California Institute of Technology

Admission at California Institute of Technology

California Institute of Technology admits about 3% of applicants, which makes it most selective. Admission is holistic: four years of transcript and course rigor first, then essays and activities, then recommendations and test scores. At this admit rate a strong profile is a reach for everyone; the essays and the activities list are where the decision is made.

GCC applicants: international curricula (IB, American Diploma with APs, A-levels) are read in their own terms. English proficiency tests are usually waived for English-medium schools; check the university's waiver rule. Saudi students on a Ministry scholarship should confirm the programme is on the approved list before applying Early Decision.

California Institute of Technology supplemental essays, 2026-27

1. STEM area of interest150-200 words

   If you had to choose an area of interest or two today, what would you choose? Why did you choose your proposed area of interest? If you selected 'other', what topics are you interested in pursuing?

2. Scholarly Character option 1 (choose one)200 words

   Tell us about a time your learning in STEM was shaped by another person or group — either because you needed help, offered help, changed your thinking through collaboration, or contributed to someone else's understanding. What did that experience teach you about learning and working with others?

3. Scholarly Character option 2 (choose one)200 words

   Tell us about a time your approach to a STEM problem, concept, or project mattered as much as the outcome. How did you work through uncertainty or persist creatively in tackling the problem? What would you still defend about your process, regardless of the outcome?

4. Scientific Drive option 1 (choose two)200 words

   Regardless of your STEM interest listed above, take this opportunity to nerd out and talk to us about whatever STEM rabbit hole you have found yourself falling into.

5. Scientific Drive option 2 (choose two)200 words

   Tell us about a STEM question, problem, idea, or project that has held your attention over time. What drew you to it, how have you pursued it, and what do you still want to understand?

6. Scientific Drive option 3 (choose two)200 words

   Tell us about something you created, tested, repaired, modeled, coded, built, or redesigned. What problem were you trying to solve and what did the process reveal to you?

7. Caltech community fun question100-150 words

   What is something you would be excited to do, share, teach, make, start, or contribute as part of the Caltech community?

8. Academic preparation short answer (optional)

   Is there anything about your academic preparation, coursework, school context, or learning experiences that would help us better understand your readiness for Caltech?

Every US applicant also writes the Common App personal statement: 650 words, seven prompts. Admitify's coach reads drafts line by line and never writes for the student.

Strong for

Physical Sciences · Engineering · Computer Science