Claremont McKenna College (CMC) is one of the most selective liberal arts colleges in the United States and a member of the Claremont Colleges consortium in Southern California. Known for its strong programs in economics, government, international relations, psychology, and public affairs, CMC combines a liberal arts foundation with a distinctly leadership- and policy-oriented culture.

Students at CMC benefit from small classes, close faculty mentorship, and cross-registration across the 5Cs, which significantly expands academic choice. The college is especially appealing to students interested in public leadership, finance, consulting, law, and research, while still offering the flexibility and intimacy of a residential liberal arts campus.

CMC emphasizes responsible leadership, open inquiry, internships, and real-world engagement. Its Marian Miner Cook Athenaeum, research institutes, and access to Los Angeles-area opportunities make it especially attractive for students who want both rigorous academics and practical experience.

What are Claremont McKenna College looking for?

CMC looks for students with exceptional academic preparation, intellectual vitality, initiative, and a demonstrated capacity for leadership and meaningful engagement. The college values students who will thrive in a discussion-driven environment and contribute thoughtfully to a close-knit, ambitious community.

Admissions Statistics

ADMISSION INFORMATION

APPLICATION DATES & DEADLINES

Additional essay questions of the application.

Supplemental Essays (2025–2026 Application Cycle)

The CMC admission office would like to know a bit more about you and how you see yourself connecting with our campus as a student. The following supplemental essays are required and appear in both the Common Application and the Coalition Application.

• Why CMC

  CMC’s mission is to prepare students for thoughtful and productive lives and responsible leadership in business, government, and the professions. With this mission in mind, please explain why you want to attend Claremont McKenna College.

• Open Academy & Dialogue

  A critical part of fulfilling our mission is living out the commitments of CMC’s Open Academy: Freedom of Expression, Viewpoint Diversity, and Constructive Dialogue. We want to learn more about your commitment to listening and learning from others with different viewpoints, perspectives, and life experiences from your own.

  Describe a time when engaging with someone about a specific topic resulted in you changing your attitude, belief, or behavior, or you changed the belief or behavior of someone else. What was the change that occurred for you, and what facilitated that change? What did you learn from that experience, and how has it informed how you engage with others?