Standardized Tests
Beginning for Fall 2025 entry, Caltech will require first-year applicants to submit either the SAT or ACT for admission to Caltech. The writing section of the ACT is not required.
Why did Caltech return to a testing requirement?
The decision to reinstate standardized testing follows a recommendation from a faculty Advisory Committee on Undergraduate Admissions Policy reflecting the judgement that standardized testing provides admissions officers and faculty reviewers useful information about academic preparedness as part of a holistic consideration of all prospective students. During this review, it was found that:
- Even with a testing moratorium in place, an increasing number of applicants have been completing standardized tests each year, with more than 95 percent of the most recently enrolled class having taken standardized exams.
- In restating the standardized testing requirement, Caltech reaffirms its commitment as a community of scientists and engineers to using all relevant data in its decision-making process.
- Caltech is looking for students who are unabashedly and overwhelmingly passionate about STEM and have showcased a clear alignment with our research mission. We remain committed to our review process that seeks to identify these most promising STEM scholars. Standardized test scores provide one additional data point in our holistic review process.
Caltech Testing Deadlines for Fall 2025 Entry
| Application Round | Submission Due Date |
|---|---|
| QuestBridge | Before October 31, 2024 |
| Restrictive Early Action | Before November 30, 2024 |
| Regular Decisions | Before December 31, 2024 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
SAT and ACT scores are one factor within our holistic approach to admissions. High school grades and GPA are dependent on each school's unique grading policies and can often be difficult to decipher. SAT and ACT testing results are a standardized indicator of a student's readiness for the academic rigor of Caltech. However, we understand that students are more than numbers. We will review applicant's scores in the context of their background, resources, and personal situation as reported in their application.
There is no preferred exam and there is no cut-off score. We accept both the SAT (paper and digital versions) and ACT tests for the standardized testing requirements, and neither is preferred over the other.
Very intentionally, Caltech faculty did not decide to require a minimum score for the SAT or ACT. The test score is one data point in our review process. Read more about What We Look For.
Absolutely not. Often, students will ask us if they should continue re-taking the exams to earn a perfect score. That is not a good use of your time. Traditionally, successful applicants to Caltech have had a 700 or higher on each section of the SAT or a 30 or higher on each section of the ACT. HOWEVER, there are many reasons a student may not have that score. As such, we do not have a minimum test score requirement, nor do we expect a perfect examination score.
If your score is not as strong as you'd like it to be, you can check out the Demonstrating STEM Preparedness page to find ways to showcase additional readiness for Caltech's rigorous core curriculum.
Yes, Caltech will superscore your tests. If you take the test multiple times, we will consider the highest score achieved in each section across all reported test dates. When a student applies, they will be asked to submit all of their test scores, at which point Caltech will create a superscore to review the applicant. Applicants should report all official sittings of their standardized tests, including any future sittings. Applicants should not report a superscore as a single sitting.
If a student could not take a standardized exam because the exam was not available/easily accessible in their country or if there were technical challenges to taking the exam, we will give students an opportunity in the Caltech-specific application to explain what happened. From there, students can review the Demonstrating STEM Preparedness page and choose ways to continue to show academic preparation for Caltech in the application process.
Only students who matriculate to Caltech are required to submit official exam scores. When a student applies, they will be asked to submit all of their test scores, at which point Caltech will create a superscore to review the applicant. If a student is admitted and chooses to matriculate, the student will be asked to send official exam scores at that time.
Resources for free test preparation
Official Digital SAT Prep on Khan Academy® is recognized by the College Board as free, comprehensive, and available to all students.
Schoolhouse.world, a platform for free, peer-to-peer tutoring founded by Khan Academy, offers free SAT tutoring bootcamp that includes a virtual 4-week small-group tutoring course . For more information on Caltech's partnership with Khan Academy and to learn other ways to use their resources, visit "Demonstrating Preparedness for Caltech."
The ACT also has free test preparation practice tests and study guides.