Carnegie Mellon University
Acceptance Rate Trend
SAT Score Range Trend
(middle 50% of admitted students)
| Year | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1500 | 1570 |
| 2023 | 1500 | 1570 |
| 2024 | 1500 | 1570 |
Application Timeline
Application Methods
👍 Great Fit If You Are:
Laser-focused builders
if you love locking in for hours on a project, whether it's code, robotics, or animation, CMU will match your intensity.
Results-first learners
if you thrive on delivering high-quality outcomes, and measure growth in what you create, not just what you read, CMU will push you to your peak.
Creative technologists
if you're a hybrid of logic and artistry (say, a coder who paints or a designer who prototypes), this place celebrates both sides.
Self-driven problem solvers
CMU gives you the tools, but expects you to figure out the blueprint
Internship-and-startup-minded students
if you want to build a résumé with real-world projects from year one, CMU’s industry pipeline is unmatched.
🚨 Not Ideal For:
Students craving balance
the grind is real. Workload is heavy and rest often feels earned, not given.
Those who need emotional hand-holding
support exists, but the culture prioritizes resilience over reassurance.
Social-life-first students
CMU has community, but parties and sports aren’t central to the experience.
Undecided students
you can explore, but many programs (like CS, design, drama) are lockstep and hard to transfer into.
People-pleasers
professors respect quality, not flattery. You’ll be challenged, sometimes bluntly.
Globally dispersed, boundaryless university
Campuses and programs span Pittsburgh, Silicon Valley, Qatar, and Africa, fostering international impact and collaboration.
Trailblazing interdisciplinarity
Pioneered academic and research firsts in machine learning, robotics, computational biology, and management science, alongside having the U.S.’s first drama program.
Robotics powerhouse
Home to the world’s first Robotics Institute (est. 1979)—launching breakthroughs in medical, space, and industrial robotics.
Bold, quirky institutional culture
Embraces unconventional innovation (“That is SO CMU”) with traditions like Buggy races, poker-playing robots, and tunnel lore fueling identity.
‘Work That Matters’ ethos
A university-wide initiative blending human-centered design with advanced technology to tackle societal challenges ethically and effectively.
Art-tech convergence
CMU’s ecosystem uniquely balances elite technical programs (like computer science and engineering) with celebrated fine arts, business, and design.
☀️ Weather & Climate
spring
45-65°F (7-18°C)
Variable, spring rain
summer
70-85°F (21-29°C)
Warm and humid
fall
45-70°F (7-21°C)
Pleasant, colorful foliage
winter
25-40°F (-4-4°C)
Cold with snow
Four seasons with moderate temperatures
☀️Average 160 sunny days per year
👩🎓👨🎓 Demographics
Gender Ratio
Ethnic Distribution
📚 Popular Majors
Campus Area Dining
Nearby Areas
Vibrant area known for its markets and eateries.
Cultural hub with restaurants and theaters.