Caltech is ranked 10th in the 2025 QS World University Rankings. It is the #1 ranked university in Southern California and competes with Stanford University in California.

The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is one of the world's elite universities, with highly competitive admissions. To be admitted to Caltech, you must demonstrate not only academic achievement but also various abilities in science, mathematics, and creativity. Below, I will summarize the main admission requirements for Caltech.

https://www.caltech.edu

Academic Performance (GPA)

High school GPA is very important for admission to Caltech. On average, admitted students have a high school GPA of 4.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. This means that receiving A grades is typical. Especially, you should show excellent grades in core subjects such as mathematics, science, and English.

  • High school GPA: Above 4.0 (highest grade)
  • Science and Mathematics: It is important to maintain high grades in mathematics and science subjects. Taking advanced courses such as AP (Advanced Placement) mathematics, physics, and chemistry can be a significant advantage.

Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT)

Caltech requires SAT or ACT scores. Recently, many students submit ACT scores instead of SAT scores, but both tests require high scores.

  • SAT: Math 800, Reading/Writing 750 or higher (total above 1500)
  • ACT: Math 35 or higher, Science 34 or higher, English 33 or higher (total above 34)

Caltech places great importance on mathematical reasoning and scientific problem-solving abilities, so you should demonstrate excellent grades in mathematics and science.

Science and Mathematics Abilities

Caltech prefers students with outstanding abilities in science and mathematics. Experience in taking advanced science courses such as AP mathematics, physics, and chemistry is an important evaluation factor. High scores on SAT II science and mathematics tests are viewed very positively.

  • Advanced mathematics and science courses: AP mathematics (Calculus AB/BC), AP physics, AP chemistry are important.
  • Mathematics and science tests: Students who have scored high on SAT Math Level 2 or SAT Subject Tests are often admitted.

Letters of Recommendation

Caltech places significant importance on letters of recommendation. It is generally advisable to obtain recommendations from mathematics and science teachers. The recommendations should emphasize the student's academic abilities, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

  • Teacher recommendations: You must submit two or more recommendations from mathematics and science teachers.
  • Personal statement: You should submit a personal statement that highlights your academic passion, goals, and both academic and non-academic achievements.

Admission Essays

Caltech's admission essays are very important. The school evaluates whether students possess creative thinking, critical problem-solving skills, and scientific curiosity. Through these essays, students should express their personal stories and goals well.

  • Essay topics: You should write about a story related to science, mathematics, or academic interests, or a story about solving a problem through your experiences.
  • Creativity: Caltech values creative problem-solving and innovation, so it is necessary to demonstrate your original thinking in the essays.

Extracurricular Activities and Leadership

Caltech expects students to not only excel academically but also to have actively participated in various extracurricular activities. It is important to showcase scientific activities such as scientific research, math competitions, and science fairs.

  • Participation in scientific competitions: You can demonstrate leadership and academic achievements through math and science Olympiads, robotics competitions, and research projects.
  • Leadership activities: Engaging in club activities or volunteering to develop social responsibility and demonstrate leadership is also an important factor.

Interview

Caltech may request an admission interview. The interview is an important opportunity to evaluate the student's academic interests, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. It is important to express your academic passion and research interests well during the interview.

Competitiveness and Admission Rate

Caltech has a very high admission competitiveness. It is known that only about 6-7% of all applicants are accepted. This means that excellent academic achievements and a strong application are necessary.

The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is ranked 10th in the world by the QS 2025 University Ranking category.

This is an improvement from its 2024 ranking of 15th.

Caltech's other rankings include:

    THE University Ranking: 7th in 2024
    US News National University: 7th in 2024
    CWUR World Rank: 10th in 2022-2023
    CWUR National Rank: 8th in 2022-2023
    CWUR Education Rank: 2nd in 2022-2023
    CWUR Employability Rank: 104th in 2022-2023

Caltech is a private university in Pasadena, California, founded in 1891.