collageThe average GPA at Caltech is 4.19. This makes Caltech Extremely Competitive for GPAs. (Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA. This school did not officially report its average GPA, but we’ve estimated it here using data from over 1,000 schools.
Caltech Admissions Statistics
There are three critical numbers when considering your admissions chances: SAT scores, GPA, and acceptance rate. All these combine to tell you what you scores are required to get into California Institute of Technology.
Average SAT: 1545
The average SAT score composite at Caltech is a 1545.
Caltech SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)
The 25th percentile New SAT score is 1530, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1570.
In other words, a 1530 places you below average, while a 1570 will move you up to above average. There’s no absolute SAT requirement at Caltech, but they really want to see at least a 1530 to have a chance at being considered.
Here’s the breakdown of new SAT scores by section:
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
| Math | 795 | 790 | 800 |
| Reading + Writing | 750 | 740 | 760 |
| Composite | 1545 | 1530 | 1570 |
Average GPA: 4.19
The average GPA at Caltech is 4.19. This makes Caltech Extremely Competitive for GPAs.
(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA. This school did not officially report its average GPA, but we’ve estimated it here using data from over 1,000 schools.)
With a GPA of 4.19, Caltech requires you to be at the top of your class. You’ll need nearly straight A’s in all your classes to compete with other applicants. You should also have taken plenty of AP or IB classes to show your ability to excel in academic challenge.
If you’re a junior or senior, your GPA is hard to change from this point on. If your GPA is at or below the school average of 4.19, you’ll need a higher SAT score to compensate and show that you’re prepared to take on college academics. This will help you compete effectively with other applicants.
Admissions Rate: 6.4%
The acceptance rate at Caltech is 6.4%. In other words, of 100 students who apply, only 6 are admitted.
This means the school is very selective. Scores are vital to getting past their first round of filters. After that, you will need to impress them beyond just your academic scores.
Final Admissions Verdict
Because this school is extremely selective, getting a high SAT score and GPA is vital to having a chance at getting in. If you don’t pass their SAT and GPA requirements, they’ll likely reject you without much consideration.
To be safe, you should aim for the 75th percentile, with a 1570 SAT and a 4.19 GPA or higher to be above average.
This is only part of the challenge – after this, you’ll need to impress them beyond your academic scores, with your accomplishments and extracurriculars. But if you apply with a 1545 SAT or below, you unfortunately have a small chance of getting in.
What is graduate school like at Caltech and how does the admission process work?
Graduate programs in research-intensive institutions like Caltech provide some classroom education, but the majority of the experience is centered around learning through working on an open-ended problem, with the goal of developing the ability to independently formulate and carry out a research program. Graduate students spend the majority of their time in small research groups or individually working with faculty advisors.
Admission to Caltech graduate study is highly competitive. The faculty review all the materials in the application to make a decision; they evaluate many factors including academic preparation, experience and research interests, recommendations from teachers/mentors, and they look for a match between faculty and an applicant’s research interests.
Where can I find the application deadlines?
The application deadlines vary by department and range from November 15 to January 1. Please refer to our Application Deadlines document. Applications received after the posted deadline may be considered, but late applicants may be at a disadvantage in terms of being admitted and/or in the allocation of financial aid. Caltech conducts admissions once each year and applicants are considered for admission to the fall term only.
Does Caltech have rolling admissions?
Caltech admits students for the fall term only. Applications are not considered for the winter, spring and summer terms.
When will I hear about my application?
Each academic option has a different schedule for considering applications and offers of admission will be made as the faculty make decisions on individual applications. Applicants may be notified at any time in the period between the deadline for submission and April 1. Offers are made as soon as possible so that students will have a chance to consider graduate study at Caltech together with opportunities at other institutions.
Will I be interviewed or have a chance to visit Caltech?
Most academic options host visit days in order for select applicants to learn more about the program, the campus, and community prior to making their decision. The arrangements and schedule for visit days are set by the individual options, and each option will work with selected applicants and faculty to coordinate visits. When in person visits are not feasible, online interviews may also be conducted.
Do I need to take the GRE exam?
The GRE tests (general and advanced subject) are not required and in most programs, scores will not be considered for admission. Some departments provide an option to submit self-reported scores, but students who choose not to submit scores as part of their application will not be at a disadvantage.
What is the minimum GPA?
Caltech does not have a minimum GPA requirement. However, most successful applicants 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.
Are international students required to report a GPA?
GPA’s should only be reported for those schools attended within the United States. International GPA’s or rankings should not converted to the standard US grade point average.
Do I need to take an English proficiency exam (i.e., TOEFL, PTE, IELTS)?
Applicants whose first or native language is not English are asked to demonstrate English proficiency as part of the application procedure. Caltech recognizes scores from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) (www.toefl.org), Pearson’s Test of English Academic (PTE) (www.pearsonvue.com/pte), and from the Cambridge Examinations and International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (www.ielts.org).
The following exemptions apply:
- Applicants who have studied in the US for two or more years
- Applicants with a degree from a college or university whose primary instruction is in English
Please note that regardless of any documentation of English proficiency submitted as part of the admissions process, all non-native English speakers who have not attended a school where English is the primary language of instruction will be screened prior to enrollment and may be required to take additional English as a Second Language (ESL) courses.
