California Institute of Technology (Caltech) Admissions

Caltech is renowned as one of the world’s most selective institutions, boasting an exceptionally low acceptance rate of 3%. Caltech adopts a holistic review process, evaluating applicants based on a multitude of factors beyond grades, such as intellectual curiosity, research experience, and personal qualities. The Institute is divided into six academic divisions: Biology and Biological Engineering; Chemistry and Chemical Engineering; Engineering and Applied Science; Geological and Planetary Sciences; the Humanities and Social Sciences; and Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy.

Undergraduate Programs

Caltech does not specify a minimum GPA requirement for undergraduate applicants. However, given the institution’s extreme selectivity, admitted students typically exhibit near-perfect academic records.
Beyond grades, a strong emphasis is placed on demonstrating exceptional intellectual curiosity, research experience, and a clear alignment with Caltech’s mission of scientific inquiry.

Graduate Programs

Similar to undergraduate admissions, Caltech does not mandate a specific GPA for graduate programs.
The majority of accepted applicants displayed a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale (90%) and are among the top 10% of their class.
A compelling academic record, coupled with substantial research experience or relevant professional achievements, is essential for success.
While Caltech has historically been test-optional, it’s essential to check the university’s website for the most current admissions requirements and deadlines.

Application Fee	UG: 75 USD PG: 100 USD
Acceptance Rate (UG)	3%
ELP Tests Accepted	TOEFL IELTS Duolingo
International Application Deadlines	UG- Nov 01, 2024 PG- Nov 15, 2024- Jan 1, 2025* Tentative (Depends on the course)

CalTech Admission Requirements for Graduate Programs

California Institute of Technology is divided into 6 division and 31 graduate options, which are within one or more of the divisions.International students seeking admission at California Institute of technology will have to fulfill the following admission requirements:

University Eligibility

4 or 3 year bachelor’s degree (US equivalent)
GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
Video Statement
English language proficiency:

TOEFL-IBT: 100-110
IELTS: 7.0

Documents Checklist

3 letters of recommendation
Statement of purpose
Resume or CV
Financial Statement

California Institute of Technology Graduate Program Requirements

The following table will give details about the specific admission requirements for international students seeking admission at California Institute of Technology:

Programs	GPA Requirements	ELP Scores	Additional Requirements
M.S. Computer Science	GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and/or are in the top 5 to 10% of their class	TOEFL iBT: 100 \| IELTS: 7.5	3 LORs \| SOP \| Financial aid statement of intent \| Passport
M.S. Mechanical Engineering	GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and/or are in the top 5 to 10% of their class	TOEFL iBT: 100 \| IELTS: 7 \| Duolingo: 130	3 LORs \| SOP \| Financial aid statement of intent \| Passport
M.S. Aeronautics	GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and/or are in the top 5 to 10% of their class	TOEFL iBT: 110	3 LORs \| SOP \| Financial aid statement of intent \| Passport
M.S. Bioengineering	GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and/or are in the top 5 to 10% of their class	TOEFL iBT: 110	3 LORs \| SOP \| Financial aid statement of intent \| Passport
M.S. Electrical Engineering	GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and/or are in the top 5 to 10% of their class	TOEFL iBT: 100 \| IELTS: 7 \| Duolingo: 130	3 LORs \| SOP \| Financial aid statement of intent \| Passport

CalTech Admission Requirements for Undergraduate Programs

Caltech’s nearly 1,000 undergraduate students can choose from 28 options (majors), spread across six academic divisions. International students seeking an undergraduate degree at California Institute of technology will have to fulfill the following admission requirements:

University Eligibility

Official transcripts (Must be sent directly from your high school) with overall score of 75% or higher (preferred not required)
List of extracurricular activities
English language proficiency scores:
- TOEFL iBT- 100
- IELTS- 7.0

Documents Checklist

Copy of the passport
Financial statement
Personal Essay
Teacher Evaluation- One from a math or science tutor and one from humanities or social science tutor

California Institute of technology Application Deadlines

The application deadline for graduate and PhD programs is different for each program. On the other hand all undergraduate programs have the same deadline for all of its programs. International students have to fill and submit their application before the following application deadline:

Action	Date
Restrictive Early Action deadline	November 1, 2024
Restrictive Early Action decision notifications	Mid-December, 2024
Regular Decision deadline	January 3, 2025
Regular Decision notifications	Mid-March, 2025
Restrictive Early Action and Regular Decision admit reply deadline	May 1, 2025

California Institute of Technology Selection Criteria

The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) considers several factors when selecting students, including:

Academic record
Caltech looks for students with strong academic records, and 99% of students admitted are in the top 10% of their high school graduating class. While Caltech doesn’t state the average GPA, it’s important to achieve a high cumulative GPA.

Extracurricular activities
Caltech is more interested in the quality of your extracurriculars than the quantity, and wants to see that you’re dedicated to your interests.

Application essays
Caltech considers application essays to be very important.

Recommendations
Caltech values teacher recommendations, so it’s important to choose instructors who know you well. Applicants are also asked to provide two sources of credibility from two teachers, who must teach specific courses.

Character and personal qualities
Caltech also considers character and personal qualities to be very important.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Caltech Ivy league?

Universities like Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and CalTech are not technically Ivy League Universities but observe the same prestigious status, education quality, and higher acceptance standards.

Can I get into Caltech from India?

International students are welcome to apply at Caltech, but they are required to submit all the necessary materials, including scores for either the TOEFL or IELTS exams. The minimum scores required for admission are 100 for the TOEFL and 7 for IELTS.

Does Caltech accept IELTS?

Caltech accepts the Duolingo English Test (DET), IELTS, or the TOEFL. The English proficiency exam must be taken prior to the application deadline.

How many undergraduates does Caltech have?

California Institute of Technology has approximately 1,000 undergraduates and 1,400 graduate students.

Is Caltech harder to get into?

The university houses 18% international students. CalTech has an acceptance rate of only 3%, making it one of the most difficult universities to get into. The majority of accepted applicants displayed a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale (90%) and are among the top 10% of their class.

Why is Caltech so famous?

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering Institute that marshals some of the world’s brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions and pressing societal challenges.