How to transfer from a community college to Claremont McKenna?

I'm currently at a community college and aiming to transfer to Claremont McKenna College. What's the process like, and are there any tips for making a successful transfer?

Claremont McKenna College (CMC) takes a well-rounded evaluation of your transfer application, meaning your academic history, extracurricular activities, and personal essays are all crucial. Let's break down what you need to do:

1. Review Transfer Requirements: CMC is selective, so ensuring you meet their academic requirements is key. You must be in good academic standing at your current institution. While there's no published minimum GPA, you'll want to aim high as their regular admission rate is quite competitive. The school recommends a GPA of at least 3.3 to be seriously considered, but states that most successful applicants have a GPA of 3.5.

2. Complete Coursework: You should have completed a balanced set of widely transferable courses, which provide an adequate preparation across the entire breadth of the liberal arts. Note that CMC doesn't accept remedial college courses or courses completed in a vocational or career-technical program.

3. Application: You should apply via the Common Application, and include your college report, college transcript, and two academic evaluations. You should also write compelling and relevant essays.

4. Extracurricular Activities: Be sure to participate in a few meaningful extra-curricular activities. They can be at your current college or in your community.

5. Articulation Agreements: Some community colleges have articulation agreements with CMC which can make the transfer process smoother. Be sure to check with your community college's transfer center.

6. Deadlines: The application deadline for transfer students is usually in mid-February for Fall admission and mid-October for Spring admission. However, please double-check the official CMC admissions page since deadlines can change.

7. Financial Aid: If you are concerned about financing your education, know that CMC meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for transfer students.

Remember, every student's situation is unique. CMC wants to see how you've grown during your time in community college and why CMC is the right fit for you. Demonstrating your knowledge and interest in the school and its programs in your essays can be helpful. Best of luck with your transfer application!