Chance for CMU

Colleges and Universities A-Z Carnegie Mellon University
1

My son applied CMU with early decision. CMU is his top choice, and he wants to study Mechanical engineering. Here are his stats:

GPA: 3.88; ACT: 31(Eng: 22, Math 35, Reading: 32, Sci 34); SAT sub (Math 700, Chem 710).
awards: USA swimming scholastic all-american; AP scholar with distinction; Honor classes.
Leadership: Athlete Rep for the swim club.

He wants to swim for CMU as well. He had phone call and email with the head coach a few times. He would be average in the team if he could get in so the head coach never said they would recruit him.

About essay, I just read the 2013 post, and was suggested not describe research project in the essay for "why choose CMU). Unfortunately, my son has the passion in mechanical engineering since he was little because of swimming. He did Fluid dynamics research last summer and write it in his essay.

I think his chance is 50/50 to get in CMU. What do you think?
(we will know it next week).

2

Unlike other Division 3 schools, I do not think Carnegie Mellon has actual admissions spots, where they can get an athlete in if they are good enough. However, I do think the coach can put a recommendation in for him, which would help. His Math and Science ACT scores are good, but his English and Reading are way below the averages they have on their website. If he has a good relationship with the coach, I would try to use that. Good luck

3

Yeah I think the 22 English alone would end admission chances. They superscore, so you son probably should’ve retook the test and only studied for English…

A 30 in English would’ve brought composite up to a 33