California Institute of Technology is a magnet for young scientists. It is comparable to MIT and this is the reason it attracts a huge number of applications. It is one of the best options for STEM students who want to accomplish themselves as competent professionals. Though it is comparable in standards to MIT, the number of students admitted is far smaller, i.e., 987.
Caltech receives 13,000+ applications each year and only 3-4% of the total secure admissions. We have covered all the relevant information that can help the students in the complete process from filling out the application form to securing admission. Continue reading if you too want to utilize this information.
Admissions Process at California Institute of Technology
Though the California Institute of Technology is one of the most selective institutes in the US, it isn’t impossible to secure admission here. It attracts the brightest minds but students can improve themselves to be the lucky ones.
There are various steps that students need to follow to secure admission. The details are given as follows.
Step 1. Fill Out the Application Form
The first step to apply for admission at Caltech is to fill out the application form. There are three options in this regard which the candidates can avail. There are three apps namely, Common App, Apply Coalition, and QuestBridge. According to the official website, there is no priority given to any of these.
The candidates can apply using any of these applications. Furthermore, Caltech is QuestBridge’s partner and interested students can also apply via QuestBridge National College Match. The students need to provide basic information about themselves, their family background, and other required information in the application form.
Step 2. Submit Essays
The next step for the students is to write essays about the given questions. The examiners of the essay want to know about the genuine experience and excitement of the applicants. If the admission officer is impressed by the quality of the essay, then it can land the candidate in Caltech.
The candidates should show their eagerness to learn and be specific as much as possible. If the student has shown the right enthusiasm and potential, then their essays can separate them from hundreds of applicants.
Step 3. Pay the Application Fee
The application fee is another requirement and this step will proceed with the application further. But there is no restriction to pay the amount necessary. Instead, there is a waiver for those who can’t afford to pay the fee. The university ensures that those truly deserving admission to Caltech should avail the opportunity regardless of their financial situation.
They can apply for the fee waiver and then the fee might be waived depending on the strength of the application. Once the admission fee is waived, the student will be informed.
Step 4. Take Standardized Tests
There has been a relaxation in standardized tests over recent years because of Covid-19. However, students still preferred to share their test details. There has been no requirement for AP tests while SAT subject tests have also not been considered.
International students need to share the results of English proficiency exams unless they are native English speakers or English is the primary language of instruction in their secondary school.
Step 5. Need for SAT/ACT
The need for SAT/ACT has been waived till Fall 2023 so interested candidates can complete the application without worries about these. However, once the moratorium period ends, the candidates would have to share the results of these standardized tests.
Step 6. Prepare Teacher Recommendations
The students need to share two letters of recommendation from their teachers. The letters carry considerable value in this regard.
Tips to Get into California Institute of Technology
Here are three tips that can help interested candidates in getting a chance at being offered a place at the California Institute of Technology.
Tip 1. Test Blind Admissions
There is a requirement for standardized test scores which determine the chances of a student being admitted. But currently, there is no such requirement in Caltech due to the moratorium so students can look for alternatives that can help them separate their application from others.
Tip 2. Prepare for Essays and Teacher Recommendations
Interested students can make up for the test blindness by writing the best possible essays. These if genuinely representing them can help secure admission by impressing the admission officer. Teacher recommendations are also important in this regard as they can also help the admission officer realize the true value of an applicant. Thus, the students should focus on these two to make it to Caltech as this can be considered an added advantage.
Tip 3. Obtain a Strong Math and Science Background
As Caltech is a STEM university, a strong Math and Science background is necessary to ensure the success of the students. They need to show how well they have performed in their academics. Students can take challenging courses in science and math subjects. This will help them secure admission without any big hurdles. They can also take part in extracurricular activities to show their strength.
FAQs about Studying at Caltech
What is the Acceptance Rate of the California Institute of Technology?
California Institute of Technology has an acceptance rate of 3% as per the available stats from College Navigator. According to the available statistics, there were 16,626 applicants out of which 499 were accepted and a total of 249 currently enrolled students.
The acceptance rate of a specific institution tells a lot about the rigor of the admission criteria. In addition to that, it shows how popular it is amongst students and what are the possible prospects of its programs.
Though it is not a definitive indicator of the standards of an institution, it can help the students know about it. Students can check eligibility criteria, acceptance rate data, etc. to know about their chances.
Caltech is a strong magnet for those who want to graduate in STEM subjects. Though comparable to MIT, the California Institute of Technology has a relatively smaller number of students. If the students follow the given guidelines, they can easily secure admission to Caltech.
We hope this article has been helpful! Want to know more about scholarships? Feel free to visit our USA Scholarships Page for more information about the different universities and scholarship opportunities in the USA!
