Caltech Acceptance Rate | Requirements, SAT/ACT Scores, GPA, & Admissions 

Are you looking to know Caltech’s acceptance rate and other requirements to secure admission into the school?

If you are interested in joining this institution, you must be informed of the Caltech acceptance rate. The California Institute of Technology is known as Caltech. It is a private research university in California specializing in science, engineering, and other academic fields. 

The university undertakes ground-breaking scientific and societal research with the help of some of the world’s best brains and cutting-edge equipment. This article can help if you’re wondering how to find a place amidst the Caltech acceptance rate.

This article offers advice on how to make the challenging admissions process for this prestigious college easier. 

Caltech should be on your list of institutions to apply to if you’re a scientific or engineering student seeking a rewarding academic career. 

You can read this article to learn how to apply to Caltech, what it takes to get in, and the Caltech acceptance rate.

What to know about Caltech? 

One of the most exclusive universities in the nation is Caltech, or the California Institute of Technology. Students who want to compete must have test scores and much above-average grades, with an acceptance rate of 2%. 

Caltech accepts both the Coalition Application and the Common Application. The Institute demands an application essay, numerous short-answer essays, academic transcripts, teacher recommendations, and SAT or ACT scores.

Caltech’s admissions procedure is tough to get into yet very simple. You need only complete the brief application process. Although it can appear straightforward, the amount of competition makes it difficult. The acceptance percentage is very low since the school receives more applications than it can accept.

See also: Drew University Acceptance Rate | Requirements, SAT/ACT Scores, GPA, & Admissions

What is the Caltech Acceptance Rate in 2024?

Based on the number of admitted students in the class of 2025, Caltech’s acceptance rate is 2%. There were 13,026 candidates, but only 270 were approved by the school. Due to a significant increase in applicants over time relative to the number of students it can accept, Caltech doesn’t disclose its acceptance rate. 

Is Caltech hard to get into? 

Admission to Caltech is competitive. The institution receives many applications despite being one of the world’s top science and research colleges, which lowers its acceptance rate each year. 

You must be extraordinary and in the top five to ten percent of your class to be accepted. 

Without this, the chances of receiving a positive ruling are slim. However, polishing your application can raise your chances of being accepted. 

Only 244 of the nearly 8,000 freshmen who applied to Caltech’s most recent class were accepted, according to the class profile. Only the greatest performers are accepted due to the intense competition.

See also: UCLA Acceptance Rate | Requirements, SAT/ACT Scores, GPA, & Admissions

Does Caltech Require Test Scores?

All applicants must submit their SAT or ACT scores to Caltech. 79% of accepted students who were in the admissions cycle for 2018–19 submitted their SAT scores. 

Caltech SAT Requirements

According to the admissions data, most of Caltech’s accepted applicants scored in the top 7% nationwide on the SAT. 

50% of applicants to Caltech received scores for the evidence-based reading and writing section between 740 and 780, while 25% received scores below 740 and 25% received scores above 780. 

50% of accepted students received math scores between 790 and 800, 25% received math scores below 790, and 25% received below 800. A combined SAT score of 1580 or higher will put applicants in a particularly competitive position at Caltech.

The writing portion of the SAT is optional at Caltech. Since Caltech participates in the score choice program, the admissions office will consider your top score from each section across all SAT dates. 

For the 2020–21 admissions season, Caltech will no longer request SAT Subject test results from applicants.

Caltech ACT Requirements 

All applicants must submit their SAT or ACT scores to Caltech. 42% of accepted students who applied for admission in the 2018–19 cycle submitted their ACT scores. 

According to the admissions data, most of Caltech’s accepted applicants scored in the top 1% nationwide on the ACT. 25% of applicants to Caltech received a composite ACT score of 36 or higher, while 25% received a composite ACT score of 35 or lower. 

Please be aware that Caltech does not super score ACT scores; only your highest composite ACT score will be considered. 

The disparities in section scores across all ACT dates will be noted by Caltech if you have taken the ACT more than once. The ACT writing portion is not required for admission to Caltech.

