Caltech is one of the most selective private research universities in the world, with the lowest acceptance rate. It receives thousands of applications each year and admits only a few students into its academic programs.
Caltech is a research institute that focuses on engineering and applied sciences and has over 50 research institutes and centres. Caltech is a mid-sized institution with over 2,000 students in six different academic divisions.
If you want to find out about the admission process for both domestic and international students, graduates, tuition, application requirements, and much more. Kindly read this article for facts, insight, and statistics about the aforementioned.
Californian Institute of Technology (Caltech)
According to Wikipedia, the California Institute of Technology is a private research institution located in Pasadena California. Caltech was established in 1891 as a preparatory school by its founder Amos G. Throop.
The California Institute of Technology sits on 124 acres with an enrollment of almost 2,400 undergraduates and postgraduates according to U.S. News & World Report.
Caltech is a renowned research institution leading innovation in science and engineering. The university is among the few institutes of technology in the United States that focus more on providing pure and applied sciences.
Currently, there are 6 academic divisions at Caltech which consist of graduate programs such as Biology and Biological Engineering, Chemistry, and Chemical Engineering, Geological and Planetary Sciences, Engineering and Applied Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, Physics, Mathematics, and Astronomy.
The University provides a housing system for its students and all first-year students are required to reside on campus.
Caltech is an institute that concentrates on innovative techniques in engineering and applied sciences. It engages about 80% of its undergraduate students in research, expatiating knowledge in technological advancements.
The California Institute of Technology has about fifty research institutes and facilities aimed at providing state-of-the-art resources for advanced technological feats. Caltech operates a Jet Propulsion Laboratory owned by NASA which is also a center for robotic exploration.
Here is A List of Some of The Research Centers and institutes at Caltech.
- Beckman Institute
- Tianqiao and Christy and Chen Institute for Neuroscience at Caltech
- The Kavli Nanoscience Institute
- Richard N. Merkin Institute for Translational Research
- Resnick Sustainability Institute
- Donna and Benjamin M. Rosen Bioengineering Center
- Centre for Autonomous Systems and Technologies
- Einstein Papers Project
- Institute for Quantum Information and Matter
- W.M. Keck Observatory
- Laser International Gravitational-wave Observatory
- Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis
- Infrared Processing and Analysis Center (IPAC)
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Caltech (California Institute of Technology) Acceptance Rate
California Institute of Technology is one of the most selective universities in the United States.
Caltech’s acceptance rate in 2020 was 6.7%. This was after the private university admitted 536 students from an applicant pool of 8,007.
The following year, Caltech received more applications and accepted only 510 students for an acceptance rate of 3.9.
Currently, the university only accepted 412 first-year applications from 365 schools. According to an official statement on Caltech’s website, 17% of the newly admitted students are first-generation college students. And 64% of the new students were admitted from public high schools.
California Institute of Technology (Caltech) GPA Requirement
According to Prepscholar.com, the required average GPA at the California Institute of Technology is 4.19. Each year Caltech receives thousands of applications and only about 200+ of those applications are accepted.
The GPA requirement at Caltech requires its applicants to be at the top of their class. On average, you will need more A’ than B’s to stand a chance of competing with other applicants.
SAT Requirement
The California Institute of Technology requires high test scores to consider an applicant competitive for admission. The average SAT required at Caltech is 1545.
With the new SAT scale, 1530 is the New SAT score for the 25th percentile, while that of the 75th percentile is 1570. According to Prepscholar.com an SAT score of 1530 is considered below average and 1570 is above average on the New SAT.
ACT Requirement
On the ACT, Caltech requires an average of 36. The 25th percentile score and the 75th percentile score are 35 and 36.
Application Requirements for First-Year Students at California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
Caltech’s admission process is selective for all applicants. These are the requirements for all first-year applicants.
- You can apply to the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) through the Common Application, Coalition Application, or Supplemental Application Essay. Caltech accepts all applications sent through the Common Application or Coalition Application. These application portals are reliable and Caltech highly recommends that you choose the best application platform.
Caltech also collaborates with QuestBridge and students can apply for Caltech via the QuestBridge National College Match.
- An application fee of $75 or a waiver fee
- Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT): Caltech implemented a two-year moratorium in June 2020 on the requirement and consideration of SAT/ACT scores as part of the admission process for undergraduates. However, the two-year moratorium was extended a year further. In January 2020, Caltech removed the SAT Subject Test from its admission requirements.
