california institute of technology essay requirements

Application Requirements

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.

• Application Checklist
• Application Deadlines
• Supplemental Documents
• Transcripts and Letters of Recommendation

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!

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Application Management

California Institute of Technology (Caltech) 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Early Action: Nov 1

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 3

California Institute of Technology (Caltech) 2024-25 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 9 short essays ranging from 100 to 250 words each

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

Required STEM Academic Interest Question

Caltech has a rigorous core curriculum and 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, *note that you are under no obligation to follow this choice if admitted..

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 I use this opportunity to reveal something about what excites me intellectually or academically? 

Why did you choose your proposed area of interest? If you selected ‘other’, what topics are you interested in pursuing? (Min: 100 / Max: 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!

Required Short Answer Questions

Stem curiosity question, regardless of your stem interest listed above, take this opportunity to nerd out and talk to us about whatever stem rabbit hole you have found yourself falling into. be as specific or broad as you would like. (min: 50 / max: 150 words).

Admissions wants to learn more about a STEM topic that has monopolized your thoughts. When was the last time you went down an internet rabbit hole trying to research something? When were you extremely motivated to solve a problem or create something new? What topic are you hoping to be an expert on by the time you graduate college? Discuss an example of what truly fascinates you. Perhaps you’re really interested in the future of smart prosthetics. Maybe you’re obsessed with identifying Fibonacci sequences in the world around you. Share how you’ve already interacted with your area of interest: Did you attend a seminar about the topic? Have you read every book you can find on it? Do you have a personal connection to it? The bottom line here is to write about something that really fascinates you and share your enthusiasm for STEM. 

STEM Experiences Questions

At caltech, we investigate some of the most challenging, fundamental problems in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. we are interested in learning more about your engagement with stem., please share two stem-related experiences:, tell us how you initially found your interest and passion for science or any stem topic, and how you have pursued or developed this interest or passion over time. (min: 100 / max: 200 words), tell us about a stem-related experience from the last few years and share how and why it inspired your curiosity. (min: 100 / max: 200 words).

For these two short answer responses, we recommend using concrete sensory details to pull your reader into the story. For the first one, try to remember the moment your passion for science was sparked and caught fire. Was it a trip to the local observatory? Was it when you were mesmerized by a grandfather clock at your uncle’s house? Trace this initial moment to today, explaining how you have developed your interest over time. How did this experience lay the foundation for your future STEM-related pursuits? Strong responses will make the readers feel like they’re in the room where it happened (“the room where it happened” – Hamilton). As you write your response, make sure you include every detail you can remember; once it’s all on the page, you can edit it down to meet the 200-word limit. 

Now, for question two, think about a project you’ve done more recently that captured your attention and curiosity. What excited you about it? How did you develop your skills or interest in STEM as a result of your participation? 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 one that was most intellectually engaging for you.

Creativity Question

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 to experimenting in the kitchen. how have you been a creator, inventor, or innovator in your own life (min: 200 / max: 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 Values Question

Caltech’s values include respect for a diversity of thoughts and ideas. how have you cultivated this value in your own life (min: 50 / max: 200 words).

For this prompt, Caltech wants to know how its mission resonates with you, so think about how their values overlap with your own. This could be a great opportunity to recycle another supplemental essay you’ve written about engaging in conversation with someone who holds opposing beliefs or one you’ve written about embracing diversity and inclusion. If you don’t have any material to recycle here, don’t fret, odds are you have something to say about respect for a diversity of thoughts and ideas. Maybe you and your best friend pick a topic to debate over lunch every week so you can get deeper into both perspectives of each issue. Perhaps you started a suggestion box for your Robotics Club when you noticed that some members weren’t getting a chance to speak and share their ideas with the group. Whatever your story is, be sure to avoid generalizations and, instead, provide concrete examples. Anyone can write that they are respectful or open-minded, but not everyone is going to be able to exhibit those traits with real-life examples. Specifics are what stick in admissions’ minds!

Optional Short Answer Questions

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. (max: 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!

When not surveying the stars, peering through microscopes, or running through coding marathons, Caltech students pursue an eclectic array of interests that range from speed-cubing, reading, yoga, playing musical instruments and theater arts, to solving puzzles, hiking, painting, and building or inventing new gadgets. We understand that everyone needs an outlet or two. What is a favorite interest or hobby, and why does it bring you joy? (Max: 200 words)

This is a great place to write about a hobby or interest that doesn’t relate to STEM. What do you do when you’re not busy with school, work, and other responsibilities? Do you love ‘90s sci-fi shows and their visions of what future technology could look like? Do you invent and play card games with your siblings? Do you meticulously research and select native plants to put in your garden? Don’t worry about choosing something that you think sounds good to admissions; stick with whatever truly brings you joy, and your unique qualities will shine through.  

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! (Max: 150 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? Choose something different from what you wrote about above so you can share as much about yourself as possible. For example, if you wrote about a sport in the last question, write about something artistic here. Above all, be true to yourself! 

Optional Academic Short Answer Questions

Optional: have you had any extenuating circumstances (such as limited course selection or disruptions), that have affected your coursework, but that are not described elsewhere in your application if so, tell us about them here..

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). 

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Caltech Requirements for Admission

What are Caltech's admission requirements? While there are a lot of pieces that go into a college application, you should focus on only a few critical things:

• GPA requirements
• Testing requirements, including SAT and ACT requirements
• Application requirements

In this guide we'll cover what you need to get into Caltech and build a strong application.

School location: Pasadena, CA

This school is also known as: California Institute of Technology

Admissions Rate: 2.7%

If you want to get in, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are.

The acceptance rate at Caltech is 2.7% . For every 100 applicants, only 3 are admitted.

This means the school is extremely selective . Meeting their GPA requirements and SAT/ACT requirements is very important to getting past their first round of filters and proving your academic preparation. If you don't meet their expectations, your chance of getting in is nearly zero.

After crossing this hurdle, you'll need to impress Caltech application readers through their other application requirements, including extracurriculars, essays, and letters of recommendation. We'll cover more below.

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.

Caltech GPA Requirements

Many schools specify a minimum GPA requirement, but this is often just the bare minimum to submit an application without immediately getting rejected.

The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. For this, we look at the school's average GPA for its current students.

Average GPA: 4.19

The average GPA at Caltech is 4.19 .

(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. Furthermore, you should be taking hard classes - AP or IB courses - to show that college-level academics is a breeze.

If you're currently a junior or senior, your GPA is hard to change in time for college applications. If your GPA is at or below the school average of 4.19, you'll need a higher SAT or ACT score to compensate . This will help you compete effectively against other applicants who have higher GPAs than you.

SAT and ACT Requirements

Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them.

Caltech hasn't explicitly named a policy on SAT/ACT requirements, but because it's published average SAT or ACT scores (we'll cover this next), it's likely test flexible. Typically, these schools say, "if you feel your SAT or ACT score represents you well as a student, submit them. Otherwise, don't."

Despite this policy, the truth is that most students still take the SAT or ACT, and most applicants to Caltech will submit their scores. If you don't submit scores, you'll have one fewer dimension to show that you're worthy of being admitted, compared to other students. We therefore recommend that you consider taking the SAT or ACT, and doing well.

Caltech SAT Requirements

Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement. This is based on the school's average score.

Average SAT: 1545

The average SAT score composite at Caltech is a 1545 on the 1600 SAT scale.

This score makes Caltech Extremely Competitive for SAT test scores.

Caltech SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)

The 25th percentile SAT score is 1530, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1570. In other words, a 1530 on the SAT places you below average, while a 1570 will move you up to above average .

Here's the breakdown of SAT scores by section:

SAT Score Choice Policy

The Score Choice policy at your school is an important part of your testing strategy.

Caltech has the Score Choice policy of "Contact School."

This means that the school wants you to contact them to learn more about their Score Choice policies. Keep reading - we may have extra notes about this from our own expert research.

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.

Caltech ACT Requirements

Just like for the SAT, Caltech likely doesn't have a hard ACT cutoff, but if you score too low, your application will get tossed in the trash.

Average ACT: 36

The average ACT score at Caltech is 36. This score makes Caltech Extremely Competitive for ACT scores.

The 25th percentile ACT score is 35, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 36.

Even though Caltech likely says they have no minimum ACT requirement, if you apply with a 35 or below, you'll have a very hard time getting in, unless you have something else very impressive in your application. There are so many applicants scoring 36 and above that a 35 will look academically weak.

ACT Score Sending Policy

If you're taking the ACT as opposed to the SAT, you have a huge advantage in how you send scores, and this dramatically affects your testing strategy.

Here it is: when you send ACT scores to colleges, you have absolute control over which tests you send. You could take 10 tests, and only send your highest one. This is unlike the SAT, where many schools require you to send all your tests ever taken.

This means that you have more chances than you think to improve your ACT score. To try to aim for the school's ACT requirement of 36 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can. When you have the final score that you're happy with, you can then send only that score to all your schools.

ACT Superscore Policy

By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT. (Superscore means that the school takes your best section scores from all the test dates you submit, and then combines them into the best possible composite score). Thus, most schools will just take your highest ACT score from a single sitting.

We weren't able to find the school's exact ACT policy, which most likely means that it does not Superscore. Regardless, you can choose your single best ACT score to send in to Caltech, so you should prep until you reach our recommended target ACT score of 36.

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 ACT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

SAT/ACT Writing Section Requirements

Currently, only the ACT has an optional essay section that all students can take. The SAT used to also have an optional Essay section, but since June 2021, this has been discontinued unless you are taking the test as part of school-day testing in a few states. Because of this, no school requires the SAT Essay or ACT Writing section, but some schools do recommend certain students submit their results if they have them.

Caltech considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration. You don't need to worry too much about Writing for this school, but other schools you're applying to may require it.

Final Admissions Verdict

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

To have the best shot of getting in, you should aim for the 75th percentile, with a 1570 SAT or a 36 ACT . You should also have a 4.19 GPA or higher. If your GPA is lower than this, you need to compensate with a higher SAT/ACT score.

For a school as selective as Caltech, you'll also need to impress them with the rest of your application. We'll cover those details next.

But if you apply with a score below a 1570 SAT or a 36 ACT, you unfortunately start out with the odds against you and have a tiny chance of getting in. There are just too many students with high SAT/ACT scores and strong applications, and you need to compete against them.

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

How would your chances improve with a better score?

Take your current SAT score and add 160 points (or take your ACT score and add 4 points) to the calculator above. See how much your chances improve?

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Application Requirements

Every school requires an application with the bare essentials - high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. Many schools, as explained above, also require SAT and ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews. We'll cover the exact requirements of Caltech here.

Application Requirements Overview

• Common Application Accepted
• Electronic Application Available
• Essay or Personal Statement Required for all freshmen
• Letters of Recommendation 2
• Interview Not required
• Application Fee $75
• Fee Waiver Available? Available
• Other Notes

Testing Requirements

• SAT or ACT Not used if submitted
• SAT Essay or ACT Writing Optional
• SAT Subject Tests Optional
• Scores Due in Office None

Coursework Requirements

• Subject Required Years
• Foreign Language
• Social Studies 1

Deadlines and Early Admissions

• Offered? Deadline Notification
• Yes January 3 March 15
• Yes November 1 December 15

Admissions Office Information

• Address: 1200 Pasadena, CA 91125-0001
• Phone: (626) 395-6811 x6811
• Fax: (626) 683-3026
• Email: [email protected]

Our Expert's Notes

We did more detailed research into this school's admissions process and found the following information:

Your letters of recommendation have to specifically come from one math/science teacher and one humanities/social sciences teacher.

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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How to Get into Caltech: Admission Requirements and Tips

By Eric Eng

The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is a leading private university renowned for its robust engineering and science programs. Given its prestige and world-class academic offerings, Caltech attracts thousands of talented students from across the country and the world. But what does it take to get into this prestigious institution?

In this article, we’ll navigate through the essentials of the admissions process, discuss the qualities Caltech looks for in students, and provide you with practical tips to enhance your application. Read on—and let’s embark on this adventure together.

Overview of Caltech

From its humble beginnings as a vocational school in 1891, the California Institute of Technology has evolved into a world-renowned hub of scientific and technological research. Its campus, though compact in size, is a bustling epicenter of innovation, situated amid the cultural vibrancy and scenic beauty of Southern California.

Caltech’s small size belies its massive impact. With cutting-edge research facilities and a faculty-to-student ratio that encourages intimate and intensive academic experiences, Caltech stands tall in both national and global rankings.

In the 2024 edition of Best Colleges by US News, Caltech proudly holds the #7 spot among National Universities , a testament to its exceptional academic rigor and research achievements. Similarly, the 2024 Times Higher Education World University Rankings also places Caltech at #7 globally .

The influence of Caltech in the world of science and technology is further highlighted by the remarkable individuals associated with it. Nobel-winning physicists like Richard Feynman and chemist Linus Pauling have been among its distinguished faculty.

Caltech’s alumni, on the other hand, include remarkable figures such as Gordon Moore, co-founder of Intel and originator of Moore’s Law, and astronaut Harrison Schmitt, one of the last people to walk on the Moon.

So, why Caltech? For aspiring scientists, engineers, and thought leaders, Caltech offers a gateway to a world of exploration and discovery. Here, you’re contributing to the next wave of scientific breakthroughs. At Caltech, education is about being at the forefront of innovation and being part of a community that shapes the future.

Caltech’s Acceptance Rate

Caltech is known for its highly selective admission process. In recent years, the acceptance rate has consistently been in the single digits:

In a departure from previous years, Caltech did not release the official acceptance rate for the classes of 2026 and 2027. However, examining the available data offers some insight. For the Class of 2027, there were 13,136 applicants , with only 412 gaining admission . With these figures, we can estimate that the acceptance rate for the Class of 2027 is 3.1%.

These rates underscore Caltech’s increasing selectivity and the intense competition among applicants, reflecting the institute’s commitment to maintaining a small, elite student body, even as the number of applicants grows each year.

It’s essential to understand what this acceptance rate means for you. A low acceptance rate signifies the competitive landscape you’re entering. It’s a reminder of the need for a strong, well-rounded application that showcases not just academic excellence but also curiosity, passion, and a fit with Caltech’s unique academic culture.

Factors influencing the acceptance rate

Several key factors play a role in shaping Caltech’s overall acceptance rate:

• Academic Excellence: Caltech prioritizes applicants with outstanding academic records, particularly in math and science.
• Research and Project Experience: Your demonstrated experience in research or significant project work, especially in STEM fields, is highly valued.
• Personal Essays and Recommendations: Caltech expects insightful essays and strong letters of recommendation that reflect your character, potential, and fit with Caltech’s community.
• Extracurricular Activities and Achievements: Caltech looks for active participation and leadership in extracurricular activities, especially those that underscore your passion for science and technology.

Caltech GPA and SAT Requirements

At Caltech, your GPA is a vital indicator of your academic potential, reflecting your performance in rigorous high school courses, particularly in math and science.

As for SAT scores, Caltech has implemented a test-free policy through 2025. This means that your SAT scores, though a typical measure of problem-solving skills and analytical thinking, will not be considered in the admissions process during this period. There’s no need to submit them.

