California Institute of Technology is one of the leading universities in the USA. It is extremely competitive to gain admission to. The acceptance rate of California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is 2.69%. This means that only 3 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
How Competitive are California Institute of Technology Admissions?
- Extremely competitive: Applicants require excellent academic record and extracurriculars.
- GPA, SAT/ACT, and AP/IB courses significantly impact admission chances.
- A holistic review considers essays, recommendations, and leadership roles.

With one of the lowest acceptance rates in the US, you need to excel in every aspect to be selected. Your GPA, AP, IB, SAT, and ACT scores should be in the top range to increase your chances of admission. Below, we have listed all the requirements and score ranges needed for admission to California Institute of Technology to help you prepare in advance. Meeting their general GPA and test (SAT/ACT) requirements is crucial because without these, you won't proceed to the second round of admission processing. These requirements act as automatic filters, so failing to meet them makes your chance of getting in nearly zero.
Note that admission staff look beyond academic performance. In addition to maintaining a high GPA and strong test scores, your personality, aptitude, and interpersonal communication skills also play a significant role in the admissions process. Participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, community events, leadership activities, and your capacity to play leadership roles are also significant.
California Institute of Technology Admission Requirements
Caltech GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at Caltech is 4.19. It means that Caltech is very selective in terms of the GPA. (Most schools report a weighted GPA, which is out of 4.0. However, some schools may use unweighted GPAs. For exact information, contact the school admission staff).
With an average GPA of 4.19, Caltech requires you to be near the top of your class. You need to score mostly A's in all classes to have good chances of admission. A couple of B's will not hurt you much, but more B's will put you in the lower category of the students. Additionally, you must take AP or IB courses to demonstrate your academic ability. More specifically, your AP and IB courses must be related to the area of your selected course of study. For example, if you are planning a career in engineering or IT, courses related to mathematics, calculus, and physics will help you.
If your GPA is less than 4.19 and higher than 3.89 then you need higher SAT or ACT scores to compensate. You need a minimum of 3.79 GPA, to secure admission at Caltech. Below this, the chances of admission will be very slim.
Can I Get Into Caltech Without SAT Or ACT?: California Institute of Technology does not require admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process and does not recommend that students provide these scores. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
California Institute of Technology (Caltech) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them. The test score policy is already mentioned.
Caltech Profile
Name: California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
City: Pasadena
URL: www.caltech.edu/
State: California
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 91125
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting into California Institute of Technology
Boost Your Test Scores: Retake the SAT/ACT if needed. Use resources to improve your score.
Focus on Academics: Maintain a high GPA and take challenging courses.
Extracurricular Activities: California Institute of Technology values well-rounded students who make meaningful contributions to their communities. Here’s how to showcase your strengths:
- Highlight long-term commitments, and unique accomplishments.
- Leaderships: Demonstrate clear leadership experience. This is not only true for California Institute of Technology but also other schools. If you cannot demonstrate strong leadership qualities, your chances of acceptance will be low. Work on your weak areas, and improve your communication and interpersonal skills. Also, include your work experiences where you were given leadership responsibilities, and write down your achievements and how you were able to contribute as a team leader and team member.
- Community Service: Show how you have influenced change in the community and have a strong desire to do so in the future. Also, if you are planning to apply for California Institute of Technology, participate in relevant activities. Work for social welfare and look for opportunities where you can make an impact. Start with your school or student council. Those having positions like president, secretary generals etc… in students councils have better chances. Network with notable people and develop your social media profile accordingly.
- Passion Projects: Whether it’s starting a club, publishing research, or excelling in the arts, show what sets you apart. Example: If you’ve founded a nonprofit or won a national competition, make sure it’s prominently featured in your application.
- Align your goals with California Institute of Technology’s mission. Carefully read the objectives and mission of California Institute of Technology on their official website and plan accordingly for each specific point. See how well your profile matches their objectives and goals, and work on the areas where you are lacking.
- Secure Strong Recommendations: Get letters from professors or employers who know your abilities well. Share your achievements and goals with them for a stronger, more personalized recommendation. If personal statement and recommendations align, your chances of success will be higher.
- Build a Strong Network: Engage with California Institute of Technology Alumni and current students. Ask them how they planned their scholarship journey, what challenges they faced, and how they overcame them. Learn about the key factors behind their success and how they secured their selection.
- Craft Strong Essays: Tell your story authentically and highlight what makes you unique. College Essay is a very important document. Unlike your transcripts, which just show your numbers or grades, the essay reflects your true personality as a human being. Take considerable time to refine and craft your statement of purpose. Here are the detailed guidelines for writing a winning College Essay form our experts.
Does a degree from Caltech Worth It?
Getting into Caltech can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Caltech offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision. Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Caltech is USD: 81448.64 and unemployment rate is 3.14%.
How much does a degree from Caltech Cost?The average annual cost of the degree at California Institute of Technology is USD: 79947. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at California Institute of Technology is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
13.98% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 3.95 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Caltech and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At California Institute of Technology, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Caltech as your choice in the form.
How much a Caltech Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the Caltech graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 128566. An average Caltech graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Applied Mathematics
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Biology, General
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Computer Science
- Economics
Full list of All degree programs offered by California Institute of Technology.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2024, US Department of Education's latest 2024 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.