January of the senior year.

Recommendations and Essays

It is also necessary to include three recommendations, one from a high school guidance counselor and two from teachers. Two essays must also be included. These essays include a personal statement and an analytical essay, and are one of the most important components of your application. The personal essay is an opportunity to show your personality and highlight your special achievements or personal experience. The analytical essay should identify a person who has shaped current events and culture.

It is also highly recommended that all applicants complete an interview with either an admission officer or with an alumnus of the college in their city. This interview is another opportunity for applicants to demonstrate the qualities that can set them apart from other candidates.

Admission Plans

There is a binding Early Decision plan for students who view CMC as their top choice; it should be filled by November 15th. Eighty Early Decision candidates were accepted into the 2006-2007 class. Regular fall semester applicants should submit their application by January 2.