Therefore, focus on showcasing your academic strengths primarily through your GPA , along with other aspects of your application like essays, recommendations, and extracurricular activities, for a holistic review.

Caltech GPA Requirements

The academic caliber of students at Caltech is exceptionally high. The average unweighted GPA for admitted students hovers around 4.19.

This exceptionally high average indicates that most Caltech students not only excelled in their high school classes but also frequently engaged in advanced coursework, such as AP or IB classes, often achieving top grades in these challenging subjects.

If you’re aspiring to join Caltech, consider these statistics as a guide to gauge your academic standing. Keep in mind, though, that Caltech’s admissions process is holistic. Your GPA is a significant indicator of your academic prowess, but it’s evaluated alongside other parts of your application.

GPA recommendations

As you prepare your application for Caltech, here are key points to focus on regarding your GPA:

• Aim for an unweighted GPA that approaches or exceeds 4.19. This shows that you can thrive in a challenging academic environment.
• Your course selection is as important as your grades. Opt for AP, IB, or other advanced classes to demonstrate your commitment to academic rigor.
• Aim for a consistently high GPA throughout high school. If your GPA isn’t near 4.19, an upward trend can also positively impact your application.
• If you’re inclined towards a particular field of study, especially in STEM, ensure your grades in related subjects are particularly strong. Excelling in math and science courses can underscore your readiness for Caltech’s rigorous programs.

Caltech SAT Requirements

Before Caltech’s test-free policy, admitted students typically had high SAT scores, demonstrating strong analytical and problem-solving abilities:

Caltech’s current approach to SAT scores aligns with their test-free policy effective through 2025. The institute has explicitly stated that they discourage applicants from submitting SAT scores because standardized test scores will not be considered. This marks a significant shift from the past, where high SAT scores were seen as a hallmark of academic strength.

SAT recommendations

Given Caltech’s test-free policy through 2025, specific preparation strategies for the SAT are less relevant for your Caltech application during this period. Rather, you need to concentrate on areas that Caltech will consider, such as your GPA, essays, recommendations, and extracurricular activities.

If you’re still planning to take the SAT for other applications, aiming for a score that falls in the 75th percentile can be beneficial, but remember, these scores won’t influence your Caltech application for the time being.

Caltech ACT Requirements

Prior to Caltech’s new testing policy, the average ACT scores for admitted Caltech students were typically in the top percentile, demonstrating strong academic abilities:

While Caltech has historically considered high ACT scores as indicative of academic excellence, their current stance is quite clear. They have a test-free policy through 2025, and test scores will not be considered in the admissions process. They are actively discouraging applicants from sending ACT scores.

ACT recommendations

With Caltech’s test-free policy in place until 2025, prioritizing ACT preparation is less crucial for your Caltech application. Instead, focus on enhancing areas of your application that Caltech will evaluate, such as your GPA, essays, and extracurricular activities .

If you plan to take the ACT for other college applications, aiming for a high score is beneficial. For Caltech specifically, however, your ACT scores will not be a factor in the admission process during this test-free period.

Is Caltech Test-Optional?

Caltech is currently implementing a test-free policy through 2025. This means that SAT or ACT scores are not required, nor will they be considered if submitted.

This decision was initially made in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on students’ access to these exams. The policy is in effect for all first-year students applying to Caltech for Fall 2021 through Fall 2025​​.

For you as an applicant, this policy provides flexibility. You won’t need to worry about submitting SAT or ACT scores, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your application.

Instead, Caltech’s admissions process will place greater emphasis on factors such as your GPA, coursework rigor, extracurricular activities, personal essays, and letters of recommendation.

The test-free policy aims to broaden opportunities for applicants and recognizes the diverse talents of students from various backgrounds. It invites you to present a more complete picture of who you are and what you can contribute to the Caltech community.

What Does Caltech Look for in Students?

Understanding Caltech’s core values and programs is crucial for prospective students. These elements define the ethos of the institution.

Caltech is a place where science and engineering are celebrated, but it’s also an environment that fosters creativity, collaboration, and resilience. Knowing these core values can help you align your application with what Caltech truly values in its students.

In particular, these are the qualities Caltech looks for in students:

1. A love of math

At Caltech, your genuine passion for mathematics is essential. Math is the bedrock of all scientific and engineering endeavors. You’ll be expected to dive deep into complex mathematical theories. It’s about appreciating math in its purest form, beyond mere calculations and formulas.

Your success at Caltech depends on your ability to embrace abstract thinking and sophisticated problem-solving. Envision yourself exploring advanced math, applying these concepts to solve real-world scientific challenges. At Caltech, math isn’t just a tool for other sciences. It’s a discipline to be explored and loved in its own right.

2. A passion for chemistry and physics

Chemistry and physics are the cornerstones of numerous groundbreaking scientific and technological achievements. Caltech’s curriculum immerses you in these fields from the very start. Your passion here means being deeply curious about the fundamental principles that govern the natural world.

At Caltech, your journey will be marked by a deep dive into the nuances of chemistry and physics. Your eagerness to delve into these subjects will not only enhance your major studies but also provide a comprehensive perspective that is vital for a future in scientific innovation and discovery.

3. An appreciation for humanities and social sciences

Contrary to popular belief, Caltech values the humanities and social sciences (HSS). At Caltech, a well-rounded intellectual perspective is highly valued. Your ability to think critically, write effectively, and express your ideas clearly is just as important as your technical skills.

In your time at Caltech, you’ll find that HSS courses enrich your understanding. They allow you to approach scientific problems with a more nuanced perspective. This emphasis on a broad-based education is about understanding that science and technology don’t exist in a vacuum—they are part of a larger human and societal context.

4. Resilience

Caltech’s rigorous environment is designed to push you beyond your comfort zone. It’s here that your ability to persevere, to find solutions where none seem apparent, becomes crucial. This resilience also means being open to taking risks in the pursuit of scientific discovery, where failure is often a stepping stone to success.

Your journey at Caltech will involve moments where you might feel overwhelmed. In these times, your resilience—your determination to keep pushing forward, to learn from setbacks, and to persist in the face of difficulty—will be key.

5. Collaborative spirit

At Caltech, a collaborative spirit is fundamental to your success. You’ll find that much of your learning and discovery at Caltech happens in groups, where diverse perspectives and skills converge to solve complex problems.

This collaborative ethos extends beyond academics. It’s woven into the fabric of Caltech’s community, from the residential houses where students live and learn together to the various team-based research projects and activities. Your ability to work well with others, to listen, contribute, and learn from your peers, is just as important as your individual academic prowess.

6. Creativity

At Caltech, creativity is a fundamental aspect of the learning and discovery process. Here, you’re encouraged to think outside the box. This means looking beyond conventional solutions, being curious about how and why things work, and not being satisfied with retracing well-worn paths.

Your time at Caltech is about finding your own path to innovation. Caltech students often possess a unique blend of curiosity and creativity, which drives them to explore, invent, and discover in new ways.

7. Single-minded determination

Caltech students are known for their tenacity. They push the boundaries of what’s possible and often tackle challenges that others might shy away from. This determination isn’t just about academic stamina. Rather, it’s about a deep-seated passion for discovery and a willingness to pursue challenging goals tirelessly.

Your time at Caltech will test your limits. It’s about embracing the difficult journey, sacrificing easier paths for the sake of groundbreaking achievements. Here, determination is not only about working hard but also about changing the world.

8. An outlet

While STEM fields are paramount at Caltech, having other passions and outlets is equally important. Engaging in activities outside of your academic pursuits, whether it’s sports, arts, music, or any unique hobby, is essential for your overall well-being.

Caltech values students who can demonstrate commitment and passion in areas beyond academia. These outlets reflect your ability to manage a rigorous academic load while maintaining personal interests, showcasing a well-rounded character essential for long-term success and fulfillment.

In conclusion, when crafting your application to Caltech, it’s crucial to tailor it to reflect these valued qualities. Showcasing how you embody these attributes in your application can significantly enhance your prospects. Remember, Caltech seeks students who embody their ethos and are prepared to thrive in their unique, rigorous, and collaborative environment.

How to Boost Your Caltech Application

Every aspect of your application to Caltech needs to shine. This section is dedicated to providing you with actionable tips to enhance your Caltech application. By following these guidelines, you can present a well-rounded, compelling application that resonates with Caltech’s values and expectations.

1. Get stellar grades.

Achieving stellar grades, especially in math and science courses, is crucial for your Caltech application. Caltech’s rigorous academic environment demands a strong foundation in these areas.

High grades demonstrate your ability to handle challenging coursework and your readiness for the institute’s demanding academic standards. They reflect not just your intelligence, but also your work ethic and commitment to academic excellence.

Specific tips:

• Focus on advanced math and science courses. Prioritize excelling in advanced courses like AP or IB math and science. Caltech values depth and proficiency in these subjects.
• Seek help when needed. Don’t hesitate to seek extra help or tutoring if you find certain concepts challenging. Understanding is key, not just memorizing.
• Develop effective study habits. Establish a consistent study routine, use various learning resources, and practice regularly, especially in subjects that are crucial for your intended major.
• Balance your course load. While focusing on STEM subjects, ensure a well-rounded course load, including humanities and social sciences, to showcase your well-rounded academic skills.

2. Join STEM summer programs.

Participating in STEM summer programs demonstrates your dedication and passion beyond the classroom. Caltech values students who actively engage in their areas of interest, especially in science and technology.

STEM summer programs offer hands-on experience, deepen your understanding of complex concepts, and show your initiative in pursuing knowledge. They also provide an excellent opportunity to learn from experts, collaborate with peers, and get a taste of real-world applications of STEM.

• Explore prestigious programs. Look into renowned programs like the Research Science Institute (RSI), Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC) , or NASA’s High School Internship Program.
• Tailor your applications. Highlight your specific STEM interests and achievements when applying to these programs.
• Seek a range of experiences. Participate in different types of programs to showcase your adaptability and broad interest in STEM fields.
• Keep a record of your projects and learning. Document your projects, what you learned, and any notable achievements during the programs to discuss in your college application.

3. Participate in STEM competitions.

Caltech is looking for students who not only excel in academic settings but also stand out in competitive environments. Participation in STEM competitions is a powerful way to demonstrate your proficiency, creativity, and commitment to science and technology.

These competitions offer a platform to showcase your problem-solving skills, innovative thinking, and ability to tackle real-world challenges. Success in these arenas indicates your readiness for the rigorous and collaborative spirit of Caltech.

• Consider renowned competitions. Engage in well-known competitions like the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), the American Mathematics Competitions (AMC), or the FIRST Robotics Competition.
• Join team-based competitions. Participate in team competitions like the National Science Bowl or the International Mathematical Olympiad, which can highlight your collaborative skills.
• Document your journey. Keep a detailed record of your methodology, challenges, and innovations during the competition.
• Leverage your experience. Use your competition experiences to illustrate your passion for STEM in your essays and interviews, showing how these experiences have shaped your academic and career aspirations.

4. Excel in extracurricular activities.

Excelling in extracurricular activities is vital because it shows Caltech that you’re a well-rounded individual with diverse interests and skills. Caltech values students who demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and commitment in various areas, not just academics.

Engaging in diverse interests shows your ability to balance rigorous academic pursuits with other passions. This balance is crucial at Caltech, where students are encouraged to develop holistically, nurturing both their intellectual and personal growth.

• Explore a variety of interests. Participate in activities outside of the STEM field, like arts, music, sports, or volunteer work.
• Demonstrate leadership and initiative. Take on leadership roles or initiate new projects or clubs, showcasing your organizational and management skills.
• Balance commitment and quality. Focus on a few activities where you can make meaningful contributions, rather than trying to do too many things superficially.
• Reflect personal growth. Use these activities to show personal development and how they’ve shaped your perspective and skills.

5. Write exceptional essays.

Exceptional essays are a crucial component of your Caltech application. They provide a platform for you to express your personality, motivations, and how you align with Caltech’s values.

Well-written essays can make a significant impact, offering insights into your character, thought processes, and aspirations. They are your opportunity to stand out from the crowd, showcasing your uniqueness and fit for Caltech.

• Reflect Caltech’s values. Write essays that resonate with the qualities Caltech values, such as creativity, resilience, and a passion for STEM.
• Personalize your stories. Share personal anecdotes that highlight your journey and experiences in STEM, as well as your other interests.
• Showcase your intellectual curiosity. Illustrate your love for learning and how you have pursued knowledge beyond the classroom.
• Proofread and revise. Ensure your essays are well-written, clear, and free of errors. Consider getting feedback from teachers or mentors.

6. Get amazing letters of recommendation.

Amazing letters of recommendation can significantly enhance your Caltech application. They provide an external perspective on your academic abilities, character, and potential, giving credibility to your application.

Strong recommendations from teachers or mentors who know you well can corroborate your achievements and qualifications. They offer the admissions committee insights into how you perform in an academic setting and contribute to your community.

• Choose recommenders wisely. Select teachers or mentors who know you well and can speak specifically about your abilities and accomplishments, especially in STEM fields.
• Provide context. Give your recommenders an overview of your goals and why you’re applying to Caltech, so they can tailor their recommendations to align with your aspirations.
• Request early. Ask for recommendations well in advance to give your recommenders enough time to write thoughtful letters.
• Follow up graciously. After your recommenders agree to write a letter, provide them with any necessary materials and deadlines, and remember to thank them for their support.

7. Take advantage of Caltech’s Early Action.

Applying through Caltech’s early action plan can be beneficial. Early action demonstrates your clear interest and enthusiasm for Caltech, allowing your application to be considered ahead of the regular pool.

This early submission not only shows your proactive nature but also allows you to convey your strong commitment to becoming part of the Caltech community. While the early action pool is competitive, it offers the advantage of having your application reviewed in a smaller set of applicants.

• Prepare early. Complete all components of your application, including essays and recommendations, well before the early action deadline.
• Express your commitment. In your application, make it clear why Caltech is your preferred choice and how you align with its values and programs.
• Understand the specifics. Familiarize yourself with the unique deadlines and requirements for early action to ensure your application is compliant.
• Showcase your strengths beyond testing. With Caltech’s test-free policy, emphasize other strong aspects of your application like extracurricular achievements, leadership roles, and unique personal experiences.

In summary, each of these tips is designed to strengthen your application to Caltech. The goal is to present a well-rounded, authentic, and impressive profile that aligns with Caltech’s values and expectations. With careful planning and dedication, you can enhance your chances of joining the ranks of Caltech’s esteemed student body.

Subjects to Take to Get into Caltech

Before diving into the high school subjects you should focus on to prepare for admission to Caltech, it’s essential to understand the core curriculum that Caltech offers. This curriculum sets the academic tone of the institute and reflects the fundamental areas of knowledge that Caltech prioritizes.

By familiarizing yourself with these core subjects, you can tailor your high school coursework to align more closely with what Caltech values in its prospective students, thereby enhancing your preparedness and candidacy for admission.

