Claremont McKenna College

Admissions

56. Does CMC have a waitlist for admissions?
    Yes, CMC maintains a waitlist and admits students from it depending on space availability.

57. Are there specific requirements for transfer students?
    Yes, transfer students must submit transcripts, essays, and recommendations, and meet specific course prerequisites.

58. Can students apply test-optional to CMC?
    Yes, submitting standardized test scores is optional.

59. What percentage of applicants are accepted Early Decision?
    Approximately 40-50% of the incoming class is admitted through Early Decision.

60. Are international students required to submit TOEFL/IELTS scores?
    Yes, unless they meet alternative English proficiency requirements.

61. How many letters of recommendation are required?
    Two letters of recommendation are required, one from a counselor and one from a teacher.

62. Does CMC host on-campus interviews for prospective students?
    Yes, interviews are optional but encouraged and can be done on campus or virtually.

63. What is the average high school GPA of admitted students?
    Most admitted students have a GPA in the A range.

64. Can homeschool students apply to CMC?
    Yes, homeschool applicants are welcome and have specific documentation requirements.

65. Does CMC consider demonstrated interest in admissions?
    Yes, attending events, interviews, and contacting admissions can be beneficial.

Academics

66. Does CMC have an honors program?
    While there isn’t a formal honors program, CMC offers honors theses and advanced seminars.

67. What is the retention rate for first-year students?
    The retention rate is approximately 95%.

68. Can students double major at CMC?
    Yes, students are allowed to double major or major/minor in different disciplines.

69. Does CMC have pre-professional programs?
    Yes, there are pre-law, pre-med, and pre-business advising programs.

70. Does CMC offer graduate programs?
    No, CMC focuses on undergraduate education but offers some joint programs with other institutions.

71. What are the most unique majors at CMC?
    Majors like Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) and Environment, Economics, and Politics (EEP) are unique to CMC.

72. How flexible is the curriculum at CMC?
    CMC has a flexible curriculum allowing students to take classes across the Claremont Colleges.

73. Are there writing requirements for students?
    Yes, all students must complete a writing-intensive course in their first year.

74. Does CMC offer language programs?
    Yes, multiple languages are taught, and students can also access language programs at other Claremont Colleges.

75. Are there opportunities for independent study?
    Yes, students can design independent study projects with faculty approval.

Campus Life

76. Are there on-campus housing options for upperclassmen?
    Yes, housing is guaranteed for all four years.

77. Does CMC have co-ed dormitories?
    Yes, most dormitories are co-ed.

78. What types of student organizations are available?
    Over 100 student organizations, including cultural, professional, and recreational groups, are active on campus.

79. Does CMC have a campus shuttle system?
    Yes, shuttles are available for students traveling between the Claremont Colleges.

80. Are pets allowed in dorms?
    Pets are generally not allowed, except for approved emotional support animals.

81. What sustainability initiatives does CMC have?
    Programs include waste reduction, energy conservation, and environmental education efforts.

82. Are there opportunities for community service?
    Yes, students can participate in service projects through campus organizations.

83. What arts facilities are available on campus?
    CMC has studios and performance spaces, and students can access additional facilities at other Claremont Colleges.

84. Is there a fitness center on campus?
    Yes, the Roberts Pavilion includes state-of-the-art fitness facilities.

85. How diverse is the student body?
    CMC prides itself on its diversity, with students from various cultural, socioeconomic, and geographic backgrounds.

Financial Aid

86. What is the average debt of graduating students?
    Graduating students generally have lower-than-average debt due to generous aid packages.

87. Does CMC offer financial aid for study abroad?
    Yes, financial aid packages can typically be applied to study abroad programs.

88. Are there specific scholarships for transfer students?
    Yes, transfer students are eligible for merit-based and need-based scholarships.

89. Does CMC offer athletic scholarships?
    No, as an NCAA Division III school, CMC does not offer athletic scholarships.

90. How does CMC determine financial need?
    Financial need is assessed through the FAFSA and CSS Profile submissions.

91. Are there work-study jobs on campus?
    Yes, various work-study positions are available in departments like libraries, dining services, and administrative offices.

92. Can veterans receive educational benefits at CMC?
    Yes, CMC participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program and other veteran benefits programs.

93. Does CMC offer emergency financial assistance?
    Yes, students experiencing financial emergencies can seek help through the Dean of Students Office.

94. Are international students eligible for financial aid?
    Yes, need-based aid is available for international students.

95. Does CMC provide free textbooks or course materials?
    No, but financial aid packages often include allowances for books and supplies.

Post-Graduation

96. Does CMC offer mentorship programs?
    Yes, alumni and faculty frequently mentor students in their career paths.

97. What graduate schools do CMC alumni attend?
    Alumni attend top graduate schools, including Harvard, Stanford, and Yale.

98. Are there networking opportunities with alumni?
    Yes, alumni networking events and the Handshake platform connect students and graduates.

99. What percentage of students go directly into the workforce after graduation?
    Approximately 60% of graduates enter the workforce immediately.

100. How does CMC prepare students for leadership roles?
     Leadership development programs like the Kravis Leadership Institute equip students with the skills to lead effectively.