What is Caltech looking for in applicants?

Caltech is looking for students with incredible potential in STEM. Potential. There is no prescribed way of getting into Caltech. You don't have to have scientific research or get a Nobel at 12; read more about what you should do to prepare for Caltech.

What traits are Caltech looking for?

What does Caltech focus on?

Caltech's extraordinary faculty and students are expanding our understanding of the universe and inventing the technologies of the future, with research interests from quantum science and engineering to bioinformatics and the nature of life itself, from human behavior and economics to energy and sustainability.

What extracurriculars get you into Caltech?

Caltech also takes special note of any involvement in math or science extracurriculars. As a world-renowned science and engineering institute, Caltech wants students who naturally use math and science in different parts of their lives. Perhaps you co-founded a social club that solves physics problems for fun.

What does Caltech look for in essays?

If there is anything important about who you are, what you've done, or how you've experienced your life - we want to know about it. Holistic review means whole person review. We're here for whatever you want to share.

How to get into a TOP STEM SCHOOL - 4 things your Caltech application MUST have

What grades does Caltech look at?

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.

How much does Caltech care about essays?

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.

Does Caltech care about demonstrated interest?

Note, Caltech does not consider or track demonstrated interest; nor do we track if a student has participated in a visit or information session when evaluating a candidate for admissions.

What is the most popular major at Caltech?

The most popular majors at California Institute of Technology include: Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services; Engineering/Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians; Physical Sciences; Mathematics and Statistics; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; and Business, Management, Marketing, and Related ...

What are the most popular clubs at Caltech?

California Institute of Technology Student Activities

In fact, more students participate in the Instrumental music groups than any other on-campus activity. Other popular student organizations at California Institute of Technology include Entrepreneurship Club, Glee Club, Theater Arts and Ultimate Disc Club.

Why is Caltech so prestigious?

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions and pressing societal challenges.

Why is Caltech prestigious?

Due to its history of technological innovation, Caltech has been considered to be one of the world's most prestigious universities.

Which is more prestigious MIT or Caltech?

At a glance, Caltech and MIT are quite similar. They both have a mere 4% acceptance rate, although admitted freshmen at Caltech have higher test scores and grades, albeit by a very slim margin. On the other hand, MIT has a higher school ranking and slightly more prestige.

Does Caltech consider legacy?

By comparison, more than 70 private colleges and universities in California do not consider alumni or donor connections, including Caltech and Pomona College.

Does Caltech care about diversity?

At Caltech, advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion is a shared responsibility pursued collaboratively to fulfill our commitment to these values and to the research and educational mission of the Institute.

Is Caltech harder to get into than MIT?

Caltech and MIT are similarly competitive.

The average GPA of applicants is 4.19 at Caltech and 4.17 at MIT, so you will need to have all or mostly As. As for standardized test scores, Caltech averages are slightly higher than those at MIT, despite MIT's higher rankings.

What is the hardest major at Caltech?

The Chemical Engineering major has a lot of requirements which makes it difficult. The classes for the Math major are very high level math courses, so you need to have an aptitude for math. I'd say chemical engineering in terms of the sheer amount of work.

Is Caltech better than Harvard?

Caltech is a small science- and engineering oriented school, well known for its academic rigor. If you want to study engineering, arguably, Caltech may be considered a better school. If you want to study business or liberal arts, Harvard is probably a better place.

Is UCLA better than Caltech?

UCLA's World Reputation Ranking of 2020 is 9^th while California Institute of Technology was placed at 12^th position.

Can you get recruited to Caltech?

Recruiting Services is committed to advancing the Institute's distinguished reputation by attracting, recruiting, and supporting individuals who have extraordinary curiosity, talent, and passion that advances the Institute's mission.

Does Caltech require a portfolio?

Maker portfolios are not required as part of the application process. Your maker portfolio will be reviewed by one of the faculty members in our admission committee; they will not be reviewed by the admissions staff.

Is Caltech worth the money?

Based on its ranking and cost, California Institute of Technology is in the very top category of high-value schools. First and foremost, Caltech is already one of the best colleges in the nation, and often this means world-class opportunities that are well worth the cost.

Does Caltech take the Common App essay?

Part 4: 2023–2024 Caltech supplemental essays (examples included) For some STEM students, the Common App personal statement and supplemental essays are a pain. But they're still a crucial part of the application. Your child needs to tell a story of why they're chasing a top-notch STEM education.