california institute of technology essay requirements

Admission to the First-Year Class

Students are admitted to the first-year class on the basis of strong academic performance in a rigorous course of college preparatory study, especially in the areas of math and science; teacher and counselor evaluations; personal characteristics; a strong demonstrated interest in math, science, or engineering; and information provided on the application. Information on the application process can be found on the admissions office website at admissions.caltech.edu. Students are encouraged to apply online through the Common App or the QuestBridge program. For further information on admission, please e-mail [email protected]. To be considered for admission, applications to the first-year class must be submitted online by November 1 for Restrictive Early Action or January 3 for Regular Decision.

Information on the application process can be found on the admissions office website at admissions.caltech.edu. Students are encouraged to apply online through the Common Application, the Coalition Application, or the QuestBridge program. For further information on admission, please call (626) 395-6341 or e-mail [email protected]. To be considered for admission, applications to the first-year class must be submitted online by November 1 for Restrictive Early Action or January 3 for Regular Decision.

QuestBridge

Since 2008, Caltech has been a proud QuestBridge partner school. QuestBridge partners with approximately 50 institutions to connect the nation’s brightest students from low-income backgrounds with leading institutions of higher education where they are given a full ride with no loan. Applications are due to QuestBridge annually at the end of September. Students are able to rank Caltech as one of fifteen institutions they’d like to attend and, if chosen as a QuestBridge Match Finalist, Caltech reviews student applications in November and matches with QuestBridge Match students on December 1 each year. For more information about QuestBridge, visit www.questbridge.org .

Restrictive Early Action

Restrictive Early Action is a non-binding option that limits the number of schools an applicant may apply to during the early period, but in return offers a student the opportunity to receive an offer of admission from their first-choice school. The Restrictive Early Action process requires that the completed application be submitted online by November 1 through the Common App. Under this application plan, students will be notified in mid-December of their admission decision. Students admitted under Restrictive Early Action have until May 1 to make their commitment to attend.

Students who choose to apply REA to Caltech may not apply Early Action nor Early Decision to any other institution, with the following exceptions:

• An institution outside of the United States;
• Any public institution that has a non-binding admissions policy with a fall application deadline (such as the University of California system);
• An institution's non-binding rolling admissions process;
• Any military academy;
• Any scholarships or special academic programs with an early deadline at another institution, public or private, if the early application submission is a necessary aspect for consideration, and the outcome is non-binding;
• If you are deferred admission after applying REA to Caltech, you may apply to another institution's Early Decision II program. If you are admitted to that institution's Early Decision II program, you are required to withdraw your application of admission to Caltech.

Academic Requirements

Students are expected to prepare for Caltech by successfully completing the following curriculum:

• Four years of math, including one year of calculus*
• One year of physics*
• One year of chemistry*
• One year of biology (recommended)
• Four years of English
• Two years of history and/or social sciences courses (3+ years recommended)

If a student is unable to take a calculus, chemistry, or physics course in high school because it was not available to them or they experienced unresolvable course conflicts, Caltech will accept examination scores or certification showing proof of knowledge in the subject in lieu of an academic course requirement, provided both the student and their counselor document the underlying, unresolvable issue(s).

The following examinations and certificates can substitute for the course requirements for calculus, chemistry, or physics:

• A score of 5 on AP exams in AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry, AP Physics 1, AP Physics 2, or AP Physics C
• A score of 6 or 7 on the IB Mathematics HL; Chemistry SL or HL; or Physics SL or HL examinations. Note, IB Mathematics SL does not meet our requirements.
• A certification from Schoolhouse.world in one of the following courses: AP/College Calculus AB or BC; AP/College Chemistry; High School Physics or AP/College Physics 1

For the class of 2028, these are the only avenues for substituting course requirements in calculus, chemistry, and/or physics at Caltech. There will be no exceptions.

Standardized Exams

Applicants should note the following changes made to Caltech’s standardized exams policies:

Five-Year testing moratorium on both the requirement and consideration of SAT and/or ACT test scores. This change will be in effect for all first-year students applying to Caltech for fall 2021 through fall 2025.

SAT Subject Tests: As of January 2020, Caltech eliminated the requirement for applicants to submit two SAT Subject Tests. These sections will not be considered in the application review process.

English Proficiency Scores are required of all international students unless 1) the student's native language is English or 2) English is the primary language of instruction in the student's secondary school.

Acceptable English proficiency exams include:

• TOEFL Internet Based Test (IBT)
• Duolingo English Test (DET)

The essays, which are required as a part of the application, are intended to provide students the opportunity to communicate their interests, experiences, and background. Since Caltech is interested in learning about each applicant, the essays are viewed as an important part of the admission decision process. Caltech's supplemental essays are updated annually and listed on the admissions website each August 1.

Evaluations

Two teacher evaluations and a Secondary School Report are required. One evaluation must be from a math or science teacher, and one evaluation from a humanities or social science teacher (see the instructions in the application). A Secondary School Report must be filled out by the applicant’s secondary school counselor or other school official.

Additional Materials

Students are welcome to provide supplemental materials that they believe will help the admissions committee learn more about them. These materials may include but are not limited to:

• Research paper, abstract, or publication (citation if published, letter of evaluation, and research description required)
• Maker portfolio
• Description of an internship

After the application deadline, students will receive a link to the Caltech application portal (Beaver Breakroom), which will include instructions on submitting supplemental materials .

Caltech is a member of the National Association for College Admissions Counseling and therefore agrees to comply with the national candidate’s reply date of May 1. Places in the entering class will not be held after May 1. Restrictive Early Action applicants will be informed of their admissions decision in mid-December and Regular Decision applicants will be informed by mid-March. Regardless of round, admitted students have until May 1 to respond to their admissions offer.

Caltech will consider requests from admitted students for a one-year gap year (and occasionally two-year gap years in the case of students on religious missions or doing required military service). Students who request a gap year must accept their offer of admission and then submit a written request stating the purpose of postponement to the Director of Undergraduate Admissions. Instructions are provided to admitted students annually in the Caltech applicant portal, called the Beaver Breakroom.

Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and College Credit

Caltech encourages all prospective undergraduate applicants to prepare by challenging themselves with the most rigorous course of study available, including the Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. However, college credit for AP or IB classes is not automatic. Course credit and/or placement in an accelerated program is sometimes granted as deemed appropriate by the department faculty. The awarding of Caltech course credit takes place at the time of registration each fall.

Biology majors who have passed Bi 8 and Bi 9 (with 9 units on grades) are considered to have met the core requirement of Bi 1.

The student’s qualifications for placing out of Ch 1 ab will only be determined by the performance on a placement examination to be administered in the summer prior to registration. Qualified students, with the instructor’s consent, are allowed to substitute either Ch 8 or Ch/ChE 9 for the ”core” chemistry laboratory requirement (Ch 3 a or Ch 3 x).

