California Institute of Technology (Caltech), popularly referred to as Caltech, is a Pasadena, California-based private research institution. It began as a science and engineering-focused vocational training school in 1891 and has since developed into one of the most prominent universities in the world with a concentration on innovation and research. Numerous Fields Medalists, Turing Award winners, and Nobel laureates have come from Caltech, and its graduates have made important contributions to business, science, and technology.
Numerous undergraduate and graduate programs in science, engineering, and mathematics are available at Caltech. The university is renowned for its small class sizes that facilitate intimate interaction between teachers and students as well as its demanding academic programs. In addition, Caltech is home to a number of prestigious scientific institutions, such as the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), which manages NASA’s robotic space missions.
What is Caltech known for?
- Academic excellence: Caltech’s undergraduate teaching and rigorous academic program have earned it a constant ranking among the world’s best universities.
- Innovation in research: Scientists, engineers, and technologists at Caltech have made substantial contributions to a variety of subjects.
- Minimal class sizes: Caltech’s 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio facilitates intimate communication between instructors and students.
- Vibrant student life: Caltech has a long history of encouraging community involvement, and a large number of students give their time to support neighborhood nonprofits.
- Global reach: Many of Caltech’s graduates have gone on to become leaders in their areas, and the school has a robust global alumni network.
- Researchers at Caltech were instrumental in the creation of the internet, GPS, and lasers.
- 23 Nobel Prizes, 11 Turing Awards, and 5 Fields Medals have been awarded to Caltech alumni.
- More than 3,000 businesses, including Apple, Google, and Yahoo, were founded by Caltech students.
- All things considered, Caltech is a well-known university with a solid reputation for small class numbers, innovative research, and academic brilliance. The institution is a special and fulfilling environment to learn and develop because of its active student body and global reach.
What are the admission requirements for Caltech?
Caltech has extremely strict admissions standards, and only a small portion of candidates are accepted each year. The acceptance rate was only 3.9% in 2023.
Academic prerequisites
- Good academic record: Caltech is seeking applicants with a solid academic background who can handle difficult curriculum and have a high GPA. For those that get admitted, the average GPA is 4.0.
- Standardized test results: Caltech requests the submission of test results from standardized assessments, like the SAT or ACT. For admitted students, the average ACT score is 35 and the average SAT score is 1540.
Extra prerequisites
- Proven interest in science and engineering: Students with a strong enthusiasm for science and engineering are sought after by Caltech. Candidates should use their essays, extracurricular activities, and homework to show that they are interested.
- Extracurricular activities: Students with a diverse background and active involvement in their communities are sought after by Caltech. Strong extracurricular activity records, including those from clubs, athletics, volunteer work, or other pursuits, are required of applicants.
- Students from abroad: There are extra requirements at Caltech for students from other countries. Transcripts from high school or previous colleges attended by international students must be submitted, together with the results of any English proficiency exams, like the TOEFL or IELTS.
- Procedure for Application: Caltech usually opens its application process on August 1st and closes on January 1st of the year the student wishes to apply. Both the Quest Bridge Application and the Common Application are available for use by applicants.
What are the extracurricular activities like at Caltech?
Academic and Professional Development Clubs:
- Caltech Debate Society
- Caltech Entrepreneurship Club
- Caltech Engineering Without Borders
- Caltech Math Club
- Caltech Model United Nations
- Society of Women Engineers
Arts and Culture Clubs:
- Caltech Anime Society
- Caltech Ballroom and Swing Dance Club
- Caltech Film, Art, Comedy & Theatre (FACT) Club
- Caltech Music Ensemble
- Caltech Photography Club
- Caltech Theater Arts Board
Community Service and Volunteering Clubs:
- Caltech Habitat for Humanity
- Caltech Pre-Med Society
- Caltech ReachOut
- Caltech Students for a Democratic Society
- Caltech Volunteers for Animal Welfare
Special Interest Clubs:
- Caltech Board Game Club
- Caltech Cheese Society
- Caltech Cycling Club
- Caltech Film Society
- Caltech HackTech Club
- Caltech Origami Club
Sports and Recreation Clubs:
- Caltech Alpine Club
- Caltech Badminton Club
- Caltech Basketball Club
- Caltech Cricket Club
- Caltech Dance Club
- Caltech Golf Club
What are the financial aid Caltech offer?
The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) exhibits a dedication to provide its students financial assistance. Caltech helps students pay for their education by providing a range of financial aid alternatives, such as work-study, scholarships, and grants. Additionally, the university covers all doctorate students’ tuition.
- Grants: Grants are non-repayable financial aid awards given based on need. Numerous grants are available at Caltech, such as the Caltech Pell Grant, the Caltech National Scholarship, and the Caltech Grant.
- Scholarships: Based on academic performance, extracurricular activity, or other criteria, scholarships are merit-based financial aid awards. The Caltech Presidential Scholarship, Caltech National Scholarship, and Caltech Trustee Scholarship are just a few of the several scholarships that Caltech provides.
- Work-study: This program enables students to work on campus or at designated off-campus sites in order to earn money toward their school costs. During the semester, students can work up to 12 hours a week, and during the summer, they can work full-time.
All doctorate students at Caltech are eligible for tuition aid. This implies that there is no tuition required of doctorate students.
Financial Aid Application Process
To apply for financial aid at Caltech, students must:
- Create a my.Caltech account.
- Submit the Caltech Financial Aid Application.
- Submit all required documentation.
Deadlines for Financial Aid Applications
- Early Action: November 1st
- Regular Decision: February 15th
- Extra Resources for Financial Assistance: Students can apply for numerous additional scholarships and grants in addition to Caltech’s financial aid program. It is recommended that students look into these choices and submit applications for any grants for which they could be qualified.
What are the most popular majors at Caltech?
- The prestigious and extremely selective California Institute of Technology (Caltech) has a heavy focus on science, engineering, and mathematics. Consequently, these areas of specialization are reflected in Caltech’s most popular majors. The top 5 undergraduate majors at Caltech are as follows:
- Biology: The study of living things, from the molecular level to the ecological level, is covered by the large field of biology. The highly regarded biology program at Caltech provides a demanding curriculum that equips students for a range of jobs in research, medicine, and other disciplines.
- Chemistry: Chemistry is the study of matter’s composition, structure, characteristics, and transformations. The chemistry program at Caltech is renowned for its emphasis on research and dedication to giving students practical learning opportunities.
- Computer science: The study of computer software and hardware design, development, and implementation is known as computer science. Graduates of one of the most prestigious computer science programs in the world, Caltech, are in great demand by IT firms and research organizations.
- Electrical engineering: The study of electrical system and device design, development, and application is known as electrical engineering. Graduates of Caltech’s electrical engineering program are in great demand across numerous industries, and the program is renowned for its strong research focus.
- Mechanical engineering: The study of designing, creating, building, and using mechanical systems and apparatuses is known as mechanical engineering. Graduates of Caltech’s mechanical engineering department are well-prepared for a range of occupations in engineering and related industries since the curriculum places a heavy focus on engineering design.
Due to their excellent academic programs, the chances they present for future professions, and the general curiosity that students have in these disciplines, these five majors are constantly popular at Caltech. Furthermore, students can pursue their academic interests in a supportive and stimulating atmosphere at Caltech because to its small class numbers and close-knit community.
Frequently Asked Question
The average GPA for admission to Caltech is 4.0.
The average SAT score for admission to Caltech is 1540.
The average ACT score for admission to Caltech is 35.
