College application & essay help for Carnegie Mellon applicants

Work with advisors who have real experience with Carnegie Mellon and will help you stand out in the application process.

Find an advisor who’s helped students get accepted to Carnegie Mellon

These advisors have direct experience with Carnegie Mellon as alumni or admissions professionals and have helped students gain acceptance to Carnegie Mellon.

Applying to Carnegie Mellon

Applying to Carnegie Mellon University is highly competitive, and the strongest applicants go beyond grades and test scores. They clearly demonstrate who they are, what they care about, and how they see themselves growing at Carnegie Mellon.

Although no two applications are identical, schools like Carnegie Mellon tend to look for similar things: academic strength, meaningful engagement with interests, intellectual curiosity, and a genuine connection to the school’s culture. Understanding how these come together at Carnegie Mellon can help you build a more focused and intentional application.
Advisors who know Carnegie Mellon well can help you think through how your application comes across and where to focus your effort. At Sundial, you can work with advisors who either attended Carnegie Mellon or have helped students get accepted to Carnegie Mellon.

How Sundial helps Carnegie Mellon applicants

I’m working on my Carnegie Mellon essay — is it good enough to get me in?
Carnegie Mellon essay review
From Carnegie Mellon supplemental essays to your personal statement, get targeted feedback from advisors who know exactly what Carnegie Mellon admissions looks for!
I have questions — I need to talk to someone that knows more about Carnegie Mellon!
1:1 advising meetings
Book Carnegie Mellon admissions advising to map deadlines, refine your essays, and prepare for interviews with someone who knows how Carnegie Mellon evaluates applicants.

FAQs about applying to Carnegie Mellon

Essays are one of the few places Carnegie Mellon can see who you are beyond grades and test scores. For competitive majors and selective programs, strong essays aren’t just helpful, they’re often what differentiate students with similar academic profiles. The best essays don’t sound generic; they show clear thinking, self-awareness, and fit with what Carnegie Mellon actually values.

Carnegie Mellon looks for students who’ve taken their interests seriously over time, whether academically, creatively, or through leadership. Beyond raw achievement, they want to see intellectual curiosity, initiative, and evidence that you’ll contribute meaningfully to their campus community. Your application should tell a clear story about how your experiences connect to your goals.

A strong Carnegie Mellon application essay goes beyond summarizing your résumé or activities. Admissions officers want to understand your motivations, values, and fit with the school. Focus on writing with clarity and intent, and make sure your responses connect your personal experiences with why Carnegie Mellon makes sense for your goals.

Yes! Many Sundial advisors have direct experience with Carnegie Mellon, either as alumni or through years of helping students get accepted. Their insight helps you avoid generic advice and instead focus on what actually matters on your Carnegie Mellon application.

If you’re looking at this page, that’s a pretty good sign you might want to get started! Ideally, planning for Carnegie Mellon begins several months before deadlines so you’re not rushing major decisions or submitting first-draft work under pressure.
Ready to get help with your Carnegie Mellon application?
Choose an advisor who understands Carnegie Mellon and can help you with both strategy and essays.
Need help? Contact us at support@sundialessayreview.com