CMU Acceptance

I'm super interested in Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) and I was wondering if anyone knows the general acceptance rate? Any info on how competitive it is would be helpful!

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is a highly competitive school, with an overall acceptance rate that has been around 11% in recent years. However, this number can change each year based on the applicant pool and the university's admissions goals, and has been trending down over the last few applications cycles.

The acceptance rate can also vary depending on the program you're applying to. While CMU does not release the rates for any specific majors, popular and/or well-regarded fields of study, such as their top-ranked School of Computer Science, are known to have even lower acceptance rates, likely well below 10%. On the other hand, other programs and majors might have higher acceptance rates. Ultimately, it is essential to consider the strength of your application and your fit with the specific program you're interested in when applying to CMU.

To increase your chances of admission, you should make sure your application showcases a strong academic background, involvement in extracurricular activities, and well-thought-out essays that demonstrate your passion for your chosen field. It's also essential to research the specific requirements for each major or school at CMU, as some might require additional materials or have different deadlines. And if you're looking for help tackling Carnegie Mellon's school-specific supplemental essay prompts, you can find a breakdown of each one on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-carnegie-mellon-essays/.

Remember, while acceptance rates can give you a general idea of the competitiveness of a school, a low one should not discourage you from applying if you're genuinely interested in a program. Focus on crafting the best application you can and showcasing your unique qualities, interests, and accomplishments, and you'll be a compelling applicant even if the school as a whole is highly selective. Good luck!