What traits are Caltech looking for?

What kind of students does Caltech look for?

Creativity. Caltech sits at the intersection of curiosity and creativity. Techers possess many traits, but the way they blend these may be most universal. You want to know how things work for their own sake.

How can I increase my chances of getting into Caltech?

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 stats do you need for Caltech?

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.

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

Does Caltech care about extracurriculars?

Caltech does not look for one specific extracurricular activity. Instead, Caltech wants to see that you are dedicated to your interests. So, it is more about the quality of your extracurriculars, rather than the quantity. Caltech also takes special note of any involvement in math or science extracurriculars.

What does Caltech look for in an applicant?

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 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.

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 ...

Why should I apply to Caltech?

Of all the reasons to study at Caltech, research may be at the top of the list. If you count faculty and postdoctoral fellows, there's a 1:1 ratio of Ph. D. researchers to students on campus.

Is Caltech harder than MIT?

Caltech and MIT are similarly competitive.

As for standardized test scores, Caltech averages are slightly higher than those at MIT, despite MIT's higher rankings. At Caltech, the average SAT score is a1545 and the average ACT score is a perfect 36. At MIT, the average SAT score is 1545 and the average ACT score is 35.

How do I get a full scholarship to Caltech?

All scholarships and grants at Caltech are need-based, as the Institute does not have a merit aid program. Undergraduate students who fill out a financial aid application will be automatically considered for scholarships and grants from Caltech and the federal government.

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.

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.

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.

Who does Caltech admit?

But the vast majority of students admitted to Caltech are exceptional STEM students who are at the beginning of their journey to accomplish the extraordinary. We know, though, that the journey doesn't look the same for everybody. It's why we ask questions like: Where do you live? What resources do you have access to?

What is the race percentage at Caltech?

The enrolled student population at California Institute of Technology is 27.6% White, 21.4% Asian, 13.4% Hispanic or Latino, 5.88% Two or More Races, 1.59% Black or African American, 0.125% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.0417% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders.

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.

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.

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.

What are Caltech's values?

INNOVATIVE, ETHICAL, SUSTAINABLE.

How to write an essay for Caltech?

Take time to read the question, explore Caltech's mission and our fundamental values, and think deeply about what resonated for you. Be specific. For example, instead of simply telling us that you are open to new ideas, instead paint a picture of a time that you had an idea or belief challenged and how it affected you.

How many letters of recommendation do you need for Caltech?

Recommenders are welcome to check out Caltech's writing advice page. Caltech requires the submission of 2 teacher evaluations with your chosen application platform: 1 from a Humanities or Social Science teacher AND 1 from a Math or Science teacher.

Does Caltech accept letters of recommendation?

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.

How rigorous is Caltech?

Caltech is hard.

We will challenge you to think in new and innovative ways. And we expect you to prepare for that challenge by taking a strong curriculum in high school. In your first year, you'll start our core curriculum, which builds a foundation for all our majors. Showing 6 records.