About Caltech
Printable Version of General FAQ (pdf)
General Information
Academics
Research Opportunities and Facilities
Extracurricular Activities
Campus Life
Pasadena and Los Angeles
Life After Caltech
Getting to Know Caltech
Applying to Caltech - Freshman Admissions
Printable Version of Applying FAQ (pdf)
High School Preparation
Submitting the Application
Filling Out the Application
Recommendation Letters and Supplementary Information
Early Action
Special Programs and Circumstances
Admission Decisions
Admissions Policy
Financial Aid
Transfer Admissions
About Caltech
General Information
Where is the campus?
Caltech is located in Pasadena, California, a "suburb" of Los Angeles with many shops, restaurants, and cultural venues and beautiful, leafy residential neighborhoods.
What is Caltech's mission?
The mission of the California Institute of Technology is to expand human knowledge and benefit society through research integrated with education. We investigate the most challenging, fundamental problems in science and technology in a singularly collegial, interdisciplinary atmosphere, while educating outstanding students to become creative members of society.
How many students are enrolled at Caltech?
In the fall of 2009, there were 592 undergraduate men and 359 undergraduate women, and 831 graduate men and 348 graduate women.
How many faculty members are there at Caltech?
As of December 2009, there are 299 professors, 104 emeriti faculty, 46 research faculty, 185 visiting professors, and 69 other faculty. There are 549 postdoctoral scholars, 35 senior postdoctoral scholars.
Academics
How are academics structured at Caltech?
All students must complete a core curriculum, which lasts from the beginning of freshman year through the middle or end of sophomore year. Students begin taking classes in their intended major as early as freshman year, then progress to upper-level courses in their major through their sophomore, junior and senior years.
Is Caltech on the semester or quarter system?
Trick question! The answer is neither. Caltech has three terms, or trimesters, each academic year: fall term begins late in September and runs to mid-December; winter term runs from January to late March; and spring term runs from April to mid-June. Caltech offers no summer courses.
Does Caltech have a summer session?
Caltech does not offer courses in the summer. However, many students are involved in research projects on campus through the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) program.
How many credits do students take per term?
The credits per class differ depending on the hours required for class time, homework, and lab time, where applicable. Most students take four to five classes per term.
When do students declare a major?
Students typically choose an academic option (the Techer term for "major") at the end of their freshman year.
Can students create their own majors or double major?
Absolutely. Our students have many interests, and we want them to pursue their passions, so we give them the opportunity to create their own major through the Independent Studies Program, in which they design a customized course of study under the guidance of faculty. Double majoring is also possible - about 20% of students are currently pursuing two majors.
Can students take graduate level courses?
Yes - and they do. There is no clear separation between coursework for undergraduates and graduate students. Students naturally progress through the curriculum and often by the end of their junior or senior year end up in graduate classes in their option (the Techer term for "major.")
Does Caltech have a premed program?
Yes, Caltech offers a premed program that advises students throughout their time at Caltech and assists them through the medical school application process. Clinical experience and research opportunities are also offered to premed students through arrangements with Huntington Memorial Hospital, City of Hope, and Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Every year, many of our students are admitted to the nation's most selective medical schools. Caltech also has an active Premed Club and a BS/MD program in cooperation with the University of California San Diego Medical School.
What if I also want to study humanities and the social sciences?
Not only are you required to do so at Caltech, you'll want to. Almost 30% of Caltech's course offerings are in the humanities and social science division, with fascinating classes and excellent professors. There are opportunities to learn about topics completely unrelated to science, and also to merge your interests through coursework and research. A number of students will double-major in a science field and a humanities/social science field each year.
Can I take classes at other colleges and receive credit?
Caltech has special arrangements at nearby Occidental College and the Art Center College of Design. Students can also arrange to receive credit from other colleges with permission of the appropriate division.
Are there opportunities to study abroad?
