Why CMC? (2024)

FAQs

What is special about CMC? ›

Renowned for expertise in economics and government, Claremont McKenna features accomplished scholars who are committed teachers in the humanities, sciences, and social sciences.

This is a classic Why Essay. Do some research on CMC's course offerings, campus, and extracurriculars, and then show admissions why CMC stands out from the crowd. With the prompt's focus on future careers, make sure your response mentions how your favorite aspects of CMC will prepare you for life after college.

The school is home to 10 distinguished research institutes offering students the ability to conduct graduate-level research with faculty. Notable alumni include actor and comedian Robin Williams and Paul Brickman, who wrote and directed the 1983 film "Risky Business."

Since its founding, the College mission has emphasized the core values and principles of freedom of expression, diversity of opinion, civil discourse, and mutual respect. As President George Benson wrote upon the College's 10th Anniversary in 1957, the CMC community shares “a commitment to a free society.

The misdeed attributed to now-former admission Dean Richard Vos was to inflate Claremont McKenna's annual SAT figures by 10 to 20 points per test section. As President Pamela Gann told campus: This apparently went on for several years.

CMC is known for its faculty's conservative political orientation relative to comparable liberal arts colleges.

This is a classic “Why this college?” prompt, and there are two things you want to focus on in your response. First, specific opportunities offered at CMC. Second, how those opportunities align with your passions and goals to be a productive citizen.

10.4% (2022)

Claremont McKenna College / Acceptance rate

Average GPA: 4.09

With a GPA of 4.09, Claremont McKenna requires you to be at the top of your class. You'll need nearly straight A's in all your classes to compete with other applicants. Furthermore, you should be taking hard classes - AP or IB courses - to show that college-level academics is a breeze.

If you plan a visit to Claremont, you can attend official tours and/or information sessions and walk around all of the campuses to pick up the vibes. These private colleges range in acceptance rates (2022) from 29.54% (Scripps) to 6.64% (Pomona) (Harvey Mudd is 9.99%, Claremont McKenna is 11.24%, and Pitzer is 18.31%).

What do students say about Claremont McKenna? ›

Claremont Mckenna College is an amazing community with wonderful students and professors. It's extremely difficult to not fall in love with the college, even students that consider transferring in the beginning change their minds. The education that you get here is invaluable.

Pomona, with its wider array of majors and academic disciplines, offers more research opportunities and funding for independent projects. Additionally, Pomona has a well-respected study abroad program, allowing you to explore different cultures and enhance your global perspective.

- The most common majors of recent graduates are Economics, Psychology, Government, International Relations, Philosophy, Data Science, Phil/Politics, & Economics (PPE), Biology, and History. - Over a third of graduates complete dual or double majors.

Admission to CMC is based on a holistic review process that considers a broad range of factors, including a prospective student's academic and leadership achievements, commitment to CMC's values, and potential to benefit from and contribute to CMC's mission.

In your response, you'll want to be clear about how your values and goals align with this mission. For example, maybe you started a club that brings STEM education to schools that don't have it. In your response, share more about why and how you did this, and then connect it to the mission of Claremont McKenna.

The most popular majors at Claremont McKenna College include: Econometrics and Quantitative Economics; Political Science and Government, General; International Relations and Affairs; Experimental Psychology; Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other; Mathematics, General; Philosophy; Computer Science; Science, Technology ...

Scripps offers top-ranked programs in art and art history, English, writing, music, and performance; but you don't need to be studying in a humanities program to develop the essential skills they foster. Humanities and the arts are at the core of everything we do at Scripps.

CMC employs a holistic review, considering students' “academic and leadership achievements, commitment to CMC's values, and potential to benefit from and contribute to CMC's mission.” Leadership, in particular, is a critical quality CMC seeks in students, as is intellectual curiosity.

Annual vacation and paid time off. Tuition benefits. Affordable health insurance options. Flexible work schedules.