California Institute of Technology (Caltech) Acceptance Rates
Contents
Located in Pasadena, California, the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) continues to attract some of the brightest minds globally, with a rigorous admissions process and a notably low Caltech acceptance rate that ensures the incoming class embodies both academic excellence and diversity. In this article, we explore the acceptance rates, class profile, and demographics of Caltech’s Class of 2028. Through an analysis of the student data, we aim to provide insights into the competitiveness and unique makeup of this prestigious university’s most recent cohort.
Overview of Caltech Acceptance Rates
The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) stands as one of the most competitive universities globally, with an acceptance rate that consistently ranks among the lowest. For the Class of 2028, the acceptance rate is 2.27%, underscoring its status as one of the most selective institutions in the country. This means that out of every 100 applicants, only 2-3 students are accepted. The rigorous selection process ensures that only the brightest and most dedicated students join the Caltech community, ready to contribute to its legacy of innovation and discovery.
Admissions Requirements
Typically, the average GPA for admitted students is 4.19 or higher, reflecting the high academic standards. The average SAT score is around 1545 or higher, and the average ACT score is a perfect 36. With over 8,000 applicants vying for approximately 315 spots, the acceptance rate hovers between 2.3% and 3.3%. Students who do not meet the high bar above are strongly encouraged to seek out SAT tutors or ACT Tutors for a chance at securing at place at Caltech. On that note, you can also check out the Best Tutoring Companies in the USA.
In addition to academic scores, strong application essays are crucial for applicants to stand out in the highly competitive admissions process. Students are therefore advised to seek help from a Personal Statement Tutor where appropriate.
Caltech’s admissions process is known for being extremely selective, considering not just academic performance but also a range of other factors. The holistic review process evaluates extracurricular activities, volunteer work, personal statements, and more, ensuring that each admitted student is well-rounded and aligns with Caltech’s values and mission. This comprehensive approach helps identify students who are not only academically gifted but also passionate about contributing to the fields of science and engineering. For more personalised and detailed application advice, seek out US college application support.
Overall Caltech Acceptance Rate
Caltech’s Class of 2028 saw a total of 13,863 applicants, out of which 222 first-year students were admitted and enrolled. The acceptance rate for first-year students is therefore around 1.6% and the overall acceptance rate at 2.27%, which is lower than Harvard University and MIT, making Caltech the most selective university in the United States and one of the most selective universities in the world.
Source: Caltech Admissions Statistics
Overall, Caltech’s admission trend shows that the chance of success at securing a place there is increasingly difficult. This rate reflects the high demand for a Caltech education and the intense competition among applicants. Despite the flexible policies regarding SAT/ACT submissions, most students still choose to take these tests and submit their scores to enhance their application competitiveness. As Caltech consistently ranks among the top science and engineering institutions globally, it’s no surprise that its acceptance rate continues to remain low. Furthermore, its small cohort size drives even higher competition, contributing to an overall low acceptance rate.
The selective nature of the admissions process highlights the value placed not only on academic performance but also on the alignment of students’ interests with Caltech’s unique culture and research opportunities. For students seeking to stand out from the vast pool of applicants, you can seek more tailored advice from US college application support.
Acceptance Rates by Fields of Study
Caltech offers a focused range of academic programs that attract students deeply passionate about science and engineering. According to the official Class Profile of 2028, most popular intended majors for the Class of 2028 included: Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering, Astrophysics, Physics and more.
The emphasis on STEM fields is clear, with many students gravitating toward engineering and computing, areas where Caltech is known to excel. These subjects are highly competitive, and students are drawn to Caltech for its cutting-edge research and renowned faculty in these disciplines. However, like other top US universities such as Stanford, Caltech does not discriminate applicants based on their intended majors. The choice of major therefore has no bearing on the overall acceptance rate.
