First-Year Application Requirements

Application materials

• Application
  • Common App or QuestBridge Application
  • $75 application fee or fee waiver.
• Letters of Recommendation
  • 1 STEM: Calculus (or beyond), Chemistry, Physics, or Biology
  • 1 Humanities or Social Sciences: English, History, Government, or Economics
• Academic Materials
  • School Report: This is a document that your high school college counselor will send to Caltech that provides context about your school. You can request your counselor complete it through either application platform. Additionally, your counselor can submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf.
  • Official transcripts from your secondary school (grades 9-11, or the international curriculum equivalent). Transcripts must be submitted by a school official.
  • If you have taken college classes while in high school, please provide the college transcript, as well. You can upload unofficial transcripts, however, will need to send official ones if admitted and enrolled.
  • Mid-Year Report (due when first term senior grades are available at your school).
• Standardized Tests Score: We require either the SAT or ACT test scores.
  • If you have taken AP or IB examinations, you will be asked to submit those scores as well.
  • English Language Proficiency Test (if International applicant)
• Optional Supplemental Materials

Image Lightbox

Download Full Image

International applicants

Caltech defines an international applicant as a student who is neither a US citizen nor a permanent resident and who has attended secondary school outside of the United States.

Additional requirements of applicants who are international applicants:

• English Proficiency Exam scores: Required of all international applicants unless 1) your native language is English or 2) English is the primary language of instruction in your secondary school. We accept the Duolingo English Test (DET), IELTS, or the TOEFL. The English proficiency exam must be taken prior to the application deadline.
• International Financial Aid Statement of Intent: When an international student applies for first-year admission, the application prompts questions to confirm their understanding of our financial aid policy and thus confirm their financial aid intent towards Caltech. Caltech is need-aware for international applicants because the total amount of financial aid funds is limited for these students, and we remain committed to meeting the demonstrated need of all admitted students.
• Translation of documents: All application materials must be submitted in English. If they were originally printed in a language other than English, we require the original document and an English translation. We will not review your application if any part is not translated in English.

Supplemental Materials

You are welcome to provide supplemental materials that you believe will help our admissions committee learn more about you. These materials may include but are not limited to:

• Research paper or publication preferred (citation if published, letter of recommendation, and research description required)
• STEM Portfolio
• Non-STEM Portfolio

After the application deadline, you will receive a link to the Caltech application portal, the Beaver Breakroom, which will include instructions on submitting supplemental materials.

Verification Statement

Upon admission, Caltech reserves the right to conduct verifications of submitted proofs. Any discrepancies or falsifications will result in the rescission of your admission to Caltech.

Policy on Minimum Age for On-Campus Housing for Undergraduate Students

Beginning in fall 2023, Caltech has enacted a policy on minimum age for on-campus housing for undergraduate students.