Caltech’s core curriculum

Caltech’s core curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive foundation in fundamental areas of knowledge while fostering a rigorous and collaborative learning environment. Here are its key components:

• Mathematics and Physics: The curriculum includes intensive coursework in higher-level mathematics and physics, reflecting Caltech’s strong emphasis on these disciplines.
• Chemistry and Biology: Courses in chemistry and biology are also integral, providing a broad understanding of the sciences.
• Humanities and Social Sciences: Caltech requires coursework in humanities and social sciences to ensure well-rounded intellectual development.
• Laboratory Work and Research: Practical lab work and research opportunities are integral, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.

This core curriculum is structured to challenge students and foster a deep understanding of both STEM and non-STEM subjects, preparing them for diverse intellectual pursuits and research.

Subject recommendations

Now, to boost your chances of admission into Caltech, it’s crucial to take a rigorous high school curriculum, particularly focusing on STEM subjects. Here’s a more detailed breakdown with tips:

• Advanced Mathematics: Enroll in courses like AP Calculus AB/BC, Advanced Algebra, and Statistics. Challenge yourself with the highest level of math available at your school.
• Science Courses: Prioritize AP Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Caltech values a strong foundation in science, so excel in these subjects.
• Computer Science: If your school offers advanced courses in computer science, take them. This demonstrates your interest and aptitude in a field important to Caltech.
• Engineering Classes: Participate in any available engineering or applied science courses. These can provide practical experience and a deeper understanding of engineering principles.
• Honors or AP Courses in Other Subjects: While focusing on STEM, don’t neglect other areas. Excelling in advanced humanities and social sciences courses shows you’re well-rounded and capable of handling diverse academic challenges.

For optimal preparation for Caltech’s rigorous academic environment:

• Maintain high grades.  Aim for top grades in these challenging courses.
• Seek opportunities beyond school. Look for summer programs or extracurriculars that align with these subjects.
• Demonstrate passion.  Engage in projects or competitions related to these areas to showcase your interest and initiative.

Balancing a strong performance in these courses with extracurricular achievements can significantly strengthen your application to Caltech.

Specific Areas that Can Bolster Your Caltech Application

To strengthen your application to Caltech, engaging in specific activities and programs that highlight your skills and passions is essential. This section provides a curated list of activities and programs across various areas, from academic research to community service, that can significantly enhance your profile for Caltech.

• Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF): Participating in ISEF showcases your ability to conduct and present complex scientific research at an international level.
• NASA’s High School Internship Program: This program offers you a unique opportunity to engage in NASA’s space exploration projects, gaining hands-on experience.
• National Honor Society: Active involvement in the National Honor Society can highlight your leadership and community service skills.
• Student Government: Taking on a role in student government demonstrates your leadership abilities and involvement in school governance.

Academic research

• Simons Summer Research Program: This program allows you to engage in cutting-edge research projects alongside established scientists.
• MIT’s Research Science Institute: This program combines rigorous coursework with research opportunities, enriching your academic experience.

School clubs and organizations

• Robotics Team: Being part of a robotics team showcases your teamwork and problem-solving skills in technology and engineering.
• Math Club: Involvement in a math club emphasizes your interest and proficiency in mathematics through various activities and competitions.

Community service

• Key Club International: Leadership roles in Key Club International demonstrate your commitment to service and community development.
• Local Community Service Initiatives: Organizing or participating in local community service projects shows your dedication to making a positive impact in your community.

Regional and national academic competitions

• American Mathematics Competitions (AMC): Excelling in these competitions demonstrates your mathematical talent and problem-solving abilities.
• National Science Bowl: Success in the National Science Bowl highlights your extensive knowledge in science.

Summer programs

• Caltech Summer Programs: Participating in Caltech’s own summer programs can provide you with an immersive research experience that aligns directly with the institution’s ethos.
• Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC): Attending SUMaC indicates your advanced understanding and passion for mathematics.
• All-State Band or Orchestra: Performing in these prestigious music groups shows your commitment and excellence in music.
• Youth Symphonies: Participation in youth symphonies demonstrates your musical talent and ability to collaborate in an ensemble.

Sports and athletics

• Varsity Sports: Competing in varsity sports indicates your teamwork, discipline, and dedication.
• Regional/National Athletic Competitions: Excelling in these competitions showcases your athletic abilities and commitment to sports.

Internships

• Local Tech Startups: Interning at tech startups provides practical experience and exposure to the technology industry.
• Research Institutions: Internships at research institutions allow you to contribute to significant scientific projects, gaining valuable experience.

In conclusion, participating in these suggested activities and programs can greatly bolster your application to Caltech, showcasing your diverse skills, interests, and commitment to excellence. Each activity offers a unique opportunity to demonstrate the qualities Caltech values in its prospective students.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Caltech Application

To maximize your chances of being accepted to Caltech , it’s crucial to not only emphasize your strengths but also to avoid common pitfalls. This section highlights the top mistakes applicants often make in their Caltech applications, offering guidance on how to steer clear of these errors.

1. Overlooking the essay quality

One of the most common pitfalls in the Caltech application process is not giving the necessary attention to your essays. Caltech’s essay questions provide a valuable opportunity for you to showcase your personality, aspirations, and how well you align with the institute’s values and community.

These essays are not mere formalities but are instrumental in setting you apart from other applicants. They serve as a platform for you to convey who you are beyond your academic achievements.

How to avoid this mistake:

• It is absolutely essential for your essays to be engaging and reflective of your true self. Admissions officers are not just looking for cookie-cutter responses; they want to see the real you. Avoid crafting a persona or resorting to clichés.
• Generic statements won’t make you stand out in a highly competitive pool of applicants. Instead, use specific examples and personal experiences to illustrate your unique qualities, skills, and passions. Rather than simply telling the admissions committee about your strengths, show them through vivid anecdotes and real-life experiences.
• Pay meticulous attention to grammar and proofreading to eliminate errors. A polished essay conveys professionalism and an unwavering commitment to presenting your best self.
• Beyond showcasing your own attributes, make sure your essays also touch on why Caltech is the perfect fit for you. Delve into how the institute’s values, programs, and culture align with your personal and academic goals, providing insight into why you’re a great match for Caltech’s community.

2. Focusing solely on academics

Another common misstep in the Caltech application process is concentrating solely on your academic achievements. While these achievements are undeniably significant, it’s crucial to recognize that Caltech values well-rounded individuals who bring a diverse array of talents and experiences to their campus.

Your application should go beyond presenting yourself as a one-dimensional scholar. The admissions committee values qualities such as leadership, creativity, teamwork, and a commitment to making a positive impact in various aspects of life.

• Strive to strike a balance between showcasing your academic excellence and highlighting your engagement in extracurricular activities. Caltech wants students who can contribute to their community, so demonstrate your capacity to do so.
• Share instances where you assumed leadership roles, initiated transformative changes, or left a lasting mark in your community or chosen field. These stories provide tangible evidence of your ability to lead and effect positive change.
• Reflect genuine passion. Caltech isn’t interested in applicants who pile on activities for the sake of their application. Instead, they want to see your authentic passion and unwavering dedication to a select few activities that genuinely resonate with you.
• Explore how your academic interests and extracurricular pursuits intersect or complement each other. Show that your academic passions extend beyond textbooks and into your extracurricular endeavors, creating a more complete and intriguing profile.

3. Underestimating the importance of recommendations

Underestimating the significance of your recommendation letters can negatively affect your application. The right recommenders and strong letters of recommendation can make a substantial difference in your application’s overall impact.

Your letters of recommendation offer valuable insights into your character, abilities, and potential. They should complement your application and provide a more comprehensive view of who you are as an applicant.

• Select recommenders who are intimately familiar with your personal and academic strengths. They should be individuals who know you well and can provide specific anecdotes and examples that highlight your intellectual curiosity, character, and potential.
• Discuss with your recommenders the specific qualities or experiences you’d like them to emphasize in their letters. This ensures that the recommendations align with your overall narrative and provide a holistic view of your abilities and character.
• Generic or boilerplate letters won’t make a meaningful impression. Encourage your recommenders to share personal stories or specific instances that illustrate your qualities and potential.
• Your recommendations should complement your application by providing a different perspective and adding depth to your story. Choose recommenders who can speak to aspects of your life that may not be evident elsewhere in the application.

4. Ignoring application completeness and deadlines

The next common mistake is submitting an incomplete application or submitting it late. These can lead to automatic rejection.

A completed application submitted by the deadline is your ticket to consideration by the admissions committee. Missing materials or late submissions can hinder your chances of being reviewed.

• Ensure that every section of your application is meticulously filled out, leaving no blanks or unanswered questions. Double-check all forms for completeness.
• Make sure that all necessary documents, such as transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation, are submitted as per Caltech’s requirements. Verify receipt with the respective institutions and recommenders.
• Stay organized by keeping a record of Caltech’s application deadlines. Aim to submit your application well in advance to avoid any last-minute issues, technical glitches, or unforeseen delays.
• If you encounter challenges or uncertainties during the application process, don’t hesitate to reach out to Caltech’s admissions office or support resources for guidance and assistance.

5. Failing to showcase personal fit with Caltech

One of the most critical aspects of your Caltech application is demonstrating why you are the right fit for the institution and why Caltech is the ideal place for you to pursue your academic and personal goals. Failing to convey this fit is a common mistake that can hinder your chances of admission.

Caltech seeks students who not only meet their academic standards but also align with the institute’s values, culture, and community. Showing your personal fit with Caltech can make your application more compelling.

• Invest time in researching Caltech’s programs, culture, and values. Understand what makes Caltech unique and how it aligns with your academic goals and personal interests.
• In your application, explicitly address what aspects of Caltech resonate with you. Explain how its programs, research opportunities, or community initiatives align with your academic aspirations.
• Describe how you would contribute to Caltech’s campus and community. Whether it’s through your unique experiences, skills, or interests, emphasize what you can bring to the institute.
• Showcase how Caltech’s academic offerings directly relate to your academic and career goals. Articulate how the institution’s resources and faculty expertise will help you achieve your ambitions.
• Tailor your essays, interviews, and any other application components to reflect your understanding of Caltech’s unique environment and how you see yourself thriving within it.

In summary, avoiding these common mistakes can significantly improve the quality of your Caltech application. By paying attention to detail, showcasing a well-rounded profile, and aligning your application with Caltech’s ethos, you can present yourself as a strong candidate for this prestigious institution.

Caltech Admission Requirements

Understanding and meticulously following the Caltech admission requirements is crucial. This section outlines both the mandatory and optional elements you need to include, along with additional requirements specific to certain applicants. These guidelines will help ensure that your application is comprehensive and aligns with what Caltech expects from its prospective students.

Mandatory requirements

• Application Platforms: You can apply through the Common App or QuestBridge Application. Choose the one you feel most comfortable with, as Caltech has no preference.
• Application Fee or Fee Waiver: There’s a $75 fee, but you can apply for a fee waiver if needed. Ensure to check the waiver criteria and process.
• School Report and Counselor Recommendation: Your high school counselor needs to provide a school report and a recommendation letter. Make sure to inform them well in advance.
• Teacher Evaluations: Secure evaluations from teachers who know you well, ideally in subjects relevant to your intended major.
• Official Transcripts: Submit transcripts from grades 9-11. If you’ve taken college classes, include those transcripts too. Ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Mid-Year Report: This is required when your first-term senior grades are available. It’s a chance to showcase your continued academic strength.

Optional requirements

• Research Paper, Abstract, or Publication: If you’ve engaged in significant research or have a publication, consider submitting it. This highlights your research skills and intellectual contributions.
• Maker Portfolio: Submit a portfolio of your projects or innovations, especially if they showcase your technical and creative skills.
• Visual Art: If you have artistic talents, submitting your artwork or visual projects can demonstrate your creativity and diverse interests.
• Description of an Internship: Share details of any relevant internships, particularly those that align with your STEM interests or career goals.

Other requirements

• International Application: If English isn’t your first language or the primary language of your secondary education, you’ll need to submit English Proficiency Exam scores. Be aware of Caltech’s financial aid policy for international students and prepare to translate any non-English documents.
• Letter of Evaluation from Site of Research: If you’re submitting a research paper, an additional letter from someone familiar with your research work is required. This gives insight into your research capabilities and contributions.

How to Apply to Caltech

Applying to Caltech is a multi-step process that requires careful planning and attention to detail. This guide breaks down the application process into five major phases, from initial preparation to awaiting your admission results.

Following these steps methodically will help ensure a well-organized and comprehensive application to one of the world’s leading scientific and engineering institutes.

1. Preparation and research

Start by thoroughly understanding Caltech’s admission requirements. Research the programs and courses offered to ensure they align with your academic and career aspirations. This phase is about laying the groundwork for a tailored application.

2. Gathering materials

Collect your academic transcripts. Begin requesting letters of recommendation from teachers and counselors who can speak to your strengths and suitability for Caltech.

3. Completing the application

Choose either the Common App or QuestBridge Application, filling out each section with care and attention to detail. Spend considerable time crafting your essays , ensuring they reflect your personality and alignment with Caltech’s ethos.

4. Submission and supplemental materials

Carefully review your application for completeness and accuracy before submitting it. If you have supplemental materials, such as research papers or portfolios, prepare them for submission as well.

5. Post-submission

After submitting your application, send in your mid-year report when it becomes available. While waiting for the admission decision, stay engaged in your current academic and extracurricular activities.

How to Submit Supplemental Materials to Caltech

When applying to the California Institute of Technology, you have the opportunity to enhance your application by submitting supplemental materials. These materials can showcase your unique skills, interests, and accomplishments, providing a more comprehensive view of your candidacy to the admissions committee.

Caltech welcomes supplemental materials as part of the application process. This inclusion is particularly beneficial for students who want to highlight their practical application of knowledge, be it through maker portfolios, creative projects, or research papers.

These materials are not mandatory but can be instrumental in demonstrating what you have achieved during your high school career.

The supplemental materials you can submit to Caltech are the following:

• Maker Portfolio: This portfolio highlights student-initiated projects, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of science, technology, engineering, and math, along with non-STEM interests.
• Creative Projects: Caltech is interested in how you spend your time outside of academia, whether it be in the arts, sports, or other hobbies.
• Research Project: If you submit a research project, an additional recommendation from someone who can comment on your research experience is required. This can be a supervisor, mentor, adult collaborator, or an administrator.

Submission methods

You may submit your supplemental materials after the application deadline. Caltech will send you a link to the Caltech application portal (Beaver Breakroom). Follow the detailed instruction sent alongside the notification.

Step-by-step guide

• Decide on the supplemental materials that best represent your skills and interests, such as a maker portfolio, a creative project, or a research paper.
• Ensure that your materials are well-prepared, showcasing the quality and depth of your work.
• For research projects, you need to fill out a form describing your research and provide the email address of your recommender. Caltech’s office will email your recommender a link to upload their evaluation. Make sure they know to expect this request.
• Adhere to any specific instructions provided for each type of supplemental material to ensure proper submission and evaluation.
• Ensure that you submit your materials by the relevant application deadlines.

By carefully selecting and submitting supplemental materials, you can effectively demonstrate your unique talents and experiences, potentially strengthening your application to Caltech.