Acceptance Rates by Ethnicity
In contrast to some other U.S. institutions, Caltech’s admitted class showcases a diverse group of students, emphasizing individual achievement and potential in STEM fields without affirmative action programs. Caltech’s approach to diversity focuses on creating an inclusive environment and offering resources for students from various backgrounds once they are admitted, rather than using race or ethnicity as admissions criteria. For the Class of 2028, the racial and ethnic composition is as follows:
- 41% Asian
- 19% White
- 10% Hispanic
- 5% Black
- 7% Two or more races
- 17% Nonresident alien
- 1% Race/ethnicity unknown
Source: Caltech Admissions Statistics
This data showcases a diverse student body, with a significant percentage of students identifying as Asian or Hispanic. Additionally, nonresident aliens, or international students, make up a sizable portion of the class, contributing to the global perspective within the Caltech community.
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Acceptance Rates by Gender
The Class of 2028 at Caltech maintains an equal balance between genders:
- 50% Female
- 50% Male
Source: Caltech Admissions Statistics
This even distribution aligns with Caltech's ongoing efforts to promote gender equity in STEM fields, which historically have had gender imbalances. Despite the overall gender balance, disparities may still exist in specific fields, with more women typically enrolling in biology and bioengineering compared to engineering or physics.
Comparing Caltech to MIT, MIT's gender diversity is similar, with 48% female and 52% male undergraduates in 2023. MIT has a long history of initiatives to promote gender equality in STEM. Challenges for Caltech include maintaining gender parity across all disciplines, improving retention rates for women, and addressing gender diversity in graduate programs, where male dominance remains stronger.
Caltech has introduced initiatives like the Women Mentoring Women Program and the Center for Diversity and Inclusion, providing resources and mentorship for women in STEM. Moving forward, Caltech can enhance efforts by focusing on intersectional diversity, supporting women from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds, similar to initiatives seen at MIT.
Socioeconomic Background and Acceptance Rates
Caltech remains committed to supporting students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. For the Class of 2028:
- 50% of students received need-based financial aid awards, demonstrating the university’s commitment to accessibility.
- 20% of the class were recipients of Pell Grants, which are awarded to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. This is similar to other comparable universities like MIT.
- 56% of the students came from public schools and 15% of the students are first-generation college students. This represents Caltech’s effort to broaden access to students who are the first in their families to pursue higher education.
Source: Caltech Admissions Statistics
This data indicates that despite its selectivity, Caltech ensures that financial barriers do not prevent talented students from accessing its world-class education.
Initiatives to promote socio-economic inclusion
Caltech offers the following aids, scholarships and community outreach to increase its diversity among newly-admitted students:
- Need-Based Financial Aid: Caltech meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students through grants, scholarships, and work-study programs, ensuring students from all economic backgrounds can afford to attend without taking on excessive debt.
- Pell Grant Recipients: For students with significant financial need, 20% of the Class of 2028 are Pell Grant recipients, showing the institution's commitment to supporting low-income students.
- Caltech Scholarships: Caltech offers both merit-based and need-based scholarships to relieve financial burdens, with awards tailored to cover tuition, housing, and other educational costs, ensuring students have full access to resources without additional financial strain.
- Fee Waivers: The application fee waiver program targets applicants from low-income families, making the admissions process more accessible by removing the financial hurdle of applying.
- Caltech FOCUS Program: Through community outreach initiatives like FOCUS (Freshmen Opportunity in College and Undergraduate Science), Caltech partners with underserved schools to introduce students to STEM careers and offer guidance on financial aid and scholarships.
- Work-Study and Campus Jobs: Caltech also provides work-study programs and part-time campus employment to help students manage living costs while pursuing their education.
Acceptance Rates for International Students
Caltech is renowned for being diverse and welcoming to international students. Class of 2028 includes students from 28 countries by primary citizenship. International students also often study under a variety of international curriculum, such as the IB.
Furthermore 17% of enrolled students are international, a figure consistent with previous years. The acceptance rate for international students is likely lower than domestic students due to additional challenges such as visa requirements and difficulty navigating the Education System in the US.
