Carnegie Mellon ACT Admission Requirements?

Hey folks! I have Carnegie Mellon on my target list and I'm thinking... what ACT scores does Carnegie Mellon generally admit students with? Any insights would be appreciated!

Carnegie Mellon University is a highly selective institution and it's great you're considering applying there! Although the university doesn't publish precise cutoff scores, we can get a sense from the middle 50% score range of recently admitted students. In consideration of the recent changes in admission policies, I must note that for the 2024-2025 application cycle, Carnegie Mellon is test-optional, meaning you have the option to submit your ACT scores, but it's not required.

Now, according to pre-pandemic data, the middle 50% ACT composite score of admitted students typically ranges from 34 to 35. This would mean that 25% of admitted students scored a 34 or below, while another 25% scored a 35 or above. However, keep in mind that these scores represent a guideline rather than a strict cutoff.

That said, while your ACT score is a significant piece of your application, Carnegie Mellon University also puts considerable weight on other parts of the application such as your academic record, extracurricular activities, and essays. They want to see that you're not only a strong test-taker, but also a student who has consistently done well in school and shown deep involvement and achievement outside the classroom.

But, since Carnegie Mellon is test-optional for your application cycle, you might decide to apply without the ACT especially if your score falls below the previously mentioned range or you believe other parts of your application better present your skills and potential. Good luck with your application!