Yes. Caltech offers four study abroad programs: the Cambridge Scholars Program, London Scholars Program, Copenhagen Scholars Program and the Edinburgh Scholars Program.
What are typical class sizes?
Classes tend to be small: 37% of classes have fewer than 10 students, 69% have fewer than 20 students, and 92% have fewer than 50 students.
What is your student-to-faculty ratio?
3:1
Who teaches the classes?
Our professors teach our courses, not our graduate students. There are a few larger lecture classes, like the core math and physics courses, in which teaching assistants will help answer questions in smaller sessions. These sessions are not required, but are available for all students, many of whom find them to be very helpful.
Do professors interact with undergraduates?
Yes; it is one of the hallmarks of Caltech's teaching and learning culture. Professors hold regular office hours, frequently email students, lunch with them, and take questions after class. Not only are they teachers, they also serve as mentors, helping students choose their fields of study, research topics, and summer and post-graduation options.
How do graduate students and undergraduates interact?
In some cases, graduate students take some of the same classes as undergraduates, or act as teaching assistants for some courses, and a few serve as residence assistants in the undergraduate houses. Due to the many research opportunities available, many undergraduates find themselves working alongside graduate students in labs and collaborating with them on research projects. Caltech is an intimate community where clubs and extracurricular activities are open to all, so graduates and undergraduates may play soccer together, sing in the same choral group, or tutor together in local schools.
Research Opportunities and Facilities
Is it difficult to pursue research at Caltech?
No, in fact, you could say that the Caltech undergraduate education is research. Students constantly do research in and out of the classroom to learn and contribute to science at the highest level.
How many Caltech undergraduates do research outside the classroom?
In the 2009 graduating class, 74% of the graduating seniors had "SURF"ed at Caltech. Still others did research during the academic year or in other ways outside the SURF program.
Can students do research in the humanities and social sciences?
They can and they do. In addition to pursuing research projects through SURF, many students work independently with their professors and often explore the intersection of humanities and social science.
Do undergraduates publish in major journals?
Yes. Frequently.
What are the technology resources on campus?
Needless to say, Caltech is very well-wired. In addition to high-quality computing facilities and services, there are centers for Advanced Computing Research and Digital Media.
What library resources are available?
In addition to five campus libraries, Caltech Library Services offers online access to all major research and scientific databases.
Extracurricular Activities
Do Techers study all the time?
Of course not! Most students are in class or in lab in the mornings and early afternoon but spend their late afternoons and evenings participating in a wide range of activities. Each student's class schedule and study habits are unique, but Techers always find time to pursue their outside interests. They get involved in everything from music and sports to community service and cultural clubs. There are over 150 clubs and organizations on campus, and Techers are always encouraged to start new ones.
Do Techers play sports?
Athletics is one of the most popular activities on campus, from intercollegiate varsity athletics (Division III) to House intramurals to club teams. Students with all levels of experience are encouraged to play.
Do Techers play music?
In addition to music courses taught by faculty, extracurricular music groups of all sizes and styles are also very popular on campus and in the community. Students also have round-the-clock access to an excellent Music House devoted to practice and performance space.
Campus Life
How is the housing arranged?
Caltech has eight undergraduate "houses," which are designed like dorms, but have the intimate and collegial atmosphere of a home. Students are involved in choosing their house at the beginning of freshman year after participating in "rotation," the process of learning about each of the houses.
Are freshmen required to live on campus?
Yes. Students are not required to live on campus after their first year, but most do. Caltech guarantees housing for all four years, and all but a few students choose to live either in the houses or in Caltech-owned and Caltech-adjacent homes and apartments.
Can students live off campus?
After freshman year, students can choose to live in Caltech-owned apartments or houses on or near the campus or rent from the local housing market.
Do students choose their roommates?
Yes. Students choose their roommates all four years.
Are the houses coed?
Yes. The houses and the floors within the houses are coed.
Is there a Greek system?
No. While there are neither fraternities nor sororities on campus, the houses provide a strong sense of community and camaraderie within the larger Caltech community.
