Applying to Carnegie Mellon University in 2023: Requirements, Financial Aids and Application Process
Carnegie Mellon University always attracts the best students from all fields. Many renowned figures, has over the years graduated from this prestigious school in arts, engineering, and highly esteemed science school. The University can lay claim to many luminaries of pop art like Kurt Vonnegut, Holly Hunter, and Andy Warhol as its alumni. The University still attracts top students even up till today
We have provided answers to how you can secure admission into Carnegie Mellon University in this article.
Applying to Carnegie Mellon is easy and straightforward, to learn more, read on.
Average Carnegie Mellon University Student Statistics
One of the main criteria for becoming a student at Carnegie Mellon University is a solid GPA and test score.
3.89 average GPA and 88.9% of students graduated in the top 10% of their high school class, respectively.
Admission officers will only pay close attention to students’ applications that show exceptional GPAs and test results. The metric commonly used in screening students at Carnegie Mellon University is the Academic Index, which summarizes an applicant’s academic record into a single numerical number. Candidates who fall short of Carnegie Mellon’s academic standard run the danger of being disqualified and having their applications ignored.
Admissions at Carnegie Mellon are test-optional, thus applicants are not obliged to submit their SAT or ACT results along with their application. In spite of this, it is typically thought to be a wise move to include standardized test scores if they fall within the middle 50% of the school’s accepted applications, especially if they are in the upper half of the range.
Financial Aid at Carnegie Mellon University
The tuition, fees, housing, and board for the Academic year 2022 -2023, at Carnegie Mellon, is $80,540.
The admissions process at Carnegie Mellon is need-blind, meaning that no consideration is given to candidates’ financial circumstances. Students accepted to the School of Drama and School of Music have the option to apply for institutional awards, but Carnegie Mellon only gives help based on financial need.
For the academic year 2021–2022, Carnegie Mellon received funding from the following sources:
- 75.7% Carnegie Mellon University grants
- 10.9% for student loans
- 5.5% federal grants
- 4.6% tuition remission
- 2.5% work-study
- 0.8% other awards and scholarships
How to Apply for Financial Aid at Carnegie Mellon
Students seeking financial aid at Carnegie Mellon (FAFSA) must submit a free application for Federal Student Aid. Students requesting institutional financial help must also submit a CSS profile: While those seeking only federal financial aid are exempted from this requirement.
Listed below are the due dates for financial aid applications:
- Early Decision 1: November 15
- Early Decision 2: January 3
- Regular Decision: February 15
Applying to Carnegie Mellon University
As an applicant to Carnegie Mellon University, below are what you should expect.
Application Process Overview
Applicants to Carnegie Mellon University must note that applications can only be submitted online and Carnegie Mellon only accepts the Common Application. Although a price tag of $75 is levied on application cost, students who meet one of the economic necessity criteria listed in the Common Application may be eligible for a fee waiver.
Early Decision 1 (ED 1), Early Decision 2 (ED 2), and Regular Decision are the three admissions pathways at Carnegie (RD). ED 1 must be submitted by November 1st. With the exception of students enrolling for RD at the Schools of Drama and Music, who have a December 1 RD due, the deadlines for both ED 2 and RD are January 6.
Students who apply for Early Decision 1 or Early Decision 2 agree to attend the university if accepted because these plans are binding. Applicants who request early judgments typically have a greater acceptance rate than those who request regular decisions. Acting, directing, dramaturgy, music theater, and the School of Music are not eligible for ED 1. The Schools of Drama, Music, Design, and Art do not provide ED 2.
- The acceptance rate for early decisions: is 19.91%
- The acceptance rate for Regular Decisions: is 13.53%
Application Components
- High school transcripts
- Secondary school counselor evaluation
- Teacher recommendation
- SAT/ACT (optional)
- Writing supplement
Supplemental Essays: Applicants are consistently asked to submit three supplemental essays by Carnegie Mellon and are also given the option to add a fourth one in which they can explain whether or not they chose to disclose their test scores. Whenever possible, it’s a good idea to fill out any optional essays because they show how interested a candidate is in the university and provide them a chance to tell more about themselves.
- Question 1 (required): What passion or inspiration led you to choose this field of study? Most students choose their intended major or area of study based on a passion or inspiration that has grown over time. (300 words)
- Question 2: Many students enroll in college to pursue a certain degree, professional opportunity, or personal objective. Whatever it is, learning is essential to achieving your final objective. How would you characterize a great college experience as you look ahead to the learning process during your college years? (300 words)
- Question 3: What particular aspects of your application do you like the admissions committee to pay special attention to? Bring up something that is significant to you or that you haven’t had a chance to mention. Don’t show us; tell us. No websites, thank you. (300 words)
- Question 4: (optional): On occasion, applicants would like us to know more about the particular circumstances surrounding their choice to submit standardized test results. If you decide to take advantage of this chance, do let us know below what factors influenced your choice. For individuals who might like to give further context for consideration, this is an optional inquiry. (150 words).
Supplemental Materials: When submitting an application to the College of Fine Arts at Carnegie Mellon, students are frequently required to provide a portfolio or perform. They might also be required to submit extra essays or recommendations, participate in an interview, or create a video submission, depending on the program.
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Review and Announcement of Applications
Students who submitted an ED 1 application will hear back by December 15, while those who submitted an ED 2 application will hear back by February 1. Decisions for those who requested a normal decision will be sent no later than April 1.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is special about Carnegie Mellon?
How can I make a Carnegie Mellon University application?
The Common Application must be finished. Send in an essay outlining your activities since high school graduation. Send in a letter of recommendation from a guidance counselor, professor, work colleague, or advisor who can attest to your likelihood of succeeding at Carnegie Mellon.
How much of a GPA is required at Carnegie Mellon?
Carnegie Mellon has a 3.0 GPA benchmark.
Which major is renowned at Carnegie Mellon?
The Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the College of Fine Arts are two of the seven schools and colleges at Carnegie Mellon, which is most renowned for its scientific and technological programs.