English/Writing

All incoming students (first-year and transfers) will take a placement assessment to determine whether they are adequately prepared for the substantial writing component that is part of all first-year humanities courses. Most new students participate in a web-based version of this assessment, which is usually conducted in early June. A makeup assessment is held just before fall classes begin. Based on results of this writing assessment, students may be required to take Wr 1 or Wr 2 in the fall quarter. (Wr 1 and Wr 2 count for general Institute credit only.) After completing these courses, students may, at the discretion of humanities faculty, be required to go on to subsequent coursework in academic writing, such as Wr 3, Wr 4, or Wr 50, before or concurrently with first-year humanities coursework. During the first week of classes, students will be required to produce an in-class writing sample to confirm the initial placement.

Mathematics

During the summer before the first year, entering first-year students are asked to take a diagnostic exam in basic calculus that will determine which students will be placed in a special section of Ma 1 a for those with less complete preparation, and later take Ma 1 d; and if they are interested in advanced placement, they may also take an examination to determine whether they will begin the mathematics core sequence at an advanced level.

Normally, an entering first-year student takes Ma 1 abc, Calculus of One and Several Variables and Linear Algebra. This course covers the calculus of functions of one and several variables; infinite series; vector algebra; basic and advanced linear algebra; derivatives of vector functions, multiple integrals, line and path integrals; and theorems of Green and Stokes. The course is divided into a lecture part and a recitation part that focuses mainly on problem-solving.

Students in need of additional problem-solving practice may be advised to take Ma 8 (in addition to Ma 1 a) in the first quarter.

The required first-year physics course, Ph 1 abc, is considerably more rigorous than most advanced placement work, and entering first-year students are encouraged to take Ph 1. A test is administered during the summer to aid in the organization of Ph 1; students who have performed particularly well can discuss the possibilities for advanced placement with the physics representative during orientation. A second test may then be required.

Residency Expectation

Undergraduate housing includes the eight houses (Avery, Blacker, Dabney, Fleming, Lloyd, Page, Ricketts, Venerable), and the Bechtel Residence and Marks House and Braun House. First- and second-year students are required to live on campus. Requests for exceptions to this requirement should be submitted to the Office of Student Experience, and must be approved by the Dean of Undergraduate Students and the Vice President for Student Affairs.

New Student Orientation

All first-year, transfer, 3/2 and exchange students are expected to attend the New Student Orientation as part of the regular registration procedure. Orientation takes place the week prior to the beginning of classes. Faculty members, staff and upperclass student leaders participate help to introduce new students to the Caltech community. The orientation period provides an opportunity for new students to become acquainted with the campus, the Honor System, and other aspects of life at Caltech. In addition, they will meet classmates, upperclass students, and faculty during this time

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How to Write the Caltech Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

Caltech has four required supplemental essays, and three shorter optional essays, with word limits of 150, 100, and 50, respectively. Because Caltech is one of the most academically rigorous schools in the country, you want to be sure that your essays capture your intellectual and creative potential. In this post, we’ll break down each prompt so that you can know what you need to do to craft a response that truly shines.

Caltech Supplemental Essay Prompts

All applicants, required prompts.

Prompt 1: Because of the rigorous courses in the core curriculum , Caltech students don’t declare a major until the end of their first year. However, some students arrive knowing which academic fields and areas already most excite them, or which novel fields and areas they most want to explore.

If you had to choose an area of interest or two today, what would you choose? (There are dropdown menus from which you can choose up to two areas of interest.)

Why did you choose that area of interest (200 words).

Prompt 2: At Caltech, we investigate some of the most challenging, fundamental problems in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Identify and describe two STEM-related experiences from your high school years, either in or out of the classroom, and tell us how and why they activated your curiosity. What about them made you want to learn more and explore further? (100-200 words per experience)

Prompt 3: The creativity, inventiveness, and innovation of Caltech’s students, faculty, and researchers have won Nobel Prizes and put rovers on Mars , but Techers also imagine smaller scale innovations every day, from new ways to design solar cells to 3D printing dorm decor. How have you been an innovator in your own life? (200-250 words)

Prompt 4: Caltech’s mission – to cultivate learning, discovery, and innovation for the benefit of humanity – relies on its community members embracing fundamental Caltech values :

Openness and enthusiasm for having preconceptions challenged

Respect and appreciation for the idea that, while we are all members of the same community, the opportunities we’ve had to develop, showcase, and apply our talents have not been equal, passion for the ideal that science can and should meaningfully improve the lives of others, share what one or more of these values evokes for you. (200-400 words), all applicants, optional prompts.

Prompt 5: If there are aspects of your life or social or personal identity that you feel are not captured elsewhere in this application, please tell us about them. (150 words)

Prompt 6: When not surveying the stars, peering through microscopes, or running through marathons of coding, Caltech students pursue an eclectic array of interests that range from speed-cubing to participating in varsity athletics to reading romance novels. What is a favorite interest or hobby and why does it bring you joy? (100 words)

Prompt 7: Did you have a hard time narrowing it down to just one interest or hobby? We understand – Caltech students like to stay busy, too – tell us about another hobby or interest! (50 words)

Because of the rigorous courses in the core curriculum , Caltech students don’t declare a major until the end of their first year. However, some students arrive knowing which academic fields and areas already most excite them, or which novel fields and areas they most want to explore.

After you select your area(s) of interest, you are asked to provide the reasoning behind your choice(s). This is a fairly standard “Why This Major?” prompt . This straightforward prompt is intended to give the admissions committee a sense of what interests you, why it interests you, and why/how you plan on pursuing this interest in college and beyond.

Before we continue, we have to address the elephant in the room—what if you’re undecided?

The bad news is that you’re required to pick at least one area of interest on your application. The good news is that you aren’t contractually bound to the area you choose! In fact, “Every first-year student at Caltech takes the same classes during their first two terms; you won’t even declare your major until the end of your first year.”

Don’t worry if you haven’t figured out exactly what you want to do in college—many students haven’t! Look through the list of areas of interest and pick one that’s closely related to a hobby or pastime of yours so you’ll have something to write about.

If you do have an area of interest or desired major in mind, great! Pick that one for your essay.

Now that you’ve picked a subject, you may find it helpful to ponder the following questions before you begin crafting your response:

1) What are your sincere reasons for wanting to major in your chosen field?

Ideally, you will have picked a field in which you have a deep interest—one that you can talk about at length. You should have meaningful reasons for wanting to pursue your chosen field. If your primary motivation involves money, status, or pressure from your parents, you’re already off to a bad start. An essay that seems disingenuous or too self-serving will detract immensely from your application as a whole, so be sure to choose substantial reasons.

2) What are some specific examples of things you enjoy about this field of study?

When answering this question, aim to be as specific as you can. Anyone can write about liking “information and data sciences” or “biology,” so think of more narrow subtopics like “principal component analysis to reduce dataset dimensionality” or “identifying mitotic mutations in fruit flies.” If you’ve picked a topic you’re already passionate about and familiar with, talking about something specific you enjoy about it shouldn’t be too daunting.

