Carnegie Mellon University Admissions

Highly selective — admission is competitive

Strong academics are necessary but not sufficient. Consider this a reach school and build a balanced list.

11.7%

Acceptance Rate

Peer average: 71%

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Highly Selective (10-25%)

What Are My Chances?

A directional estimate — not a prediction

SAT Total Score Distribution

Enrolled students

1,500

25th Percentile

1,546

Median

1,570

75th Percentile

Peer average SAT: 1,256(+290 vs peers)

ACT Composite Score Distribution

Enrolled students

25th Percentile

Median

75th Percentile

Important: Test scores are just one factor. Admissions decisions reflect institutional priorities, essays, recommendations, and factors we cannot measure. Use this as directional guidance, not a prediction.

Who Attends — and Succeeds

Understanding institutional priorities and student support

Student Demographics

First-Generation Students

Parents without bachelor's degree

10%

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Pell Grant Recipients

Lower-income students (federal aid)

16%

Transfer Students

Alternative pathway to enrollment

These metrics reflect institutional priorities around access and economic diversity, which inform admissions decisions beyond academic qualifications.