Claremont McKenna College (CMC), founded in 1946, is a top liberal arts college specializing in economics, government, and international relations. Part of the Claremont Colleges, CMC offers a distinctive Silicon Valley Program in tech policy. The college's Athenaeum hosts world leaders for dinners with students. CMC's research institutes focus on leadership and the American ideal.
CMC's strong ties to D.C. and Wall Street provide internship pipelines. Alumni include Fortune 500 executives and diplomats. The college's emphasis on practical wisdom?combining theory and action?prepares graduates to lead in business and public service.
Claremont McKenna College Acceptance Rate
Claremont McKenna College is one of the most selective universities in the USA. With an acceptance rate of 11.12%, the institution utilizes a Holistic Review process to identify students with exceptional intellectual depth.
Admissions Guidelines
- Elite Standards: Admitted students typically rank in the top 2-5% of their high school class.
- Curriculum Rigor: AP, IB, or Honors courses are essential to validate academic readiness.
- Character & Impact: Beyond grades, leadership, research, and unique 'spikes' in extracurriculars drive decisions.
At this level of selectivity, meeting average GPA and test scores is considered the 'baseline.' Because Claremont McKenna College values intellectual curiosity, your supplemental essays and personal recommendations are critical in distinguishing your application from thousands of other high-achieving candidates.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Claremont McKenna College Admission Requirements
Claremont McKenna College GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at Claremont McKenna College is 3.89. This indicates extreme selectivity in admissions.
To have strong chances, you must aim for straight A’s in all courses.
If your GPA is between 3.59 and 3.89, then you need a high SAT or ACT score to compensate.
Claremont McKenna College GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Highly selective; GPA is within the typical admitted range.
Recommended Strategy: Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT) in the top 5th percentile.
Admissions at Claremont McKenna College utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.89, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.89 – 4.00 | Competitive Reach | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.69 – 3.88 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 3.49 – 3.68 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 3.48 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At Claremont McKenna College, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Claremont McKenna College SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Claremont McKenna College Average SAT Score: 1514
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Claremont McKenna College is 1514 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it Extremely Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do extremely well to score 1514 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1560 SAT or 35 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Claremont McKenna 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 1450, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to Claremont McKenna College. 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.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 765 | 740 | 790 |
| SAT Reading | 740 | 710 | 770 |
| SAT Composite | 1514 | 1450 | 1560 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1450 then you are below most of the admitted students at Claremont McKenna College 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 1500
Can I get into Claremont McKenna College with a 1550 SAT?
With a 1550 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Claremont McKenna College are good but the admission staff at Claremont McKenna College 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.
Claremont McKenna College ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Claremont McKenna College is 34.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes Claremont McKenna College Extremely Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do extremely well to score 34 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 32 | 30 | 34 |
| ACT English | 35 | 34 | 35 |
| ACT Composite | 34 | 33 | 35 |
Can I get into Claremont McKenna College with a 35 ACT?
With a 35 ACT Score, your chances of admission at Claremont McKenna 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.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 34.Claremont McKenna College Profile
Name: Claremont McKenna College
City: Claremont
URL: www.cmc.edu/
State: California
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 91711-6400
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
Elite Strategy: The 'Spike' Approach
To be successful at a world-class institution like Claremont McKenna College, you must move beyond being 'well-rounded' and demonstrate that you are institutionally necessary.
Elite schools favor 'pointy' students; those who are world-class in one niche. Achieve national-level recognition or produce original research rather than joining ten generic clubs.
Demonstrate 'self-driven learning.' This includes graduate-level coursework, mastering a complex skill independently, or attending top-tier summer programs (RSI/TASP).
Avoid safe, cliché topics. Use the supplemental essays to showcase creative risk-taking, quirky intellectualism, and authentic personality.
Admissions officers prioritize 'Founders' and 'Change-makers' over 'Office-holders.' Document quantifiable impact—what did you build that didn't exist before?
Does a degree from Claremont McKenna College Worth It?
Getting into Claremont McKenna College 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. Claremont McKenna College 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 Claremont McKenna College is USD: 82855.72 and unemployment rate is 3.28%.
How much does a degree from Claremont McKenna College Cost?The average annual cost of the degree at Claremont McKenna College is USD: 82127. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Claremont McKenna College is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
19.48% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 19.41 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Claremont McKenna College and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Claremont McKenna College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Claremont McKenna College as your choice in the form.
How much a Claremont McKenna College Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 104736. An average Claremont McKenna College 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 Claremont McKenna College. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern University Oakland | Northeastern University Oakland, CA | 1472 | 32 |
| Scripps College | Scripps College, CA | 1480 | 33 |
| University of Southern California | University of Southern California, CA | 1501 | 34 |
| Georgetown University | Georgetown University, DC | 1494 | 33 |
| Grinnell College | Grinnell College, IA | 1486 | 33 |
| Colby College | Colby College, ME | 1500 | 33 |
| Amherst College | Amherst College, MA | 1494 | 33 |
| Boston College | Boston College, MA | 1501 | 34 |
| Boston University | Boston University, MA | 1473 | 33 |
| Brandeis University | Brandeis University, MA | 1473 | 33 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Claremont McKenna College. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pomona College | Pomona College, CA | 1520 | 34 |
| Wesleyan University | Wesleyan University, CT | 1513 | 34 |
| Emory University | Emory University, GA | 1507 | 33 |
| University of Notre Dame | University of Notre Dame, IN | 1510 | 34 |
| Bowdoin College | Bowdoin College, ME | 1514 | 34 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Claremont McKenna College. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Chicago | University of Chicago, IL | 1554 | 35 |
| Johns Hopkins University | Johns Hopkins University, MD | 1553 | 35 |
| Harvard University | Harvard University, MA | 1553 | 35 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MA | 1553 | 35 |
| Columbia University in the City of New York | Columbia University in the City of New York, NY | 1547 | 35 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Anthropology
- Area Studies
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biology, General
- Chemistry
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Cognitive Science
- Communication and Media Studies
- Computer Science
Frequently Asked Questions About Claremont McKenna College Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a high salary, $104736 annually, depending on the industry.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $82127 or more per year for out-of-state students, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are lower, 50% or less. It's important to apply early and showcase a strong academic profile.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Claremont McKenna College is 11.12 which is low, typically between 10% and 20%. Admission is very competitive, and a strong academic profile is necessary.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.89. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.59, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.59, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3.59 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.49 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to Claremont McKenna College if my GPA is below 3.49
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.89, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to Claremont McKenna College is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1514 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1450-1560
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Claremont McKenna College.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.