California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, CA
An extremely small, extremely intense science and engineering institute in Pasadena, where nearly every student is headed toward research in STEM. Varsity athletics exist but are low-key by design; social life instead centers on tight-knit undergraduate Houses (Caltech's version of dorms/eating clubs) and legendary, elaborate student pranks, alongside real access to JPL and a research culture usually reserved for grad students elsewhere.
3%
Acceptance rate
1530–1580
SAT range
35–36
ACT range
4
Average GPA
900
Undergrads
$63,000/yr
In-state tuition
$63,000/yr
Out-of-state tuition
What are your chances at California Institute of Technology?
Collegator estimates your admission chances from your GPA and test scores, builds your college list, and tracks every deadline — free to start.
See my chancesEssays you'd write for California Institute of Technology
Applies via Common App. Plan for the personal statement (650 words) plus whatever is below. Our standing advice: optional essays are optional in name only — write them.
We don't have this school's supplemental prompts in our library yet — check its application portal for the current list.
Spot an essay we're missing? Add it yourself in Essays → "create a custom essay" — it files under this school on your list.
Data is approximate and changes yearly — confirm on the college's official site.