Source: Caltech Admissions Statistics
Compared to competitors like MIT and Stanford, Caltech enrolls a slightly higher percentage of international students (MIT: 10-15%, Stanford: 10-12%), though these schools have larger class sizes. This is likely because Caltech is more resesarch-driven and adopts a more global focus science and research. Nonetheless, competition for international applicants at Caltech remains intense. International students would benefit from targeted academic support available both in the US, such as IB Tutors in United States, and overseas.
Acceptance Rates by State
The Class of 2028 represents a broad range of geographic locations. Students come from 28 countries and 33 U.S. states and territories. The largest representation is from California at 29%, which is not surprising given the university’s location. Other significant regions represented include the:
- West (10%)
- South (14%)
- Midwest (9%)
- Mid Atlantic (11%)
- Southwest (6%)
- New England (4%)
Source: Caltech Admissions Statistics
For students in California, those who want to aim at Caltech would often hiring tutors, such as IB Tutors in Los Angeles,to supplement classroom learning. This is also true on the other side of the continent, where students seek out IB Tutors in New York to boost their chances of success.
Factors Affecting Future Acceptance Trends
Several specific factors are likely to influence Caltech’s future acceptance rates:
- Rising Application Numbers: As interest in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and STEM fields grow, consistently low Caltech acceptance rate is likely to continue to drive intense competition among applicants, influencing future acceptance trends.
- Focus on Diversity: Caltech’s efforts to increase representation of women, underrepresented minorities, and first-generation students will shape future admissions. New initiatives aimed at attracting more diverse candidates may alter the demographic makeup of incoming classes.
- Shift in International Admissions: As Caltech continues to attract top international talent, especially from countries with growing STEM sectors like China, India, and Brazil, competition among international applicants will likely increase, potentially lowering international acceptance rates.
- Increased Demand for STEM: Global demand for STEM professionals will push more students to apply, particularly in high-demand fields like computer science, engineering, and bioengineering, intensifying competition within these majors.
- Financial Aid Expansion: Enhancements to Caltech’s financial aid offerings may attract more applicants from low-income and diverse backgrounds, broadening the pool of competitive candidates.
Conclusion
Caltech’s acceptance rates, especially for international students, reflect its status as one of the most selective STEM institutions in the world. With growing application numbers, increasing focus on diversity, and global competition, future acceptance trends will likely see even more selectivity. Caltech’s commitment to attracting top talent, regardless of nationality or background, ensures that it will continue to shape the future of science and technology. Aspiring students must excel academically, demonstrate passion for STEM, and align with Caltech’s rigorous research-driven culture to stand out in this competitive admissions landscape.
FAQ
Does Caltech offer early action or early decision?
No, Caltech does not offer Early Action or Early Decision options. The university only offers a Regular Decision admissions cycle. All applications are reviewed equally, with no advantage for applying earlier in the process. The Regular Decision deadline is typically in early January, and admissions decisions are usually released by mid-March. While there’s no early application option, prospective students should still plan ahead to ensure they complete their applications by the deadline, especially for writing strong essays and securing letters of recommendation.
Are interviews required or offered for Caltech admissions?
No, Caltech does not conduct interviews as part of its admissions process. The evaluation is based entirely on the written application materials, including essays, academic records, test scores (if submitted), and letters of recommendation. Therefore, your essays and recommendations are especially important, as they provide the admissions committee with a deeper understanding of your personality, motivations, and intellectual interests. Since interviews aren’t offered, use your application to tell your story and explain why Caltech’s research-focused environment is the perfect place for you to pursue your academic goals.
What research opportunities are available to undergraduates?
Caltech is renowned for its hands-on undergraduate research opportunities. One of the most prominent programs is the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF), where students work on research projects alongside faculty members and contribute to ongoing scientific discoveries. Many students start research as early as their freshman year, and the SURF program provides funding and mentorship to pursue projects in areas such as physics, biology, chemistry, engineering, and more. Additionally, Caltech encourages students to collaborate across disciplines, offering access to cutting-edge research facilities and participation in faculty-led projects.
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Written by: Vicky Liu
Vicky has an undergraduate degree from The University of Hong Kong and a Masters from University College London, and has a background in legal and educational writing.