Claremont, California · Private · 1,388 undergrads
Claremont McKenna College admitted 9.4% of applicants for fall 2025 (655 of 6,939, Common Data Set 2025-26). Claremont McKenna College admitted 22% of early decision applicants (216 of 978). Of the 469 students who took a spot on the wait list, 61 were admitted (13%). Claremont McKenna College is test-optional for fall 2027.
The numbers
Applied
6,939
fall 2025
ACT, middle 50%
33–35
enrolled first-years
Accept their offer
54%
of admitted students enroll
Application fee
$70
waivers exist
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Can I get into Claremont McKenna College?
9.4% of applicants get in
Almost everyone who applies is turned down, including many students with perfect grades. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent scores had 1470–1560 on the SAT.
Likely: even the low end of our estimate is 60% or more, and the college admits at least 25% of applicants. Target: our estimate is 30% or more. Reach: our estimate is under 30%, or the college admits under 15%. Long shot: our estimate is under 12%, or the college admits under 12%. Estimates use the college's admit rate and score range plus your grades and scores. They are not a promise.
6,939 applied, 655 admitted, fall 2025 (Common Data Set). Scores: IPEDS fall 2024.
Does Claremont McKenna College need the SAT or ACT?Optional
No.
Test-optional for fall 2027. 26% of enrolled first-years sent the SAT. Send your SAT if it's 1520 or higher, the middle of what enrolled first-years scored.
For fall 2025, 216 of 978 early decision applicants got in (22%), against 9.4% overall. Early decision is binding: if you get in, you go.
Closed
Early decisionBinding
Was due Nov 1, 2026
61days
Early decision IIBinding
Due Sunday, Jan 10, 2027
61days
Regular decision
Due Sunday, Jan 10, 2027
Early-round numbers: Common Data Set, fall 2025.
The wait list
711 students were offered a wait-list spot and 469 took one. 61 of them got in (13%).
Common Data Set, fall 2025.
What Claremont McKenna College looks at
Counts most
How hard your classes were, GPA, essay, recommendations, activities, character.
Counts a lot
Interview, talent or ability.
Also considered
Class rank, SAT or ACT scores, first in your family to go to college, where you live, volunteering, work experience.
As Claremont McKenna College rates each factor in its Common Data Set, fall 2025.
Questions people ask
What is Claremont McKenna College's acceptance rate?
Claremont McKenna College admitted 9.4% of applicants for fall 2025 (655 of 6,939, Common Data Set 2025-26).
What SAT score do you need for Claremont McKenna College?
The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1470–1560. A quarter of them scored higher and a quarter lower, so it's a typical range, not a cutoff (IPEDS, fall 2024).
Is it easier to get into Claremont McKenna College early decision?
For fall 2025, 216 of 978 early decision applicants got in (22%), against 9.4% overall. Early decision is binding: if you get in, you go. Early applicants often include recruited athletes and legacies, so the gap overstates the advantage for most students.
Does Claremont McKenna College take students off the wait list?
711 students were offered a wait-list spot and 469 took one. 61 of them got in (13%).
Where these numbers come from
Admit rate and applicants: Common Data Set, fall 2025 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
Test scores: IPEDS, fall 2024 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
GPA, early rounds and wait list: Common Data Set, fall 2025 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
Cost, pay and debt: College Scorecard, 2024-25 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