Other Caltech Application Matters

This section covers two critical areas: understanding scholarships and financial aid options available at Caltech, and making an informed decision between applying for Regular Decision or Early Action. Both of these factors play a significant role in your application strategy and financial planning for your college education.

Scholarships and financial aid

Caltech provides need-based financial aid and offers several merit-based scholarships to support students.

To apply for financial aid, you should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile. These forms help Caltech assess your financial need accurately. The institute is dedicated to fulfilling the full demonstrated financial need of all admitted students, ensuring that finances are not a barrier to attendance.

Importantly, your financial aid application is separate from your admission application and has no impact on your admission decision, maintaining an admissions process based solely on your merits and achievements.

Regular Decision vs Early Action

The choice between Regular Decision and Early Action at Caltech hinges on your readiness and the strength of your application.

Early Action, a non-binding option, allows you to express a strong interest in Caltech and receive an admission decision earlier, but it requires having a polished application ready sooner. In contrast, Regular Decision provides additional time to refine your application and include senior-year accomplishments, though you’ll be considered within a larger pool of applicants.

Consider your preparation level and strategic preference when deciding which option aligns best with your application timeline and readiness.

How Hard Is It to Get Into Caltech?

Gaining admission to the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is an ambitious goal due to its high academic standards and low acceptance rate. Caltech is renowned for its rigorous selection process, focusing on students who excel in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The acceptance rate at Caltech is 3.90%, which means that for every 100 applicants, only 3 to 4 students are accepted. This low rate is a clear indicator of the competitiveness of Caltech admissions.

The university places a strong emphasis on a candidate’s academic achievements, particularly in advanced STEM courses. Standardized test scores, such as the SAT or ACT, are also critical components of the application. However, Caltech looks beyond these quantitative measures.

The admissions committee seeks students who demonstrate a passion for research, innovation, and problem-solving in their chosen field. Extra-curricular activities, particularly those related to STEM, personal essays, and letters of recommendation play a significant role in the decision-making process.

Caltech’s rigorous admission standards align with its reputation as one of the leading science and technology institutions in the world. Applicants must not only have outstanding academic records but also show evidence of creativity, dedication, and a genuine interest in contributing to the fields of science and technology.

Benefits of Attending Caltech

Attending the California Institute of Technology offers numerous benefits, making it a coveted choice for students worldwide. Firstly, Caltech’s small size ensures a low student-to-faculty ratio, providing a personalized and focused educational experience. This intimate environment fosters close interactions between students and professors, enhancing the learning process.

Caltech is recognized globally for its cutting-edge research facilities and opportunities. Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and can engage in groundbreaking research, often alongside world-renowned scientists and Nobel laureates.

This exposure to high-level research early in their academic careers is invaluable for students aspiring to become leaders in STEM fields.

Moreover, Caltech’s curriculum is known for its rigor and emphasis on hands-on experience. Students are encouraged to think critically and tackle complex problems, preparing them for successful careers in academia, industry, or entrepreneurship.

The institute’s strong focus on STEM subjects equips students with in-depth knowledge and practical skills in their chosen fields.

Additionally, Caltech’s network of alumni and connections in the scientific and technological sectors opens doors to exceptional career opportunities. Graduates from Caltech are highly sought after and often go on to make significant contributions in science, technology, and engineering.

How Can an International Student Get Into Caltech?

International students aspiring to join Caltech must manage a competitive admission process, similar to their U.S. counterparts, but with some additional considerations. Firstly, academic excellence in STEM subjects is paramount. International applicants should have an outstanding academic record, particularly in advanced mathematics and science courses.

Proficiency in English is a must, as Caltech’s courses are conducted in English. International students whose primary language is not English must demonstrate their proficiency through standardized tests like the TOEFL or IELTS.

In addition to standardized test scores and academic transcripts, the application includes essays, letters of recommendation, and a record of extracurricular activities. These components allow international students to showcase their unique perspectives, talents, and achievements beyond academics.

Understanding and adhering to the application deadlines is crucial. International students should also be aware of visa requirements and ensure they have the necessary documentation if admitted.

Caltech values diversity and welcomes students from around the world. International applicants who exhibit exceptional talent in STEM fields, combined with a passion for research and innovation, have a strong chance of being admitted.

How to Get Into Caltech as a Transfer Student?

Transferring to Caltech is a challenging but achievable goal. Transfer applicants are expected to have completed at least one year of full-time college study and should have an exemplary academic record, especially in mathematics and science courses.

Caltech evaluates transfer applicants based on their college performance, so maintaining a high GPA is crucial. The institute also considers the rigor of the courses taken and prefers applicants who have succeeded in advanced STEM subjects.

In addition to academic achievements, transfer applicants must submit letters of recommendation, ideally from professors in their current college who can speak to their academic abilities and potential for success at Caltech.

The application process for transfer students also includes essays. These essays are an opportunity for applicants to explain their reasons for wanting to transfer to Caltech and to highlight any research experiences or extracurricular activities relevant to their chosen field of study.

Given the competitive nature of the transfer process, applicants should also demonstrate their commitment to the fields of science and technology and how they plan to contribute to the Caltech community.

In summary, while transferring to Caltech is competitive, candidates with strong academic records in STEM fields demonstrated passion for research, and clear goals aligned with Caltech’s mission have a good chance of being accepted.

Can an Average Student Get into Caltech?

Gaining admission to the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), one of the most prestigious and selective universities in the world, is a challenging endeavor. The term “average student” can vary in interpretation, but it usually refers to someone who has decent, but not exceptional, grades and test scores.

For a university like Caltech, which is renowned for its rigorous academic standards, especially in science and engineering, the bar is set quite high.

Caltech’s admission statistics reveal that the majority of admitted students have outstanding academic records. This includes high GPAs, top percentile SAT or ACT scores, and a strong background in advanced coursework, particularly in mathematics and science.

However, it is important to note that Caltech considers more than just grades and test scores. They look for students who exhibit exceptional talent, creativity, and a passion for science and technology. Involvement in scientific research, participation in prestigious competitions, and demonstration of intellectual curiosity are factors that can significantly bolster an application.

While it is challenging for an average student to gain admission to Caltech, it’s not impossible. A student with an average academic profile but with exceptional achievements or talents in specific areas related to Caltech’s focus might still stand a  chance.

How to Get into Caltech with a Low GPA?

A low GPA is typically a significant hurdle in applying to a highly selective institution like Caltech. However, there are ways to strengthen your application in other areas:

• Exceptional SAT or ACT Scores: Achieving high scores on standardized tests can help offset a lower GPA, indicating strong academic potential.
• Research Experience: Demonstrating involvement in scientific research, particularly if it leads to publications or presentations, can be a strong indicator of your abilities and interest in science and technology.
• Letters of Recommendation: Strong recommendations from teachers or mentors who can vouch for your academic capabilities, work ethic, and passion for STEM can be influential.
• Personal Essays: Use your essays to explain your GPA, if there are extenuating circumstances, and to showcase your intellectual curiosity, problem-solving skills, and commitment to STEM fields.
• Extracurricular Activities: Highlighting leadership roles, and achievements in science fairs, Olympiads, or other relevant activities can show your passion beyond grades.

It’s important to be realistic and also consider other universities where your chances might be higher, but if Caltech is your dream school, a holistic and well-rounded application is your best approach.

What Makes Caltech Unique?

Caltech stands out for several reasons:

• Focus on STEM: Caltech is primarily focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and it is globally recognized for its strength in these areas.
• Research Opportunities: Undergraduates at Caltech have unparalleled opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research, often working alongside world-renowned scientists.
• Faculty Excellence: Caltech boasts a highly distinguished faculty, including numerous Nobel Laureates, who are not only leaders in their fields but also dedicated to teaching.
• Small Size: With a small student body and a low student-to-faculty ratio, Caltech offers a personalized educational experience.
• Collaborative Environment: Despite its rigorous academics, Caltech fosters a collaborative and supportive environment rather than a competitive one.
• Innovative Curriculum: The curriculum at Caltech is known for being challenging and innovative, encouraging students to think creatively and solve complex problems.

What Does the Caltech Application Look Like?

The Caltech application process is designed to assess not only academic excellence but also a student’s passion for science and technology, creativity, and potential to contribute to the Caltech community. Here’s what the application entails:

• Academic Records: High school transcripts and standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) are required.
• Essays: Caltech requires several essays that allow students to showcase their personality, interests, and fit for Caltech.
• Letters of Recommendation: Recommendations from teachers, especially in math and science, are a crucial component of the application.
• Extracurricular Activities: Detailed information about extracurricular involvement, especially in areas related to STEM, is important.
• Interviews: Interviews are not a mandatory part of the application process but can be requested by the admissions office.
• Application Fee or Waiver: There is an application fee, but waivers are available for those who qualify.

The application process for Caltech is holistic, meaning every part of the application is considered in the decision-making process. Applicants need to present themselves authentically and highlight what makes them unique, especially about their passion for STEM fields.

Is Caltech a Good School for You?

California Institute of Technology, commonly known as Caltech, is renowned for its strong emphasis on science and engineering. Deciding whether it’s the right school for you depends on several factors. If you are passionate about pursuing a career in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), Caltech might be an ideal choice. The institution is known for its rigorous academic programs, small class sizes, and a faculty that includes top researchers in their fields.

What sets Caltech apart is its unique culture that fosters innovation and research. Students at Caltech are encouraged to engage in hands-on research projects, even at the undergraduate level. This provides an opportunity to work closely with faculty and contribute to groundbreaking research.

However, it’s important to consider the intensity of the academic environment. Caltech’s courses are challenging, and the workload can be heavy. If you thrive in a competitive and intellectually stimulating environment, this could be a perfect fit. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced college experience with equal emphasis on arts, sports, and social activities, you might want to explore other options.

How Selective is Caltech?

Caltech is among the most selective universities in the world. The admission process at Caltech is highly competitive, with a low acceptance rate. This reflects not only the high academic standards but also the small size of the institution. Caltech typically admits a small number of students each year, which contributes to its low acceptance rate.

The admissions committee at Caltech looks for students who have excelled academically, particularly in mathematics and science subjects. High scores in standardized tests like the SAT or ACT are common among applicants. However, Caltech also places significant importance on creative problem-solving skills, a passion for STEM, and the potential for research and innovation.

Given its selectivity, applicants need to have strong academic records. However, equally important are the personal statements and recommendation letters that highlight a student’s unique talents, achievements, and suitability for a rigorous STEM-focused education.

Should You Apply to Caltech?

Deciding to apply to Caltech should be based on a careful evaluation of your academic interests, career goals, and personal preferences. If you have a strong academic record in math and science and are eager to be part of cutting-edge research, Caltech could be an excellent choice.

Applying to such a selective institution also means you should be prepared for the competitive nature of the admissions process. It’s important to present a well-rounded application that showcases not only your academic strengths but also your unique qualities and experiences.

Furthermore, consider whether the campus culture and environment align with your preferences. Caltech’s focus on STEM, small community, and collaborative yet rigorous academic setting are factors to weigh in your decision. Visiting the campus, talking to current students or alumni, and thoroughly researching the programs offered can help you make an informed decision.

How Does Caltech Review Applications?

Caltech employs a holistic review process for applications. This means that they consider a wide range of factors, not just academic achievements. The admissions committee looks at your grades and test scores to assess your academic preparedness, but they also pay close attention to your essays, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation.

Your essays are particularly important as they provide insight into your personality, motivations, and interests. Caltech is looking for students who are passionate about STEM and have demonstrated this through their activities and achievements. Your ability to think creatively and solve complex problems is highly valued.

Extracurricular activities that show leadership, commitment, and a genuine interest in science and technology can strengthen your application. Letters of recommendation should ideally come from teachers or mentors who can speak to your abilities and potential in STEM fields.

Finally, Caltech values diversity and seeks to admit students from a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. This holistic approach ensures that each application is considered in its entirety, allowing the admissions committee to select a well-rounded and diverse student body.

Does Caltech Require Interviews?

When considering applying to the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), a question that often arises is whether interviews are part of the admissions process. Caltech does not require interviews for undergraduate admissions. This policy reflects Caltech’s approach to evaluating applicants based on their written applications and supporting documents.

However, prospective students need to understand that the absence of an interview does not make the application process less rigorous. Caltech’s admissions committee pays close attention to academic records, standardized test scores, essays, and letters of recommendation. These components provide a comprehensive picture of a student’s capabilities, interests, and potential fit with Caltech’s demanding academic environment.

What Extracurriculars Do You Need for Caltech?

Caltech is known for its focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Consequently, students often wonder what type of extracurricular activities they should pursue to strengthen their application. While there is no specific set of extracurriculars required for admission to Caltech, certain types of activities can enhance your application.

• STEM-Related Activities: Participation in science fairs, math clubs, robotics teams, or research projects demonstrates a passion for STEM fields, which is highly valued at Caltech.
• Leadership Roles: Holding leadership positions in clubs or organizations, especially those related to your academic interests, shows your ability to manage responsibilities and work collaboratively.
• Community Service and Volunteering: Engagement in community service or volunteering activities reflects a commitment to making a positive impact, a quality appreciated by Caltech.
• Creative Pursuits: Involvement in creative or artistic endeavors, such as music, art, or writing, can showcase your well-rounded personality and diverse interests.

Remember, the quality of your involvement is more important than quantity. Deep, sustained commitment in a few areas is typically more impressive than minimal participation in many activities.

What Should You Write About in Your Personal Statement to Get into Caltech?

Your statement for Caltech should highlight aspects of your personality, experiences, and aspirations that align with what Caltech values in its student body. Here are some tips:

• Passion for STEM: Demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to STEM fields through personal anecdotes or experiences.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Share instances where you have successfully solved complex problems, particularly in academic or research settings.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Illustrate your ability to work effectively in teams, a crucial skill for success at Caltech.
• Personal Growth: Reflect on your journey, the challenges you’ve overcome, and how these experiences have shaped your goals and ambitions.
• Fit with Caltech: Explain why Caltech’s unique environment is the right fit for your academic and professional goals.

How Do You Write a Caltech Supplemental Essay?

Writing a compelling supplemental essay for Caltech involves focusing on specific prompts provided by the university. These prompts often require you to reflect on your academic interests, personal experiences, and perspectives. Here’s how to approach them:

• Be Specific: Tailor your responses to reflect your genuine interests and experiences, particularly how they relate to your desire to study at Caltech.
• Showcase Originality: Stand out by presenting unique viewpoints or unusual experiences that can differentiate your application.
• Demonstrate Fit: Link your aspirations and values with what Caltech offers, showing a clear understanding of how the institute can help you achieve your goals.
• Use Clear and Concise Language: Write clearly and concisely, ensuring your essay is well-organized and free of unnecessary jargon.
• Revise and Proofread: Make sure to revise your essay multiple times and consider feedback from teachers or mentors to polish your final submission.

In summary, while Caltech does not require interviews, applicants must focus on presenting a strong written application. This includes showcasing relevant extracurriculars, writing a personal statement that reflects your passion and fit for Caltech, and crafting thoughtful supplemental essays that highlight your unique qualities and aspirations.

