Essay Writing Advice

We don't want essay writing to be intimidating, but we know it often is. We have put together some advice to help you get started writing your Caltech Supplemental Essays, so you can worry less and enjoy the application process.

Some general advice

• We've said it before and we will say it again: there is no way to write about too much STEM in your supplemental questions! Caltech is an unapologetic STEM institution. So lean all the way in on the STEMiest of STEMmy topics (yep, those are made-up words but totally appropriate).
• Do your research. Read about what kind of students thrive at Caltech by reviewing our What We Look For page.
• Don't wait until the last minute to write your supplemental essays. Give yourself time to write thoughtfully - and time to proofread them, too!
• We don't have an interview process at Caltech, so our supplemental essays are where you are speaking directly to us. Embrace your own voice and personality!
• Recent experiences will always tell us more about who you are as a soon-to-be college student. You may have first been inspired to become an engineer after playing with Legos as a kid, but we care much more about what your passion for engineering looks like as a high schooler.
• Review Caltech's guidelines on the ethical use of AI before submitting your supplemental essays.
• We ask you to write a lot on purpose! Take advantage of this opportunity by writing about different facets of your life and different topics across essays.
• If you are ever stuck, take a moment and ask yourself 'Why?' Why did you choose to write about this topic? Why is it important to you? Why does it relate to your STEM identity?

These essays cover a wide range of themes and should each be approached differently and thoughtfully. The advice listed after each question is designed to help you kickstart your writing process. You got this!

The first three questions are about your STEM journey — or your STEM future, present, and past.

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Question One - Your STEM Future: Academic Interests

Caltech has a rigorous core curriculum and students don't declare a major until the end of their first year. However, some students arrive knowing which academic fields and areas already most excite them, or which novel fields and areas they most want to explore.

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? (Min: 100 / Max: 200 words)

Why are we asking this?

Although we don't require you to pursue the major you write down on your application, we want to know that you're able to articulate your academic interests and future goals. It gives you a chance to help the admissions committee understand your motivations, and commitment to the mission of Caltech.

Tips for answering this question:

• Be honest, don't tell us what you think we want to hear. This is a chance to demonstrate your passion and enthusiasm for your desired field of study.
• Research and explain why this is the right program for you and how it aligns with your research and/or career goals.
• Do not try to game the system by choosing other fields to hopefully stand out. This will make your answer less sincere and will reflect poorly on your candidacy to the admissions committee.

Question Two - Your STEM Present: Curiosity

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. Be as specific or broad as you would like. (Min: 50 / Max: 150 words)

Why are we asking this?

We want to know what's happening in the STEM world currently that interests you. We want to see your enthusiasm and interests beyond your primary focus area. This will provide the admissions committee insight into how you think about new ideas. And we want you to have fun telling us about a STEM topic that captivates you!

Tips for answering this question:

• You should choose something you are genuinely interested in at the moment. Authenticity matters and will come through in your response.
• Remember that there is no way to "out-STEM" us. When we say "nerd out", we mean it!
• Be sure to be specific by mentioning the aspects and concepts that fascinate you and let us know why.

Question Three - Your STEM Past: Prior Experiences

At Caltech, we investigate some of the most challenging, fundamental problems in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. We are interested in learning more about your engagement with STEM.

Please share two STEM-related experiences:

1. Tell us how you initially found your interest and passion for science or any STEM topic, and how you have pursued or developed this interest or passion over time. (Min: 100 / Max: 200 words)
2. Tell us about a STEM-related experience from the last few years and share how and why it inspired your curiosity. (Min: 100 / Max: 200 words)

Why are we asking this?

We want to give you the space to tell us directly why STEM matters to you and to show us how past experiences in STEM tie into your larger story. Your STEM experiences help us understand who you are as a scientist, mathematician, or engineer on a deeper, more personal level.

Tips for answering this question:

• These responses are not resume entries — there is already room for that elsewhere in your application. Dig deeper than a list of accomplishments.
• Remember, we are asking about YOUR experience. Many students are inspired by a mentor or a family member, but we want to hear about your STEM experiences.
• Struggling to think of an experience to write about? Not all STEM experiences will look the same (and imagine how boring that would be!). Here are some questions to help kickstart your brainstorming process:
  • Have you encountered a problem that you solved through STEM?
  • Did you combine two interests to discover a new passion? Biology and Computer Science! Physics and Ice Skating! Social Justice and Environmental Science! The combinations are endless.
  • Are you on a team? Do you have a hobby? What are some specific moments or events that highlight why you have a passion for that activity?

Question Four - Creativity in Action

The creativity, inventiveness, and innovation of Caltech's students, faculty, and researchers have won Nobel Prizes and put rovers on Mars. But Techers also imagine smaller-scale innovations every day, from new ways to design solar cells to how to 3D-print dorm decor to experimenting in the kitchen. How have you been a creator, inventor, or innovator in your own life? (Min: 200 / Max: 250 words)

Why are we asking this?

Caltech's mission includes "educating outstanding students to become creative members of society"and this is your opportunity to show us your creative and innovative spirit in action.

Tips for answering this question:

• We celebrate innovation in all forms, whether they happen in the laboratory, the classroom, the kitchen sink, or entirely in C++.
• Tell us the ‘why' behind your creative endeavor. Maybe you invented a new way to freeze ice cream, but was your passion sparked by taking apart an old ice cream maker, learning about the triglycerides in milk fat, or starting a side hustle?
• Have fun here and let your personality shine.

Question Five - Caltech's Values

Caltech's values include respect for a diversity of thoughts and ideas. How have you cultivated this value in your own life? (Min: 50 / Max: 200 words)

Why are we asking this?

Caltech is a close-knit community that fosters collaboration and we value the wide range of experiences and perspectives our students, faculty, and staff bring to campus. We want to understand how your own personal experiences and perspectives have shaped you.

Tips for answering this question:

• Take time to read the question, explore Caltech's mission and our fundamental values, and think deeply about what resonated for you.
• Be specific. For example, instead of simply telling us that you are open to new ideas, paint a picture of a time that you had an idea or belief challenged and how it affected you.
• Do you have a story to tell? We care about your lived experiences and identities and how they intersect with Caltech's values.
• Center yourself in the response — remember, we are asking about your own life.