🇺🇸United States

California Institute of Technology

US News #5📍 Pasadena, California

About

The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is a world-leading private research university renowned for its exceptional achievements in science and engineering. Despite its extremely small size (approximately 1,000 undergraduate students and 1,300 graduate students), it boasts extraordinarily high per-capita research output and academic influence. It operates NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), a core institution for space exploration. Caltech has educated 46 Nobel laureates, including many pioneering figures in the fields of physics, chemistry, and biology. Its campus is located in Pasadena, adjacent to Los Angeles.

⭐ Highlights

Highest per-capita research output in the world
Operates NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
Small-class elite education with a 1:3 student-faculty ratio
46 Nobel Prize winners among its community
World-leading physics and engineering disciplines

📚 Top Programs

PhysicsAerospace EngineeringComputer ScienceChemistryBiologyMathematicsGeologyMaterials Science

💰 Fees

TuitionApproximately $58,000 per year

Living CostsApproximately $20,000 per year

Application DeadlineEarly Action (EA): November 1; Regular Decision (RD): January 3

💼 Career Outcomes

Graduates have top-tier global employment competitiveness, with large numbers entering top investment banks, tech giants, management consulting firms, and leading research institutions. Average starting salaries are among the highest in the industry, and the alumni network spans core positions across sectors worldwide.

📋 Admission Information

🎓Undergraduate Admission

Item	Requirement
Language Requirement	TOEFL 100+ (iBT/TOEFL iBT Band 5+), IELTS 7.5+
Standardized Tests	SAT 1530-1580 or ACT 35-36 (standardized test scores are mandatory for Caltech)
GPA	Unweighted GPA 3.95+/4.0, with nearly all As in math and science courses

📄 Required Materials

Coalition App / Common App

Submit via the Common App

Caltech-specific essays

3 academic interest essays that demonstrate deep passion for STEM fields

Main personal statement

650-word personal statement

Extracurricular activities

Highlight math/science competition experience (AMC/AIME/USAMO), research projects, and STEM clubs

Letters of recommendation

2 academic recommendation letters (one from a math/science teacher and one from a humanities teacher) + 1 additional recommendation letter from a research supervisor

Academic transcripts

Grades 9-12 transcripts that demonstrate advanced-level math and science coursework

Interview (Optional)

On-campus interview or alumni interview

💡 Caltech has an acceptance rate of approximately 6.7%. It places extreme emphasis on academic strength in mathematics, science, and engineering. Competition achievements (USAMO/ISEF/JSHS) provide a significant admissions boost. Standardized test scores are required.

🎯Graduate Admission

Item	Requirement
Language Requirement	TOEFL 100+ (iBT Band 5+), IELTS 7.5+; a speaking score of 24+ is recommended for PhD programs, native English speakers or applicants with English-taught degree backgrounds may apply for a waiver
Standardized Tests	GRE Subject is mandatory for some disciplines, recommended GRE General score 325+
GPA	Undergraduate GPA 3.8+/4.0, high-level research publications are preferred

📄 Required Materials

Online Application

Submit through Caltech Graduate Admissions

Statement of Purpose

Explain research interests and research experience in detail

CV/Resume

Highlight research experience and paper publications

Recommendation Letters

3 letters of recommendation, must be from research supervisors or researchers

Academic Transcripts

Transcripts for all post-secondary education

GRE Score Report

Programs such as Physics and Chemistry require GRE Subject scores

💡 100% of Caltech PhD programs offer full scholarships (over $45,000 per year + tuition waiver). International students compete on an equal footing with U.S. students for admission.

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