Worth Applying?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Claremont McKenna College
1

I’ve really been interested in CMC over the past few weeks and I’m considering applying there. At the same time, I don’t want to go for a shot-in-the-dark without having an idea if I would be a decent candidate for admission. Would any of you guys mind letting me know what you think about if I should actually go ahead and apply here (especially if you have some idea on my chances at PPE and/or merit aid)?

ACADEMICS
Academic GPA: 4.722
Unweighted GPA: 3.925
Class Rank: 20/628; Top 3%

ACT: 35 (English: 35; Math: 34; Reading: 35; Science: 36)
SAT: 2330 (Math: 780; Reading: 770; Writing: 780)
SAT II: US History and Math 2 (scores pending)
National Merit Scholar Semifinalist (Finalist status pending)

I attend a large, public high school with IB and AP tracks (I take AP courses)

AP Scholar with Distinction
World History (5), US History (5), US Government (5), Microeconomics (5), English Composition (5), Macroeconomics (4)
Currently taking following APs: Spanish Language, English Literature, Biology, Calculus AB, Psychology

EXTRACURRICULAR
I’ve done (traditional) karate since kindergarten, earned a black belt and twice qualified for the Jr. Olympics. I’m a nationally-certified judge and have taught karate to 6 to 10 year old for 3 years now.

I’m a Life Scout (completing Eagle Scout), and have been Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant SPL, and am a member of the Order of the Arrow (Scouting Honor Society). Also via Scouts, I’ve led on two week-long leadership camps for 60 youth and have been the assistant director of another such course.

This past March, I was a representative (1 of 104 nationally) for the United States Senate Youth Program in Washington, DC that focused on public service and included speeches from Senators, Justice Breyer, and President Obama (among others).

I’m the Secretary General of our school’s Model UN club (where I tripled membership) and am an officer at state and school levels in Junior State of America. I’m also an officer in our school’s Spanish National Honor Society.

LETTERS&ESSAY
I’ll be getting letters of recommendation from my AP English Composition teacher from last year (which’ll be a pretty stellar letter) and my Chemistry teacher from last year (above-average).

My essay focuses on my leadership experiences from the leadership course I led and my time in karate.

Thank you all very much!
-FuturePOTUS

2

While CMC is hyper-competitive, you have an excellent academic record and very strong extracurriculars. Not to jinx you, but you’d have to really screw up your application not to get an admission offer. In fact, I’d be surprised if you don’t get invited to compete for a merit scholarship. Good luck!

3

i second 84stag’s opinon…you should definitely apply. I think you will get an acceptance letter as well…you seem like an ideal candidate for admission to CMC.