Carnegie Mellon University vs Swarthmore College
Swarthmore College is the more selective of the two at 9%, versus 11% at Carnegie Mellon University. Here is how they compare on selectivity, test scores, and what they weigh, plus a free way to estimate your odds at each.
Carnegie Mellon University vs Swarthmore College: the differences that matter
How Carnegie Mellon University and Swarthmore College stack up on selectivity, scores, and what they value.
Carnegie Mellon University and Swarthmore College are almost equally selective (11% vs 9%), so neither is a clear safety relative to the other. Your odds at each come down to fit, not headline difficulty.
The two also read applications a little differently. Carnegie Mellon University leans more on standardized test scores, while Swarthmore College puts more weight on application essay, recommendations, extracurricular activities. The same profile can land differently at each, which is why a per-school estimate matters more than a single GPA.
On test scores, Carnegie Mellon University's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1550 and Swarthmore College's is around 1530. Admitted students at Carnegie Mellon University post somewhat higher scores. Run your own numbers below to see where you stand at each.
What each school weighs
Factors either school weighs heavily, side by side.
Frequently asked questions
Is Carnegie Mellon University or Swarthmore College harder to get into?
Swarthmore College is harder to get into, with a 9% acceptance rate versus 11% at Carnegie Mellon University.
What's the difference in SAT scores between Carnegie Mellon University and Swarthmore College?
Carnegie Mellon University's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1550, and Swarthmore College's is around 1530.
What are my chances at Carnegie Mellon University and Swarthmore College?
That depends on your full profile. CollegeCalcAI gives a free, personalized estimate for each school in a few minutes.