When one thinks of the industries that will define our future, AI, computer science, engineering, and management science may come to mind. Carnegie Mellon University was a pioneer of all of these fields, and has a quickly growing reputation as one of the best schools in the nation. With premier research centers and funding for some of the most dynamic and lucrative fields in STEM and the Arts, Carnegie Mellon supplies its students with an education that is an incredible investment for entry into a changing world. CMU alumni include Andy Warhol, astronauts Judith Resnik and Edgar Mitchell, former Secretary of Defense Charles Wilson, and actors Ted Danson and Holly Hunter. 14 Nobel Laureates have been faculty, as well as pioneers of most major industries and fields.

With access to research funding in excess of $400 million, it is no surprise that Carnegie Mellon students and faculty have been responsible for many groundbreaking discoveries, including Kevlar (the substance that makes bulletproof vests bulletproof), the first Wi-Fi network, some of the first AI software, and the first autonomous car program. CMU affiliates have also founded companies with big names such as Duolingo, Adobe Systems, and Coursera. The Robotics Institute at CMU is considered the leading robotics research center in the world, while the Human-Computer Interaction Institute leads in computer science. With research collaborations with the nearby University of Pittsburgh and access to the booming tech sector in downtown Pittsburgh, CMU ensures students will never be at a loss for opportunities to which they may apply their immense talents.

Carnegie Mellon’s 7,700 undergraduates enroll in seven colleges: The College of Engineering, The College of Fine Arts, The Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences, The H. John Heinz III College of Information Systems and Public Policy, The Mellon College of Science, The School of Computer Science, and The Tepper School of Business. Each college has its own curriculum and some have separate admissions processes. It is uncommon for a university to bridge excellence in STEM and the Arts to the degree that CMU does so with ease. The drama school, in particular, has a reputation for renown and was, in fact, the first degree-granting drama institution in the nation.

Carnegie Mellon, as the name might imply, originally consisted of two schools that were merged together in 1967. The Carnegie Technical Schools were founded in 1900 by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. The Mellon Institute of Industrial Research was founded in 1913 by members of the industrialist Mellon family. Following the merger of the schools, CMU expanded its research endeavors in the late twentieth century while adopting early forms of internet and computing software to develop its administrative prowess.

Today, Carnegie Mellon offers an engaging, rigorous experience to students from all walks of life. There are over 400 student organizations on campus, with robust offerings in the arts, tech, student-run media, and entrepreneurship. Around 13% of students participate in Greek life, while the Tartans compete in the NCAA Division III. Student life also consists of many beloved traditions, the most unusual of which is perhaps the century-old practice of painting The Fence, which is a fence on campus with prime real estate to advertise a student organization, political cause, or event.

33,941 students applied to be a part of CMU’s Class of 2028. Of those applicants, 12% were admitted, which was one of the university’s lowest acceptance rates in the school’s history. The CMU Office of Undergraduate Admissions states that they take into account an applicant’s accordance with CMU’s “core values and core competencies, including diversity, equity, inclusion, collaboration, communication, community engagement, concern for others, self-directed learning and critical thinking.” The strongest applicants transform their resumes packed with rigorous coursework, extracurricular initiative, and civic engagement into a creative narrative that conveys the most significant aspects of themselves. Joining the ranks of the Tartans is no small feat, but New Ivies is here to help!

What are Carnegie Mellon University looking for?

Our admission process reflects Carnegie Mellon's values and core competencies, including diversity, equity, inclusion, collaboration, communication, community engagement, concern for others, self-directed learning and critical thinking. We recommend that you think creatively about how your experiences in and out of the classroom showcase these characteristics. We also encourage you to consider how to share your experiences and aspirations so the admission committee can learn more about you as an applicant, student and person beyond a list of accomplishments.

ACADEMIC AND CREATIVE POTENTIAL

Our admission process is designed to select a highly talented and bright undergraduate population with lofty aspirations who will succeed at Carnegie Mellon. If you’re applying to academic programs, your high school talent and/or potential will be a significant factor in our admission decision because it’s the most meaningful indication of your motivation and abilities. We pay close attention to your curriculum rigor, the grades you’ve earned and the work you’ve accomplished. We’re interested in seeing that you’ve challenged yourself within your secondary school environment. If you’re applying to programs in the College of Fine Arts, your artistic performance will be either the main factor or a significant factor (depending on the program) in our admission decision.

Admissions Statistics

ADMISSION INFORMATION

APPLICATION DATES & DEADLINES

Additional essay questions of the application.

We also consider your Common Application essay and your responses to the Carnegie Mellon Common Application Writing Supplement. The Writing Supplement includes three short-answer questions:

1. Most students choose their intended major or area of study based on a passion or inspiration that’s developed over time — what passion or inspiration led you to choose this area of study?

2. Many students pursue college for a specific degree, career opportunity or personal goal. Whichever it may be, learning will be critical to achieve your ultimate goal. As you think ahead to the process of learning during your college years, how will you define a successful college experience?

3. Consider your application as a whole. What do you personally want to emphasize about your application for the admission committee’s consideration? Highlight something that’s important to you or something you haven’t had a chance to share. Tell us, don’t show us (no websites please). Your short answer responses shouldn't exceed 300 words each.