3) How does this major serve your life and/or career goals?

You might not have the most detailed plan for your career and adult life, and that’s totally fine! However, it would be helpful if you had some idea of what you want to do in the future. Think of industries you would be able to work in with a degree in your chosen field. What is your dream job? How can this major contribute to your attainment of that job and success in the field?

4) What’s your favorite experience with this subject in school? What are the best parts of your experience with it outside the classroom?

5) Is there any recurring emotion or state of mind that you experience when exploring this field of study? What do you find appealing about that emotion or state of mind?

You can use your answers to questions 4 and 5 to recall some relevant anecdotes that may contribute to your response.

Once you’ve figured out the answers to the five aforementioned questions, you can begin planning a structure for your response. You may find it helpful to break your essay into two principal parts:

• The experiences that fostered and increased your interest in this field (as well as your emotional and personal connection to your chosen major)
• What you hope to do in the future, both at Caltech and in your career

Now, you should do some research on Caltech’s website to find some unique aspects of your chosen major that you can write about. Check out Caltech’s list of majors , as it has links that will lead you to each major’s respective webpage. Also consult their lists of faculty members and research facilities to see what work Caltech is doing in your area of interest.

For example, consider a hypothetical student who wants to pursue bioengineering with a particular interest in stem cell research. She might begin with an anecdote about how her father was a participant in a clinical trial for stem cell therapy after his spinal cord treatment. Perhaps seeing the potential of stem cell treatment opened up a new world for her, which fostered a deeper interest in biology and bioengineering than she had ever had before.

She might write about her high school experiences with biology classes, her intensive preparation for the AP Biology exam, and the bioengineering publications she now likes to read in her free time. She can then transition into a discussion of what kind of research she would like to be a part of at Caltech. A faculty member she can talk about specifically is Professor Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz, whose lab used stem cells last year to create model mouse embryos “that have beating hearts, as well as the foundations for a brain and all of the other organs in the mouse body.”

No matter how unique, weird, or quirky you think your interests are, there will probably be a major or research group at Caltech that can cultivate them. Don’t be afraid to show how unique you are as an individual—that’s the point of supplemental essays!

At Caltech, we investigate some of the most challenging, fundamental problems in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Identify and describe two STEM-related experiences from your high school years, either in or out of the classroom, and tell us how and why they activated your curiosity. What about them made you want to learn more and explore further? (100-200 words per experience)

This prompt is supposed to gauge your interest in and experiences with STEM, both in school and in your personal life. Writing a successful essay will ideally show the admissions committee a few things:

• You are serious about pursuing STEM in college and beyond.
• You have hands-on experience in STEM.
• You have at least some idea of what to expect from a STEM-based education at Caltech.

You’ll probably know if an experience is related to STEM at first glance. Nevertheless, before you begin writing your responses to this prompt, you should make sure you have a handle on what exactly STEM is, even if you think you understand it fully.

As a quick refresher, STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. It heavily emphasizes analytical and critical thinking skills, scientific literacy, and domain-specific hard skills that are essential to many career paths.

Even though the prompt specifies that you can write about experiences both within and outside the classroom, you might find the tips in CollegeVine’s guide to the extracurricular activities essay helpful.

If you have any obvious STEM experience, picking some events should be fairly straightforward. Think about the experiences you’ve had with science fairs, robotics clubs, biology or chemistry classes, etc. Narrow down your experiences to the ones that had the most significant impact on your interest in STEM. If you write about an experience that you didn’t have too much emotional investment in, you might inadvertently express a tepid interest in STEM as a whole.

If you only took one science class in high school and didn’t participate in any STEM-related extracurriculars, don’t fret! Feel free to write about two experiences from the same class. You might even be able to relate some work experience to STEM.

For example, perhaps you worked alongside a pharmacist during high school. Some people consider pharmacy to be more medical and less STEM-related, but the field of pharmacology is indisputably a branch of biology and chemistry. Don’t be afraid to bend some definitions when identifying meaningful STEM experiences you’ve had.

To help you identify your two experiences, mull over a few questions:

1) What is your favorite STEM-related activity? If you don’t have a good STEM activity, which of your non-STEM activities can be linked to STEM logically?

2) What about this activity generated your interest in STEM? Why did it make you curious and how did your participation in it increase your interest?

3) What went through your mind as you participated in this activity?

4) Have you developed or strengthened any specific interests because of this activity? If so, what are they and how have they changed over time? For example, you might have been interested in chemistry in general, but this particular activity focused your attention on metal alloys.

5) Are there any specific STEM-related skills that you have developed as a result of participating in this activity? Think about hard skills like chemical titration, building robots, testing the pH of substances, etc.

Once you’ve decided on your two activities, you can begin writing your responses. For each activity, you should address each point of the prompt:

• How did the activity activate your curiosity?
• Why did the activity activate your curiosity?
• What about the activity made you want to learn more and explore further?

After addressing each point, if you still have room within your 200 words per activity, you can explain some things further. Perhaps you want to discuss something specific that you learned or exactly what your role in the activity was.

For example, consider the following response by a hypothetical student:

“During my junior year of high school, I joined the Robotics Club with no prior experience, other than having taken AP CompSci. Our team’s first project involved building and coding a robot that could get to distant water sources, collect water, and purify and store it. We spent several weekends and late nights programming the bot and troubleshooting it.

It had trouble navigating at first, then it failed to recognize the water sources. Finally, we completed the build in a few months, and though it was far from perfect, it did the job. That first drink of purified water from the bot was beyond refreshing.

That project was the one that truly showed me how useful robotics could be to humanity. I imagined building hundreds of robots like the original and sending them to developing countries to increase their access to clean drinking water. I am now drawn to mechanical engineering because it offers limitless opportunities to create devices that can be used to improve the world and people’s quality of life.”

This example is effective because it tells an engaging anecdote, addresses each point of the prompt, and offers a plan for the student’s college career and future professional life.

The creativity, inventiveness, and innovation of Caltech’s students, faculty, and researchers have won Nobel Prizes and put rovers on Mars , but Techers also imagine smaller scale innovations every day, from new ways to design solar cells to 3D printing dorm decor. How have you been an innovator in your own life? (200-250 words)

This prompt is trying to determine how you think as a problem solver. The admissions committee wants to know the ways in which you have been innovative or have approached problems creatively.

Don’t feel like you have to have developed some revolutionary solution to a global problem. No one is expecting you to have engineered some brilliant scientific apparatus—you haven’t even begun college yet! Just like the prompt’s examples illustrate, you can think on as big or as small a scale as you’d like.

When trying to choose an example of innovation in your own life, it might be useful to think about abstract qualities then work your way to concrete events. Are you ambitious, adaptable, creative, resourceful, open-minded? What are some positive qualities of yours? Once you’ve decided on some attributes, you should be able to relate them to some anecdotes.

