INTRODUCING CARNEGIE MELLON

           The atmosphere at Carnegie Mellon is one of the most eclectic of any school. The name "Carnegie Mellon" is often association with computers and engineering; others think of it as a school that specializes in art and drama. All of these people are right. And when you add outstanding programs in the sciences,the humanities and business administration, you've got the basic academic view of Carnegie Mellon. The students here are as different from each other as you can get, yet everyone still finds ways to interact. There are students here from halfway around the world; there are students here from two miles away.There are students from all fifty states and over forty foreign countries. Some people are here building complex electronic devices, and some are making beautiful art. The one thing that everyone does have in common is that they're committed to what they're doing, and they work hard.

             Carnegie Mellon, located about five miles from downtown Pittsburgh, is surrounded by three culturally active, residential neighborhoods. Pittsburgh has come a long way since its industrial past. Today, the city, a top twenty-five arts destination, has cultural activity and diversity, and there is no more shortage of things to do and learn. This serves as the perfect setting for one of the fastest growing universities in the country.

            Carnegie Mellon is also one of the universities that uses bagpipes to greet its freshmen on the first day and say farewell to graduates at commencement. Carnegie's Scottish heritage is celebrated even today. The name of our marching band, the Kiltie Band, says it all; every member of the band wears authentic Scottish garb (yes, including kilts). Carnegie Mellon is one of the few schools in the United States that offers a music degree in bag-piping. If you're not interested in majoring in it, there's also a bagpipe club (no kidding).

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PROFESSORS

         Do not choose CMC if you want to go through four years of college as an anonymous student in the back of the classroom. The vast majority of CMC professors want to hear your ideas and opinions, they want you to ask questions, they hope that you will come to their office hours, and they would like to know how you are doing outside of school as well. It is not uncommon to find professors eating lunch with students in the dining hall and students are often invited to professors' homes for class gatherings.
       
         My professors introduced me to fundamental school of thought that bend my mind and make me feel more engaged in the rest of my life. The best classes here leave me thinking about the basic values and truths of the world after I leave the classroom. They also spark conversations about anything and everything with my friends.

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REQUIREMENTS

              CMC has various general education requirements that all students, regardless of major., must fulfill. These include three semesters of social sciences, two semesters each of science and humanities courses, and one semesters of literature, math (calculus-based), and world civilization. Additionally, all students must either demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language or complete three semesters of foreign language.
         
              An additional requirement for all CMC students is the senior thesis, a major research paper or project designed by the student. Normally completed during the senior year and overseen by a faculty adviser, this one or two semester venture is usually on a topic of interest within the student's major field of study. Social science and humanities students usually write thesis paper ranging from thirty to hundred of pages, science students design and carry out experimental research, and often students choose to do a creative project such as a short film of a novel.

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RECOMMENDATIONS AND ESSAYS

        It is also necessary to include three recommendations, one from a high school guidance counselor and two from teachers. Two essays must also be included. These essays include a personal statement and an analytical essay, and are one of the most important components of your application. The personal essay is an opportunity to show your personality and highlight your special achievements or personal experiences. The analytical essay should identify a person who has shaped current events and culture.

       It is also highly recommended that all applicants complete an interview with either an admission officer or with an alumnus of the college in their city. This interview is another opportunity for applicants to demonstrate the qualities that can set them apart from other candidates.

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CURRICULUM AND STANDARDIZED TESTS

          An applicant's high school education must have included four years of English, three to four years of math, at least three years of a foreign language, at least two years of science, and one year of history. All high schools are different however, and the availability of advanced, honors, or AP classes at your school will be taken into account. Steady improvement over the high school career is considered, and slacking during the senior year is not viewed favorably. Admission Dean vos said, "That last year is crucial because students who carry their grades through to the end will likely be people who see projects through and complete tasks to the best of their ability."
         The SAT is required. The median SAT score for the entering class in 2006 was 700 on the Critical Reading portion and 700 on the Math portion. These are median scores, how-ever, not hard and fast standards that all candidates must achieve and the admission office requests that applicants submit all scores earned for each and every time that an applicant has taken the SAT. Interested students should plan to take the exam during their junior year, or between October and January of the senior year.

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ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

       CMC is highly selective and traditionally accepts approximately twenty percent of applicants. What is this selectivity based on? There are the usual traits each entering class includes its fair share of valedictorians and National Merit Finalists, and the median combined SAT score in around 2100. In addition, though, CMC seeks students who will be engaged learners and active members of the CMC community. Admission officers look for students who have shown leadership potential, self-motivation, and interpersonal skills and emphasis is placed on extra curricular involvement and how these activities could translate into success in the classroom and in the CMC community
   
      We're not trying to maximize pure intellectual performance, Certainly we want to have good grades, test scores, and recommendations, but we balance it a lot with considerations. It is ultimately important whether or not the student is a good fit for CMC, and vise versa.

        CMC's small size allows the admission office to build a comprehensive class made up of individuals who will be well suited to the CMC community and CMC's educational style. The admissions officers will try to "get to know you" as they consider your admissions materials. The components of your application that allow your personality to shine through, such as your essays, along with other factors such as your test scores, will all be considered. One recent graduate recalled being amazed when, during her first semester at CMC, one of the admissions officers approached her in the dining hall to tell her how much she had enjoyed the student's personal statement.

         It is equally important for you as an applicant to get to know CMC to determine that CMC is the best fit for you.

         The admission Office regularly offers tour of the campus and it is also possible to arrange an overnight stay in a dorm. Those who may be unable to visit the campus can write directly to current students with any questions that they may have by using the "Ask a Student" section of the admission office web site.

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INTRODUCING CLAREMONT MCKENNA

           Recognized as one of the nation's most prestigious liberal arts colleges, Claremont Mckenna College sets itself apart from its counterparts by its focus on leadership. The college's mission statement is to train "Leaders in the making" and leadership is stressed everywhere, from the classroom to dorm life to athletics. Many students pursue the "Leadership Sequence," which includes courses focusing on Leadership across disciplines, in addition to their major.
           CMC academically different because it provides its students with so many opportunities outside of the classroom for them to gain experience and knowledge that text book simply cannot offer. There are countless numbers of fellowships and scholarships for students that will pay for interning in another country, working for a nonprofit organization, starting up businesses, and study trips.

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