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Regular Decision:
The Requirements: 2 short answers of 150-250 words
Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why, Oddball
A classic short why essay. Do some research on CMC’s course offerings, campus, and extracurriculars, and then show admissions why CMC stands out from the crowd. Additionally, you can express why you want to live right where LA County meets Rancho Cucamonga: You love Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and are now obsessed with West Covina. You’re from Long Beach and CMC is just far enough away from home, but not too far. You dream of a climate that doesn’t involve constant snowfall. No matter your reason, admissions just wants to know that you’ve thought this through and aren’t just asking them to prom (applying) only to drive by and egg their house (withdrawal your application) later — a la Never Been Kissed.
Claremont McKenna wants to accept intellectually curious students who are passionate about learning. Read through the seminar topics and see which one calls to you. Maybe, as a film buff, you are drawn to Blackness in American Cinema, and would be interested to learn more about how Black people have been historically represented in Hollywood. Perhaps you are passionate about social justice, and are considering running for office once you have a degree under your belt. Would Democracy and Leadership be an excellent introduction to higher education for you? Do you love writing in your journal and secretly hope to publish one day? Maybe Art of the Personal Essay would allow you to further explore your interest in creative writing. No matter which seminar appeals to you, be sure to explain your desire or personal connection to the seminar of your choosing!