Let’s say you’re creative and resourceful. Think of a time when those traits generated something innovative or novel in your life. Maybe you were locked out of your apartment and used a credit card to open the latch. Perhaps this experience inspired you to 3D print a plastic card to use specifically for problems like that.

Your story of innovation can involve anything really, as long as you came up with a creative solution to a problem you were confronted with. Maybe the arm of your glasses broke in the middle of class, so you attached a pen cap to it so the glasses could still be used until you had time to replace them.

You have 250 words, so you may want to think of 2-3 anecdotes to discuss. It might even be helpful to write about something you want to improve but haven’t yet. You can talk about a persistent problem you’ve seen and propose a creative potential solution.

Here’s an example of an anecdote a student might write:

“I worked at a hardware store during high school to help my parents pay some bills. The store was far from my home, and often took about an hour to get to by public transportation. I’ve always been interested in tinkering with mechanical devices, so I decided to make the most of my job.

I bought parts from the store with portions of my paycheck every couple of weeks, and over the course of several months I built myself a bicycle from scratch. Of course, it wasn’t the most visually appealing or comfortable bike, but it did the job and it did it well. I don’t use it much anymore, but I still own it and feel great pride every time I pass it on my way out the door.”

This is a good anecdote because it presents an issue, describes something about the student’s creative and inquisitive nature, and showcases the innovative solution that the student devised.

You may want to approach this prompt in a similar way. Outline a problem you had to deal with, describe some relevant positive attributes about yourself, then explain how these attributes helped you find an innovative solution to the problem.

Caltech’s mission – to cultivate learning, discovery, and innovation for the benefit of humanity – relies on its community members embracing fundamental Caltech values :

Brainstorming your topic:

Caltech has narrowed your list of possible topics to just three things—the values listed above. Now, that doesn’t mean your brainstorming process is over when you pick the value(s) you want to write about.

You also want to have a clear sense of how you’re going to explain what that value means to you, as 400 words is on the longer side for a supplemental essay. If you’re unfocused going into the essay, your writing may end up somewhat scattered. To ensure that doesn’t happen, think of some experiences you’ve had that showcase what the value you’ve selected means to you.

For example, you might want to write about your openness to other perspectives. Maybe you describe a snowshoeing trip you took with your family, and how you were dreading the damp, the cold, and the blisters. But, even though you did end up confronting all of those things, you also unexpectedly got to see the northern lights. That once-in-a-lifetime treat helped you realize that having a positive outlook on new experiences is a choice, and if you consciously make it, you’re likely to enjoy yourself much more.

As this example illustrates, unless you choose the third value, your response doesn’t have to rely solely on STEM-related experiences. Obviously, Caltech is one of the most prestigious tech schools in the world, but remember that admissions officers will also be reading your responses to Prompts 1, 2, and 3, which are all academically focused. So, if you want to share a slightly different side of yourself, this prompt is a great opportunity to do so.

Note: given the linked webpage and the wording of the values in the prompt, you might use this space to write about a topic related to diversity . Just be sure to follow the prompt’s directions if you do.

Finally, note that the prompt says you can write about “one or more” of the listed values. If you can think of an experience you’ve had that showcases two or three of the given values, go for it! That said, don’t force anything. A well-written, cohesive response that focuses on just one value is just as good as one that includes multiple values.

400 words should be more than enough to develop your ideas in sufficient detail, but if you’re trying to cram in a connection that isn’t really logically there, your essay will feel disjointed.

Tips for writing your essay:

Once you start writing, keep this important writing principle in mind—show, don’t tell. You don’t want to just state things in a factual, direct way. Rather, describe a situation that illustrates the points you’re trying to make. To see the difference, compare the following two example sentences:

Example 1: “Although I had been having a terrible time all day, when we finally reached the overlook we had been trekking towards, we got to see the northern lights, which I will never forget.”

Example 2: “When we finally emerged from the treeline, my hair was still damp with cold sweat and snowfall, and my heels were still chafing against my itchy wool socks, but my discomfort melted away in the iridescent shimmer of the aurora borealis sparkling on unblemished snow.”

These two examples are about the same moment, but the second immerses us in the scene with sensory details and strong descriptions, which makes it much more engaging to read. Since you have a little more room to write in this supplement, don’t be afraid to show your creative writing abilities.

Also be sure you give the admissions officers a strong sense of what your chosen value means to you. Remember, within your application as a whole, the point of the essay is to set yourself apart even from other smart, talented applicants. Since everyone is going to be writing about the same three given values in their responses, make sure it’s clear how your experiences have shaped your own personal understanding of the value you select. 

Including a personal overall takeaway will help admissions officers see why the experience you’ve described speaks to the kind of Caltech student you’ll be. Remember, their job is to visualize how you will contribute to their school for the next four years, so make sure you explain how something that took place in the past continues to influence you today.

Mistakes to avoid:

The most important thing to avoid in your response is vagueness. If you speak only in general abstract terms about the value you’ve selected and fail to incorporate detailed, illustrative examples, your essay may end up sounding preachy, or like a Hallmark card.

The other, slightly more subtle mistake you want to watch out for is not drawing an obvious connection between your experiences and the value you’ve selected. For example, say that in the snowshoeing example you spent all 400 words describing how beautiful the northern lights are, and didn’t say anything about how grumpy you were at the start of the snowshoeing trip. Your reader wouldn’t have any idea how this story reflects your open-mindedness.

As long as you follow the brainstorming tips we’ve provided above and rely on strong descriptions once you start writing, you should be unlikely to fall into these traps and should be well on your way to a personal, engaging essay.

Prompt 5 (Optional)

If there are aspects of your life or social or personal identity that you feel are not captured elsewhere in this application, please tell us about them. (150 words).

While we typically encourage students to respond to optional prompts, there’s no need to write additional information here if you feel that your application already captures your identity adequately.

This is a variation on the common diversity prompt . Unlike the previous prompts, this prompt has a 150-word limit, so if you choose to respond to it, you’re going to have to be more succinct.

Think about communities that you’re a member of, especially those that have played a role in your development as a person. These communities can be physical environments, like the neighborhood you grew up in, or communities defined by attributes, like your ethnic group or gender identity. Remember, identity encompasses a wealth of attributes.

Aspects of identity include traditional markers of diversity, such as ethnicity/race, country of origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, your first language, and an illness/disability. However, aspects of identity also include your hometown, socioeconomic class, groups you’re part of, and even your interests or hobbies.

A quick note if you intend to write about your racial background: In June 2023, the United States Supreme Court struck down the use of affirmative action in college admissions. The ruling, however, still allows colleges to consider race on an individual basis, which is one reason many schools are now including diversity prompts as one of their supplemental essay prompts. If you feel that your racial background has impacted you significantly, this is the place to discuss that.

