Frequently Asked Questions

Carnegie Mellon University is extending our test-optional policy through Fall 2025, removing the SAT/ACT standardized testing requirement for all first-year applicants. 

However, applicants to the School of Computer Science are strongly encouraged to submit either an SAT or ACT score, including the math sub-score, to bolster their application's strength and to aid in determining their ability to succeed academically at Carnegie Mellon.

Pursuant to this policy, students who are unable to take either the SAT or ACT or choose not to submit their standardized test scores will be considered equally for admission along with those who submit scores. 

We'll continue to review and evaluate our process to make a determination regarding future standardized testing requirements for admission to Carnegie Mellon. 

Carnegie Mellon is committed to a holistic approach to admission. No single grade, factor, score or activity guarantees or disqualifies any candidate admission to Carnegie Mellon. We treat every applicant as an individual, taking great care to make our admission decisions fairly, thoroughly and in context. We’re interested in students who can be successful at Carnegie Mellon, enrich our campus community and take full advantage of all the university has to offer.

If English is not a first language for you, you must submit official results from the TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge English Assessment or Duolingo English Test exams.

While we only accept the IELTS Academic exam, we accept three versions of the TOEFL: the iBT, the iBT Home Edition and the Essentials exam.

To ensure we can consider your scores, all results must still be valid when you submit them.

The College Board no longer offers SAT Subject Tests. These test results are neither required nor recommended, and prior scores won’t be considered in our admission review process.

Carnegie Mellon offers three different ways to apply: Early Decision, Regular Decision and Transfer Admission.

Early Decision: This is for students who know Carnegie Mellon is their first choice and will enroll if admitted. Applications are due November 1 and students are notified by December 15.

Regular Decision: Most students choose this plan, as they have until January 2 to apply. Music and Drama applicants must submit their applications by December 1 to leave time to schedule auditions.

Transfer Admission: If you've completed a semester of college in a degree-granting program, you can submit your transfer application until February 15. A very limited number of spots may be open for Spring 2025 as well.

Please visit our Application Deadlines page for more information.

Yes! You can switch your application plan from Regular Decision to Early Decision, as long as you do so before the November 1 Early Decision application deadline. If you decide to participate in Early Decision, we'll send you a decision in December.

Carnegie Mellon has always been a first mover in the AI space and remains deeply engaged in shaping the future of AI technologies and their uses. As we continue to learn about these tools and lean into their opportunities, we also want to address their challenges. While AI may be a helpful tool in the college admission process, it’s crucial to approach it cautiously. 

Carnegie Mellon wants to know applicants as individuals, and submitting genuine, authentic application materials can make a significant difference. AI should never replace your unique voice, experiences and personal expression and, if used at all, should only serve as a supplementary tool to enhance your writing (i.e., grammar and spelling checks, suggested structural or vocabulary improvements). 

Additionally, if the generated content closely resembles published work, there may be a risk of unintentional plagiarism. Carefully consider any and all risks when using generative AI for any part of your application.

All College of Fine Arts applicants must submit additional materials beyond our general admission requirements. Each School handles pre-screens, auditions, and portfolio reviews slightly differently:

Please review our College of Fine Arts Applicants page for more information.

We understand and support the move to pass/fail grading options which many schools and colleges adopted as a valid COVID-19 accommodation. As such, we will accept pass/fail results in the normal review of transcripts during this time.