What Enrichment Opportunities Will Help You Get Into Caltech?

Gaining admission to the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), one of the world’s most prestigious universities for science and engineering, demands more than just excellent grades and test scores. Enrichment opportunities play a crucial role in setting your application apart. These experiences show your passion, commitment, and ability to excel in a challenging environment.

Firstly, participating in science and math competitions, such as the International Mathematical Olympiad or the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, can be highly beneficial. Success in these competitions demonstrates exceptional aptitude and dedication in your field of interest.

Secondly, research experiences, especially those resulting in publications or presentations, are highly valued by Caltech. These experiences indicate a deep understanding of scientific inquiry and the ability to contribute to your field. Seek opportunities at local universities, through summer programs, or even initiate independent projects under the guidance of a mentor.

Thirdly, involvement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) clubs and organizations shows sustained interest and leadership in these areas. Holding leadership positions or initiating projects within these clubs can further highlight your abilities.

Lastly, attending STEM-focused summer programs or workshops can enhance your knowledge and skills while also demonstrating your commitment to these fields. Programs like the Research Science Institute or Caltech’s own Young Investigators Program are examples that can provide valuable experiences.

Remember, the key is not just participation, but meaningful engagement and achievement in these activities.

Do You Need to Take AP Courses to Get into Caltech?

Advanced Placement (AP) courses are often considered a benchmark of academic rigor in high school curricula. While Caltech does not explicitly require AP courses for admission, taking these classes can be beneficial.

AP courses demonstrate your ability to handle college-level coursework, which is particularly important for a highly competitive school like Caltech. Excelling in AP courses, especially in math and science, showcases your academic strength in areas central to Caltech’s curriculum.

However, it’s important to balance course rigor with your overall well-being and extracurricular commitments. Quality is more important than quantity; excelling in a few AP courses is better than struggling with many.

If your school does not offer AP courses, or if they are limited, do not worry. Caltech evaluates applicants within the context of their high school’s offerings. In such cases, taking the most challenging courses available and seeking academic enrichment outside of school can compensate.

Does Caltech Accept AP Credit?

Caltech does accept Advanced Placement (AP) credit, but the policies are quite specific and may differ from other universities. AP credits at Caltech are mainly used for placement purposes rather than as a direct substitute for required courses.

Caltech’s policy on AP credit allows students to be placed into higher-level courses or fulfill certain prerequisites. For instance, high scores in AP Calculus may allow you to start with more advanced math classes. However, due to Caltech’s unique and rigorous curriculum, AP credits are generally not used to shorten the length of undergraduate study.

It’s important to note that AP credits are just one aspect of your application and academic preparation. Caltech’s admission process is holistic, considering many factors beyond standardized test scores and AP results.

Will Caltech Look at Your Social Media?

In today’s digital age, it’s a common question whether universities, including Caltech, review applicants’ social media profiles. While there is no official statement from Caltech stating that they routinely check applicants’ social media, it’s wise to maintain a professional online presence.

Admissions officers may occasionally look at social media profiles if there are specific concerns or to get a more rounded view of an applicant. Therefore, it’s prudent to ensure that your social media accounts reflect your maturity and responsibility.

Remember, your online presence can be an extension of your resume. Positive and constructive engagement in online platforms related to your academic and extracurricular interests can be beneficial.

Will Visiting Caltech Help You Get In?

Visiting Caltech can be a valuable experience for prospective students, but it does not directly influence your chances of admission. Admissions decisions at Caltech are made based on your application materials and do not consider demonstrated interest, including campus visits.

However, visiting can help you in other ways. It gives you a better understanding of the campus culture, academic environment, and student life. This insight can be useful in writing a more informed and personalized application essay, demonstrating why Caltech is a good fit for you.

In conclusion, while visiting the campus won’t increase your chances of admission, it can provide valuable information and help you decide if Caltech is the right place for you.

This comprehensive guide has covered the key aspects of applying to Caltech, including understanding the holistic admissions process, focusing on GPA and other academic achievements (especially with the current test-free policy), and highlighting the importance of extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations.

We also discussed the significance of applying for financial aid, the differences between Regular Decision and Early Action , and the overall application strategy.

Admission to Caltech is highly competitive, with the institute seeking students who not only excel academically but also show passion, creativity, and a strong fit with their ethos. It’s important to approach your application with the understanding that you’ll be competing with some of the brightest students.

We can help you figure out how to get into Caltech

As one of the most prestigious and selective research universities in the country, Caltech is a challenge to get into. However, there are some resources you can take advantage of that would greatly increase your chances of getting admitted.

At AdmissionSight , we offer a wide range of services designed to help students increase their chances of getting into the university of their choice. We offer essay editing services, extracurricular and academic planning, interview preparation, summer program selection, and even pre-high school preparation.

All of our services are personalized to meet the academic goals of each student for optimum results. We’ve become experts in the college admissions field through years of extensive research and hands-on experience. We know what it takes to get into the best schools in the country.

Feel free to contact us to learn more about what we offer. We’ll set up a free consultation to answer all of your questions.

Want to assess your chances of admission? Take our FREE chances calculator today!

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Caltech Supplemental Essays 2022-2023

Caltech supplemental essays 2022-23, quick facts- caltech essays.

• Caltech acceptance rate:   7%— U.S. News ranks Caltech as a most selective school.
• 1 (650 word) Personal Statement
• 1 (~200 word) Academic essay
• 1 (~200 word) Short answer essay
• 2 (~250 word) Short answer essays
• Caltech application: The Caltech application can be submitted via the Common App , Apply Coalition , Powered by Scoir , or through Questbridge . Make sure to check all of the Caltech application requirements. 
• Caltech supplemental essay tip: Your responses to the Caltech essay prompts are your chance to show your love of STEM . Use the opportunity to show how you would thrive in a STEM-focused environment. 

What are Caltech’s supplemental essays?

The Caltech supplemental essays are listed on the Common App website . You can also find the Caltech supplemental essays listed on Caltech’s website , alongside brief explanations of each prompt. 

Required Caltech supplemental essays and short answer questions:

1. Because of the rigorous core course 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? Why did you choose that area of interest? (200 words )

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 for each experience)

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 décor. How have you been an innovator in your own life? (200-250 words)

4. The process of discovery is best advanced when people from diverse backgrounds come together to solve the greatest challenges in their fields. How do your past experiences and present-day perspectives inform who you have become and how you navigate the world? (200-250 words)

Optional Caltech supplemental essays:

1. If there are aspects of your identity that you feel are not captured elsewhere in this application, please provide that information below. (150 words)

2. 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)

3. 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)

4. Have you had any extenuating circumstances regarding your coursework (such as limited course selection or disruptions) not described elsewhere in your application? If so, tell us about them here.

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

You’ll notice that the first thing stated on the Caltech supplemental essays page is that Caltech is “unapologetically STEM.” So, Caltech admissions wants to read all about your STEM-specific experiences . When considering how to write Caltech essays, look first to the “what we look for” page on the Caltech site. This is a cohesive list of what admissions looks for in applicants. 

Notably, the Caltech supplemental essays do not ask students to write a “Why Caltech essay.” However, just because there is no “Why Caltech essay” doesn’t mean that you can’t show the admissions team why you belong at a science and engineering powerhouse like Caltech . So, think of these essays as your chance to show how you’ll contribute to the Caltech community. 

Whenever possible and relevant, reference specific Caltech programs, classes, professors, and organizations that you would take advantage of. The Caltech admissions process extends beyond the admissions office alone. In fact, the Caltech supplemental essays are read directly by faculty. With a 3:1 student to faculty ratio at Caltech, it may not be a surprise that students closely interact with their professors. 

Later in this guide, we will break down each of the Caltech essay prompts in more detail. This should give you an idea of Caltech supplemental essay examples, both required and optional.

How many essays does Caltech require?

Caltech requires students to complete four Caltech essay prompts .

These Caltech essay prompts ask students to reflect on their experiences, interests, and character. You should also use the Caltech essay prompts to discuss your STEM experiences. Prime Caltech supplemental essay examples will encompass who you are within the context of STEM programs . 

Additionally, there are five optional Caltech essay prompts that students can respond to. Caltech stresses that these Caltech essays are optional. We’ll get into specifics later about these optional Caltech essays. This may help you determine if and when to respond to each of the optional Caltech supplemental essays. 

How to Write Caltech Essays

So, how do you answer the Caltech supplemental essays?

Since each of the four required Caltech essays has a 200-250 word maximum, you will want to focus on both content and execution in your writing process. As we’ll discuss, each of the Caltech supplemental essays asks students to reflect on a particular experience or interest. 

To maximize your Caltech essays, you’ll want to offer a brief summary of each experience of an event. Then, use the bulk of your essay to reveal how this experience or event influenced your broader character. Specifically, when focusing on how to write Caltech essays, reflect on your STEM experiences. You may want to write about STEM research in your Caltech supplemental essays. The admissions committee should come away from your Caltech supplemental essays with a clear conception of who you are and the kind of community member you would be on the Caltech campus. 

Caltech Essay Prompts #1 

If you had to choose an area of interest or two today, what would you choose why did you choose that area of interest (200 words).

The first of the four required Caltech essay prompts asks applicants to write “why major essays.” Caltech makes it clear that students aren’t expected to know their major. In fact, students actually can’t declare a major until after their first year. So, undecided students shouldn’t stress too much about their choice of major in these “why major essays.” Students are in no way obligated to study the major in which they reference in their why major essays. 

To answer the first of the Caltech supplemental essays, students should reflect on why they want to attend a STEM-forward university such as Caltech. Think about more than just the Caltech ranking and Caltech acceptance rate. What made you first fall in love with STEM? What specific programs are offered at Caltech and nowhere else? Are you planning to go pre med and hoping to study science at one of the best institutions for STEM? Do some research on the Caltech website in order to reference specific details on programs, internships, research, or faculty.  

Think about the “why”

After having decided an area of interest to write about in this Caltech supplemental essay, focus on the “why” part. Successful “why major essays” will explain why you need to study that major in that particular school. They’ll draw from both personal and academic experiences. Students should also discuss how studying this major would influence their future career goals. 

Let’s say you decide to focus on chemistry. You could discuss how your AP Chemistry course challenged your previous understanding of science. Or maybe a specific experiment stands out in your mind as the point when you knew chemistry was for you. Or perhaps it was the teacher that made an impact on your life. Whatever the reason, reference an academic or personal experience that told you this was the major for you. If you can get more specific than just “chemistry,” such as organic or inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, theoretical chemistry, etc., that’s even better.

Reflection Questions for Caltech Essays:

• Do you choose an area of interest that genuinely excites you?
• Does your essay talk about Caltech specific programs and offerings?
• Do you tie your study interest to your future and career goals ?

Caltech Essay Prompts #2

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).

Similar to the “why major essays,” successful Caltech supplemental essays for this prompt will show applicants’ love of STEM. However, the difference between these two Caltech essay prompts is that the first should focus on a specific area of interest offered at Caltech. The second, however, asks students what sparked their interest in STEM in general during high school. 

We probably don’t have to mention that figuring out how to get into Caltech should start with a passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering , Math ) programs. That being said, students will likely have a number of experiences to reference in their Caltech essays. Start by brainstorming some of the most impactful STEM moments of your high school career. 

Are you in the robotics club and spend your free time tweaking your newest room cleaning robot? Or have you just led your team to the finals of your state’s math competition? Did you participate in a STEM summer program ? Or, maybe it’s nothing too outwardly dramatic. It could be something as simple as an experiment in biology class that ignited your curiosity. 

Make a list and choose two experiences that evoke emotion surrounding choosing STEM. Caltech admissions wants to see serious STEM applicants in these Caltech supplemental essays. Show through your two chosen experiences that you are passionate and committed to a STEM education.

When writing, you’ll also need to show why you want to further study STEM. How have these experiences shaped your future goals and intellectual curiosity? California Institute of Technology seeks students who will pursue their interests, contribute to a thriving intellectual community, and still love learning even when classes get difficult. 

• Does your draft sincerely convey your inspiration and excitement?
• Do you choose two specific STEM related experiences?
• Do you show how these experiences have affected your future studies?

Caltech Essay Prompts #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 décor. how have you been an innovator in your own life (200-250 words).

When planning how to write Caltech essays, you may think that you only need to focus on STEM-related topics and experiences. Of course, Caltech admissions shamelessly states that they want to hear about as much STEM topics as possible in students’ Caltech supplemental essays. However, they also look for critical thinkers with the ability to problem solve. This prompt asks applicants to think about times when they had to create their own innovative solutions to problems. 

If you can think of STEM related instances, great. However, if not, don’t stress. Successful Caltech essays responding to this prompt will just show how you creatively found solutions to an issue you were facing. 

Let’s say your doorbell was broken for months. No one in your household seemed too concerned about it, but one day you miss an important package that you’d been looking forward to receiving. You decide to take matters into your own hands and fashion your own doorbell with some tips from the employee at your local hardware store. Problem solved. 

Solving problems

Any version of that hypothetical story will work in this Caltech supplemental essay. There’s a problem that needs to be solved, and you do so. If you’re stuck, try to focus on your strengths. Are you hard-working, creative, motivated, or curious? Highlight these strengths in the examples you come up with for this essay. 

You have to fall within 200-250 words, so you can use multiple anecdotes here. However, keep it focused—limit yourself to one or two topics. Make a list and choose the instances that show your most innovative, creative, and unique solutions to personal problems while highlighting your strengths. 

Reflection Questions for Caltech Essay:

• Does your essay show that you are innovative and creative?
• Do you discuss specific examples and solutions that you came up with?
• Does your essay give Caltech admissions a better picture of who you are and what you would bring to the campus?

Caltech Essay Prompts #4

The process of discovery is best advanced when people from diverse backgrounds come together to solve the greatest challenges in their fields. how do your past experiences and present-day perspectives inform who you have become and how you navigate the world (200-250 words).

Think about the most important parts of who you are. What makes you you? How have you become that way? Focus on your background and how it has shaped you. Are you about to be a first generation college student? Do you come from a small, close knit town? Has a certain culture or language greatly influenced your upbringing? What communities do you belong to? 

Background can refer to endless things; choose something that resonates deeply with you. It should be something that has greatly impacted you and how you maneuver through the world. Try to avoid cliche topics when writing this essay. Remember that your background can mean anything.

Maybe your mom is a chef at a five-star restaurant and you grew up in the kitchen. Paint a picture of life in a chaotic, fast-paced environment and what it taught you. Successful Caltech essays will be creative while answering the Caltech supplemental prompts. Start with a hook and then expand on how it has impacted you. 

• Do you draw on personal experiences from your background?
• Is it evident what an impact those experiences have had on who you are today?
• Do you show how your background affects your worldview or experiences?

Caltech Supplemental Essays: Optional Short Answer Questions

On their website, Caltech prefaces these optional essays by saying that they are “optional opportunities to show us more of your personality.” Before even getting into the optional Caltech essay prompts, admissions reiterates that they are in fact optional by stating: “Optional. We Promise.”