Because of the wording of the prompt, you might also choose to write about an aspect of your life that isn’t related to ideas of identity. These can include life-altering events, important social interactions you’ve had, or formative experiences.

After you’ve settled on an aspect of identity or an event you deem important enough to write about, consider some questions to help direct your writing:

1) What is the strongest emotion you feel about your chosen aspect of identity or event?

2) Is there a skill, ability, or talent you have due to this aspect or event?

3) Have you developed or strengthened any personality traits as a result of this background? If so, what are they and how have they changed over time?

You don’t necessarily have to include any or all of this information in your response, but if you’re having trouble putting the importance of your chosen aspect/event into words, these questions might inspire some ideas.

Once you’ve chosen a topic and have some idea of how you intend to describe it and its importance, it’s time to write. There are two strong approaches to writing this response:

• The first approach involves doing something totally novel. You might want to pick a completely new aspect of your identity or life event that is fully distinct from one previously mentioned in your application. For example, if you mentioned your gender identity already, you may choose to write about your ethnic background here. This can be a useful approach if certain parts of your identity hold a similar level of importance to you.
• The second approach involves building a previously mentioned attribute/event. Perhaps there is an aspect of your identity that is related to the one you just wrote about, but distinct enough to warrant a new essay. Maybe you talked about being Hispanic somewhere in your application previously, and now want to write about the Spanish language. The language you speak might be an integral part of your identity. It isn’t the same as your ethnic background, even if the two are closely linked, so something like that would be fair game for this prompt.

Though this response is really whatever you want it to be, there are some things you’ll want to try not to do. Remember to avoid simply listing aspects of your identity without elaboration, writing too much about something negative, and discussing a topic that’s too clichéd.

This is another chance to showcase who you are. During the admissions process, there aren’t too many of these opportunities, so make the most of them!

Prompt 6 (Optional)

When not surveying the stars, peering through microscopes, or running through marathons of coding, caltech students pursue an eclectic array of interests that range from speedcubing to participating in varsity athletics to reading romance novels. what is a favorite interest or hobby and why does it bring you joy (100 words).

This prompt is meant to gauge who you are beyond your grades and test scores. It’s an optional prompt, but we strongly recommend writing a response to it, as this gives the admissions committee more knowledge about you.

Caltech wants to know what interests you outside of school, and what hobbies you might bring to their campus. Your hobbies don’t necessarily have to be traditional extracurricular activities, but you might still want to look at our guide to writing the extracurricular activities essay for some tips!

Before you begin writing, it’s important that you select a strong topic. Of course, you need to be sincere. Don’t write about a topic you don’t consider a hobby just because you think the admissions committee wants to read about it. An authentic topic will always make for a better essay than an extravagant one. Make a list of your most meaningful hobbies and consider the following questions:

1) Which hobby on your list have you shown the most commitment to? Which has been most influential in your development?

2) What is the strongest emotion you feel about this hobby?

• Why do you feel this emotion?
• Has that emotional response changed over time? If so, how and why?
• What emotions do you feel during the activity?

3) What thoughts and feelings go through your mind while you participate in this hobby/activity?

4) Have you developed or strengthened any personality traits as a result of this hobby? If so, what are they and how have they evolved over time?

5) Have you developed any skills due to this hobby? These can include soft skills such as critical thinking, public speaking, work ethic, and teamwork, or hard skills, which are specific to whatever domain your hobby is a part of.

6) What impact has this hobby had on the rest of your life (other activities, social life, academics, etc.)?

Once you’ve chosen your hobby, think about how you want to structure your essay. You only have 100 words, which is a very small space to work within, so you’re going to have to be concise. The prompt specifically asks why this interest brings you joy, so you’ll definitely want to include a response to that question.

You have some flexibility in the way you respond to this prompt. You might explicitly state what you enjoy about the hobby, or perhaps you’ll talk about some of the activity’s outcomes that have brought you fulfillment.

Consider this response from a hypothetical student:

“My fingers pluck each string deliberately but delicately. My foot taps quietly along, keeping rhythm like a metronome. I am at peace, once again practicing classical guitar like I have every day for the past ten years. That seems long already, but there is still so much to learn.

As each mellifluous note wafts through the air, I am filled with the joy of knowing there is another technique to master, another piece to play, another obstacle to conquer. Playing classical pieces is more than a hobby; it is a challenge, an opportunity to honor something that transcends time.”

This is a strong response for a number of reasons:

• First, it uses very evocative language to great effect, painting a picture of the hobby in question.
• Second, it describes in detail the emotions the hobby evokes and the reason it elicits joy in the student.
• Finally, it showcases the student’s perspective in a way that cannot be misconstrued. This student is clearly intellectually stimulated by this hobby, dedicated to it, and industrious when it comes to practicing—all excellent qualities to bring to Caltech.

You should strive to do the same things in your essay. Use imagery to your advantage, be specific when discussing your emotions, and try to describe your emotional response to the hobby in a way that reveals something about your personality.

You want to craft an effective essay, so you should note a few common mistakes to avoid:

• Don’t pick the wrong activity! Bad activities include: hobbies you’ve already written about somewhere else in your application, impressive-sounding hobbies you don’t actually participate in, and hobbies you haven’t actually put that much time into.
• Don’t just describe the interest without elaborating on its impact on you. You might get caught up in your anecdote when writing, but don’t forget to explain the hobby’s significance.
• Don’t just list your accomplishments within the hobby. You shouldn’t simply provide a list of things that make you look good superficially. You want to show your personal perspective and growth by discussing your emotional response to your chosen hobby and how the hobby impacts your life.

Structurally, take a reflective approach and really analyze your thoughts and feelings about the hobby. Since you only have 100 words to work with, avoid writing more than one anecdote. You need to be concise in your language, but as long as you can provide a good reflection and describe what it is about your hobby that brings you joy, you will be fine.

Prompt 7 (Optional)

Did you have a hard time narrowing it down to just one interest or hobby we understand – caltech students like to stay busy, too – tell us about another hobby or interest (50 words).

This prompt is also optional, but it’s a great chance to describe something else you’re passionate about. If you were stuck on the previous prompt, struggling to choose between two hobbies that are really important to you, you can describe the second one here.

Bear in mind that this prompt has only 50 words, half the words you had for the previous prompt. If you decide to write a response to this prompt, you have to be extremely precise in your word choice. Consult the guide to the previous prompt above, CollegeVine’s guide to writing the extracurricular activities essay , for more in-depth tips on how you should craft your essay.

Consider the following example response:

“My fingers pluck each string deliberately but delicately. I am at peace, practicing classical guitar like I have daily for the past decade. As notes float through the air, I’m filled with the joy of knowing there is another technique to master, another piece to play, another obstacle to conquer.”

This response is the previous example response adapted to fit the smaller word limit. Notice that it still defines the hobby, paints a picture of the activity, and describes the student’s emotional response when participating in the activity. Of course, the reduced word count means that this essay reveals a bit less about the student than the previous version, but it still answers the prompt well.

