Here's what Claremont McKenna actually looks for, pulled from the real admitted-student numbers — not a wish list. Use these as the bar to clear, then see where your own profile lands.
Admitted students sit at the very top — a near-perfect unweighted GPA (3.85–4.0) is typical. There's almost no room to give back grades here.
Most admitted students score in the 1490–1550 SAT / 33–35 ACT range. Many selective schools are test-optional right now — check Claremont McKenna's current policy, but a score inside this band only helps.
Hitting these numbers gets you into the pile. It doesn't get you in. Claremont McKenna accepts 9.6% of applicants, which means most students with the "right" GPA and scores still get turned down. Course rigor, essays, recommendations, and a clear spike are what separate admits from the rest of the qualified pool.
Want your real number instead of a range? Run your full profile and Candor estimates your odds at Claremont McKenna, calibrated to actual outcomes.
Ranges are CDS-based estimates from recent cycles. Always confirm current requirements and test policy on Claremont McKenna's official admissions site before you apply.