Get expert guidance on how to get into the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), including acceptance rate data, GPA and SAT/ACT benchmarks, and what makes applicants stand out.
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Caltech accepts just 2.57% of applicants, meaning it rejects more than 97 out of every 100 students who apply. In the 2024-2025 cycle, 13,856 students applied, and only 356 were admitted.
Here’s a breakdown of Caltech’s admissions data over the past few years, based on the Common Data Set (CDS), a standardized report that provides detailed information about college admissions, enrollment, and academic statistics
Caltech uses a Restrictive Early Action (REA) plan instead of a standard Early Action (EA) or Early Decision process.
Although Caltech rarely publishes detailed early action acceptance data, their website confirms that both EA and Regular Decision admit rates are below 5%.
Getting into Caltech is exceptionally challenging. With an acceptance rate of 2.57%, it’s considered one of the hardest colleges to get into in the U.S. Over 97% of all applicants are rejected by Caltech.
Try our interactive quiz to better understand how likely you are to gain admission to Caltech.
You’ll need a strong academic profile to get into Caltech. Here are the scores to aim for.
Caltech doesn’t publish GPA data for admitted students, but our experts recommend aiming for a 4.0 GPA to be considered competitive. According to the CDS, among those who submitted class rank for the 2024–2025 cycle, 100% ranked in the top half of their high school class, and nearly 87% were in the top 10%.
Caltech also doesn’t share or require a minimum SAT score. Historically, competitive applicants have scored 1400 or higher. Since a 1400 score is around the 97th percentile, reaching it can be quite challenging.
There is also no minimum ACT score required for Caltech. Successful applicants have typically scored 30 or higher. Given that the national average ACT score is around 19.4, a 30 places you well above most test-takers.
Caltech considers specific academic and non-academic traits in each applicant.
According to the CDS, Caltech considers the rigor of your high school courses, your application essays, and your recommendations to be ‘Very Important.’ Class rank and GPA are ‘Important,’ while standardized test scores are only ‘Considered’ as part of the overall evaluation.
Caltech places a unique emphasis on academic rigor rather than just GPA numbers. Caltech rates academic GPA as simply “important.” Caltech doesn’t automatically reject applicants with slightly lower GPAs.
Instead, Caltech evaluates candidates through a more holistic lens and cares more about how you’ve challenged yourself academically.
To reassure you that a perfect GPA isn’t all that matters, Dominique Dadekian, a former Dartmouth College Alumni Interviewer and current Quad admissions counselor, shared this advice in our Early Candidacy webinar:
“The rigor of the classes that you're taking is going to be taken into account. So getting straight A’s in all basic classes won't be weighted as heavily as maybe getting a B+ and an A- in an AP or honors class. You want to challenge yourself early so that you're eligible later on to take those classes. That often means starting strong in 9th grade so you can get the recommendations or meet the prerequisites to enter more advanced courses later.”
Caltech looks for students who take initiative and challenge themselves. A slightly lower grade in a harder class can carry more weight than perfect grades in easier courses.
Caltech prioritizes demonstrating strong STEM readiness above all else. One way students can demonstrate STEM readiness is through the rigor of their courses. Students should take advanced coursework, such as AP Calculus, Physics, Chemistry, IB Higher Level classes, or college-level STEM courses.
The Caltech admissions committee places the highest importance on an applicant’s character and personal qualities, followed closely by extracurricular activities.
The committee also considers talent and ability, first-generation status, geographical residence, and volunteer or work experience, but these factors carry less weight in the evaluation.
While Caltech is academically intense, it also places a high value on non-academic factors. In particular, extracurricular activities are rated as ‘Important’, and character/personal qualities as ‘Very Important’ in admissions.
That means you can strategically strengthen your application by demonstrating a deep, authentic passion for STEM outside the classroom.
Caltech highlights the following as examples of strong STEM engagement:
These activities highlight your curiosity, commitment, and ability to thrive in Caltech’s intensive STEM environment.
According to Caltech’s website, the ideal applicant at Caltech shows a genuine love of math, a passion for science, STEM excellence, an appreciation for the humanities, resilience, collaboration, creativity, and inclusivity.
We’ve decoded these traits and provided concrete ways you can show each one:
Overall, Caltech isn’t just looking for brilliant students. It’s looking for passionate, curious, and resilient individuals who see science not just as a subject, but as a calling. While academic excellence is essential, Caltech’s admissions process goes deeper than perfect GPAs or standardized test scores.
Caltech wants to know how you think, collaborate, and push forward when the work gets hard.
Here’s what you’ll need to apply to Caltech, as well as important deadlines and admissions details.
Yes, Caltech has reinstated its standardized testing requirement starting with the fall 2025 admissions cycle.
Students may only create an Independent Study Program (ISP) if their proposed academic plan fulfills goals that can’t be met through any existing major. The ISP must also match the academic depth and structure of a traditional undergraduate degree.
Homeschooled students follow the same admissions process as traditionally educated applicants. Caltech doesn’t ask for extra materials or treat homeschoolers differently. Instead, the admissions committee evaluates your academic rigor and achievements within the context of your educational path.
Transferring to Caltech is extremely competitive. In addition to strong college grades in STEM, you’ll need to pass placement exams in calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, and statistical physics.
Your essays must also clearly show a deep commitment to STEM and readiness for Caltech’s pace and rigor.
No, Caltech does not conduct alumni or admissions interviews. Your essays, recommendations, and application materials must tell your full story. Use these materials to clearly demonstrate who you are, what drives you, and how you’ve prepared for Caltech’s academic environment.
Earning a spot at Caltech, one of the most selective colleges in the U.S., is no easy feat. Our Caltech admissions consulting services are designed to help you stand out. Our former admissions officers offer insights that can increase your chances of admission by more than four times.
Book a consultation to let us help you build a compelling, competitive application that reflects your full potential!
