Chances of Getting Into Claremont McKenna College
Claremont, California • Private University • #7 National • Founded 1946
CMC Admissions Statistics 2025–2026
CMC SAT & ACT Scores
SAT Scores (Middle 50%)
ACT Scores (Middle 50%)
About Claremont McKenna College
Claremont McKenna College (CMC) is a premier liberal arts college with a distinctive focus on government, economics, and public affairs. Part of the Claremont Colleges consortium, CMC combines intimate class sizes with exceptional career preparation and Silicon Valley-level networking.
Top Programs
What Makes CMC Unique
- Focus on government, economics, and leadership (unlike typical LACs)
- 11 research institutes including the Rose Institute of State and Local Government
- Part of the Claremont Colleges — access to 5 colleges' resources
- Exceptionally strong finance and consulting placement
- The Athenaeum hosts nightly speakers — world leaders, CEOs, scholars
CMC Cost & Financial Aid
Cost of Attendance
Financial Aid
CMC Application Deadlines
How to Get Into CMC: Admission Tips
CMC wants future leaders — show leadership impact, not just positions
The 'Why CMC' essay should reference the Athenaeum, specific institutes, or PPE sequence
ED1 gives the best boost; ED2 is also available
CMC values practical impact — community service and internships matter
Interviews are available and can help — take them
The Brutal Truth About CMC Admissions
The numbers are brutal. With a 9.5% acceptance rate, CMC rejected over 11,765 applicants in the most recent cycle. Many of those rejected students had perfect GPAs and 1550+ SATs.
Stats are table stakes, not differentiators. At CMC, having a 3.9 GPA and 1480 SAT puts you at average — not above average. What separates admitted students from rejected ones is everything else: essays, activities, recommendations, and authentic passion.
The biggest mistake applicants make: Treating their application like a résumé. CMC doesn't want a list of accomplishments — they want to understand who you are as a person and what you'll contribute to their community.
Bottom line: Apply if CMC genuinely excites you — but build a balanced college list. Don't put all your eggs in one 9.5%-acceptance-rate basket.
CMC Admissions FAQ
What is the acceptance rate at Claremont McKenna College?
Claremont McKenna College has an acceptance rate of 9.5% as of the most recent admissions cycle. Out of 13,000+ applicants, approximately 340 students were admitted to the incoming class.
What GPA do I need to get into CMC?
The average GPA of admitted students at Claremont McKenna College is 3.9. Most successful applicants have GPAs above 3.75, with many in the top 5-10% of their high school class.
What SAT score do I need for CMC?
The middle 50% SAT range for admitted CMC students is 1420-1530. The average SAT score is 1480. For ACT, the range is 33-35 with an average of 34.
Is CMC hard to get into?
Yes, Claremont McKenna College is highly selective with an acceptance rate of just 9.5%. Even students with perfect GPAs and test scores are not guaranteed admission. Holistic review means essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations all play critical roles.
How much does CMC cost?
Tuition at Claremont McKenna College is $63,680 per year, with total cost of attendance at $82,100. However, 47% of students receive financial aid, with the average aid package exceeding $54,000+.
What are my chances of getting into CMC?
Your chances of getting into Claremont McKenna College depend on your GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and more. With a 9.5% overall acceptance rate, admissions are highly competitive. Use AdmitOdds to get a personalized assessment of your chances based on your actual profile.
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