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 Will not 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 3.97. This indicates extreme selectivity in admissions.
To have strong chances, you must aim for straight A’s in all courses.
If your GPA is between 3.67 and 3.97, then you need a high SAT or ACT score to compensate. You need a minimum of 3.57 GPA to have a realistic chance of admission.
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.
California Institute of Technology Average SAT Score: 1555
The average SAT score of the admitted students at California Institute of Technology is 1555 on the 1600 SAT scale.
California Institute of Technology SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it Extremely Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do extremely well to score 1555 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (0 SAT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. California Institute of Technology allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 0, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to Caltech. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
California Institute of Technology SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SAT Reading | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SAT Composite | 1555 | 0 | 0 |
It means that if you have scored less than 0 then you are below most of the admitted students at Caltech and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 0 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1550
Can I get into California Institute of Technology (Caltech) with a 0 SAT?
With a 0 SAT Score, your chances of admission at California Institute of Technology (Caltech) are good but the admission staff at Caltech tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
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
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than California Institute of Technology. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower than the requirements of California Institute of Technology, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claremont McKenna College | Claremont McKenna College, CA | 1514 | 34 |
| Harvey Mudd College | Harvey Mudd College, CA | 1539 | 35 |
| Pomona College | Pomona College, CA | 1520 | 34 |
| University of Southern California | University of Southern California, CA | 1520 | 34 |
| Georgetown University | Georgetown University, DC | 1507 | 34 |
| University of Chicago | University of Chicago, IL | 1532 | 35 |
| Northwestern University | Northwestern University, IL | 1526 | 34 |
| University of Notre Dame | University of Notre Dame, IN | 1515 | 34 |
| Bowdoin College | Bowdoin College, ME | 1520 | 34 |
| Amherst College | Amherst College, MA | 1513 | 34 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as California Institute of Technology. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive for California Institute of Technology, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yale University | Yale University, CT | 1547 | 34 |
| Johns Hopkins University | Johns Hopkins University, MD | 1553 | 35 |
| Harvard University | Harvard University, MA | 1553 | 35 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MA | 1560 | 36 |
| Princeton University | Princeton University, NJ | 1546 | 34 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than California Institute of Technology. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MA | 1560 | 36 |
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
Frequently Asked Questions About California Institute of Technology Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a high salary, ranging from $80,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on the industry.
Question: What is the tuition fee for California Institute of Technology?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $50,000 or more per year for out-of-state students, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship at California Institute of Technology?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are lower, 50% or less. It's important to apply early and showcase a strong academic profile.
Question: What is the acceptance rate for California Institute of Technology?
Answer: The acceptance rate is extremely low, typically below 10%. Admission is highly competitive, and only the top candidates are accepted.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students at California Institute of Technology?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is . This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission to California Institute of Technology?
Answer: The minimum GPA required for admission is typically around -0.3, though this can vary depending on other factors such as test scores, extracurriculars, and essays.
Question: What are my chances at California Institute of Technology with a GPA 0.3 points lower than the average?
Answer: If your GPA is -0.4 or less, it may makes admission difficult -0.3. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays.
Question: Can I apply to California Institute of Technology if my GPA is below 3.57
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is " .($university_data['gpas']). ", applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: Is it possible to transfer to California Institute of Technology from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer to California Institute of Technology each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: What is the campus culture like at California Institute of Technology?
Answer: The campus culture at California Institute of Technology is diverse and vibrant, with numerous student organizations, sports teams, and cultural activities. It’s an ideal environment for personal growth and building lifelong connections.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting into California Institute of Technology?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
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.