Chances of Getting Into California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, California • Private University • #6 National • Founded 1891
Caltech Admissions Statistics 2025–2026
Caltech SAT & ACT Scores
SAT Scores (Middle 50%)
ACT Scores (Middle 50%)
About California Institute of Technology
The California Institute of Technology is one of the world's most elite science and engineering institutions. With a 3% acceptance rate and only 252 students per class, Caltech offers an intensely rigorous academic experience with a 3:1 student-faculty ratio and access to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Top Programs
What Makes Caltech Unique
- 3:1 student-faculty ratio — the lowest in the nation
- Manages NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) — students can work on space missions
- 40+ Nobel Prize laureates affiliated with Caltech
- Extremely small — only ~1,000 undergrads, creating an intimate academic community
- Honor Code system — exams are take-home and unproctored
Caltech Cost & Financial Aid
Cost of Attendance
Financial Aid
Caltech Application Deadlines
How to Get Into Caltech: Admission Tips
Caltech requires SAT/ACT — reinstated testing for Class of 2029
Near-perfect scores in math and science are expected (1540+ SAT, 35+ ACT)
Research experience is almost essential — Caltech values scientific inquiry above all
Supplemental essays should demonstrate deep intellectual curiosity in STEM
Caltech is looking for students who love science for its own sake, not just career outcomes
The Brutal Truth About Caltech Admissions
The numbers are brutal. With a 3% acceptance rate, Caltech rejected over 10,946 applicants in the most recent cycle. Many of those rejected students had perfect GPAs and 1550+ SATs.
Stats are table stakes, not differentiators. At Caltech, having a 3.98 GPA and 1560 SAT puts you at average — not above average. What separates admitted students from rejected ones is everything else: essays, activities, recommendations, and authentic passion.
The biggest mistake applicants make: Treating their application like a résumé. Caltech doesn't want a list of accomplishments — they want to understand who you are as a person and what you'll contribute to their community.
Bottom line: Apply if Caltech genuinely excites you — but build a balanced college list. Don't put all your eggs in one 3%-acceptance-rate basket.
Caltech Admissions FAQ
What is the acceptance rate at California Institute of Technology?
California Institute of Technology has an acceptance rate of 3% as of the most recent admissions cycle. Out of 11,285 applicants, approximately 252 students were admitted to the incoming class.
What GPA do I need to get into Caltech?
The average GPA of admitted students at California Institute of Technology is 3.98. Most successful applicants have GPAs above 3.83, with many in the top 5-10% of their high school class.
What SAT score do I need for Caltech?
The middle 50% SAT range for admitted Caltech students is 1540–1580. The average SAT score is 1560. For ACT, the range is 35–36 with an average of 36.
Is Caltech hard to get into?
Yes, California Institute of Technology is extremely selective with an acceptance rate of just 3%. Even students with perfect GPAs and test scores are not guaranteed admission. Holistic review means essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations all play critical roles.
How much does Caltech cost?
Tuition at California Institute of Technology is $63,402 per year, with total cost of attendance at $86,886. However, 60% of students receive financial aid, with the average aid package exceeding $56,000+.
What are my chances of getting into Caltech?
Your chances of getting into California Institute of Technology depend on your GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and more. With a 3% overall acceptance rate, admissions are highly competitive. Use AdmitOdds to get a personalized assessment of your chances based on your actual profile.
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