So, you’re almost done with high school and it’s time to take the next big step—Harvey Mudd College. Here, you’ll find the stuff you need to get started on your application. We’ve also put together a handy list of important dates, as well as tips for applying as an international student.

Learn more about applying as a first-year student:

Early Decision vs. Regular Decision
Eligibility Requirements
Application Checklist
Home-Schooled Applicants
Other Special Circumstances

Early Decision vs. Regular Decision
Start by picking a deadline for your application. As a first-year applicant, you can choose either:

• Early Decision: apply by November 15; notification by December 15
• Regular Decision: apply by January 2; notification by April 15
  

While many students choose the Regular Decision application period, there can be considerable advantages to applying through the Early Decision program. Learn more about why you should consider Early Decision.
 
Eligibility Requirements
Here’s a baseline of the courses you’ll want to pursue before becoming a Mudder. And if your school offers honors, AP or IB courses, take ‘em, especially in math, science and English. We’re a community of people who like to be challenged, so the more you’ve challenged yourself in high school, the more you look like a future Mudder.

• Science—At least one year-long high school course in both chemistry and physics are required—or a semester-long college course can suffice. If you can’t complete one of these courses before high school graduation, you still may be admitted to HMC provisionally, but you’ll have to earn an “A” or “B” in a college-level summer course before you join us.
• Mathematics—At least one year-long high school course in calculus is required, otherwise you must take a semester-long college course. If you go beyond calculus, we have more where that came from.
• English—Four years. We expect all applicants to be good writers and speakers who know their way around an adverb.
• Foreign Language—Two years recommended. Given the opportunities for study abroad at HMC, it’s a great idea to develop your language skills.
• Social Science—At least two years, but three is better, including at least one year of history.  
  

Application Checklist
Be sure to include the following in your admission application:

• An Application Form: Submit your Common Application along with your $60 application fee. (Application fee waivers are available to those who can demonstrate unusual financial need. Submit a letter from your counselor to request one.)
• HMC Supplement to the Common Application: In addition to the Common Application, HMC requires a one-page supplement and a second essay to complete your file. You may download the supplement (PDF) here or access it through the Common Application’s website. 
• School Recommendation: Using the Common Application School Report Form, fill in your name, attach a stamped/pre-addressed envelope, and give it to your high school counselor. Your counselor should complete both sides and return the form to us.
• Math/Science Teacher Recommendation: Using the Common Application Teacher Evaluation form, fill in your name, attach a stamped/pre-addressed envelope, and give the form to one of your mathematics or science teachers.
• Humanities Teacher Recommendation: Using the Common Application Teacher Evaluation form, fill in your name, attach a stamped/pre-addressed envelope, and give the form to an English, social science or foreign language teacher.
• Official Transcript of Your High School Record to Date: Please send one transcript immediately, and follow with a copy of your grades from the first term of the current academic year as soon as those grades are available.  Also send an official transcript and course description of any college work you have completed.
  
• First-term Grades: Please ask your counselor to send in the Common Application Midyear Report form along with an official transcript including grades from the first term of the current academic year as soon as they are available.
  
• Official Standardized Test Scores:
  
  
  • SAT or ACT Exam (including writing component): An official score report from the College Board or ACT is required for your application. SAT and ACT Exam scores appearing on the high school transcript will NOT be accepted in lieu of an official score report. Students who apply Early Decision may submit scores from tests taken as late as November. Regular Decision candidates may submit scores from exams taken in December or January.
  • SAT Subject Exams: You must submit scores from the Math 2 subject exam and a second one of your choice. Students who apply Early Decision may submit scores from tests taken as late as November. Regular Decision candidates may submit scores from exams taken in December or January.
• Recommended Interview: In the fall, our counselors are available to interview prospective students. Our staff will mail invitations to students who live in select major metropolitan areas to interview with us while we are on the road. Or you may visit us for an on-campus interview. Call the Office of Admission at (909) 621-8011 to arrange an interview, or learn more about scheduling an interview.

Home-Schooled Applicants
If you’re home-schooled, we rely on you to document your academic program. Consider communicating to us the following:

• Did you take courses at local high schools or colleges?
• How were your foreign languages or lab science courses taught?
  
• What texts did you use?
• Did you follow an established curriculum, and if so, from which source?
  
• Who evaluated your work?
• Can you provide a reference from a tutor or other objective instructor?
  

• Transcripts from any high school or college courses you’ve completed
• Letters of recommendation from instructors of those courses
  
• SAT subject tests in a variety of fields 
  

It’s a pretty good idea to schedule an interview with our staff. You can contact the Office of Admission to arrange an interview or learn more about scheduling an interview.

Other Special Circumstances
If there are unusual circumstances that affect your academic record please contact the Office of Admission for guidance with your application. Some examples might include: you want to leave high school to attend college early; family or health issues have interfered with your education; you’ve attended several high schools. We are eager to know the context of your academic background and to offer you advice.