Claremont McKenna Application: What's Unique?

I've heard that Claremont McKenna College is a great school and I'm planning on applying, but I want to know if there's something unique about their application process? Do they have any unusual requirements or specific things they look for in students? Any insights would be appreciated!

Claremont McKenna College (CMC) is indeed a fantastic school, known for its focus on the social sciences, business, and leadership. While the application process for CMC is largely similar to that of other selective liberal arts colleges, there are a few distinct aspects that you should be aware of.

First, CMC, like other colleges in the Claremont Colleges consortium, allows for cross-registration and collaboration among its sister schools (Pomona, Harvey Mudd, Scripps, and Pitzer). In your application, you might want to emphasize your interest in taking advantage of this unique opportunity by engaging with courses and resources offered by the entire consortium.

Secondly, CMC is known for its strong emphasis on leadership, which they highly value in their applicants. Thus, it is crucial to showcase your leadership experiences, whether it's through extracurriculars, community service, or even through personal experiences. Providing evidence of strong character traits like teamwork, adaptability, and communication skills is also helpful for CMC's admissions.

In terms of application requirements, CMC uses the Common Application or the Coalition Application. They have a supplementary essay that asks you to discuss a personal experience or situation that has shaped your life or character, as well as one on CMC's core values – curiosity, leadership, commitment, and impact. Make sure to take advantage of these prompts to showcase your fit with the college and convey more about your interests and accomplishments.

Additionally, CMC offers an optional video response where you can briefly introduce yourself and share something exciting or surprising about you. This can be a great way to show your personality and put a face to your application, but keep in mind that it's not required.

In summary, while Claremont McKenna College's application process may look generally similar to other schools, you can set yourself apart by highlighting your leadership experiences, interest in the consortium, and alignment with CMC's values. Don't hesitate to use the optional video response to show off your personality, and make sure to put thought into your supplementary essays to convey your fit with the college. Good luck!