Verification of STEM Activities and Awards

Caltech requires applicants to verify their participation in STEM related activities and awards such as research, science fairs, academic competitions, and summer programs. This will be done in the applicant portal, the Beaver Breakroom. A link will be sent to you after you submit your application.

Verification of Research

Submitting research is not a required part of the application process; in fact, 50% or fewer of our admitted students each year submit research. If you plan to submit a research project, you will need to enter the contact information of a research mentor or supervisor so we can request a letter of recommendation from them. This letter can come from a supervisor, a mentor, an adult collaborator, or an administrator.

After the application deadline, you will receive a link to the Beaver Breakroom, which will include instructions on submitting research projects. If you are submitting research, you are required to fill out a form with a description of your research and the email address of your recommender. Our office will then email your research recommender a link to upload their letter.

Verification of Participation in a Science Fair

If you have earned an honor or award at a science fair (e.g., ISEF, IRIS, TUBITAK, etc.), be sure to share this with us! Verification of any awards listed on your application is required. You may do so by providing a letter or certificate confirming your participation or award, or by referring us to the fair's website listing winners. A coach, mentor, or teacher can also submit a letter confirming your involvement. See above for recommendation letter guidelines. You can submit this information through your Beaver Breakroom.

Verification of Competition Medals or Placement

If you have earned a medal or placed in a competition (e.g., IMO, ST Yao, Conrad Challenge, etc.), be sure to share this with us! Verification of any medals earned or placement in competitions listed on your application is required. Verification may include a letter indicating award or placement, a certificate, or links to official results pages.

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. You may do so by providing a link to the public results of winners and participants listed on the corresponding competitions website or submit proof through the Beaver Breakroom.

Verification of Participation in a Summer Program

If you have participated in a STEM-based summer program (e.g., SSP, Ross Math, MITES, etc.), be sure to submit "Confirmation of Attendance" through the Beaver Breakroom. If the program provided you with post-attendance feedback, please submit it through Beaver Breakroom. Some programs may send your post-attendance feedback to Caltech if you request them to do so.

If you're a recommender, check out our writing advice for recommenders.