Claremont McKenna College (CMC), a prestigious liberal arts institution in Claremont, California, places significant emphasis on academic excellence during the admissions process. SAT scores are an important component of a student's application to Claremont McKenna College, as they provide a standardized measure of college readiness. While CMC adopts a holistic review process, strong SAT performance can enhance an applicant's profile, demonstrating their potential to succeed in the college's rigorous academic environment. Prospective students are encouraged to aim for competitive scores to stand out among a highly selective applicant pool.
SAT Score Ranges for Admitted Students:
Score Range: 1460–1580 (based on recent admissions data for the middle 50% of admitted students)
Average Score: Approximately 1520, reflecting the high academic standards at Claremont McKenna College
75th Percentile: Around 1580, indicating that top applicants often score near the highest possible mark
Key Points:
Submitting SAT or ACT scores is optional at Claremont McKenna College due to its test-optional policy, implemented to provide flexibility for applicants.
When submitted, SAT scores are evaluated as part of a holistic review, alongside grades, essays, and extracurriculars, rather than as a strict threshold.
CMC practices superscoring, meaning the admissions committee considers the highest section scores across multiple SAT test dates to form a composite score.
Alternatives such as Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) results may strengthen an application, especially for students opting out of standardized testing.
For competitive admission to Claremont McKenna College, applicants are recommended to target SAT scores above 1500 to align with the upper range of admitted students.
