SAT and ACT Scores For Claremont McKenna College

Claremont McKenna College is among the most selective liberal arts colleges in the United States. In the latest admission cycle (for the Class of 2028), Claremont McKenna received roughly 6,000 applications and offered admission to only about 660 students—an acceptance rate near 11%. That means just around 11 in 100 applicants earn a spot, underscoring Claremont McKenna's exceptionally high standards and intense competition year after year.

Claremont McKenna's Early Decision plan is binding. It admits a significant portion of each class (around half of enrolled students often come through ED). Applying Early Decision signals that Claremont McKenna is your top choice and usually boosts admission chances. However, because ED is binding, students should only use it if Claremont McKenna is absolutely their first choice.

Testing policy has evolved. Claremont McKenna was test-optional in recent years, but for the 2025–26 admissions cycle (for fall 2026 entry), Claremont McKenna will require SAT or ACT scores again (with hardship exceptions). In other words, applicants next year must submit test results. Even before this change, nearly all successful applicants who reported scores were at the very top of the national scale, reflecting Claremont McKenna's rigorous academic profile.

SAT Scores

  Recommended Score: 1450

When families are curious about Claremont McKenna SAT or Claremont McKenna average SAT scores, they find that admitted students' middle-50% composite SAT range is roughly 1420–1530. This elite band mirrors Claremont McKenna's high academic expectations and means admitted students typically score near the top of the national distribution.

For section detail: the SAT Reading and Writing component (formerly called Evidence-Based Reading & Writing) for Claremont McKenna's admitted students falls around 700–750 for the middle 50%. These scores reflect the critical reading, writing, and analytical skills Claremont McKenna expects across all majors.

On the Math portion, Claremont McKenna's middle-50% range is about 720–780. This upper-tier performance signals comfort with advanced algebra, data analysis, and precalculus—skills that Claremont McKenna seeks in both STEM and quantitatively rigorous social science applicants.

If you're wondering about a Claremont McKenna average SAT, aim for the mid-1400s. Claremont McKenna evaluates applications holistically, so scores below 1420 don't automatically disqualify you. But in such a competitive pool, you'll need compensating strengths (like outstanding coursework, unique talents, or leadership impact) to remain viable.

Policy note: Claremont McKenna superscores the SAT. They consider your highest Reading and Writing and Math section scores from all test dates. In practice, this means a weak section can be improved with a retake, boosting how your Claremont McKenna SAT scores are evaluated.

ACT Scores

  Recommended Score: 34

Looking at Claremont McKenna's ACT range, the middle 50% of composite scores is about 32–35. This implies most admitted students are scoring at or near the top percentile nationally. In other words, Claremont McKenna ACT results cluster in the low-to-mid 30s, reflecting the school's competitive applicant pool.

By section, admitted students tend to excel in English (ACT Reading and Writing). The middle 50% for ACT English is approximately 30–34, meaning the average admitted student often scores a 30 or above on this section. These scores demonstrate the strong critical reading and communication skills Claremont McKenna expects.

ACT Math scores at Claremont McKenna are similarly high: the middle 50% falls around 34–35. While there's a bit more spread than English, competitive applicants still show very strong quantitative fluency. Many engineering or economics hopefuls, for example, hit scores in the mid-30s on ACT Math.

Claremont McKenna superscores the ACT just as it does the SAT, taking the highest section scores across multiple test dates. The optional writing section is not required, but applicants may submit it if it strengthens their profile. Using superscoring, you can focus on improving any weaker sections in additional attempts.

If you're estimating a Claremont McKenna average ACT, plan around 35. Given Claremont McKenna's low admit rate, even moving from a 32 to 35 can enhance your profile. Pair high test scores with rigorous coursework, standout essays, and meaningful extracurriculars to maximize your chances.

Admission Numbers

Overall Rating: Very Competitive

Here are the applicant and admissions numbers per year for Claremont McKenna College:

Here's the reality: Claremont McKenna's admit rate is only about 11%, with roughly 6,000 applications for about 660 spots (around 330 students actually enroll). That's why understanding the Claremont McKenna average SAT and Claremont McKenna average ACT benchmarks matters—they align with the profile of those admitted. If your scores fall near or above Claremont McKenna's 75th percentile (around a 1530 SAT or 35 ACT), you're in stronger territory.

That said, Claremont McKenna emphasizes holistic review. Admissions officers weigh coursework rigor, grades, essays, recommendations, and personal qualities. In a pool full of near-perfect transcripts, however, top-tier SAT/ACT scores help confirm to Claremont McKenna that you're ready for the academic rigor. In short, scores aren't everything, but they remain a key part of the competitive signal.

Strategy snapshot: If Claremont McKenna is your clear first choice, applying Early Decision could improve your odds by signaling commitment. Take advantage of superscoring by retaking tests to shore up any weak section. Also balance test prep with maintaining strong senior-year classes and crafting compelling essays. Meet Claremont McKenna's testing bar (target near the top of the Claremont McKenna SAT and ACT ranges) and then win the admissions read with the rest of your profile.