If you have been searching for the latest acceptance rate at Carnegie Mellon University, the admission process, application requirements, and more, then read this article to be guided.
Carnegie Mellon University is an institution built on the foundation of providing top-quality education and research for inquisitive students. The university is one of the top private research institutions in the state of Pennsylvania that offers degree programs at undergraduate and graduate levels.
The admit rate at Carnegie Mellon University becomes more selective every admission cycle. Those admitted as freshmen into schools and colleges at Carnegie Mellon were below one-quarter of the overall applicants.
The newly admitted students at Carnegie Mellon presented excellent grades, standardized test scores, and application profiles.
What could be the requirements for application, GPA, SAT, and ACT at Carnegie Mellon University? Well, stick around we will get to it in a bit.
About Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University is a private research institution located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The University was established in 1900 by Andrew Carnegie, initially as Carnegie Technical Schools. Twelve years later, the Carnegie Technical School became the Carnegie Institute of Technology.
The Carnegie Institute of Technology and Mellon Institute of Industry Research merged into a single research institution in 1967 as a result, Carnegie Mellon University came into existence.
Carnegie Mellon University offers a variety of decorative degree programs at undergraduate and graduate levels. The University consists of seven schools and colleges on its main campus, with additional degree-granting campuses across six continents.
Carnegie Mellon University is among the institutions leading the innovation in advanced research. The university has made a significant breakthrough in scientific research by innovating new areas of study in computer and management sciences.
Also Read: University of Pennsylvania Acceptance Rate, Admissions and More
Schools and Colleges at Carnegie Mellon University
Undergraduate and graduate degree programs at Carnegie Mellon are offered through these schools and colleges.
- College of Engineering
- College of Fine Arts
- Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy
- Mellon College of Science
- School of Computer Science
- Tepper School of Business
Carnegie Mellon University Rankings
Carnegie Mellon University is one of the top-ranked American private research universities.
According to U.S News & World Report, Carnegie Mellon University is ranked #22 in National Universities, #7 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Program, #28 in Best Value Schools, and #1 in Best Undergraduate Computer Engineering Programs.
Carnegie Mellon is also ranked #52 on the list of the world’s top 100 universities on QS World University Rankings. CMU ranked #28 on the World University Rankings according to Times Higher Education.
Carnegie Mellon University Acceptance Rate
The admission statistics of the newly admitted first-year students show about 1,900 accepted applications from a pool of over 30,000 applicants. The newly admitted students hail from 45 states and other United States territories. The international student admitted were from 38 different countries around the globe.
In the last few years, the acceptance of Carnegie Mellon University has decreased from 21.7% in 2016-2017 to 15.4% in the 2019-2020 admission year.
Currently, the acceptance rate at Carnegie Mellon University is 13.5%, which is extremely selective. Carnegie Mellon will only accept 13 applicants out of every 100.
Also Read: What Are The 12 Ivy League Schools and Their Ranking?
Carnegie Mellon Early Decision (ED) Acceptance Rate
The Early Decision plans are a less competitive application process to get into colleges or universities with the most selective admit rates.
In the last admission cycle, Carnegie Mellon University received 2,972 Early Decision applications, and 20% of those applications were successful. Carnegie Mellon University Early Decision acceptance rate is less selective when compared to that of Regular Decision.
Carnegie Mellon University has the Early Decision I and Early Decision II plan. Always visit the Carnegie Mellon official website for updated information on Early Decision application dates and deadlines.
GPA Requirement
Carnegie Mellon University has a selective admission procedure which requires high grades and test scores. The newly admitted students in the class of 2025 had an average GPA of 3.80 – 4.0.
The standard average GPA required at Carnegie Mellon University is 3.84. If you are still in high school, you will need to be in the top 10% of your class to meet the GPA standards at Carnegie Mellon.
SAT Requirement
Middle SAT Range: 1480-1560
The average SAT score at Carnegie Mellon University is 1510 on the 1600 SAT scale.
Here are the statistics of the new SAT score.
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
| Math | 780 | 760 | 800 |
| Reading and Writing | 730 | 700 | 760 |
| Composite | 1510 | 1460 | 1560 |
ACT Requirement
The average ACT score at Carnegie Mellon University is 34.
Here are the statistics of ACT scores for the 25th and 75th percentile.
| Percentile | 25th | 75th |
| ACT Score | 33 | 35 |
Application Requirement
Applicants who applied to various degree programs at Carnegie Mellon University in the last admission cycle provided the necessary high school documents while submitting their applications via the Common Application platform.
First-Year Application Requirement
As a first-year applicant applying to Carnegie Mellon, you will provide these school documents during your application.
Application Options
Carnegie Mellon University accepts the Common Application.
Application Fee or Fee Waiver
Pay a non-refundable application fee of $75. You can pay the application fee with a credit card or electronic card while registering online through the Common Application.
Carnegie Mellon University accepts fee waivers from applicants who meet any of the indicators of economic need in the Common Application.
High School Transcripts
Schools and colleges at Carnegie Mellon University have specific academic requirements for school transcripts. Visit the official of Carnegie Mellon to find out more about the requirement.
Secondary School Counsellor Evaluation
Ask your school counsellor to complete and submit the evaluation form to admissions at Carnegie Mellon University.
Teacher Recommendation
Ask two teachers in your school who have taught you in core academic subjects to complete and submit a letter of recommendation.
Common Application Writing Supplement
During your application, you must respond to three short-answer prompts in the Common Application.
Standardized Testing
International applicants who are non-native English speakers or attended a tertiary institution where instructions were received in a different language will take an English proficiency test.
