All international applicants, regardless of their country of citizenship, whose first language is not English or who do not attend a school in which English is the primary language of instruction for a minimum of three years, must submit score results from one of the following approved English language tests.

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Internet-Based Test Only – 100 minimum recommeded score
  • TOEFL Essentials is not accepted.
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – 7.5 minimum recommended score 
• Cambridge English C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency – 190 minimum recommended score
• Duolingo English Test – 130 minimum recommended score

Sending Your Scores

Official English proficiency scores are preferred and required if submitting a Duolingo English Test score. However, if sending official TOEFL IBT, IELTS, or CAE scores presents a financial burden, applicants can self-report these scores through the CMC applicant portal. Applicants gain access to their CMC applicant portal after their application for admission is received by the CMC Office of Admission.  Applicants will have access to a form to submit their self-reported test scores and are required to provide their PDF score report for reach test score submission. All DET scores must be sent electronically to CMC through the applicant's DET portal. 

Self-reported English proficiency scores from the Common Application or Coalition Application will not be accepted.

Applicants admitted based on self-reported scores must submit official test scores before the Fall semester begins if they choose to enroll. The Admission Office will verify self-reported scores against self-reported records, and students will be notified in case of any discrepancies. 

English Proficiency Requirement Waiver Request

If an applicant meets the eligibility requirements for an exemption from the English proficiency requirement, and it is not automatically waived on their application checklist, they can submit a waiver request form which will appear in their CMC applicant portal.

To best learn about each applicant, the Office of Admissions recommends all applicants submit an admission interview or the optional video response with your application. International applicants are encouraged to submit an InitialView interview to best showcase your authentic voice in your CMC application. CMC also accepts Vericant interviews. While an interview will not replace an English proficiency score (if required), our most successful applicants whose native language is not English will submit an InitialView or Vericant interview.   

InitialView interviews are unscripted, unbiased, and recorded conversations that you can choose to include with your admission application. InitialView does not assess your interview or writing sample, but simply delivers them to the colleges of your choosing. While InitialView interviews are not specific to CMC, we consider them highly beneficial for gaining deeper insights into your personality and character. By listening to your authentic voice and observing your interactions in an unscripted setting, we aim to better understand how you will thrive in CMC’s classrooms and community. Vericant interviews also allow you to include your voice with your application in a more structured interview that is assessed for English proficiency.   

There is a fee for both interview services, however you can send your interview to multiple colleges and universities. Contact InitialView to inquire about fee waivers. The Office of Admission has limited InitialView and Vericant fee waivers for applicants.  

We also offer admission interviews with student Senior Interviewers or alumni interviewers. CMC interviews are conducted virtually or on-campus in the summer and fall. Your CMC interviewer will include a write-up of your conversation in your application for admission. Learn more about CMC interviews.   

CMC Optional Video Response 

After submitting your application, you will receive instructions on how to submit an optional two-minute video specifically for your CMC application. Like interviews, the optional video is a chance for you to tell us more about yourself beyond the information you provided in your application. The most compelling video responses have a genuine voice and highlight your thoughtfulness and authenticity. Videos can be simple, filmed straight to the camera, and are not expected to have editing or be professional quality.  

The optional video response does not substitute the InitialView or Vericant interview for non-native English speakers. International applicants whose first language is not English are encouraged to submit an InitialView or Vericant interview.  While the video response is not required, if you were unable to schedule an interview, the video response is a great opportunity for you to tell us about yourself beyond what you provided in your application.

Video response prompts:

1. Claremont McKenna College is a special community because it is composed of talented people who individually and collectively contribute to improving the life of the College.  How do you hope to contribute to the CMC community?
2. The Marian Miner Cook Athenaeum represents the intellectual mantelpiece of the Claremont McKenna College community, bringing students, faculty, and staff closer together through active engagement and discussion on a daily basis. Knowing that diversity of thought and respectful dialogue are vital elements to the Athenaeum’s mission, who is someone you would want to hear speak at the Athenaeum in order to better understand a diverse perspective or experience from that of your own?
3. Developing a personal narrative is key to understanding one’s own values and unique voice. Instances of personal adversity are key markers when determining an individual’s character, resoluteness, and sources of inspiration. When was the last time you were moved to great emotion and how did you positively respond from that moment in time?
4. People support each other and their communities in various ways.  How do you support those around you and how has this shaped your unique perspective?

Merit-Based Scholarships (Priority Deadline December 1)

Merit-based scholarships are available for all first-year applicants and are determined by the Office of Admission through the application review process. For priority consideration for merit scholarships, your application for admission and all supporting credentials must be submitted by December 1. There is no separate application process for CMC scholarships.

For more information about merit-based scholarships please visit www.cmc.edu/admission/scholarships. For more information about need-based financial aid, please visit the Financial Aid Office at www.cmc.edu/financial-aid.

If you would like to be considered for merit-based scholarships:

• Merit scholarships are only available for first-year applicants
• Submit your Common Application or Coalition Application by December 1 for priority consideration
• All merit scholarships are determined by the Office of Admission through the application review process

Need-based Financial Aid Policies for International Students

CMC is need-aware in its admission process for all international students (non-U.S. citizens and non-U.S. permanent residents), meaning financial need may influence admission decisions. However, if admitted, CMC remains committed to meeting 100% of the students’ determined need. International students who need financial assistance must apply for financial aid at the time of admission by the published deadlines as only a limited amount of funding is available. International students who do not apply for or do not receive need-based financial aid upon admission are not eligible to be considered for financial aid in future years while enrolled at CMC.

Applicants applying for need-based financial assistance must indicate that they are applying for need-based financial aid on their admission application and are required to submit the CMC Financial Aid Form for International Students which is only available to applicants and appears in the CMC applicant portal after submission of an application for admission. Applications will not be reviewed without completing the CMC Financial Aid Form.

In addition, CMC strongly recommends submitting the CSS Profile, however it is not required to complete an application for admission. The Office of Admission will contact applicants directly if more financial information is needed. CSS Profile fee waivers are not available unless CMC requests additional financial information from an applicant.   

Need-based financial aid packages will include college grants, limited loans, and self-help (student summer savings contribution and work-study). For more detailed information, review the components of a need-based financial aid award. 

Jennifer Hirsch, Senior Associate Dean of International Admission 
jhirsch@cmc.edu
International territories: Africa, East and Southeast Asia, Europe, Middle East, and Oceania 

Rachelle Ehrman, Associate Dean of Admission
rehrman@cmc.edu
International territory: Caribbean, Central and South American, Central and South Asia

Maureen Ruiz Sundstrom, Associate Dean of Admission
Maureen.Ruiz-Sundstrom@claremontmckenna.edu
International territory: Canada