Caltech GPA Requirements 

Caltech has no minimum GPA requirement. Most successful applicants, on the other hand, have a US GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and/or are in the top 5 to 10% of their class. Is it necessary for international students to declare their GPA? GPAs should be recorded exclusively for schools attended in the United States.

See also: Harvard Medical School Acceptance Rate | Requirements, SAT/ACT Scores, GPA, & Admission 

What are the Admission Requirements for Caltech in 2024? 

Caltech, one of the country’s most elite universities, seeks students with grades and test results that are far above average. 

Caltech has a holistic admissions strategy so that the admissions representatives will search for more than just strong academic performance and great test scores. 

They’ll also look for difficult coursework, stellar recommendation letters, outstanding essays, and significant extracurricular activity. 

Although the admissions committee will read every word of your application essay and short answer responses, success in AP, Honors, or IB subjects will be crucial. 

Keep in mind that Caltech is seeking applicants who will contribute significantly to the campus community and be outstanding scientists and engineers. All this bolsters Caltech Acceptance Rate for the student.

Transfer Requirements for Caltech in 2024 

• Fee for applications. The $75 application cost for the Caltech application procedure must be paid, or those who cannot do so may request a price waiver. 

• Application in the Common or Coalition. The Common Application, Coalition Application, or Questbridge National College Match are all options for applying to Caltech. 

• A transcript of grades. Transcripts from your high school and any other colleges or universities you have attended must be supplied. 

• Report from a secondary school. Your high school counselor will submit this form to the institution to aid the admissions committee in determining if you would be a good match there.

• Teachers evaluation. Caltech wants two letters of appraisal from key subject professors instead of letters of recommendation. Both from humanities or social science teachers, and one from a math or science teacher. It is advised that these letters come from professors who have instructed and assessed you in their classes. 

• Essays for applications. To help the admissions committee better understand applicants as students, scientists, and people, the first-year application standards indicate that applicants must submit supplemental essays as part of the application process. It also determines whether they are a suitable fit for the institution.

• TOEFL results. Except for individuals who speak English as a native language or attended a school for two years where English is the language of instruction, this is a prerequisite for all overseas students. Caltech will accept the TOEFL as proof of English language proficiency. 

• Statement of Intention for International Financial Aid. International students must submit this as part of their application because Caltech has to verify that they know its financial policy and are receiving financial aid.

How to Apply to Caltech

You can apply to Caltech’s Regular Decision or Early Action programs. The Early Action program at Caltech is not obligatory, so if you are admitted, you can apply to and consider other schools. 

Caltech accepts both the Coalition Application and the Common Application. Applicants must also submit application fees of $75 or a fee waiver.

Caltech maintains rigorous standards for its new class’s academic performance. Students must enroll in the institution’s most challenging English course. 

The minimum requirement for domestic applicants is one course in American history or government. The institution requires a math curriculum up through calculus, and students are highly advised to study it at the IB HL or AP level.

The admissions committee requires applicants to have studied at least one year each of physics and chemistry, preferably at the highest levels the school offers. 

Although it is not specifically compulsory, it is advised that you demonstrate your proficiency in biology through other courses. Caltech would like to see you enrolled in any calculus-based science courses your school offers.

See also: Virginia Tech Engineering Acceptance Rate | Requirements, SAT/ACT Scores, GPA, & Admissions

What are the Alternatives to Caltech?

• California Polytechnic State University 
• Stanford University 
• Harvey Mudd 
• Yale University 
• University of California Los Angeles
• Pomona College
• Rice University 

Conclusion 

Strong academic credentials, relevant extracurricular activities, and exceptional math abilities are requirements for admission to Caltech. Caltech is a science and research university that emphasizes students’ intellectual prowess while also seeking those who question social norms, come up with original and innovative ideas, and have aspirational career aspirations in any or all of the STEM fields.

Caltech Acceptance Rate FAQs

References 

• careerkarma.com – How to get into Caltech
• thoughtco.com/ – Caltech Admissions

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