Where to Get Your Caltech Essay Edited

Do you want feedback on your Caltech essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays.

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

California Institute of Technology (Caltech) 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 3

You Have: 

California Institute of Technology (Caltech) 2023-24 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 3 essays of 200 words; 1 essay of 400 words; 3 short optional essays

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Community , Activity , Oddball , Why , Short Answer

In addition to the personal essay in the Common Application or the Coalition Application, applicants to Caltech must complete required supplemental short-answer essays. These are questions that the Admissions Committee has devised to get to know you better as a student, scientist, and person, and ascertain who you’ll be on our campus. 

We don’t want essay writing to be intimidating, but we know it often is. We have put together some advice to help you get started writing your Caltech supplemental essays, so you can worry less and enjoy the application process.

Because of the rigorous courses in the core curriculum, caltech students don’t declare a major until the end of their first year. however, some students arrive knowing which academic fields and areas already most excite them, or which novel fields and areas they most want to explore., if you had to choose an area of interest or two today, what would you choose , please indicate your proposed area of interest at caltech. [choose an option from a dropdown list].

There’s only one trick to selecting a major or generating a straightforward list of your academic interests: be honest. If you already know what you want to major in or have it narrowed down to two choices, you’re set! Don’t waste time trying to strategize because choosing anything other than your true interests would be a misrepresentation of who you are and a disservice to yourself and the admissions office. This assignment will, no doubt, be most challenging for the undecideds, but ask yourself: how can you use this opportunity to reveal something about what excites you intellectually or academically? 

Why did you choose that area of interest?  (200 words)

You’ve only got 200 words, but if you chose wisely in the previous question, answering this one should be easy as pie. Whether you listed one or two interests, your goal here is to tell a cohesive story about your intellectual curiosity. Ideally, you should try to recount an anecdote that illustrates your engagement with your chosen field or demonstrates your ability to link together seemingly disparate fields. Perhaps you’re interested in both philosophy and astrophysics because each offers a way for you to contemplate our place in the universe. This is a great opportunity for you to explain how your intellectual interests relate to who you are as a person. Don’t waste it!

At Caltech, we investigate some of the most challenging, fundamental problems in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Identify and describe two STEM-related experiences from your high school years, either in or out of the classroom, and tell us how and why they activated your curiosity. What about them made you want to learn more and explore further? (200 words each)

Stem experience/activity #1* , stem experience/activity #2*.

For these two short answer responses, we recommend using concrete sensory details to pull your reader into the story. Strong responses will not only describe the project at hand, but also make the readers feel like they’re in the room where it happened (“the room where it happened” – Hamilton ). What about the project captured your attention and curiosity? How did you develop your skills or interest in STEM as a result of your participation? How did this experience lay the foundation for your future STEM-related pursuits? If you’re applying to Caltech, we’re willing to bet you have a few experiences to choose from, so we recommend writing about the two that were most intellectually engaging for you.

The creativity, inventiveness, and innovation of Caltech’s students, faculty, and researchers have won Nobel Prizes and put rovers on Mars. But Techers also imagine smaller scale innovations every day, from new ways to design solar cells to how to 3D print dorm decor. How have you been a creator, inventor, or innovator in your own life? This question can be answered as a written response (200-250 words).*

Admissions is seeking to invite movers and shakers to campus who are excited and motivated to turn their dreams into reality. Whether you’ve been experimenting with robotics or spending your summers researching ways to integrate renewable energy into daily life, this is the place to share your story. Show admissions that you are not only planning to be an innovator, but have already taken steps to incorporate this approach in your day-to-day activities. The more specific details you can incorporate into your essay, the more sincere and personal it will feel (and be!). 

Caltech’s mission – to cultivate learning, discovery, and innovation for the benefit of humanity – relies on its community members embracing our Mission-Based Values, which include:

1) openness and enthusiasm for having preconceptions challenged, 2) respect and appreciation for the idea that, while we are all members of the same community, the opportunities we’ve had to develop, showcase, and apply our talents have not been equal, 3) passion for the ideal that science can and should meaningfully improve the lives of others, share what one or more of these values evokes for you.* (400 words).

For this prompt, Caltech wants to know how its mission resonates with you, so read over their values, then think about how they overlap with your own. This could be a great opportunity to recycle an essay you’ve written about engaging in conversation with someone who holds opposing beliefs (Value 1), embracing diversity and inclusion (Value 2), or your love for all things science (Value 3). If you don’t have any material to recycle here, don’t fret, odds are you have something to say about at least one of these three values. Maybe you’ve been developing and testing your hypotheses since you were a little kid and you are just as excited when they prove true as when they are proved wrong! Perhaps inclusivity and equity are important to you because you know what it’s like not to have the same opportunities as your peers and you’ve worked hard to achieve your goals regardless. Whatever your story is, be sure to avoid generalizations and, instead, provide concrete examples. For example, anyone can write that they are ambitious and resilient, but not everyone is going to be able to exhibit those traits with real-life examples. Specifics are what stick in admissions’ minds!

We know, we know … you see optional and start to wonder if we mean it. But in this section, we truly do! See these as completely optional opportunities to show us more of your personality. 

Optional. we promise., if there are aspects of your life or social or personal identity that you feel are not captured elsewhere in this application, please tell us about them below.  (150 words).

Caltech knows that you are a multifaceted person, that your identity cannot be boiled down to nuggets of information on an application. That’s why admissions is giving you this (albeit small) space to expand on an aspect of your identity. Scroll through your application (personal statement, activity list, major selection) and take a moment to think about what you haven’t been able to include yet. Perhaps you want to write about your identity as a first-born daughter of immigrants or the daily yoga practice that grounds you and enables you to better connect with people and places around you. Regardless of what you choose to write about, you don’t have a lot of words to play with, so we recommend brevity!

Did you have a hard time narrowing it down to just one interest or hobby? We understand – Caltech students like to stay busy, too – tell us about another hobby or interest! (50 words)

This is a great place to write about a hobby or interest that is, maybe, newer to you, one you’ve spent less time on. Have you been learning how to play guitar? Did you start taking kayaking lessons this summer? You only have 50 words for this response, so try not to choose a topic that will require too much explaining. Instead, dive right into what makes you lose track of time!

Have you had any extenuating circumstances (such as limited course selection, inconsistent grades, or disruptions), that have affected your coursework, but that are not described elsewhere in your application? If so, tell us about them here. (150 words)

This is Caltech’s version of the Additional Info essay, which means that, unless you have something crucial to explain to admissions, and there is absolutely NOWHERE else on the application for you to write about it, you should skip this essay. Think about it: if you were an admissions officer, would you really want to read one more essay per applicant? That being said, this essay is perfect for students who have encountered extenuating circumstances and need an opportunity to explain them. In fact, we recommend saving those details for an Additional Info essay, so that you can use the rest of your application to highlight other parts of your amazing personality. So, if something has happened that affected your academic performance, this is a great opportunity to give the 4-1-1 (that means “information” because, in the Stone Age of the late 1900s, we used our rotary phones instead of the internet). 

