<p>Just some main stats:</p>
<p>Act
Eng: 33
Math: 32
Reading: 32
Science: 26
Writing/English: 32 (10 on Essay)</p>
<p>Question about ACT: Ok I know composite isn't as high as it should be but science is what really brought it done. To be honest, I didn't even know there was a science section on the ACT so when I got to it I was like *** and I ran out of time. So should I take it again and actually study? OR will admissions offices see that science sucked or else it would be a 32/33.
4.74 weighted, 3.89 unweighted *most schedule demanding according to counselor
College classes on the side that add to GPA (not added into 4.74): Computer Science, Economics (both count for AP credit)
Eagle Scout
4 years marching band
2 years Varsity Baseball (captain)
President/Founder of Investment Club, Safe Driving Club
3 year lawyer and VP of Mock Trial
2 years ASB
Founder of recess program between our high school and nearby elementary school
One of the draftees of newest District Policy regarding grading
100+ hours of volunteer tutor work in the schools tutorial center
2,000+ dollars raised for Tsunami relief</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>So your GPA is good. CMC does seem to care about standardized test scores, but if you really highlight your leadership experience it may make up for them. Top liberal arts schools like CMC tend to be more about fit than anything. This is especially true at Claremont McKenna, where the school fashions itself as sort of “leadership in training”. The school wants to accept students who are great fits for both campus life and academics. </p>
<p>Now, the academic atmosphere of Claremont McKenna is interesting and is a topic of debate that comes up often in those pesky “Pomona vs CMC” threads. If you are familiar with the Ivy League, then this analogy should help. Both Brown and Dartmouth are Ivy League schools known for their academic excellence. Brown, stereotypically, tends to be more ‘intellectual’. This does not mean that Dartmouth students are any less intelligent. It’s just that, as a whole, students at Dartmouth are more pre-professional in nature. The political climate there is more conservative and there is a much larger ‘work hard, play hard’ atmosphere. Pomona and CMC can be seen as the liberal arts equivalents to Brown and Dartmouth, respectively (with concerns to academic quality and admissions rates). As such, know that when you enter CMC you are entering into an environment where people want to do things such as go into finance, consulting, medicine, law, etc… and are more often found at Model UN meetings than readings of Shakespeare. If that description sounds like you, make sure that it is clear in your application and it should boost your chances.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t worry about your ACT… if you are truly a great fit for CMC, your chances will be great. When I was applying to colleges, I underestimated the power of fit. Don’t make the same mistake. Good luck!</p>
<p>Thanks for the info FriendlyStag. Definitely the consensus I have been getting about CMC. I am going to apply ED so that should also help. And after visiting Brown and Dartmouth, two of my favorite ivies, I definitely felt the same way. AS for fit for CMC, I think I fit perfectly there. How did you stress “fit” in your essays? Thanks!</p>