Carnegie Mellon University is one of the most selective schools in the country. With an acceptance rate of just 11%, CMU is now considered a reach school even for top students.
If you’re aiming for a spot in computer science, engineering, business, or the arts, you’ll need more than strong grades. You’ll need a strategy and the help of a college counselor.
We’ll break down what the numbers really mean, why CMU’s selectivity has intensified, and how you can build an application that rises above the rest.
If you’re interested in CMU history before taking a look at the numbers, watch the video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFemsETiA8o
How Competitive Is Carnegie Mellon in 2025?
Carnegie Mellon’s acceptance rate is 11%, based on the most recent data. That means out of every 100 applicants, only 11 are admitted.
For early decision applicants, that number is slightly higher, about 14%, but still highly competitive. And within CMU’s different colleges, admit rates vary dramatically.
The School of Computer Science and the College of Fine Arts are especially selective, often dipping below the university-wide average.
Here’s what you need to know:
|
Metric |
Carnegie Mellon |
|
Overall Acceptance Rate |
11% |
|
Early Decision Acceptance Rate |
14% |
|
Average SAT |
1540 |
|
SAT Range (Middle 50%) |
1500–1570 |
|
ACT Range (Middle 50%) |
34–35 |
|
Average GPA |
3.91 |
|
Application Deadline |
January 1 |
|
Early Decision Deadline |
November 1 |
These numbers don’t just reflect who gets in — they reflect who applies. CMU draws some of the most academically accomplished students in the world, especially in STEM, the arts, and business. So while 11% might seem like a narrow window, the real bar is even higher.
CMU: GPA, SAT, and Class Rank Expectations
Carnegie Mellon is extremely competitive for GPA and test scores. The average GPA of admitted students is 3.91 — nearly straight A’s in rigorous AP or IB courses.
Half of admitted students scored between 1500 and 1570 on the SAT. The ACT range is similarly tight, between 34 and 35. These aren’t minimums — they’re the middle 50%. That means even with a 1540 SAT and a 3.9 GPA, you’re still average for CMU.
If you’re below that academically, your application will need to be extraordinary elsewhere. If you’re within range or above, that’s just the start. Selectivity at this level means academics only get you past the first filter.
Why CMU’s Acceptance Rate Keeps Dropping
A decade ago, Carnegie Mellon’s acceptance rate was around 22%. In 2025, it’s half that. So what changed?
1. Application Surge
The number of applications to CMU has grown by more than 30% since 2019, jumping from about 26,000 to over 34,000 in the 2024 cycle. That spike includes a rise in international applicants, particularly for programs in robotics, AI, and software engineering.
As more students aim for top-tier schools, and as test-optional policies open the door for applicants who may not have applied in the past, the pool becomes bigger and more competitive.
2. Small Incoming Class
CMU enrolls about 1,800 to 2,000 undergraduates per year. That’s a small class size compared to its peer institutions. All because of its specialized programs, limited lab space, and tightly designed faculty-student ratios.
That means even with more applications, the number of available seats stays the same — driving the admit rate down.
3. Yield Management
Yield rates, the percentage of admitted students who enroll, are harder to predict in the test-optional era.
To avoid overfilling dorms and classes, CMU admits fewer students up front and leans more on waitlists and early decision to manage enrollment.
Admit Rates by College: Not All Programs Are Equal
CMU doesn’t publish acceptance rates by major every year, but past data makes one thing clear: your college choice dramatically affects your odds.
Here’s a rough breakdown of what to expect:
- School of Computer Science: Often admits under 5% of applicants. It’s one of the most selective undergraduate programs in the country.
- College of Fine Arts: Selectivity depends on the major and audition/portfolio strength. Admission is based more on artistic ability than GPA.
- College of Engineering: Highly competitive, especially in areas like electrical and mechanical engineering.
- Tepper School of Business: Increasingly selective, with strong emphasis on quantitative ability and leadership.
- Dietrich (Humanities & Social Sciences) and Mellon College of Science: Still selective, but sometimes less competitive than SCS or Tepper.
Your chances aren’t just about being a strong applicant — they’re about being a strong match for the program you’re applying to.
Does Applying to CMU Early Decision Help?
Yes, if CMU is your top choice.
With an early decision acceptance rate of 14%, applicants may see a slight boost by applying early. But be careful. CMU’s early decision is binding, meaning if you’re admitted, you’re expected to enroll — regardless of financial aid.
If CMU is your clear first choice, and you’ve done your research on cost, an early decision can help signal commitment. But the admitted advantage is modest, and applying early with a weak profile won’t help.
Are SAT and ACT Scores Important for CMU?
Carnegie Mellon has gone test-optional for most programs, but not all. Some colleges, including the School of Computer Science and Tepper School of Business, now recommend or require scores again.
Even when tests are optional, strong scores still help. At a school where most admitted students submit 1500+ SAT scores, not sending scores can leave a gap, unless your GPA and coursework are flawless.
If your test scores are at or above the 75th percentile, send them. If they’re low, focus on everything else, but know that other applicants may still be submitting near-perfect numbers.
What CMU Looks For in a Student
Carnegie Mellon’s admissions team is upfront about how they evaluate applicants. They’re looking for more than just numbers.
Here’s what CMU prioritizes:
1. Academic Excellence
Top grades in advanced courses matter. CMU values students who’ve taken the hardest classes available — AP, IB, honors — and excelled.
2. Passion and Focus
Coding, composing, or even building robots, CMU wants to see long-term depth. Random clubs and surface-level achievements don’t impress here. Sustained, self-driven work does.
3. Program Fit
Each college at CMU has a distinct identity. You need to show that you understand the culture and curriculum of the specific school you’re applying to, and explain why it fits.
4. Essays That Actually Say Something
The CMU supplemental essays are very important. Avoid generic answers. Write with specificity and clarity. Show what you’ve done, why it matters to you, and how you’ll grow at CMU.
5. Letters of Recommendation
While interviews aren’t required, recommendations are important. Choose teachers who can speak to your ability to work independently, tackle complex problems, and collaborate — all key traits of successful CMU students.
How to Make Your Application Stand Out
If you’re applying to Carnegie Mellon, here’s what we recommend:
- Start early. Build your academic and extracurricular track early in high school. If you’re applying to SCS, don’t wait until junior year to code.
- Make your application cohesive. Every part of your application — from activities to essays — should reinforce your academic direction.
- Tailor your essays. Don’t recycle from other schools. Show you know what makes CMU different, and how you’ll contribute.
- Don’t skip on rigor. The 3.91 average GPA isn’t an accident. Take the most challenging courses available to you.
- Submit strong test scores if you have them. Especially for CS, engineering, or business.
Carnegie Mellon doesn’t want the most polished student. It wants the most driven, the most prepared, and the most aligned. If that’s you, and you can show it, you’ll be in a strong position.
Want To Build the Best Possible College Application?
Empowerly’s expert counselors help students like you get into CMU and other top-tier schools every year.
From strategic application planning to personal essay coaching, we know what it takes to stand out, and we’ll guide you through every step.
Book your free consultation today and get one step closer to joining the next class at Carnegie Mellon.