What is the board plan?
Caltech provides a sit-down dinner with table service in each house on weeknights, where the food is served family style. Each house also has an "open kitchen" for breakfast and lunch where items like cold cuts for sandwiches are available. The board plan includes a stipend for dining in other campus cafes. On the weekends, students enjoy their meals in local eateries.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
Caltech provides ample kosher, halal, vegetarian, and vegan options. The dining staff also can accommodate other dietary needs.
Do I need a car?
No. Many amenities are within walking distance of campus; there are also public transportation options and other students to carpool with.
Can I keep a car on campus?
Yes. Students, including freshmen, can have cars on campus. There is designated and convenient student parking. However, less than a third of undergraduates have cars on campus.
Do I need a bicycle?
No. The campus is compact, and it is easy to get around on foot. If you'd like a bicycle, it's easy to ride around campus and there are ample bicycle racks for parking.
What do students do for fun?
Everything and anything! The houses hold parties regularly and the student government hosts campus-wide barbeques, dances, and concerts. On any given night, students may be holding a movie marathon, playing midnight Capture the Flag, or hanging out in Pasadena.
What are the resources for religious life on campus?
While there is no formal chaplain's office, there are a number of religious communities on and around campus, including the Caltech-Hillel, Muslim Students Association, and Christian Fellowship.
What kind of academic and personal support is available at Caltech?
In addition to academic advisors, each house has Residence Assistants (RAs) and Upper-class Counselors (UCCs) to support students in all aspects of college life. The resources of the Counseling Center are always available to students as well. Students are also involved with the Women's Center, the Office of Minority Student Education, and the International Student Programs Office.
What health services are available at Caltech?
There is a comprehensive on-campus Health Center with doctors, nurse practitioners, and counselors on staff. The highly acclaimed Huntington Memorial Hospital is minutes away for any needs that may arise.
Pasadena and Los Angeles
What is Pasadena like?
Pasadena blends the best attributes of city and suburban life. While you can easily walk or take a short bus ride to many shops, restaurants, and theatres from campus, Caltech is nestled in a beautiful residential area with quiet streets ideal for jogging or bicycling.
Is it safe?
Caltech is in a safe residential neighborhood. The campus has its own 24-hour security services as well.
How far is Caltech from Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is essentially a sprawling mix of diverse communities. Downtown is about 20 minutes away by car, while Hollywood, the Westside, and the beaches are about a 45-minute drive away.
Do students hang out in Los Angeles for fun?
While some students prefer staying on campus, many others explore the city on the weekends. Pasadena also has an active night life, particularly in Old Town.
What outdoor activities are available?
There is a nature preserve with hiking trails two miles north of campus, and the Angeles National Forest is a 20 minute drive away. The beaches are a 45-minute drive away, mountains with ski slopes are a 90-minute drive, and the desert (most notably, Joshua Tree) is about two hours away.
What is the weather like?
Glorious! Contrary to popular belief, there are seasons in Southern California-they all just happen to be very pleasant. The fall is warm (80s), the winter is brisk (60s), and the spring is balmy (70s). In the summer, the temperatures sometimes hit triple digits, but usually hover in the low 90s.
Life After Caltech
What do graduating seniors do?
In 2009, about 50% of the seniors went on to graduate school, 40% accepted employment, and about 10% pursued other activities, like research fellowships or travel.
Where do Techers go to graduate school?
Every year, students are admitted to the top programs around the world. Last year, Stanford, MIT, Caltech, and UC Berkeley were among the more popular schools.
Where do Techers go to medical school?
Every year, students are admitted to the best schools across the country. Last year, Harvard, UC San Diego, and USC were among the schools chosen most often by seniors.
What resources are available for choosing career paths?
Caltech has an excellent Career Development Center with skilled and dedicated counselors who guide Techers to the right post-graduation decisions.
Is there an alumni network?