Basically, you can choose whether to answer these Caltech essay prompts or not. However, there are certain optional Caltech essay prompts that you should opt to answer if you want your Caltech application to be as competitive as possible. 

Optional Caltech Essays #1

If there are aspects of your identity that you feel are not captured elsewhere in this application, please provide that information below. (150 words).

If you struggled to fit all of your meaningful, personality-forming experiences and background information into the last Caltech supplemental essay, then this is your opportunity to add more. 

Continuing with our last example in the previous Caltech supplemental essay, let’s say that you wrote about growing up in a fancy restaurant’s kitchen because of your mom’s profession. Maybe in the last essay, you wrote about how you learned to think on your feet in a high-pressure environment, which has made you the decisive person that you are today. You may want to add onto this by talking about the different cultures that you experienced in the kitchen. Did you become close with the sous chef who was from Italy? Did it inspire a gap year or summer trip to Italy that changed your life?

Or maybe you want to talk about a completely different community that has shaped you. Maybe you’ve grown up training ballet in every moment of your spare time, which has built discipline and pushed you to achieve. If you can talk about how a certain community has formed you, and your story will add value to your Caltech application, then answer this prompt. 

However, if you were struggling with the last of the Caltech essay prompts that touched on background and feel as though you have nothing to add, then feel free to skip this essay.  

Optional Caltech Essays #2

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).

While the first of the optional Caltech supplemental essays is actually optional, we recommend considering the second of the Caltech essays as required. The goal of this Caltech supplemental essay is to see who you are outside of STEM-related hobbies and interests. While admissions wants to see that you love all things STEM, they also want to learn about your other interests. They understand the importance of having some sort of outlet from academics or work. 

Use this Caltech supplemental essay to talk about a hobby that you haven’t mentioned elsewhere. Basically, don’t just repeat your extracurricular activities. That certainly won’t do anything to help you beat the Caltech acceptance rate and impress admissions. Talk about something that will demonstrate a new skill or interest. Don’t forget to mention why this activity is worth writing about. What impact has it had on your life?

To start writing this essay, make a list of all of your activities. Hone in on the ones that are most important to you. Make sure they haven’t been mentioned elsewhere in your Caltech application. Then, choose the topic that interests you the most. 

Consider the following questions:

• Which activity elicits the most emotion? 
• What hobby could you not live without? 
• Which interest has made an impact on who you are today?

Successful Caltech essays will not only mention the activity but also explain why it brings joy. Feel free to get creative when responding to this prompt. Make sure that admissions can feel your passion for this topic. 

Optional Caltech Essays #3

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 another of the optional Caltech supplemental essays that is definitely optional. No tricks here. If you are a true hobbyist and have various activities that define you, then feel free to take on this Caltech supplemental essay. 

Was your list of interests from the last essay spilling onto multiple pages? Great. Students writing their Caltech supplemental essays shouldn’t skimp on passion. However, these Caltech supplemental essays will have to be more succinct, as you only have 50 words. 

Stay creative, just as you were with your last essay. Show why this activity brings you such joy and how it has been such a formative part of your being. Just be sure to do so concisely. 

Caltech Supplemental Essays: Optional Academic Short Answer Questions

The optional academic Caltech supplemental essays are completely optional. Students should only submit Caltech essays for this section if they truly feel the need to. 

There is no word count listed on these Caltech essay prompts, so these Caltech supplemental essays should be concise. This isn’t the time to write a novel. Answer these Caltech supplemental essay prompts succinctly and comprehensively. 

Caltech Essay Prompts #1

Have you had any extenuating circumstances regarding your coursework (such as limited course selection or disruptions) not described elsewhere in your application if so, tell us about them here..

Successful essays to the previous optional Caltech supplemental essays are creative, captivating, and passionate . These final Caltech supplemental essays don’t need to tick the same boxes. These Caltech essays serve to fill any mysterious gaps in the rest of your Caltech application. 

This Caltech supplemental essay specifically asks you to explain any extenuating circumstances that may be noticeable in the coursework noted in your application . If you’ve had access to all the STEM, AP, and IB courses, then there’s no need to respond to this prompt. However, if you attended a school with limited resources and offerings, then you should mention that here. 

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

While these Caltech supplemental essays are included with the other Caltech essays, they’re not really essays. They actually want you to list your honors or awards related to STEM here. 

Only respond to this Caltech supplemental essay if you have received STEM related honors or awards. Don’t set the scene of the science competition where you won first place. There are other Caltech supplemental essays where you can do that. Simply list your specific STEM accomplishments.

How much does Caltech care about essays?

Through the Caltech essays, the admissions committee gains a glimpse into who you are as a student, peer, scientist, and individual. Keep in mind that they don’t know what you don’t tell them. Look at your application as a whole—including your Common App essay —and think critically about whether you have included as many facets of yourself as you can. Your Caltech application requirements should do more than just check boxes; they should tell your story , showing why you belong at Caltech. 

The Caltech ranking is #9 on U.S. News’ Best National Universities list. With the Caltech ranking so high, it makes sense that the Caltech acceptance rate is 4% . Every applicant will have an above average GPA and impressive extracurriculars. So, the Caltech supplemental essays are a chance to stand out . Successful Caltech supplemental essays will add to students’ application narratives. Planning how to get into Caltech involves thoughtfully and carefully answering the Caltech supplemental essays.  

Beyond the numbers

The Caltech essay prompts seek to understand who you are rather than just what’s on your resume. This demonstrates the value of the Caltech essays. Since Caltech is test-blind until 2025, you should maximize each essay as an opportunity to help the admissions team get to know you. Test blind schools, unlike test-optional schools, don’t want any ACT/SAT test scores submitted. Basically, Caltech won’t even look at standardized test scores. However, they will pay close attention to the Caltech supplemental essays. 

Check out this webinar to make sure you stand out as a STEM applicant. 

Five Tips for Writing Caltech Essays

Writing comprehensive and meaningful Caltech essays doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We’ve compiled our top 5 tips for how to write Caltech essays that impress admissions. 

Five Tips for Writing Caltech Essays: 

#1- meet the deadlines.

This may seem obvious, but there’s no way that you will figure out how to get into Caltech if you don’t submit your Caltech application requirements by the deadlines . The Regular Decision deadline is January 3rd . The Restrictive Early Action deadline is November 1st . Learn more about applying Early Action in our article .

#2- Don’t rush the writing process

Yes, you know you have to write and submit your Caltech essays by the deadline. However, that doesn’t mean that you should be scrambling to brainstorm, draft, edit, and revise your Caltech supplemental essays the night before they’re due. 

#3- Carefully choose your topics

This is why it’s important to give yourself plenty of time to write your Caltech supplemental essays. You only have one chance to impress the admissions committee. You should have various topics to choose from after brainstorming. Write essays on the topics that you are most passionate about. 

#4- Get creative

The greatest scientists are extremely creative innovators. Use your essays to creatively write on the topics you’re given. As long as you comprehensively and thoughtfully answer the prompt, a creative writing style will only bolster your Caltech essays.

#5- Ask for help

You certainly don’t have to take on your Caltech essays completely alone. Have someone else look at your completed Caltech essays. While they should check mechanics, also ask them for feedback on what they’ve learned about you through your Caltech essays. When implementing their feedback, maintain your own voice and style. 

Caltech Supplemental Essays — Final Thoughts

The Caltech supplemental essays are a key part of your application. The Caltech acceptance rate is low. Maximizing your admissions odds will take acing every part of the application process, including the Caltech supplemental essays. 

Remember to be clear, concise , and specific while telling authentic stories in your essays. Reference STEM-related subjects as much as possible. However, do so in a natural manner. Use the essays as a chance to supplement the quantitative parts of your application such as your grades and GPA with qualitative attributes of who you are as a student, person, and peer.

This Caltech essay guide on was written by Sarah Kaminski. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeA d visor.com can support you in the college application process.

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Graduate Admissions for Chemical Engineering

Related Links

• Academic Calendar
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Please visit the Caltech Office of Graduate Studies website for details about the application process.

Beginning AY 2024-25, Caltech's chemical engineering PhD program has a new application process that features on-site interviews prior to final decisions about admissions. During your pre-admissions visit to Caltech, you will have the opportunity to more fully highlight your background, skills, and goals by engaging in deep research conversations with many faculty members. This process will allow you to supplement your application materials, while ensuring that a positive admissions decision reflects strong interactions with many faculty.

ChE Admissions – Important Dates:

December 1, 2024 ChE Application Deadline

December 9, 2024 Applicants will be contacted to participate in an initial Zoom interview

December 11-13, 2024 Zoom interviews will be held

December 18, 2024 Invitations for ChE Interview Weekend sent

Early January Pre-visit zoom info session

February 6-8, 2025 ChE Interview Weekend

February 14, 2025 Visitors notified of our decision

March 2025 Virtual Caltech Shines Event – Date TBD!

Caltech Shines is a virtual program designed to introduce you to the larger Caltech community. While you have been accepted into a specific graduate option, you will be joining the broader intellectual and social environment at Caltech. During Caltech Shines you will learn more about campus-wide resources, meet with campus affinity groups, and have an opportunity to ask any lingering questions from students and faculty in your chosen option. Attendance at this event is entirely voluntary, but it will provide you with the opportunity to meet students from other options as well as ask questions that may help you in your upcoming decision.

Nuts and Bolts

The sections below contain some of the basic information about applying to Caltech. You can find even more details on the Caltech Graduate Office admissions webpage .

Application Requirements

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 scores are not required.  Absence of GRE scores will not be negatively considered for otherwise qualified applicants.  If an applicant believes that GRE scores strengthen the application and chooses to submit them, submitted GRE scores will be considered. 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.

Application Checklist

To successfully complete the online application process, you must:

• Create a free account with CollegeNET to submit the application form online. https://www.applyweb.com/caltgapp
• Include payment of the application fee or submit a fee waiver request. (Waiver is included in the application)
• Upload a Statement of Purpose. Tips
• Upload an official electronic copy of your transcripts or online grade reports issued by your college or university. Updated grade reports for terms in progress are not required. Students who have been admitted and plan to attend Caltech will be required to submit an official copy of all transcripts from the Registrar's Office prior to enrollment.
• Register three individuals from whom you will request letters of recommendation.
• Upload a CV or Resume. Tips

Supplemental Forms and Documents

In addition to a completed application form, applicants are required to submit several additional supporting documents. These include:

• STATEMENT OF PURPOSE Provide a brief statement of your scientific and professional interests and objectives. Include a description of your past accomplishments that are not evident from the examination of other documents submitted. Report, if applicable, on any research in progress. The statement must be written by the applicant in English. It must not be written in another language and translated for the applicant by another person.
• LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your academic and/or work performance are required for all applicants.
• TRANSCRIPTS Transcripts from all colleges or universities attended are required. Transcripts may be sent directly from the Registrar of the institution you attended or transcripts issued directly to the applicant, and so marked, are acceptable, and can be submitted online following the electronic submission process. If you attended Caltech as an undergraduate, you must request an official transcript from the Office of the Registrar. We cannot obtain one on your behalf. Please provide an explanation of any nonstandard grading systems. International transcripts or records of all courses, seminars, and examinations, including grades, scores, grading scales, and conferrals of degrees, must be in English. All translations must be complete versions of the original records. An official transcript documenting the award of an undergraduate degree is required prior to enrollment in the graduate program at Caltech.
• RESUME OR CURRICULUM VITAE Attach a CV or resume that includes the following, if applicable: (1) Teaching, professional, and vocational experience (include military service, but omit summer or part-time work not relevant to your professional goals) (2) Research experience (3) Major academic recognitions, honors, and memberships in scientific, professional and honorary societies (4) Professional activities (5) Significant extracurricular activities (6) Conference presentations (7) Titles of publications, major papers, or theses authored or co-authored; if published provide citation. Do not upload the entire document as the admissions committee often does not have the time to read a large file. It is preferred that you either list or provide links or a URL where publications can be located.

Transcripts

Transcripts should be submitted online following the electronic submission process. For the purpose of applying, official, sealed copies of your transcripts are not required and scanned copies of an original transcript or university generated web printouts are accepted. Please note, however, that any electronic submissions must be official copies from the school or college attended. Hand‐typed listings of courses prepared by the applicant will not be considered. If admitted, official transcripts documenting attendance at each college and university and the degrees awarded will be required prior to enrollment in the graduate program at Caltech. If you attended Caltech as an undergraduate or as a graduate student in the past, you must request an official transcript from the Office of the Registrar. We cannot obtain one on your behalf. If you are currently enrolled, you may upload an unofficial copy of your transcript via REGIS. For nonstandard or international grading systems, please provide an official university key or legend with your transcript upload. International transcripts or records of all courses, seminars, and examinations, including grades, scores, grading scales, and conferrals of degrees, must be in English. All translations must be complete and certified versions of the original records.

Letter of Reccomendation

Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your academics, research and/or work performance are required for all applicants. We prefer that you utilize the system functionality to register your reference writer following the online instructions. Once you register your reference writer, he or she will automatically be sent an email with instructions on how to upload a letter on your behalf. Applicants can view which letters have been received via the online checklist. Recommendation letters should address the following information:

• How well is the applicant known and in what capacity?
• Does the applicant have the intellectual capability, experimental ability, fundamental training, creativity, and motivation to be successful as a student at Caltech?
• Would the applicant be encouraged to do doctoral research under the recommender's supervision?
• If English is not the native language, how well does the applicant read, write, and converse in English?
• How does the applicant compare to any previous students who have come to Caltech for their graduate work?

Hints and Advice

Applying to graduate school can be mystifying, since you may not know what faculty are looking for when we read your application. Here are a few tips on the types of things that we are looking for in the different parts of your application.

Sample Application Timeline

• Start working on your CV. Tips
• Figure out what tests you need to take: If your first or native language is not English and you don't have a degree from a US institution, you may need to demonstrate English proficiency with the TOEFL , PTE Academic , or IELTS
• Letters of Recommendation (three required): Ask past research supervisors, academic advisors, and professors who know you well to write your letters of recommendation.
• Fellowships and Essays: Apply for Fellowships - National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF)
• Work on your Essay and Statement of Purpose - Tips
• Send your Transcripts
• Make sure your recommendation letters have been submitted. You will receive a notification from Caltech when a letter has been submitted on your behalf. If they are not in yet, gently remind your letter writers.
• Send your application. Deadline for Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics is December 1.
• Applicants will be contacted to participate in an initial Zoom Interviews.
• School Visit: Selected students will be contacted by the Option Manager for a trip to Caltech's campus, in which you will meet with select faculty and learn more about Caltech.

Who should I ask for letters of reference?

• Best: past research supervisors
• Good: academic advisors or professors who know you well
• Not ideal: professors who don't know you well (even if you got an A in a class they taught)
• Ask early! They might be able to suggest places to apply
• Explicitly ask if they can write you a "strong" letter
• A list of places and deadlines to send letters (update regularly!)
• Your CV/résumé and a copy of your transcript, along with whatever extra information they ask for
• If you have any extenuating circumstances that might explain other parts of your application, consider asking your recommenders to mention them in their letters

How do I apply for a fellowship?

