Harvey Mudd College is one of the leading universities in the USA. It is extremely competitive to gain admission to. The acceptance rate of Harvey Mudd College (Mudd, HMC) is 13.36%. This means that only 13 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
How Competitive are Harvey Mudd College Admissions?
- Extremely competitive: Applicants require excellent academic record and extracurriculars.
- GPA, SAT/ACT, and AP/IB courses significantly impact admission chances.
- A holistic review considers essays, recommendations, and leadership roles.
With one of the lowest acceptance rates in the US, you need to excel in every aspect to be selected. Your GPA, AP, IB, SAT, and ACT scores should be in the top range to increase your chances of admission. Below, we have listed all the requirements and score ranges needed for admission to Harvey Mudd College to help you prepare in advance. Meeting their general GPA and test (SAT/ACT) requirements is crucial because without these, you won't proceed to the second round of admission processing. These requirements act as automatic filters, so failing to meet them makes your chance of getting in nearly zero.
Note that admission staff look beyond academic performance. In addition to maintaining a high GPA and strong test scores, your personality, aptitude, and interpersonal communication skills also play a significant role in the admissions process. Participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, community events, leadership activities, and your capacity to play leadership roles are also significant.
Harvey Mudd College Admission Requirements
Mudd, HMC GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at Mudd, HMC is 3.96. It means that Mudd, HMC is extremely selective in terms of the GPA. (Please note that most schools report a weighted GPA, which is out of 4.0. However, some schools may use unweighted GPAs. For exact information, contact the school admission staff).
With an average GPA of 3.96, Mudd, HMC requires you to be at the top of your class. You need to score straight A's in all classes to have good chances of admission. Additionally, you must take AP or IB courses to demonstrate your academic ability. More specifically, your AP and IB courses must be related to the area of your selected course of study. For example, if you are planning a career in engineering or IT, courses related to mathematics, calculus, and physics will help you.
If your GPA is less than 3.96 and higher than 3.66 then you need higher SAT or ACT scores to compensate. You need a minimum of 3.56 GPA, to secure admission at Mudd, HMC. Below this, the chances of admission will be very slim.
Can I Get Into Mudd, HMC Without SAT Or ACT?: Harvey Mudd College considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
Harvey Mudd College (Mudd, HMC) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them. The test score policy is already mentioned.
Harvey Mudd College Average SAT Score: 1539
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Harvey Mudd College is 1539 on the 1600 SAT scale.
Harvey Mudd College SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it Extremely Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do extremely well to score 1539 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1560 SAT or 36 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Harvey Mudd College allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1480, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to Mudd, HMC. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
Harvey Mudd College SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 775 | 760 | 790 |
| SAT Reading | 745 | 720 | 770 |
| SAT Composite | 1539 | 1480 | 1560 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1480 then you are below most of the admitted students at Mudd, HMC and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1560 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1550
Can I get into Harvey Mudd College (Mudd, HMC) with a 1550 SAT?
With a 1550 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Harvey Mudd College (Mudd, HMC) are good but the admission staff at Mudd, HMC tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Harvey Mudd College (Mudd, HMC) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Mudd, HMC is 35.
Harvey Mudd College ACT Competitiveness
This score makes Harvey Mudd College Extremely Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do extremely well to score 35 on the ACT.
Harvey Mudd College ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 35 | 34 | 36 |
| ACT English | 36 | 35 | 36 |
| ACT Composite | 35 | 34 | 36 |
Can I get into Harvey Mudd College with a 36 ACT?
With a 36 ACT Score, your chances of admission at Harvey Mudd College are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
SAT Vs ACT: Which score to send
You can compare your scores in SAT and ACT to the average SAT and ACT Scores of the admitted students at Harvey Mudd College. More importantly, comparing your scores with the 25th and 75th percentiles of SAT and ACT scores will give you a better understanding of where you stand. If your score on the SAT is near the 75th percentile SAT score, then you must send your SAT score. If your ACT score is near the 75th percentile, then you must send your ACT Score.
But there is more, if both of your scores are in the same range, then it is better to send an ACT Score, as in the case of ACT, you can control which score to send as opposed to SAT.