Some Caltech applicants engage in STEM competitions locally, nationally, or internationally (e.g., AIME, Science Olympiad, International Science Olympiads). If you have received any STEM honors or awards, list them here (with scores, if applicable).

This prompt is as dry as they come. If you’ve earned any STEM honors or awards, this is the place to list them. If you don’t have anything to add here, feel free to skip this prompt altogether!

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Applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree or the equivalent before beginning graduate study. Applicants who already hold a Ph.D. degree will not be considered for a second Ph.D. degree. Transcripts from each college or university attended, three letters of recommendation, a CV, and the applicant's statement of purpose are required components of the application and are carefully and equally weighed during the evaluation process. GRE tests (general and advanced subject) are not required and in most options scores will not be considered for admission. Most of the funding sources require work authorization. As a consequence, matriculation into the PhD program requires evidence of work authorization, unless special compensation can be arranged with the admitting option. Applicants are expected to read, write and speak English and comprehend the spoken language. Although not required for admission, for applicants whose native language is not English or who have not received a degree from a university or college where English is the primary language of instruction, it is important to demonstrate a strong capability in English. This can be done by self-reporting scores from the Educational Testing Service (TOEFL), Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic), the Cambridge Examinations and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or other services that provide a certified English-language proficiency examination.

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California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering Institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions and pressing societal challenges. Caltech's extraordinary faculty and students are expanding our understanding of the universe and inventing the technologies of the future, with research interests from quantum science and engineering to bioinformatics and the nature of life itself, from human behavior and economics to energy and sustainability.

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Find out about requirements, fees, and deadlines

Most students apply and are admitted to Caltech through the Regular Decision (RD) option. The RD deadline is Jan. 3 and applicants are notified of their decision in mid-March. If Caltech is your first-choice university, Restrictive Early Action (REA) could be a good choice. REA is a non-binding early admissions process for students who are confident that Caltech is their first-choice university, are excited about the possibility of attending Caltech, and want to learn early if they are admitted to Caltech. Applications are due November 1 and students will be notified of their admissions decision (admit, defer, or deny) by mid-December. Admitted students will then have until May 1 to decide if they will accept Caltech's offer of admission. There is a one-time, non-refundable application fee of $75. However, if you plan to apply for financial aid, and the application fee presents a hardship for you or your family, we will waive your application fee .

Prospective transfer students have completed their secondary education and are enrolled at a college or university other than Caltech where they have earned course credit. Students may not transfer to Caltech during or for their senior year of college.  In evaluating transfer applicants, we do not consider any specific list of course requirements. Instead, we look for students who have taken the STEM coursework needed to succeed on our  transfer entrance exams . Courses include those in Caltech's  Core Curriculum .  The application deadline for transfer students is February 15 and applicants are alerted of their admission decision by April 1. There is a one-time, non-refundable application fee of $75. However, if you plan to apply for financial aid, and the application fee presents a hardship for you or your family, we will waive your application fee .

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Blog » Undergrad » United States » University Specific » Guide to Applying to California Institute of Technology as an International Student for an Undergraduate Degree

Guide to Applying to California Institute of Technology as an International Student for an Undergraduate Degree

Founded in 1891, the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is a privately renowned world-class institution. Situated in the suburbs of California, Caltech is home to some of the brilliant and aspiring minds of the science and engineering field. The institute also works with NASA and is responsible for sending probes to space for the studies of other planets in the solar system. Caltech also owns some parts of famous laboratories to conduct researches in the astronomical field.

With the 3:1 student to teacher ratio, the institute welcomes applications from international students too. The international office is intended to help students from all over the world to guide them with the application process. Here is a guide for you on how to apply to the California Institute of Technology as an international student for an undergraduate degree.  

English Proficiency Test Requirements

International students whose native language isn’t English need to submit their language proficiency test scores. Caltech accepts the following tests:

• Duolingo English Test

Please note that, unlike other US universities, Caltech doesn’t accept IELTS scores . Also, there are no minimum requirements for English proficiency exams.

ACT/SAT Requirements

Caltech has temporarily halted the SAT and ACT testing requirements for students applying for admission to Fall 2021 and Fall 2022. If not for the global pandemic, international applicants need the following minimum scores:

Tuition Fee and Cost of Living

The estimated annual cost at Caltech is mentioned below, both in US Dollars and Indian rupees.:

The conversion from USD to INR has been made with $1 = ₹70. The cost may vary with the varying exchange rate.

The estimates given above are just for reference, and you should always confirm on the university’s official website before you apply.

Application Portal

Caltech accepts applications via any of these two portals: Common Application or Coalition Application along with the supplemental application essays. Caltech is also a QuestBridge partner which allows students to apply through the QuestBridge National College Match. The cost of the application is $75.

Essay Prompts

In addition to the personal essays, the applicants need to complete the supplemental short-answer essays. Below are the essay prompts:

Word Limit: 10-120 words

“Describe three experiences and/or activities that have helped develop your passion for a possible career in a STEM field .”

Word Limit: 250-400 words

“ Much like the life of a professional scientist or engineer, the life of a “Techer” relies heavily on collaboration. Knowing this, what do you hope to explore, innovate, or create with your Caltech peers?”

“Caltech students are often known for their sense of humor and creative pranks. What do you like to do for fun?”

“The process of discovery best advances when people from various backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives come together. How do you see yourself contributing to the diversity of Caltech’s community?”

Reference: https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/first-year-freshman-applicants/supplemental-application-essays

College Application Deadlines

An applicant can apply to Caltech under two categories, namely, Early Action or Regular Decision. The tentative application deadlines are given below: 

You can easily keep a check on the deadlines of universities via Uni Deadlines feature of UniRely.

Caltech admits a limited number of students in the institute which makes the competition tough. Every student in Caltech is focused to do something notable for society. The institute is also home to 39 Noble prizes. With an acceptance rate of 8.1%, the institute is a dream college for many!

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California Institute of Technology | Caltech

Cost & scholarships.

• Essay prompt

Your chances

Acceptance rate, acceptance rate breakdown, applicant breakdown.

Published costs and averages can be misleading: they don’t fully account for your family’s finances (for financial aid) or your academic profile (for scholarships).

Want to see your personalized net cost after financial aid and scholarships?

Applications

How to apply, enrolled breakdown by gender, race & ethnicity diversity, special academic offering, study abroad, offers graduate degree, academic and career counseling, similar schools.

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Match Requirements for:

Finalists who rank Caltech

If you are a Finalist who ranked Caltech, your National College Match application will be sent to Caltech, and you will need to submit the following requirements to the school by November 1. If you have questions after reviewing the information below, please learn more about Caltech's QuestBridge process or  reach out to the school directly .

