California Institute of Technology
Acceptance Rate Trend
SAT Score Range Trend
(middle 50% of admitted students)
| Year | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1530 | 1570 |
| 2020 | 1510 | 1570 |
| 2021 | 1510 | 1570 |
| 2022 | 1530 | 1570 |
| 2023 | 1530 | 1570 |
| 2024 | 1530 | 1570 |
Application Timeline
Application Methods
👍 Great Fit If You Are:
Hardcore STEM lovers
if you find joy in solving differential equations at 2am or debating quantum mechanics over lunch, Caltech will feel like home.
Curious introverts
if you’re happiest digging deep into problems, prefer a quiet social scene, and thrive in intellectual solitude, Caltech supports that journey.
Research-driven minds
if you're not just learning science, but already dreaming about publishing, Caltech treats undergrads like junior scientists.
Students who value logic over prestige
if your primary drive is understanding the universe, not just collecting accolades, this is your lab.
Collaborative but independent thinkers
if you can work on team problem sets for 12 hours straight without anyone telling you what to do, you’ll fit in here.
🚨 Not Ideal For:
Students looking for balance
if you want a healthy mix of academics, clubs, sports, and parties, Caltech can feel narrowly focused and intense.
Social butterflies
the social scene is tight-knit and niche; if you need big events, Greek life, or constant buzz, this may feel isolating.
Students who avoid struggle
problem sets are brutal, and failure is part of the process; if you're not okay being humbled regularly, it may burn you out.
Non-STEM majors
while some humanities courses exist, Caltech isn’t the place to study literature, philosophy, or the arts in depth.
Prestige-only applicants
if you're here for the name more than the grind, you’ll likely hate it.
Extraordinary STEM ecosystem
Despite its small community (~1,000 undergraduates), Caltech boasts 48 Nobel Prize recipients, manages NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and stewards major observatories like Palomar and Keck.
Signature House system with culture
Undergraduates are grouped into self-governing Houses (inspired by Oxbridge systems), creating deep social bonds, traditions, and identity.
Tight-knit, rigorous vibe
Known for its punishing academic rigor and collaborative spirit—“That is SO Caltech”—with students celebrated for their unique quirks and devotion to science.
Innovation in action
Groundbreaking research—from smart bandages to battery chemistry—is cultivated in world-class labs and drives real-world impact.
Historic roots with bold identity
Founded in 1891 (originally as Throop), Caltech fosters bold academic invention in a picturesque Pasadena setting, combining deep tradition with forward-looking discovery.
☀️ Weather & Climate
spring
65-75°F (18-24°C)
Warm and sunny, perfect for outdoor study.
summer
75-85°F (24-29°C)
Hot and dry, occasional heat waves.
fall
70-80°F (21-27°C)
Warm and pleasant, characterized by Santa Ana winds.
winter
55-70°F (13-21°C)
Mild with occasional rain.
Mediterranean climate with mild temperatures year-round.
☀️Average 285 sunny days per year
👩🎓👨🎓 Demographics
Gender Ratio
Ethnic Distribution
📚 Popular Majors
Campus Area Dining
Nearby Areas
Historic district with diverse dining options.
Shopping and dining district with a variety of options.