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Supplemental Transfer Application Essays

Fall 2025 Supplemental Application Essays

When you apply to Caltech, you will be required to submit supplemental application essays. These essays are an opportunity to tell us about yourself in your unique voice. There are no right or wrong answers but we do have some advice:

  • Remember, Caltech is an unapologetic STEM institution. Literally, there is no way to write about too much STEM in your supplemental questions. So lean all the way in on the STEMiest of STEMmy topics (yep, those are made-up words but totally appropriate). Review our What We Look For page before you get started.
  • Faculty at Caltech review files of the most competitive applicants. So don't worry that your science won't make sense to a lay-person because our faculty with PhDs conducting research that will change the world will understand what you're saying. We promise.
  • If there is anything important about who you are, what you've done, or how you've experienced your life - we want to know about it. Holistic review means whole person review. We're here for whatever you want to share.

All Fall 2025 applicants will be asked to review Caltech's guidelines on the ethical use of AI before submitting their supplemental essays.

STEM Journey

Required STEM Academic Interest Question

Transfer students declare their majors by the start of their first term at Caltech, after which they take major specific courses alongside the core curriculum. Many transfer students already know which academic fields and areas most excite them, or which novel fields and areas they most want to explore.

If you had to choose a major today, what would you choose? Why do you think Caltech is the right place to pursue this interest? (Min: 100/Max: 200 words)


Required Educational Background Question

Select the scenario that fits your experience:

  • Transferring from a two year college to Caltech
  • Transferring from a four year college/university to Caltech

Tell us about your experiences at your current school and why you are ready to take the next step in your academic journey? (Min: 200/Max: 400 words)

Required Short Essay Questions

Your STEM Present - STEM 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)

Your STEM Past - STEM 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)

Creativity in Action Question

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)

Caltech Values Question

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)

Optional Short Answer Questions

We know, we know ... you see optional and start to wonder if we mean it. But in this section, we truly do! See these as completely optional opportunities to show us more of your personality.

Optional. We promise.

  1. If there are aspects of your life or social or personal identity that you feel are not captured elsewhere in this application, please tell us about them below. (Max: 150 words)
  2. When not surveying the stars, peering through microscopes, or running through marathons of coding, Caltech students pursue an eclectic array of interests that range from speed-cubing to participating in varsity athletics to reading romance novels. What is a favorite interest or hobby, and why does it bring you joy? (Max: 200 words)
  3. Did you have a hard time narrowing it down to just one interest or hobby? We understand – Caltech students like to stay busy, too – tell us about another hobby or interest! (Max: 150 words)

Optional Academic Short Answer Questions

OPTIONAL: Have you had any extenuating circumstances (such as limited course selection or disruptions), that have affected your coursework, but that are not described elsewhere in your application? If so, tell us about them here.