Chances of getting into Carnegie Mellon University
Acceptance Rate
How hard is it to get into Carnegie Mellon and can I get accepted?
The acceptance rate at Carnegie Mellon is 17%. It ranks #3 in Pennsylvania and #43 in the nation for lowest rate of acceptance. Carnegie Mellon is a very highly competitive school to get into with a low chance of acceptance for typical applicants. Last year, 4,524 out of 26,189 applicants were admitted.
The school has exceptionally high admission requirements for SAT and ACT scores, generally admitting students who score in the top 2 percent (SAT 1460/1560 ACT 33/35). Carnegie Mellon University typically accepts and attracts "A-" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.85. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top ten percent of their high school class. 36% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.
The Carnegie Mellon application fee is $75 and applications are due by Jan 1.
Test Optional
Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Carnegie Mellon University. If you submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 72% of students submitted SAT scores and 42% submitted ACT scores for admission for the 2021/2022 academic year..
Carnegie Mellon SAT Scores
SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score
| SAT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| SAT Reading 25th | 700 |
| SAT Math 25th | 760 |
| SAT Composite 25th | 1460 |
| SAT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| SAT Reading 75th | 760 |
| SAT Math 75th | 800 |
| SAT Composite 75th | 1560 |
| Average SAT Score | 1510
|
SAT Scores you need to get in
What are the SAT requirements for students to be admitted to Carnegie Mellon University?
Carnegie Mellon University typically prefers applicants to be in the top 2 percent of SAT test takers. The school consistently takes SAT composite scores down to 1460 on a 1600 scale, below which admission should be considered a reach. We estimate some students could be accepted with SAT's as low as 1410. The average SAT composite for admitted freshman is 1510 out of 1600. Carnegie Mellon ranks #2 in Pennsylvania and #15 in the nation for highest average SAT composite score. A competitive SAT score is critical as 72 percent of applicants submit SAT scores to the school.
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Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2020 starting classEstimated Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score
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Carnegie Mellon ACT Scores
ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score
| ACT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| ACT Reading 25th | 33 |
| ACT Math 25th | 33 |
| ACT Composite 25th | 33 |
| ACT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| ACT Reading 75th | 36 |
| ACT Math 75th | 35 |
| ACT Composite 75th | 35 |
| Average ACT Score | 34
|
ACT Scores needed to get accepted
What are the ACT requirements for prospective students to get into Carnegie Mellon?
Admission data indicates that Carnegie Mellon regularly accepts students with ACT's of 33 and above. Successful applicants typically send ACT scores in the top 2 percent nationally. We estimate the school accepting minimum ACT composite scores around 32 in some instances. Prospective students submitting an ACT composite of 34 or higher should be in the upper half of applicants - and students with a 35 and above have very competitive chances. The school ranks #1 in Pennsylvania and #14 in the U.S. for highest average ACT composite score. 42 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Carnegie Mellon University.
Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2020 starting classEstimated Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score
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Carnegie Mellon GPA
Estimated GPA Requirements & Average GPA
What GPA do you need to get into Carnegie Mellon University?
Applicants require exceptionally good grades to get into Carnegie Mellon. The average high school GPA of the admitted freshman class at Carnegie Mellon University was 3.85 on the 4.0 scale indicating that primarily A- students are accepted and ultimately attend. The school ranks #7 in Pennsylvania for highest average GPA. Meeting these GPA requirements alone is not enough to gain admission as Carnegie Mellon is a very selective school.
Explore more colleges with similar GPA requirements
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2021
Other Colleges to Consider
High School Class Rank
88.5% of Carnegie Mellon University freshman were in the top ten percent of their high school graduating class.
| High School Class Rank | Freshmen Within Range |
|---|---|
| Top 10% of class | 88.5% |
| Top 25% of class | 99.7% |
| Top 50% of class | 100% |
Applying
Admission Statistics
| Women | Men | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied | 10,302 | 15,887 | 26,189 |
| Accepted | 2,407 | 2,117 | 4,524 |
| Acceptance Rate | 23% | 13% | 17% |
| Enrolled | 819 | 818 | 1,637 |
| Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) | 34% | 39% | 36% |
Fall 2022 Application Deadline
Applications were Due
Days left to Apply
The application deadline for Fall 2022 has passed. Applications were due on Jan 1, 2023.
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to Carnegie Mellon University is $75.
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to Carnegie Mellon University and what student information is used for admission decisions?
| Test Scores | Considered but not required |
| High School GPA | Required |
| High School Class Rank | Considered but not required |
| Completion of College Preparatory Program | Required |
| Recommendations | Required |
| Demonstration of Competencies | Required |
Credits Accepted
| AP Credit | Yes |
| Dual Credit | Yes |
| Credit for Life Experiences | No |
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=211440 IPEDS survey data for Carnegie Mellon University.
FAQs
Does Carnegie Mellon University prefer SAT or ACT?
72% of students submit their SAT scores to Carnegie Mellon. 42% of applicants send their ACT scores when applying.
What is my chance of getting into Carnegie Mellon University?
17% of those who apply are granted admission to Carnegie Mellon. Admission competition is very high and the college has elite admission standards. See if your grades and scores are good enough for admission.
What SAT score is required for Carnegie Mellon University?
The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have SAT scores between 1460 and 1560. 72% of students submit SAT scores when applying. See if your SAT score is good enough for admission.
What ACT score is required for Carnegie Mellon University?
The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have ACT scores between 33 and 35. 42% of students submit ACT scores when applying. See if your ACT score is good enough for admission.