Here is how: When sending the ACT Score, you can decide which score you want to send to the colleges. You could take 8 ACT tests, and only send your highest one. This is not the case with the SAT, where your score report mentions all of your attempts.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 35.Mudd, HMC Profile
Name: Harvey Mudd College (Mudd, HMC)
City: Claremont
URL: https://www.hmc.edu/
State: California
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 91711
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting into Harvey Mudd College
Boost Your Test Scores: Retake the SAT/ACT if needed. Use resources to improve your score.
Focus on Academics: Maintain a high GPA and take challenging courses.
Extracurricular Activities: Harvey Mudd College values well-rounded students who make meaningful contributions to their communities. Here’s how to showcase your strengths:
- Highlight long-term commitments, and unique accomplishments.
- Leaderships: Demonstrate clear leadership experience. This is not only true for Harvey Mudd College but also other schools. If you cannot demonstrate strong leadership qualities, your chances of acceptance will be low. Work on your weak areas, and improve your communication and interpersonal skills. Also, include your work experiences where you were given leadership responsibilities, and write down your achievements and how you were able to contribute as a team leader and team member.
- Community Service: Show how you have influenced change in the community and have a strong desire to do so in the future. Also, if you are planning to apply for Harvey Mudd College, participate in relevant activities. Work for social welfare and look for opportunities where you can make an impact. Start with your school or student council. Those having positions like president, secretary generals etc… in students councils have better chances. Network with notable people and develop your social media profile accordingly.
- Passion Projects: Whether it’s starting a club, publishing research, or excelling in the arts, show what sets you apart. Example: If you’ve founded a nonprofit or won a national competition, make sure it’s prominently featured in your application.
- Align your goals with Harvey Mudd College’s mission. Carefully read the objectives and mission of Harvey Mudd College on their official website and plan accordingly for each specific point. See how well your profile matches their objectives and goals, and work on the areas where you are lacking.
- Secure Strong Recommendations: Get letters from professors or employers who know your abilities well. Share your achievements and goals with them for a stronger, more personalized recommendation. If personal statement and recommendations align, your chances of success will be higher.
- Build a Strong Network: Engage with Harvey Mudd College Alumni and current students. Ask them how they planned their scholarship journey, what challenges they faced, and how they overcame them. Learn about the key factors behind their success and how they secured their selection.
- Craft Strong Essays: Tell your story authentically and highlight what makes you unique. College Essay is a very important document. Unlike your transcripts, which just show your numbers or grades, the essay reflects your true personality as a human being. Take considerable time to refine and craft your statement of purpose. Here are the detailed guidelines for writing a winning College Essay form our experts.
Does a degree from Mudd, HMC Worth It?
Getting into Mudd, HMC can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Mudd, HMC offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision. Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Mudd, HMC is USD: 82806.61 and unemployment rate is 3.1%.
How much does a degree from Mudd, HMC Cost?The average annual cost of the degree at Harvey Mudd College is USD: 82236. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Harvey Mudd College is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
12.93% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 36.46 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Mudd, HMC and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Harvey Mudd College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Mudd, HMC as your choice in the form.
How much a Mudd, HMC Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the Mudd, HMC graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 138687. An average Mudd, HMC graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Harvey Mudd College. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower than the requirements of Harvey Mudd College, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claremont McKenna College | Claremont McKenna College, CA | 1514 | 34 |
| Pomona College | Pomona College, CA | 1520 | 34 |
| University of Southern California | University of Southern California, CA | 1520 | 34 |
| Georgetown University | Georgetown University, DC | 1507 | 34 |
| Emory University | Emory University, GA | 1493 | 33 |
| Northwestern University | Northwestern University, IL | 1526 | 34 |
| University of Notre Dame | University of Notre Dame, IN | 1515 | 34 |
| Bowdoin College | Bowdoin College, ME | 1520 | 34 |
| Colby College | Colby College, ME | 1501 | 33 |
| Amherst College | Amherst College, MA | 1513 | 34 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Harvey Mudd College. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive for Harvey Mudd College, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yale University | Yale University, CT | 1547 | 34 |
| University of Chicago | University of Chicago, IL | 1532 | 35 |
| Williams College | Williams College, MA | 1540 | 35 |
| Dartmouth College | Dartmouth College, NH | 1539 | 34 |
| Princeton University | Princeton University, NJ | 1546 | 34 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Harvey Mudd College. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biology, General
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Chemistry
- Communication and Media Studies
- Computer Science
- Dance
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Economics
- Engineering, General
Full list of All degree programs offered by Harvey Mudd College.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2024, US Department of Education's latest 2024 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.