What are my chances of admission?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Claremont McKenna College
1

<p>I just discovered Claremont McKenna and it is quickly becoming my dream school. I have planned a visit for next week, but I'd like to know my chances going into it.
So! Here is my info:</p>

<p>Female
White
I attend a public high school in northern California that sends few students to top schools. Most go to the local community college.
I will need financial aid. Badly.</p>

<p>Scores:
ACT:
Composite 33
English 33
Math 30
Reading 35
Science 34
Combined English/Writing 30
Writing 8</p>

<p>SAT:
Composite 2140
Critical Reading 790
Writing 710<br>
Math 640</p>

<p>GPA (9-12) UW: 4.24 W: 4.2667 </p>

<p>Advanced Classes:
Freshman year: Honors English
Sophomore year: Honors Earth Science, Honors English, Honors Geometry.
Junior year: AP US History, Honors English (Academic Decathlon), Honors World Geography/Religions.
(Planned) senior year: AP Language, AP Statistics, Honors Spanish 4, and possibly Honors Chemistry.</p>

<p>Additionally, I took the AP Literature test without being in the class Junior year.
A's or A+'s in all of these, no AP results yet. </p>

<p>Extracurriculars:</p>

<p>2013-2015 School Newspaper - Editor-in-Chief<br>
2013- Current Journalism Fundraising Club – President
2012-2013 Associated Student Body Member
2011-Current California Scholarship Federation (Hopefully president senior year, will definitely be in a leadership position.)
2014-Current Ecology Club (Hopefully president senior year, will definitely be in a leadership position.)</p>

<p>2011-Current Frosh, JV, Varsity Volleyball – Middle Blocker ("Most Inspirational Player" junior year, likely captain for senior year)
2011-2012 Frosh Swim Team
2012-2013 JV Soccer - Goalie - Most Valuable Player </p>

<p>2011-Current California Scholarship Federation – Community Volunteer
2011-Current Humane Society - Volunteer
2011-Current ATCAA Food Drive
2013-Current Bear Service Club
2011-2012 American Field Service</p>

<p>Academic Honors:</p>

<p>2014 Academic Decathlon Regional Competition
- Overall High Scorer, Honors Category
– Gold Medals: Social Science, Music, & Super Quiz.
– Silver Medal: Interview
– Bronze Medals: Essay & Art</p>

<p>2012 -2013 Student of the Year: World History, English II Honors
2013-2014 Student of the Year: Journalism
2013 Sophomore Scholar – Rotary International
2014 Junior Scholar – Rotary International
Honor Roll all through high school</p>

<p>What are my chances, and what can I do to improve?
Should I do an interview?
Would it help me at all to apply early decision?</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>Other things I thought of: I will likely apply as a psychology major, which I know is pretty popular there. In addition, I know that CMC heavily weights leadership, and I wanted to add that I was very involved in the founding of the paper. I didn’t just come into the position of Editor, I helped to create the paper.</p>

3

<p>Hey! Sorry for the late response, but I’ll do my best to help (Incoming Freshman Class of 2018)</p>

<p>Your numbers are great! I am slightly confused as to how your UW and W GPA are so similar despite the many Honors and AP classes you’ve taken, but CMC most likely reevaluates your grades when they get your transcript.</p>

<p>I’ll answer some of your initial questions first. If you can, DEFINITELY do an interview. Demonstrated interest is something that CMC looks for in their applicants and unless you bomb it, which I doubt you will, it can only help your chances. When it comes to applying ED, don’t do it unless you know that CMC is the school you want to go to 100% no doubt about it. DO NOT simply do it just to increase your chances although it definitely would.</p>

<p>As you mentioned, CMC is huge on leadership; however, I’m also a firm believer that they value quality over quantity. You have tons of things going for you which is great, but make sure you don’t come off as a student who spread herself out way too much. Definitely list your activities, but focus and be sincere about a select few that you care very much about. I didn’t have nearly as many activities (Clubs and Achievements), but the ones I did have took years to develop and the passion I had for them easily came to light in my personal statement.</p>

<p>I think you have a solid shot. Again, talk to your counselor, parents, friends, or whomever you can to find out if CMC is the school you want. If so, apply ED and write a killer essay and hope for the best. If you have any more questions about my admissions process or anything else, feel free to ask. Best of luck!</p>

4

<p>@SAT2400GG
I probably didn’t do my GPA right, to be honest… thank you for your input!
I’m planning on highlighting my participation in founding the newspaper, and maybe the my participation in acadec, as I do realize that quality is much more valuable than quantity.
I’m trying to get down to LA to do an interview and I should be able to swing it this summer! I interview pretty well (thanks to acadec) so that should help.</p>

<p>Now, more questions: :slight_smile: </p>

<p>What made you choose CMC?
Did you apply for financial aid? If so, did you receive a fair deal? </p>

5

<p>With an acceptance rate at 10%, realize that it’s a reach for everyone. That being said, I do think you have a better chance than most. Make sure you prep for your interview.</p>

<p>I’m also open to answer any questions you may have. Feel free to message me.</p>

6

<p>I applied for financial aid and received a fair deal; however, I’m pretty sure the income level that is necessary to get something along the lines of what I received is ridiculously low. I also applied to a few scholarships and won around $5,000. It might not be much but had I applied to more, I’m sure I could have received more so definitely look into some you are eligible for. If you want to know why CMC, there’s a whole thread somewhere on the Claremont McKenna section on college confidential so look into that. </p>

7

<p>Okay, thanks!</p>