What is the minimum English proficiency score?
There is no minimum requirement for the English proficiency exams. However, all new students who have had limited instruction in English will participate in a one-on-one English evaluation with the ESL instructor during Orientation and may be asked to enroll in an English as a Second Language (ESL) course.
How many letters of recommendation are required?
Three letters of recommendation are required.
Does it help to submit additional letters of recommendation?
The online application currently accepts three letters maximum, so keep in mind that it’s important to submit three strong letters from individuals most familiar with you.
From whom should I request letters of recommendation?
Letters should be requested from those individuals who know you best and can attest to your academic capabilities or training. While faculty members and research supervisors can provide the strongest academic recommendations, we recognize that some applicants may also have work experience that relates to their abilities and training. Keep in mind that those individuals writing recommendation letters should be able to address the following information:
- How well the applicant is known and in what capacity
- If the applicant has the intellectual capability, experimental ability, fundamental training, creativity, and motivation to be successful as a student at Caltech
- Whether the applicant would be encouraged to do doctoral research under the reference writer’s supervision
- If English is not the native language, how well does the applicant read, write, and converse in English?
- How does the applicant compare to any previous students who have come to Caltech for their graduate work?
I understand that electronic recommendations are preferred, but can my referee(s) submit a paper recommendations instead?
Yes, individuals unable to submit materials electronically may send materials to:
Graduate Studies Office, Mail Code 230-87, California Institute of Technology, 1200 E. California Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91125; or Email gradofc@caltech.edu
Be sure that the applicant’s name is clearly indicated on any supporting documents not submitted with the application.
How will Caltech evaluate grades from spring term 2020 due to disruptions caused by COVID-19?
The Graduate Admissions Committees recognize that applicants enrolled during the spring term 2020 and beyond may pursue pass/fail or other non-standard grading options, and applicants will not be asked to notate or document these changes to the grading system on submitted transcripts.
My grades will not be posted for the most recent term prior to the application deadline. Should I wait to submit my transcripts or upload my transcripts to date?
The most recent transcripts available should be uploaded with the application form. Grade reports for additional terms are not needed for application purposes and once the application is submitted, you will not be able to submit updated transcripts. Official, sealed transcripts documenting attendance and all degrees conferred at each college or university will be required for admitted students prior to enrollment.
Do I need to submit official transcripts?
For the purpose of applying, unofficial and scanned copies of an original transcript or university generated web printouts are accepted. Please note, however, that any electronic submissions must be unofficial records from the university or college attended. Hand-typed listings of courses prepared by the applicant will not be considered. Official transcripts documenting attendance and the degree awarded at each college or university will be required for admitted students prior to enrollment.
How many copies of the transcript are required?
One copy of your transcript from each college or university attended is required.
I am interested in applying for a Master’s degree, but this degree is not one of the available choices.
Very few departments admit directly for the Master of Science degree. Currently, only applicants to Aeronautics, Electrical Engineering, and Space Engineering may apply for a terminal Master’s degree. All other departments admit for the PhD degree only.
I would like to apply to more than one department. Should I submit two separate applications?
Applications will not be accepted for more than one academic option per admission cycle. In reviewing your application, the admission committee of the option to which you have applied may recommend that your application be reviewed by another option. If your application is referred to another option you will not be charged any additional fees or be asked to submit a duplicate application.
How do I apply for a fee waiver?
The fee waiver request form is included as part of the online application. In order to demonstrate financial hardship, applicants requesting a fee waiver will be asked to provide earned income and expenses and explain any circumstances that impact their ability to pay the application fee. On average, fee waiver decisions will be sent through the online admissions system within 72 hours.
Who qualifies for a fee waiver?
Caltech has agreements with several organizations providing guaranteed fee waivers. These include, but are not limited to:
- Cal-Bridge
- GEM
- McNair
- IIE Fulbright
- Mellon Mays Foundation
- Amgen/SURF/WAVE
- Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP)
- MARC/MBRS-RISE
- Caltech-USC MD/PhD
- Caltech-UCLA MD/PhD
- Caltech-Kaiser MD/PhD
- Diversity, equity and inclusion-related conference participants
Applicants who qualify for a guaranteed fee waiver should complete the fee waiver form within the online application and indicate their affiliation from the list above. Further documentation of financial hardship is not necessary.
Additionally, application fee waivers will be granted to a limited number of applicants who can demonstrate financial hardship. Financial hardship can be demonstrated by providing an explanation of circumstances where $100 would prove a financial burden.
Can I make changes to the application or submit additional documents after submission?
Once the application has been submitted, you will not be able to modify supporting documents, so please proofread your materials thoroughly before submission. If there is a major error in your application, please contact the Graduate Studies Office (gradofc@caltech.edu) for instructions.
Do you have admission counselors?
Caltech does not have admissions counselors at the graduate level. Most information can be located online through the Graduate Studies Office website (www.gradoffice.caltech.edu) or the main Caltech homepage (www.caltech.edu) and searching by area of interest. The admissions staff cannot provide information on the likelihood of admission or how to prepare a successful application. Specific questions regarding current research or prerequisites should be directed to the department to which you are applying.
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