The Alumni Association has active job connection and network services. Given the unparalleled preparation a Caltech education gives students, alumni are always eager to hire fellow Techers. There are alums around the country who organize recruiting, networking activities and social events.
Getting to Know Caltech
Where should I stay when I visit the campus?
Pasadena offers a wide range of hotels and other accommodations. If you are likely to be looking for something to do during the evenings away from campus, we recommend that you look for a hotel near Old Town. We've noted some of the hotels on our Local Accommodations page.
Does Caltech offer overnight stays?
Caltech does not sponsor overnight visits. All admitted students are invited to participate in our April Prefrosh Weekend program, when students can stay on campus Thursday through Sunday. Admitted students who cannot attend Prefosh Weekend can arrange for Caltech in a Day, a day-long personalized visit.
Can prospective students sit in on classes?
You are welcome to sit in on classes. Consult the current schedule of courses and plan accordingly. Please stop by the admissions office first to get a map and directions to the classroom.
Is there someone I can mail or talk to on campus?
You can contact your admissions counselor. If you'd like to speak with a current student your admission counselor can direct you to someone who shares your interests..
Will I be at a disadvantage in the admission process if I don't visit campus?
No. We don't require visits, nor do we consider whether you have visited as a factor in making our admission decisions.
Applying to Caltech - Freshman Admissions
High-School Preparation
What kind of high-school preparation should I have?
4 years of math (including calculus)
1 year of physics
1 year of chemistry
3 years of English (4 years recommended)
1 year of U.S. history/government (waived for international students)
What if my high school does not offer Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses?
Many schools don't offer the AP or IB curricula. Regardless of the curriculum your school offers, we expect that you will have challenged yourself with demanding courses. The Caltech curriculum will require that you have completed rigorous courses in calculus and in physics. If these courses are not available in your high school, we strongly encourage you to take them at a local college or online.
Do you give more weight to AP courses?
We expect that students have challenged themselves in the context of what their high school has to offer. Some schools offer AP courses, some IB courses, and some neither. Students without courses designated as AP or IB won't be disadvantaged if those courses weren't available within their school.
Is it better to get a "B" in an AP course or an "A" in a regular course?
This is a popular question. Realistically, students admitted to Caltech are mostly getting "A" grades in the AP/IB or other most rigorous course they are taking.
If I have exhausted the math and science courses at my high school, what should I do?
Consider taking courses at a nearby college or an appropriate online course, or arranging an independent study project at your high school.
Is there a minimum GPA you require?
No. Most admitted students, however, perform near the top of their graduating class.
What if my high school doesn't rank students?
This isn't a problem. Your school will usually send us a profile that includes a grade distribution that allows us to see how your performance compares to that of your classmates.
What tests do you require?
The SAT: Critical Reading, Math and Writing
OR the old SAT I: Verbal and Math
OR the ACT (with or without the optional writing section)
AND SAT Subject Test Mathematics Level 2
AND One of the following SAT Subject Tests: Biology, (Ecological), Biology (Molecular), Chemistry, or Physics
Is the TOEFL required for non-English speakers?
If your native language is not English, and you have not studied for at least two years in an English-speaking country, we encourage (but don't require) you to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). Both paper-and computer-based TOEFL are acceptable.
Are there minimum SAT/ACT scores you require?
No. There are no cutoffs and we do not admit "by the numbers." The mid 50% for students admitted to the class of 2013 are as follows: SAT 2170-2300 and ACT (English/math) 33-35.
If I take the SATs or the ACT more than once, which results will you consider?
When we review your application we have all of your test scores available to us. We will look at all of your scores, paying particular attention to the general pattern of scores and emphasizing the highest score for each individual exam.
Can I take or retake the SATs or ACT after the application deadline?
You can, but the scores may not arrive in time for consideration. You should complete tests by October for Early Action and by December for Regular Decision.
Should I pay extra money for the express delivery of my scores?