• Don't think you'll get a fellowship? Apply anyway, if you can. It never hurts, and it's really useful when writing other applications.
• For US citizens, the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP) is a great opportunity. The application is due October 16, 2024 for life sciences.
• For more tips on applying for the NSF GRFP, check out this useful website . Even if you don't apply, you might want to check out the great example essays hosted here.
• Caltech maintains a list of list of external graduate fellowships that you can apply for. Take a look!

How do I write a Statement of Purpose?

• Express your career goals and research interests
• Briefly describe any past research, emphasizing your contributions
• Explain why a particular program is a good fit for you
• Name drop professors who you might want to work with
• Ask people to look over your statement!
• Especially ask grad students, postdocs, and/or professors
• Get a friend to check for clarity and grammar
• Send your Statement of Purpose to your letter writers once you have drafts
• Be overly flowery—it's not an undergraduate application essay!

You can find more tips here .

California Institute of Technology | Caltech

• Cost & scholarships
• Essay prompt

Acceptance Rate

Average SAT

SAT 25th-75th

Students Submitting SAT

Average (25th - 75th)

Reading and Writing

Average ACT

ACT 25th-75th

Students Submitting ACT

Wondering your admission chance to this school? Calculate your chance now

Applications, how to apply, tests typically submitted, similar schools.

QuestBridge supports high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds on their path to a top college. This is your chance to dream big. 

We’re here to connect Scholars and Alumni to the people and opportunities you need to reach your full potential.

Our partnerships bridge the gap between the nation’s brightest minds and the opportunities they deserve.

Learn more about who we are and how we help students dream big on their path to, through, and beyond college.

California Institute of Technology

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 .

Requirements

Match requirements, deadline: november 1, california institute of technology application status portal activation.

QuestBridge will send Finalists’ applications to California Institute of Technology on October 16, and California Institute of Technology may need a couple days to import them into their system. Once processed, California Institute of Technology will then email you instructions to log in and activate your applicant portal, where you can track the status of the materials you submit to California Institute of Technology.

Requirements will be updated in fall 2024. 

Caltech-QuestBridge Supplement and Letters of Recommendation

Finalists who want to participate in the Match and ranked Caltech will receive an email about the Beaver Breakroom where they can access, complete, and submit the Caltech-QuestBridge Supplement. The Supplement consists of required questions that require 150-250 words max. Fall 2025 applicants will be asked to review Caltech's  guidelines on the ethical use of AI before submitting the required and optional essay listed  here .

Caltech requires letters of recommendation from two teachers:

• STEM: math (calculus or beyond preferred), physics, chemistry, or biology
• Humanities/Social Sciences: English, history, government, or economics

If your QuestBridge recommendations do not meet Caltech's requirements, you must reach out to a teacher to request a letter for the missing field and ask them to submit by November 5. Your recommender may email the letter directly to our office at  [email protected] . Emailed letters must include your full name and date of birth. Caltech recommends requesting letters from teachers who taught you in your final two years of high school, know you well, and can speak knowledgeably about your skills and performance in their classroom. Review examples of classes that meet Caltech's requirements for teacher evaluations .

Official Transcript(s)

An official high school transcript (a transcript sent from a school official) is required along with official transcripts from any other institution where you have taken courses. If a counselor or school official already sent an official transcript through QuestBridge, there is no need to submit another.

In preparation for Caltech's core curriculum, which is the foundation for all majors, Caltech expects you engage academically with the most advanced and rigorous coursework available to you in high school. To prepare for core, students must demonstrate mastery in the following subjects:

• 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 (3+ years recommended)

*If a student is unable to take a calculus, chemistry, and/or physics course in high school because it is not available to them or they experience 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). Learn more about this and Caltech's  Academic Requirements . 

Test Scores

Beginning for Fall 2025 entry, Caltech will require first-year applicants to submit either the  SAT or ACT   for admission to Caltech. The writing section of the ACT is not required.

SAT or ACT scores must be submitted to Caltech by October 31, 2024. This deadline includes any test re-submissions.

There is no preferred exam and there is no cut-off score. We accept both the SAT (paper and digital versions) and ACT tests for the standardized testing requirements, and neither is preferred over the other.

Please visit our  Caltech Standardized Tests website for detailed information. 

2025-2026  CSS Profile

CSS code: 4034 Available Oct. 1

Complete and submit only if you are NOT a U.S. Citizen or Eligible Noncitizen  and cannot submit a FAFSA.

Please select "Early Action" as your admission application type.

Signed 2023 Parent Tax Return or Parent Non-Tax Filer's Statement

Through your portal, the Beaver Breakroom, upload the signed 2023 Parent Tax Return; or, if your parent(s) have not filed a tax return, the Parent Non-Tax Filer's Statement .

2025-2026  FAFSA

FAFSA code: 001131

Submit as soon as available

The FAFSA will open this fall. Please complete the FAFSA as soon as it is available and submit it directly to Caltech.

Complete and submit if you are a U.S. Citizen or Eligible Noncitizen .

Options following the Match

Restrictive early action.

Finalists who do not match cannot be considered for admission through Restrictive Early Action to Caltech, but instead can be considered in the Regular Decision process.

Regular Decision

Follow the instructions below to apply through Regular Decision.

Regular Decision Requirements: Admission Materials

Deadline: january 3, regular decision requirements:.

Step 1: Select California Institute of Technology 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 California Institute of Technology (including all of the materials detailed in the table below).

Step 2: Activate your California Institute of Technology Applicant Portal. QuestBridge will send Finalists’ applications to California Institute of Technology on December 13 and California Institute of Technology may need a couple days to import them into their system. Use the California Institute of Technology applicant portal, sent to you via email, to track the status of your materials you submit to California Institute of Technology.

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

Information for Non-Finalists

Finalists who ranked Caltech and submitted all materials (but did not match to a binding college)

Finalists who did not rank Caltech

Choose one of the following to apply: QuestBridge Application with Caltech-QuestBridge Supplement or  Common Application

If you choose to use your QuestBridge application and Supplement, there is no further action that needs to be taken for this section.

If students choose the Common Application, select “Regular Decision” as the admission round.

If you choose to use your QuestBridge application, you must submit a Caltech-QuestBridge Supplement (only if Caltech was selected in the QuestBridge Regular Decision Form). Through the Beaver Breakroom, you can access, complete, and submit a new Caltech-QuestBridge Supplement.

The Supplement consists of required questions that require 200-250 words max. Fall 2024 applicants will be asked to review Caltech’s guidelines on the ethical use of AI before submitting the required and optional essays listed here . Experiencing writer’s block? Check out Caltech's  Essay Writing Advice.

Letters of Recommendation

Caltech requires letters of recommendation from two secondary school teachers. Our strong preference includes one letter each from the subjects below:

Caltech recommends requesting letters from teachers who taught you in your final two years of high school, who know you well, and can speak knowledgeably about your skills and performance in their classroom. Caltech would like your humanities or social science teacher to comment on your writing skills, so be sure to ask a teacher from a class with a significant writing component. Examples of classes that meet Caltech's requirements for teacher evaluations are available  here .

If a student applies through the QuestBridge Application, Caltech will consider the letters of recommendation that were sent from QuestBridge.

If your QuestBridge recommendations do not meet Caltech's requirements, you are expected to reach out to a teacher to request a letter for the missing field and ask them to submit by January 3.

If a student applies through the Common Application, then their recommender can submit a copy of the letter of recommendation that was submitted to QuestBridge to  [email protected] . Please ask the recommender to include the applicant’s full name and date of birth in their email.

Recommenders are welcome to check out Caltech's  writing advice page .

If your QuestBridge recommendations do not  meet Caltech's requirements, you are expected to reach out to a teacher to request a letter for the missing field and ask them to submit by January 3.

Midyear Report

Students should request a school official to submit an update including recent grades. 

If a student applies through the Common App, we prefer that the transcript is submitted through the Common App. Only if this is not possible, a school official may email the transcript directly to our office at [email protected] . Please ask a school official to include the applicant’s full name and date of birth in their email. Caltech does not accept transcript submissions from applicants.

Students must request an official transcript to be sent to Caltech from their high school(s) and any other institution where they have taken courses. To prepare for the core curriculum, which is the foundation for all majors, students must demonstrate a mastery in the following subjects:

*If a student is unable to take a calculus, chemistry, and/or physics course in high school because it is not available to them or they experience 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). Learn more about this and Caltech's  Academic Requirements .

If a student applies through the Common App, Caltech prefers that the transcript is submitted through the Common App. Only if this is not possible, a school official may email the transcript directly to our office at [email protected] . Please ask a school official to include the applicant’s full name and date of birth in their email. Caltech does not accept transcript submissions from applicants.

Standardized Testing

Beginning for Fall 2025 entry, Caltech will require first-year applicants to submit either the SAT or ACT for admission to Caltech. The writing section of the ACT is not required.

We accept both the SAT (paper and digital versions) and ACT tests for the standardized testing requirements, and neither is preferred over the other.

Students applying through Regular Decision must submit their SAT or ACT scores to Caltech before December 31, 2024. 

Please visit our  Standardized Tests . 

Regular Decision Requirements: Financial Aid Materials

All Financial Aid deadlines are tentative. Please reference the Caltech Financial Aid website to confirm deadline dates.

FAFSA code: 001131 Deadline: Mar. 2

US Citizens and  Eligible Noncitizens

CSS code: 4034 Available: Oct. 1 Deadline: Feb. 1

Non-Custodial Parent Profile (if applicable) Deadline: Mar. 16

2023 irs tax return transcript and forms deadline: mar. 16.

(Submit the following materials once you are admitted to Caltech)

Submit the following to  IDOC . Please note that the IDOC service does not become available until October 1, 2024.

• Signed copy of your parents' 2023 IRS Tax Return Transcript and W-2 forms.
• Caltech Supplemental Application
• Verification Worksheet
• Parents' & Student's Income Tax Transcript

If your parents own a business or farm:

• Business/Farm Supplement

If applicable:

• Student Non-Tax Filer's Statement
• Parent Non-Tax Filer's Statement

Cal Grant GPA Verification Form Deadline: Mar. 2

(Submit once you are admitted to Caltech)

For Residents of California only

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]

The Common App is Open! Get expert guidance to complete your application with the College Application Booster​®.

REQUIREMENTS AND CAMPUS GUIDE

The california institute of technology.

The California Institute of Technology, more commonly known as Caltech, is one of the most renowned technical universities in the U.S.—and the world. Founded in the late nineteenth century by Amos Throop, the private institution has developed a reputation of excellence and innovation in science, technology, and engineering, producing groundbreaking research and graduates who boast significant achievements in the field over the last century. If you want to study STEM in college but don’t know if Caltech is the right choice for you, take a look at these frequently asked questions to help you decide!

The California

Of technology.

School Location:

PASADENA, CA

School Type:

PRIVATE RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Admissions Rates:

ADMITTED: 3.9%

GENERAL INFO

Sat/act scores:.

Fall 2020 Test Scores Math:  790-800 ERW: 740-780 ACT: 35-36

Dates/Deadlines:

Early Action:  November 1 Early Results:  Mid-December Regular Deadline:  January 3 Regular Results: Mid-March

School Information:

Undergraduate Population: 1,023 Faculty Ratio: 3:1 Interview Considered: No

CALTECH TIPS & GUIDE

How difficult is it to get into caltech.

Caltech is consistently one of the most competitive schools in the nation. In the Fall of 2022 (the most recent year for which Common Data Set information is available), Caltech received 16,626 applications and accepted 448 students, yielding an acceptance rate of 2.7 percent. Caltech seeks to admit students who are passionate about math, chemistry, and physics and appreciate the social sciences and the humanities (subjects in which they are required to complete intensive coursework as freshmen). Students who gain admission to Caltech are described as resilient, creative, collaborative, and determined. Caltech does not publish data concerning average SAT or ACT score or GPA of admitted students, but 96 percent of admitted students in the Class of 2026 were in the top tenth of their high school class.

What is the campus like at Caltech?

Caltech is one of four colleges in Pasadena, California, northeast Los Angeles. Caltech stands out as the only technical university in LA and the city’s most renowned school. Pasadena is best known for hosting the annual Rose Bowl Football game and the Tournament of Roses Parade. Aside from these events, Pasadena tends to be a relatively quiet area but is conveniently located close to the vibrant city of Los Angeles (the second-largest city in the U.S.). To get a better sense of the Caltech community and campus, you can take a virtual tour .

What is Caltech known for?

Caltech is known as a world-renowned science and engineering institute. Caltech faculty and alumni earn recognition on the national and international levels, including 46 Nobel Prizes and 66 National Medal of Science Recipients. The school has an exceptionally low student to faculty ratio of 3:1, with 300 faculty members teaching 1,000 undergraduate students and 1,400 graduate students.

Home to over 50 research centers and institutes , research is the cornerstone of a Caltech education. Caltech treats its students like professional scientists from the moment they step foot on campus. This distinct approach seamlessly integrates research and education. Over half of Caltech students begin conducting research during their first year, and 9 out of 10 undergraduates participate in research while at the school. As such, Caltech offers numerous opportunities for undergraduates to participate in research, including the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships ( SURF ) and various exchange programs , which offer students the opportunity to live in another culture and conduct research in a different academic environment.

How diverse is Caltech?

Caltech reported that their Class of 2027 is composed of 263 students, 59% of which are males and 41% females, with 37% of students being Asian, 5% Black or African American, 11% Hispanic, 22% White, and 17% Nonresident Alien.

How do I apply to Caltech?

Caltech accepts applications in two rounds: Restrictive Early Action and Regular Decision. Restrictive Early Action (REA) is an early admissions process which allows students to learn of their admissions decision by mid-December. Applications are due November 1 (2024 date). Students are not required to accept a Caltech REA offer and may compare financial aid options if they choose to apply to other institutions during the Regular Decision process.

Students who apply to Caltech through the restrictive early action program can not apply to any other schools early action or early decision, with the exception of:

• 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;
• 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.”

Students who apply to Caltech through the restrictive early action program may be admitted, deferred or denied admission.

Students applying to Regular Decision admission must submit their applications by January 3rd (2024 date). Caltech reports that most admitted students applied Regular Decision.

Caltech applicants must submit the following application materials in order to be considered for admission:

• Caltech is a QuestBridge Partner , meaning that low-income students who have been selected as Finalists can apply to Caltech for free through Questbridge’s National College Match program or through Questbridge Regular Decision. Caltech also offers multiple options for students to get fee waivers, including an email from a school counselor.
• $75 application fee or fee waiver.
• School Report
• Standardized Tests Score: SAT or ACT
• Teacher evaluations
• Transcripts for college classes
• Mid-Year Report
• Note that international students have additional application requirements.
• Applicants can also submit supplemental materials , including but not limited to research papers, abstracts or publications, maker portfolios, visual arts or internship descriptions through the application portal.
• Applicants will write Caltech’s supplemental application essays . There are three required short essay questions that will serve as insight into their qualities as students, scientists, and people. Students can also answer three optional short answer questions about their social life or personal identity and hobbies to give the admissions committee more insight into their personalities.