The English proficiency test includes;
- TOEFL
- IELTS
- Duolingo English Test
Also Read: How to get into an Ivy League School and their Acceptance Rate
How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Into Carnegie Mellon University
Getting into Carnegie Mellon University is very challenging due to its acceptance rate of 13.5%. Gaining admission into any of the schools and colleges at Carnegie Mellon will require excellent academic performance and a convincing application profile.
Here are a few tips to increase your chances of getting into Carnegie Mellon University.
#.1 Apply During Early Decision
An application in Early Decision will boost your admission chances. The Early Decision plan binds students to a specific college or university that if admitted, they will matriculate and attend.
Carnegie Mellon University’s Early Decision acceptance rate is higher than the overall admit rate of 13.5%. Applying through the Early Decision enhances your chances of getting into Carnegie Mellon University.
The Early Decision plan is not without some financial restrictions.
Please note that the Early Decision plan binds you to Carnegie Mellon University and you must attend once admitted.
The Early Decision I and Early Decision II application dates and deadlines are on the official website of Carnegie Mellon.
#.2 Aim for a 3.85 GPA While Taking Hard Classes
Getting into Carnegie Mellon is a competition among intending applicants. Applicants with better grades and high test scores are at an advantage.
Carnegie Mellon University uses the Academic Index (which includes your grades and GPA) to evaluate your application profile. Obtaining a high school GPA of 3.85 will boost your admission chances.
However, you can take challenging classes (AP or IB courses) available at your school to convince Carnegie Mellon of your candidacy.
#.3 Apply To a Perfect School/College or Program
Each of the seven schools and colleges at Carnegie Mellon University has a specific admission requirement.
Applying to a program have no intention of pursuing will dent your admission chances.
It’s highly recommended that you apply to Carnegie Mellon schools and colleges suitable for your application materials.
#4. Obtain High Standardized (SAT/ACT) Test Scores
The requirements for SAT and ACT scores have already been shown to you initially in the article. You should aim for an SAT score of 1560 and an ACT of 35.
#5. Write Interesting Essay
Essays are very important in the admission procedures at Carnegie Mellon. Writing an interesting enable the admission committee at Carnegie Mellon to understand your personality and intellectual interest.
Carnegie Mellon University wants to know more about your passion, academic goals, aspiration, and intellectual curiosity. Besides what you have in your official transcripts, writing an essay uniquely to include these characteristics will convince the application readers at Carnegie Mellon and hence boost your admission chances.
Carnegie Mellon University Tuition and Fees
Here is the estimated cost of attendance for undergraduates at Carnegie Mellon University.
RESIDENT | COMMUTER | |
| Tuition | $59,864 | $59,864 |
| Orientation Fee (fall semester only) | 490 | 490 |
| Activity Fee | 280 | 280 |
| Transportation Fee | 250 | 250 |
| Media Fee | 10 | 10 |
| Technology Fee | 450 | 450 |
| Rooms & Fees 1 | 10,000 | 0 |
| Dining 2 | 6,796 | 3,398 |
| Books/Supplies & Miscellaneous 3 | 2,400 | 2,400 |
| Travel Allowance 3,4 | 0 | 680 |
| Totals | $80,540 | $67,822 |
Is Carnegie Mellon University a Good School?
Carnegie Mellon University is an amazing research institution and among the most prestigious in the world. The University provides one of the best graduate degree programs in the United States.
Carnegie Mellon is the perfect destination for students interested in engineering, business, medicine, computer science, natural science, and humanities. Carnegie Mellon’s innovative research in computer science has created fields of study to lead the new phase in technological advancement.
Carnegie Mellon University is a global institution, and the possibility of building reputable careers in any field of study is endless.
Also Read: Columbia University Acceptance Rate, Admissions and More
How Hard is it to be Admitted to Carnegie Mellon University?
The admission procedures at Carnegie Mellon University are very selective with an acceptance rate of 13.5%. Getting into Carnegie Mellon will require occupying the top 10% of your class.
Carnegie Mellon only admits 13 applicants out of every 100, a selective standard far below the national average for American universities.
Carnegie Mellon University Contact Address
- School Address: 5000 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15213
- Phone: +1 412-268-2000
Visit the official website of Carnegie Mellon University for more on academics and upcoming events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the frequently asked questions about Carnegie Mellon University’s acceptance rate.
What GPA is required for Carnegie Mellon?
Carnegie Mellon University has an average GPA of 3.85. You should aim for a GPA of this standard or above to increase your chances of getting into Carnegie Mellon.
Is Carnegie Mellon an Ivy?
No! Carnegie Mellon University is not among the famous Ivy League schools. The Ivy elites include Brown, Cornell, Columbia, Dartmouth, Harvard, Princeton, University of Pennsylvania and Yale University.
Is Carnegie Mellon a prestigious University?
Carnegie Mellon University is one of the top private research institutions in the world. According to Usnews, Carnegie Mellon University is ranked 15th among National Universities.
Conclusion
Carnegie Mellon University is one of America’s finest private research institutions. The university offers engaging degree programs at undergraduate and graduate levels. Carnegie Mellon degree-granting campuses are scattered across six continents, taking academics and research beyond the American border.
The acceptance rate at Carnegie Mellon University is very competitive and if you are confident to become the next freshman at Carnegie Mellon, get your application profile ready for the next admission cycle.
Recommendations:
- NYU Acceptance Rate, Admissions, SAT/ACT, Tuition, Ranking
- The New School Acceptance Rate, Admissions, SAT/ACT, Tuition
- How Many Semesters In A Year At University? All you need to know
- Northeastern University Acceptance Rate and Admissions
- All You Need to Know About the University of Bath Acceptance Rate
References
- U.S News & World Report: Carnegie Mellon University
- TopUniversities: Carnegie Mellon University
- Times Higher Education: Carnegie Mellon University