Regular Decision Requirements:

Step 1: Select Caltech on the QuestBridge Regular Decision Form on your Application Management page between November 3 - December 10. Only check the box if you fully intend to submit a complete application to Caltech (including all of the materials detailed in the table below).

Step 2: QuestBridge will send Finalists’ applications to Caltech on December 13 and Caltech may need a couple days to import them into their system. Once processed, Caltech will email you instructions to log in and activate your Caltech application portal, the Beaver Breakroom, to track the status of your application and the materials you submitted. 

Step 3: Submit all additional required application and financial materials by the applicable deadlines directly to Caltech as detailed in the table below.

Information for Non-Finalists

Contact Information 

Caltech Contacts (regarding QuestBridge applications and general questions): Office of Undergraduate Admissions Office of Financial Aid

More information about applying to Caltech More information about applying for financial aid at Caltech

Contact Information (for sending admission and financial aid materials): Mail or email official transcripts to: California Institute of Technology Office of Undergraduate Admissions 1200 E. California Blvd. Mail Code 10-90 Pasadena, CA 91125 Email:  [email protected]

Mail or fax federal income tax returns to: California Institute of Technology Financial Aid Office Mail Code 20-90 Pasadena, CA 91125 Fax: (626) 683-3026

General Admissions or Application Questions: Email:  [email protected]

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Caltech SAT Scores and GPA

What are Caltech's average SAT scores and GPA? In this guide, we'll discuss what scores are needed for you to get admitted into Caltech. You'll also get to calculate your own chances with our admissions calculator.

Location: Pasadena, CA

This school is also known as: California Institute of Technology

You're applying to a very selective school. Want to get a perfect 1600 SAT score?

Caltech Admissions Statistics

There are three critical numbers when considering your admissions chances: SAT scores, GPA, and acceptance rate . All these combine to tell you what you scores are required to get into California Institute of Technology.

Average SAT: 1545

The average SAT score composite at Caltech is a 1545 .

Caltech SAT Score Analysis

The 25th percentile New SAT score is 1530, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1570.

In other words, a 1530 places you below average, while a 1570 will move you up to above average. There's no absolute SAT requirement at Caltech, but they really want to see at least a 1530 to have a chance at being considered.

Here's the breakdown of SAT scores by section:

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

Average GPA: 4.19

The average GPA at Caltech is 4.19 . This makes Caltech Extremely Competitive for GPAs.

(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA. This school did not officially report its average GPA, but we've estimated it here using data from over 1,000 schools.)

With a GPA of 4.19, Caltech requires you to be at the top of your class . You'll need nearly straight A's in all your classes to compete with other applicants. You should also have taken plenty of AP or IB classes to show your ability to excel in academic challenge.

If you're a junior or senior, your GPA is hard to change from this point on. If your GPA is at or below the school average of 4.19, you'll need a higher SAT score to compensate and show that you're prepared to take on college academics. This will help you compete effectively with other applicants.

Admissions Rate: 2.7%

The acceptance rate at Caltech is 2.7% . In other words, of 100 students who apply, only 3 are admitted.

This means the school is very selective . Scores are vital to getting past their first round of filters. After that, you will need to impress them beyond just your academic scores.

Final Admissions Verdict

Because this school is extremely selective, getting a high SAT score and GPA is vital to having a chance at getting in . If you don't pass their SAT and GPA requirements, they'll likely reject you without much consideration.

To be safe, you should aim for the 75th percentile, with a 1570 SAT and a 4.19 GPA or higher to be above average.

This is only part of the challenge - after this, you'll need to impress them beyond your academic scores, with your accomplishments and extracurriculars. But if you apply with a 1545 SAT or below, you unfortunately have a small chance of getting in.

We can help. PrepScholar Admissions is the world's best admissions consulting service. We combine world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies . We've overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools , from state colleges to the Ivy League.

We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools.

Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in.

Admissions Calculator

Here's our custom admissions calculator. Plug in your numbers to see what your chances of getting in are. Pick your test: SAT ACT

• 80-100%: Safety school: Strong chance of getting in
• 50-80%: More likely than not getting in
• 20-50%: Lower but still good chance of getting in
• 5-20%: Reach school: Unlikely to get in, but still have a shot
• 0-5%: Hard reach school: Very difficult to get in

Try to take your current SAT score and add 160 points to the calculator above. See how much your chances improve?

At PrepScholar, we've created the leading online SAT prep program . We guarantee an improvement of 160 points on your score, or your money back.

Here's a summary of why we're so much more effective than other prep programs:

• PrepScholar customizes your prep to your strengths and weaknesses . You don't waste time working on areas you already know, so you get more results in less time.
• We guide you through your program step-by-step so that you're never confused about what you should be studying. Focus all your time learning, not worrying about what to learn.
• Our team is made of national SAT experts . PrepScholar's founders are Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers . You'll be studying using the strategies that actually worked for them.
• We've gotten tremendous results with thousands of students across the country. Read about our score results and reviews from our happy customers .

There's a lot more to PrepScholar that makes it the best SAT prep program. Click to learn more about our program , or sign up for our 5-day free trial to check out PrepScholar for yourself:

Other Schools For You

If you're interested in Caltech, you'll probably be interested in these schools as well. We've divided them into 3 categories depending on how hard they are to get into, relative to Caltech.

Reach Schools: Harder to Get Into

These schools are have higher average SAT scores than Caltech. If you improve your SAT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

Same Level: Equally Hard to Get Into

If you're competitive for Caltech, these schools will offer you a similar chance of admission.

Safety Schools: Easier to Get Into

If you're currently competitive for Caltech, you should have no problem getting into these schools. If Caltech is currently out of your reach, you might already be competitive for these schools.

Data on this page is sourced from Peterson's Databases © 2023 (Peterson's LLC. All rights reserved.) as well as additional publicly available sources.

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Welcome to CIIS!   We’re a community of radically curious people who are seeking meaningful growth, academic rigor, innovative research, and community in the service of transforming self, society, and the earth. We are committed to educating the whole person – mind, body, and spirit – with degrees and programs that celebrate the diversity of our global community. If you’re interested in joining us, you’re in the right place. We encourage you to explore the links below to learn more about applying to CIIS. Our Admissions team is here to help you as well. To make sure you have the best chance of being accepted, we encourage you to apply by the priority deadlines, listed below. CIIS evaluates applicants based on rolling admissions until all slots are filled or until the final application deadline (whichever comes first). Many of our programs fill up quickly, so it's a good idea to get your application in early. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to the admissions counselor for your program.

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A GPA of 3.0 or higher in previous coursework is required. However, a GPA below 3.0 does not automatically disqualify an applicant and CIIS will consider a prospective student whose GPA is between 2.0 and 3.0. These individuals are required to submit a GPA Statement and are encouraged to contact our Admissions Team to discuss their options.

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