Am I eligible to apply to Caltech?

Caltech has a few specific requirements for prospective applicants. They require that students have completed four years of English and math (including one year of calc), one year of physics, one year of chemistry, and two years of history and/or social sciences by the time that they graduate. It is also recommended that students complete one year of biology, and though only two years of history or social science are required, 3+ are recommended.

What are Caltech’s core curriculum and programs?

At Caltech, ‘techers’ declare their “option” (Caltech speak for major) at the end of their freshman year. Academics at Caltech are split into six academic divisions as follows: Biology & Biological Engineering, Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Engineering & Applied Science, Geological and Planetary Science, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Physics, Mathematics & Astronomy.

In addition to a variety of majors and minors like Economics and History, students can choose to pursue an Interdisciplinary Studies Program . This program allows students to design, with a faculty adviser, a customized course of study that is not fully addressed by existing Caltech options.

Does Caltech have a good athletic department?

Caltech has several intercollegiate varsity sports at the Division 3 level. About 25% of Caltech students compete in the NCAA. They also offer several intramural sports, such as basketball, dodgeball, soccer, and volleyball!

Can I afford Caltech?

Like many top schools, Caltech offers generous need-based financial aid. Additionally, their admissions are need-blind for U.S. citizens. Financial aid funds for international students are more limited, so those admissions are need-aware to ensure they can meet admitted students’ full demonstrated need. Without aid, the total cost of attending Caltech and living on-campus for the 2024-2025 academic year is $90,822. This estimate includes tuition, fees, housing, food, as well as estimated personal and living expenses, and books.

Though this college is undoubtedly costly, many will qualify for financial aid, which Caltech offers through grants , scholarships, work-study, and loans .

There are a couple of factors that can affect your financial aid even after you’ve started attending Caltech. In order to maintain your financial aid, you must demonstrate “ satisfactory academic progress .” On the other hand, “underloading” (taking fewer classes than a full course load) can decrease your cost of tuition and, consequently, your financial aid package as well. Financial aid can also change with your family circumstances (for example, if one of your siblings begins or finishes college). Students can use the Net Price Calculator for each school they’re seriously considering attending. To find out what Caltech would cost for you and your family, you can estimate your EFC (expected family contribution) and financial aid package, here .

How does Caltech compare to MIT?

If you want to attend a top technical institute in the U.S., you have a few popular options: MIT, Georgia Tech, and Caltech. MIT is one of the most world-renowned universities for STEM, and comes in at the top of most STEM-related rankings. One other notable difference is that MIT is significantly larger than Caltech—in October of 2023— 4,576 undergraduate students were enrolled at MIT. During the same academic year, 1,023 undergraduate students were enrolled at Caltech. As Caltech points out, the school is designed to have a small and intimate campus community.

While it might be helpful to compare different aspects of each school, one is not objectively better than the other; they both excel in particular areas, and it’s up to you to decide what are the most important criteria for you. Both schools conduct cutting-edge research and have well-funded labs, meaning that you will flourish as a student and scientist as long as you take the initiative during your time there!

What special opportunities does Caltech have?

Caltech uniquely offers a 3/2 program , which allows students to earn two degrees in five years: one from a liberal arts college and a second from Caltech. Caltech partners with the following schools in offering such a program: Bowdoin College (ME), Bryn Mawr College (PA), Grinnell College (IA, Haverford College (PA), Mt. Holyoke College (MA), Oberlin College (OH), Occidental College (CA), Ohio Wesleyan University (OH), Pomona College (CA), Reed College (OR), Spelman College (GA), Wesleyan University (CT), Whitman College (WA)

Attending Caltech comes with more than just the privilege of studying at one of the most prestigious research institutions in the world; you can also study abroad and make the whole world your classroom. Caltech currently offers six official programs in Cambridge, London, Copenhagen, Edinburgh, Paris, and Melbourne. You can learn more about these programs on the Fellowship Advising and Study Abroad Office website.

If you’re not so keen on the idea of going abroad to study but still want to add some variety to your college experience, then Caltech’s Study Away program might be a good fit for you. Caltech has a formal agreement with The University of Chicago allowing students to spend a semester studying in Chicago and receive Caltech credit.

What is residential life like at Caltech?

Caltech doesn’t have dorms; instead it has eleven student houses and residences , which consist of single, double, and triple bedrooms. Of these eleven, 8 are traditional Houses (or unique residence halls with their own traditions and cultures). Each of these housing options is a small, close-knit residential community staffed by at least one Resident Associate and one Residential Life Coordinator. Caltech guarantees housing for first- and second-year undergraduates, as well as transfers. A vast majority of students live on campus for their entire undergraduate experience, resulting in a strong sense of community (and prank-filled culture ). Each of the houses plans social events and outings, often collaborating with other houses. Since housing is important to Caltech, first years are placed in temporary housing until they’ve had time to explore each of their housing options during a two-week period called “Rotation.” During Rotation, students have the freedom (and are encouraged) to move to a different house or residence to find the right fit. Housing costs vary by room and building, so if you want to experience living in a nicer room, you don’t have to commit to paying the higher fee for all four years.

What extracurricular opportunities do they have at Caltech?

Caltech has a variety of clubs that cater to various academic interests, religious communities, sports, and other interests such as mixology and feminism. You can check out the full list of clubs on their website. You also have an opportunity to start your own club at Caltech, so if you don’t see a club that perfectly matches your interests, you can assemble a group of people and found a new organization.

Guide Last Updated in 2024

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California Institute of Technology

Essay requirements, academic requirements, costs & scholarships.

When you apply to Caltech through the Common App, Apply Coalition, Powered by Scoir, or QuestBridge Application, you will also submit the Caltech Specific Supplemental Questions.

Short Answer Questions

All questions have to be answered.

If there are aspects of your identity that you feel are not captured elsewhere in this application, please provide that information below.

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?

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!

Academic Prompts

If you had to choose an area of interest or two today, what would you choose why did you choose that area of interest (max: 200 words) have you had any extenuating circumstances regarding your coursework (such as limited course selection or disruptions) not described elsewhere in your application if so, tell us about them here. required short answer prompts.

This essay is only required for international students.

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? (Min: 100/Max: 200 words for each experience)

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? (Min: 200 / Max: 250)

The process of discovery is best advanced when people from diverse backgrounds come together to solve the greatest challenges in their fields. How do your past experiences and present-day perspectives inform who you have become and how you navigate the world? (Min: 200 / Max: 250)

Learn more about Essay Requirements

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Computer Science, B.S.

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Thank you for your interest in the Computer Science, B.S. degree. Review the information below to apply.

This degree has specific admission requirements in addition to our general requirements.

Admission Requirements

• Minimum combined SAT score of 1080 (critical reading and math only), including a minimum score of 550 in math. This program does not require standardized test scores.  Review our test-optional policy.
• Three years of math.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.3. 
• You may also satisfy these requirements by passing challenge examinations in these areas as provided for by NYIT policies.

Application Materials

• Completed application. 
• $50 nonrefundable application fee. 
• Copies of transcripts of all high school work, including college-level courses. Your mid-year and final grades will be required. All final, official transcripts must be received prior to the start of your first semester.
• Testing Preferences: First-time first-year applicants may choose to submit their application without standardized test scores to be considered for admission to New York Institute of Technology. This program does not require test scores, though some academic programs require test scores.  Review our test-optional policy.  If you are submitting official SAT (critical reading and math only) or ACT test scores, use these codes.  NYIT SAT Code: 2561; NYIT ACT Code 2832
• Two letters of recommendation.
• Tell us about your career goals and why attending New York Tech would further these goals.
• Describe the achievement of which you are most proud and why.
• First-Year Priority Deadline:  December 1
• Regular Admission:  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling admission basis, as long as space is available. 
• International Student Deadlines:  December 1 for the spring semester and July 1 for the fall semester.

Submit your application to the Computer Science, B.S. program. We look forward to learning more about you.

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California Joins Growing National Effort to Ban Smartphone Use in Schools

Gov. Gavin Newsom called for a statewide ban as states and large school districts have pursued similar prohibitions to prevent disruption and cyberbullying.

By Shawn Hubler

Reporting from Sacramento

Gov. Gavin Newsom called on Tuesday for a statewide ban on smartphone use in California schools, joining a growing national effort to curb cyberbullying and classroom distraction by limiting access to the devices.

Mr. Newsom, who has four school-age children, said he would work this summer with state lawmakers to dramatically restrict phone use during the school day in the nation’s most populous state. His directive came hours before board members at the Los Angeles Unified School District, the country’s second-largest school district, voted to pursue their own smartphone ban that could begin in January.

“When children and teens are in school, they should be focused on their studies, not their screens,” Mr. Newsom said in a statement.

The effort to curb devices on campus has transcended political lines, as Republican-led states like Florida and Indiana already have instituted their own restrictions. New York City leaves it up to individual campuses to determine their own policies after dropping a blanket cellphone ban in 2015, but Gov. Kathy Hochul said last month that she would pursue a statewide prohibition in 2025.

The moves in California followed a call this week for warning labels on social media platforms by the U.S. surgeon general, Dr. Vivek Murthy, who argued that they were fueling a mental health crisis among adolescents.

“Adolescents who spend more than three hours a day on social media face double the risk of anxiety and depression symptoms,” Dr. Murthy wrote on Monday in an opinion piece for The New York Times. “And the average daily use in this age group, as of the summer of 2023, was 4.8 hours.”

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Berkeley Law Unveils Groundbreaking AI Law Degree Program

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Industry Leaders Come Together to Develop Curriculum

Berkeley, CA – August 13, 2024 – Berkeley Law, renowned for its innovative legal education and leadership in law and technology, is proud to announce the launch of the first-ever law degree with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI). Set to begin in summer 2025, the AI-focused Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree is now open for applications.

Berkeley Law has long been recognized as the nation’s leading program in IP and tech law. The introduction of the AI Law and Regulation certificate for students in the LL.M. executive track represents a major step forward in this tradition, further equipping legal professionals to navigate the complexities of AI. The program can be completed over two summers or through remote study combined with one summer on campus.

“At Berkeley Law, we are committed to leading the way in legal education by anticipating the future needs of our profession. Our AI-focused degree program is a testament to our dedication to preparing our students for the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies,” said Dean Erwin Chemerinsky. “This program underscores our commitment to innovation and excellence, ensuring our graduates are at the forefront of the legal landscape.”

“The new degree program is ideal for both international legal practitioners and U.S. attorneys seeking to future-proof their practice,” said Assistant Dean Adam Sterling. “Students will learn from faculty, practitioner-lecturers, and guest speakers on topics such as AI ethics, the fundamentals of AI technology, and current and future efforts to regulate AI, including a focus on the EU AI Act.”

The curriculum for the new certificate was designed in consultation with an advisory group of industry leaders, including:

• Wei Chen, Chief Legal Officer, EVP, Government Affairs, Infoblox
• Jennifer Dumas, General Counsel, Allen Institute for AI
• Beth George, Partner, Freshfields
• Brian Israel, General Counsel, Anthropic
• Miriam Kim, Partner, Munger, Tolles & Olson
• Josh Lee Kok Thong, Managing Director, Asia-Pacific, Future of Privacy Forum
• Irene Liu, Executive in Residence, Berkeley Law and AI Advisor to California State Senate
• Nicole Ozer, Technology and Civil Liberties Director, ACLU of Northern California
• Karen Silverman, CEO and Founder, Cantellus Group
• Dumitru Sliusarenco, Senior Case & Policy Officer, Meta Oversight Board
• Hanna Steinbach, General Counsel at Harness
• Duane Valz, Founder, Valz Legal
• Nikki Vo, Director and Associate General Counsel, Meta
• Jon Zieger, Co-Founder and Director of Responsible Innovation Labs

Berkeley Law’s proximity to Silicon Valley provides unparalleled access to practitioners dealing with AI-related legal issues in real-time. The AI Law and Regulation certificate will help students build core skills and knowledge in areas including data privacy, intellectual property (IP), licensing, and risk.

Available courses include Law and Governance of Artificial Intelligence, taught by Professor Colleen V. Chien — one of the top 20-cited IP and cyberlaw scholars in the U.S. One focus of her new class will be how AI is transforming the practice of law, and the opportunities AI and automation technologies offer to ameliorate or exacerbate existing inequalities in the practice of law, including the access to justice gap.

“Students will gain fluency with AI technologies and explore the ways in which law and policy are being developed and applied in order to minimize the harms and maximize the benefits offered by AI,” Chien says. “Examining a variety of governance tools, including court adjudication, legislation, regulatory frameworks, industry standards, and best practices, this course will dive deeply into the intersections of AI and human rights, civil liberties, privacy, IP, consumer protection, employment, and other laws.” 

“This program will equip participants with in-depth knowledge of the ethical, regulatory, and policy challenges posed by AI,” Sterling added. “It will focus on building practice skills to help them advise and represent leading law firms, AI companies, governments, and non-profit organizations.”

Designed for working professionals, the LL.M. executive track can be completed over a calendar year with part-time online coursework and one full-time summer in Berkeley, or over two consecutive summer semesters in residence. The program attracts lawyers from over 40 countries, including those with a J.D. from the United States.

Applications for the program open on August 1, 2024. Interested candidates can email [email protected] for more information.

Media Contact:

Tove Sharp  Director of Media Relations   Berkeley Law   [email protected]

Transfer Applicants

Why transfer to Caltech?

Take your science and engineering education to the next level. Immerse yourself in one of the world's premier STEM programs. Learn from award-winning faculty in an academic environment emphasizing freedom of inquiry and fearless innovation. Be challenged intellectually by a community of like-minded peers. Become one of society's most innovative thinkers, leaders, and doers. Sound like your place? Learn more about why students choose Caltech .

Who is a transfer student?

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.
• Students who have already completed a bachelor's degree, or its equivalent, in any subject are not eligible for transfer admission. While applicants may not pursue a second bachelor's degree at Caltech, the Graduate Studies Office provides educational opportunities beyond the bachelor degree.

If you are concurrently (or dual) enrolled in a high school/secondary school and a college or university, you should apply for first-year admission .

What we look for

In evaluating transfer applicants, 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 . Entrance exams measure a prospective transfer student's preparation in:

• Calculus of One and Several Variables
• Linear Algebra
• Differential Equations
• Classical Mechanics and Electromagnetism
• Waves, Quantum Mechanics, and Statistical Physics

Beyond the academic preparations, we want to learn about how you explore STEM outside of the classroom. If you want to learn more about how we evaluate all candidates to Caltech, we have a whole section on what we look for .

How to prepare for Caltech

While you can prepare for entrance exams by reviewing the anticipated subject matter, it's your academic pursuits up to this point that have helped prepare you for Caltech. It's the AP and advanced STEM coursework you elected to take in high school and the STEM coursework you have taken or plan to take at your current college or university. 

To learn more, visit our page on Academic Preparation .

For questions about the transfer admissions process, please contact our Transfer Coordinator, Johanna Araujo, at +1 626-395-6341 or [email protected] .