Carnegie Mellon University Admission 2024

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is home to Carnegie Mellon University, a private research institution. Since its founding in 1900, it has developed into one of the most renowned universities in the entire globe. In its seven schools and colleges, the institution provides more than 100 undergraduate programmes and 200 graduate programmes.   

Acceptance rate 

With a 14% acceptance rate, Carnegie Mellon University has exceptionally competitive admissions. The Class of 2026's newly admitted students had a high school GPA of 3.91 (98%) on average. However, the average class rank of those who were admitted was 7.65%.

Admission eligibility criteria

Admission at Carnegie Mellon (for applicants age 17 and over) requires a high school diploma or an equivalent. Official transcripts from every secondary school attended should be submitted by applicants, and enrolling students must also produce an official final transcript. Official transcripts from each high school attended as well as the High School Equivalency Examination (GED) results must be given to the Office of Admission by applicants who have earned a high school equivalency diploma.

Documents required

Following requirements are to be met for admission to the university 

• Official high school transcripts
• GPA or aggregate: 3.0 (85%)
• English language proficiency scores:
• TOEFL IBT - 102
• IELTS - 7.5
• Duolingo - 135
• Standardized Test Scores:
• SAT - 1480-1560
• ACT - 33-35
• Academic letters of recommendation
• Essay
• Writing supplement (3 short answers)
• Audition or portfolio (school of drama and school of music)

Test Requirements

Through Fall 2024, all first-year candidates will not be required to take the SAT or ACT as part of Carnegie Mellon University's test-optional policy.

According to this policy, applicants will be treated similarly regardless of whether they opt not to submit their standardised test results or are unable to take the SAT or ACT. The university understands that some applicants who do submit test results may not have been able to take the SAT or ACT more than once as intended. Nevertheless, we encourage those who have been able to take the SAT or ACT to submit their test results.

Popular Courses

Carnegie Mellon University offers a wide range of courses and programs leading to officially recognized degrees such as bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. Here are some popular courses at Carnegie Mellon University:

• Computer Science: This program is offered by the School of Computer Science and is one of the most popular courses at Carnegie Mellon University. It covers topics such as algorithms, programming languages, software engineering, and computer systems1.
• Engineering and Technology: This program is offered by the College of Engineering and is another popular course at Carnegie Mellon University. It covers topics such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering, and materials science2.
• Business Administration and Management: This program is offered by the Tepper School of Business and is a popular course for students interested in business management. It covers topics such as accounting, finance, marketing, operations management, and organizational behavior.
• Artificial Intelligence: This program is offered by the School of Computer Science and is a popular course for students interested in machine learning, natural language processing, robotics, and computer vision

How the university evaluates applicants 

Every candidate is treated as an individual, and Carnegie Mellon University takes great care to ensure that its admissions choices are impartial, comprehensive, and considerate. When reviewing applications, the institution takes into account factors such as test scores, essays, references, performance on the course, performance in extracurricular activities, and passions. . Candidates are judged on the basis of their academic performance, the quality of their research or creative practise proposal, and their ability to become professors who will promote diversity and equal opportunity through their teaching, research, and service.

Tips for admission

• To take the most difficult courses offered at your institution (and beyond), make a plan in advance.
• Showcase your skills or interests by pursuing them in novel ways and utilising them to engage with other communities.
• Learn everything you can about Pittsburgh and CMU culture by joining mailing lists for local events, watching YouTube vloggers who chronicle their travels through the area, following renowned cultural organizations on social media, and more.
• Think objectively about how a suburban campus setting will benefit you as a student so that you can demonstrate to the university that you are being deliberate in your choice and that you are very likely to accept an offer of admission.
• Learn more about the facilities, initiatives, celebrations, and customs that CMU proudly supports.

Application Deadline 

For the Summer, Spring, and Fall semesters, admissions to Carnegie Mellon University are open. The impending November 1 deadline for CMU undergraduate admission applications has been set.