No. Never pay to have scores delivered via an express service. We receive the scores electronically. Normal delivery is the fastest way to have your scores matched to your application in our office.
Do you prefer the ACT or the SAT?
We do not have a preference, but please note that we require SAT Subject tests for all applicants.
If I am admitted, will you give me credit for AP or IB courses, or for college classes taken in high school?
When we review your application, we will take into account that you have enrolled in a rigorous course of study. Caltech does not, however, grant credit based on AP or IB examination results. New students will have the opportunity to take placement exams in math, physics, chemistry, and writing. How students score on these exams sometimes results in their being placed in upper level courses and being given credit for Caltech courses.
Submitting the Application
When are applications available?
Freshman applications are typically available after July 1 of each year. Transfer and 3/2 applications are usually available by the end of August.
Can I apply online?
Yes. In fact, we encourage you to apply online. We have many fewer problems with lost applications and missing documents when a student applies online.
Do I need to submit official AP or IB scores?
We ask you to self-report available AP or IB scores on the application, and we will consider them when we are making admissions decisions. There is no need to send official reports.
Are interviews required as part of the application process?
We do not conduct interviews. You are, however, encouraged to visit the campus to participate in an information session and campus tour.
Filling Out the Application
Can I attach a resume rather than fill out the activities section?
You may attach a resume, but you must still fill out the activities section on both the Common Application and the Supplement. We are interested in which activities are most important to you. If you include additional information, please be sure that it follows the format used on the application and supplement.
How long should my essays be?
The Common Application and Caltech Supplement provide general guidance as to the length of each essay or short answer. If you go over a word limit by a sentence or two, don't worry about it. Be sure that your responses are well developed and respond fully to the question or prompt.
How long should my short answers be?
At least as long as is necessary to answer the question and no longer than the space allowed. We limit you to the space provided because we aren't looking for long answers. These really are designed to be short answers.
What are you looking for in the short answers and essays?
You. We want to hear your stories in your own voice. The writing matters a lot in our deliberations. Take your time and make sure your writing reflects who you are.
What if I have something else to tell you?
If there is other information you want to submit, for example, extenuating family or personal circumstances, you can add it to the "Additional Information" section on the Common Application or Caltech Supplement.
Recommendation Letters and Supplementary Information
Who should I ask to write my recommendation letters?
Always choose junior or senior year teachers who know you well and like you a lot. We require one letter from a humanities or social science teacher and one letter from a math or science teacher. Junior or senior year teachers are important because they are able to describe your intellectual abilities as they are today rather than as they were when you were much younger.
Should I submit more than two teacher recommendations?
We only require two. However, if you'd like to send additional teacher recommendations, they should provide new information and speak directly to your ability to do demanding college-level work or scientific research.
Do you accept supplementary recommendation letters?
Yes. If you have conducted research, we strongly encourage you to submit a letter of recommendation from your mentor. You also may submit other recommendation letters if they add information to your application that we would have not otherwise known.
Can recommenders send the recommendations via email?
Recommendation letters should be submitted either via the online Common Application or via regular mail. We do not accept letters of recommendation via e-mail.
Do you accept research papers?
Yes. If you have research experience in math, science, or engineering, you are welcome to submit a copy of any research paper or report you have written. Papers must be submitted as a PDF file and e-mailed to: papers@admissions.caltech.edu. Please clearly mark your full name and birth date on your submission. To assure consideration, papers should be submitted no later than the application deadline. Papers that do not have your name and birth date clearly indicated on the first page may not be considered.
Do you accept music CDs, art slides, or other materials?
If you would like to submit additional materials (CDs, music, written submissions, or art samples) you may mail them to our office postmarked by our admission deadline. Please note that we may not always use supplemental materials in our evaluation process but sometimes find them helpful. All supplementary materials should be clearly labeled with your full name and date of birth.
Early Action
Who should apply under Early Action (vs. Regular Decision)?
Students should consider applying under Early Action if they:
