Overview
Claremont McKenna College is a highly selective private four-year institution in Claremont, California. The school accepts 10.4% of applicants and enrolls 1,379 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 10.4%
- Average SAT
- 1,495
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,440–1,550
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 34
- Total Enrollment
- 1,379
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Claremont McKenna's admissions committee expects you to understand the Athenaeum, the college's weekly speaker series where you'll dine with Supreme Court justices, CEOs, and world leaders every Thursday night. Reference specific recent speakers or explain how you'd contribute to the post-dinner discussions in your essays.
Your application should show genuine interest in CMC's Government Research Institute, Silicon Valley Program, or Washington Program. Don't write generically about wanting to study politics or economics. Explain which specific research center you'd work with and what policy questions fascinate you. The college funds student research projects generously, so propose something concrete.
CMC admits by committee vote, not algorithm. Your essays carry unusual weight here. The supplemental prompt about leadership gets recycled responses about being student body president. Write instead about intellectual leadership, policy debates you've started, or how you've changed minds on complex issues. This school produces think tank fellows and startup founders, not just student government officers.
Don't confuse CMC with the other Claremont Colleges. Pomona students cross-register here for economics classes. Your essay should explain why you want CMC specifically, not the five-college consortium. Mention the Kravis Leadership Institute, the college's conservative-leaning speakers, or the career services office that places students at Goldman Sachs and McKinsey.
Early Decision provides a meaningful boost here, but only apply ED if you've visited campus and understand the intense pre-professional culture. Students here network aggressively and compete for the same Wall Street internships. If you prefer collaborative learning environments, this might not fit your personality.
Your recommendation letters should address your ability to articulate complex arguments under pressure. CMC students defend their thesis proposals publicly before graduation. Ask recommenders who've seen you debate, present research, or handle controversy.
The college reviews applications differently than peer schools because it weighs demonstrated interest heavily. Attend virtual information sessions, email specific professors about their research, and show you've done homework on CMC's distinctive culture. Generic liberal arts college essays will hurt you here.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $27,384/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $64,150
- Students Receiving Aid
- 19%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 95.2%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $104,736/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 96.3%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Claremont McKenna College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Claremont McKenna College is test-optional for most applicants. Students can choose whether to submit standardized test scores as part of their application.
What are the application deadlines for Claremont McKenna College?
Claremont McKenna College offers Early Decision I (November 15), Early Decision II (January 5), and Regular Decision (January 5). Early Decision is binding.
Can transfer students apply to Claremont McKenna College?
Yes, Claremont McKenna College accepts transfer applications for fall semester entry. Transfer students typically need at least one full year of college coursework before applying.
What makes Claremont McKenna College different from other liberal arts colleges?
Claremont McKenna College focuses specifically on economics, government, and public affairs within the liberal arts framework. Students benefit from small classes while having access to resources across the five Claremont Colleges consortium.