<p>hey guys!Im a high school junior from the northeast and Im really interested in claremont mckenna. I was wondering if I need to apply early to help my chances with cmc.
My gpa is 3.8/4 and got a 34 on my ACTs, SATII 770 for us history and 780 for chinese (not a native speaker). Ive been playing piano for 14 years and Ive qualified for the national piano playing auditions for 10 years, along with volunteering and working as an accompanist, soloist, and teacher. I also fence competitively and I was a usa rep at the world scholar athlete games (not as impressive as it sounds) and started the fencing team at my school. Also, leadership wise, Im the class rep for school council, won the rotary youth leadership award twice, and was a usa rep at the world youth peace summit. Also, Ive been in johns Hopkins center for talented youth program for five years and Ive interned there for their program to promote genetic and genomic research in minorities. </p>
<p>Also, I'm involved in several clubs in my school that all fundraise for the American Cancer society, I'm a relay for life captain, and the research I've been doing at jhu was focused on cancer.
And I've participated in many scholarships pageants and have finished third in the miss america system in my state, but i don't think that very impressive.</p>
<p>Hi glight! I’m a soon-to-graduate high school senior who’s going to Claremont McKenna next year. When I was applying, I struggled with the decision of whether to apply early or not, and ultimately decided not to. The main reason I was thinking about applying ED was because I knew I liked Claremont McKenna and I wasn’t sure whether I’d get in RD. Looking back on it, applying RD was the right decision for me, since there was another college I got into that I liked a lot as well, though I ultimately chose CMC.</p>
<p>Not only did I get accepted to CMC, I got flown out to California to interview for scholarships and ended up getting a McKenna Scholarship ($10,000 a year). Your stats are pretty similar to mine (better, even), and it looks like you have a lot of leadership experience, which they love, so I think you’re a great candidate to get in, and maybe to get a scholarship as well.</p>
<p>The bottom line is that it’s your decision whether or not to apply ED, but you (and anyone else thinking of applying) should make it based on whether Claremont McKenna is absolutely the #1 school for you, not because you fear not getting in.</p>
<p>Also, don’t sell yourself short. I don’t know much about being the World Scholar Athlete Games or Miss America pageants, but maybe that’s just what the admissions committee is looking for, so don’t dismiss them in your application. Play up all your strengths and experiences as best you can.</p>
<p>Good luck on all your applications! If you have any more questions or want to talk about anything, feel free to PM me.</p>
<p>Hi glight77!
I wouldn’t apply to CMC ED unless you want to go there 100%. I also did not apply ED, and it ended up working to my advantage, even though I hated having to choose between schools in the end.</p>
<p>While the statistics look like CMC favors ED applicants, they really don’t. It’s just that ED applicants tend to be stronger and are much more invested in CMC and reflect it in their applications. Therefore, you have an equal chance of getting in whether you apply ED or RD.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Thanks so much! I’m planning a visit for this fall:) cmc sounds like the perfect school for me academically and everything (sunny California!) but I’m just not sure if I’ll fit in socially. I’ve heard that the stereotype for Claremont McKenna students is white, upperclass athletes with type a personalities. I’m not white or upperclass, and fencing is not a varsity sport here. I’m very outgoing and I love going to parties, but I don’t really rage and hookup with some random person or friend at the end of the night. Also, I’m really into music and I’d live to be at a place that will not only encourage my uniqueness as an artist (classical pianist, but also write rap music and beatbox and add piano arrangements on top) and help me improve, but I’ve noticed that the arts aren’t as strong here. But what really appeals to me is the great location, size, academic environment (great education without cutthroat atmosphere of the ivys) and the strong Econ program and pre-professional focus.</p>
<p>btw I know that stereotypes aren’t necessarily true but I’m just trying to get a sense of the student body the best I can. But I think I’ll spend the extra money and visit before applying to decide how good of a fit cmc is for me. And thanks for all the feedback so far:)</p>
<p>glight77 - The music scene is actually quite active - it’s spread across all five campuses. The chamber & orchestra ensembles both at Pomona and the other 4C’s are open to all. And there are lots of bands. In addition to looking at CMC’s offerings & website, be sure you check out Pitzer, Pomona, Scripps & Harvey Mudd, as well - for all their extra-curricular offerings - which will also be offered to you.</p>
<p>glight77: Glad to hear that you’re seriously considering CMC! It’s a wonderful school that matches stellar academics with an amazing atmosphere and social scene (the weather is awesome too). As you know, CMC is very competitive. However, if you are 100% sure that it’s the school for you, apply ED! Make sure that you application highlights the fact that you have a strong voice/personality with leadership potential.</p>