- Teacher’s evaluation: Have two teachers of two different subjects write a letter of evaluation for you. Caltech requires these letters of evaluation to be written by a math or science teacher. Additionally, the letters can also be written by a humanities or social sciences teacher.
- Secondary School Report: Caltech requires all first-year applicants to send their high school documents to the Admission Committee. These documents must be sent by your school counsellor to Caltech to aid the university in evaluating your application collectively.
Also Read: 25 Cheapest Universities in USA for International Students
Application Requirements for International Students
Each year, the California Institute of Technology receives thousands of applications, and only hundreds of those applications are accepted. This is because of the acceptance rate at Caltech which is highly selective.
However, some of the applications received at Caltech are from outside the borders of the United States. If you are an international student, here are the application requirements at Caltech.
The application requirement applies to both non-U.S. citizens and non-U.S. permanent residents.
- All international applicants must have completed the academic preparation required by Caltech while still in secondary school
- Caltech accepts applications from international students who have completed a curriculum approved by the government in their country
The curriculum includes
- IGCSE, AS, and A level CurriculumInternational Baccalaureate (IB)
- Advanced Placement (AP)
- Cambridge Pre-U
- Other local public options
Also note that Caltech does not grant credit for IB, AP, A-Level, Pre-U, or courses taken before your enrollment. Every international applicant accepted at Caltech will sit for math and physics placement exams.
Also Read: Australian Study Requirement
California Institute of Technology (Caltech) Rankings
Caltech’s reputation and prestige have led the institution to occupy notable positions in recent rankings.
- #7 in Best Global Universities according to U.S. News & World Report.
- #10 in Best Value Schools
- #5 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Program
- #15 in the world’s top 100 universities according to QS World University Rankings.
- #7 in World University Rankings according to Times Higher Education.
Caltech Tuition and Fees
Here is the cost of attendance for undergraduate students currently enrolled at Caltech.
| Category | On-Campus | Off-Campus | Living with Parents |
| Tuition | $60,816 | $60,816 | $60,816 |
| Fees 1,2 | 2,439 | 2,439 | 2,439 |
| Housing | 11,247 | 12,960 | See Living Expenses |
| Food/Meals | 8,256 | 6,471 | See Living Expenses |
| Books, Course Materials, Supplies and Equipment (est.) 3 | 1,428 | 1,428 | 1,428 |
| Living Expenses | N/A | N/A | 10,125 |
| Personal Expenses (est.) | 2,700 | 4,428 | 3,609 |
| Transportation (est. local) | 0 | 1,764 | 1,611 |
| Total Estimated Cost of Attendance 4 | $86,886 | $90,306 | $80,028 |
Is Caltech A Good School?
Caltech is an institute that focuses on engineering and applied sciences. Being one of the small institutes of technology in the United States, Caltech operates a Jet Propulsion Laboratory owned by NASA which is beneficial to students in expanding their horizons on technology.
The student enrolled at Caltech are just above 2,000 and this creates a more flexible student-faculty ratio with more first-hand research experience.
Also Read: 10 Best Pre Med Schools in California
How Hard Is It To Get into Caltech?
The acceptance rate at Caltech is 3.9% which simply means out of every 100 applications only 4 are accepted. However, you can increase your chances of getting into Caltech with a good GPA, SAT, and ACT.
Additionally, you can apply for an early decision to also increase your chances of becoming the next freshman at Caltech. Visit the Caltech official website to stay updated on the latest developments about admission.
Caltech Contact Address.
- School Address: 1200 E CALIFORNIA BLVD PASADENA, CA 91125
- Phone: (626) 395-6811
Frequently Asked Questions about Caltech Acceptance Rate.
Below are some of the frequently asked questions about the Caltech admission process.
What GPA is required for Caltech?
Caltech is extremely selective in its admission process. The required average GPA is 4.19.
The GPA requirements at Caltech demand that you be at the top of your class, with more A’s.
How much do Caltech graduates make?
Caltech alumni salary is estimated at $112,166 as of 2018.
Conclusion
Caltech is dedicated to providing the best experiences in technology and space exploration. A university with six academic divisions and over 50 research institutes and centres. Caltech is leading the innovation in engineering and applied sciences.
With a selective acceptance rate, Caltech is only searching for the best students. If you intend to become a freshman at Caltech, your high school grades should share the same optimism with you.
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References
- U.S. News & World Report: California Institute of Technology
- TopUniversities: California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
- Niche: California Institute of Technology Admissions
- Caltech.edu: Caltech Extends Admissions Offers to Class of 2027
- Times Higher Education: California Institute of Technology
