Ideal ACT score for getting into Caltech?

Hey peeps, I have my eyes set on Caltech and I'm not sure what ACT score I should be aiming for. Anyone here have any idea about the score range they usually accept? Thanks a lot!

Hey there! Caltech is a highly competitive and selective school. When it comes to ACT scores, it's always a good idea to aim for the highest score possible. That being said, I can help give you an idea of the score range that has been typical for accepted students at Caltech.

It's important to note that Caltech was test-blind for several years after the Covid-19 pandemic, a policy under which they did not consider test scores in their admissions process at all, even if students submitted them. They have only reimplemented their standardized testing requirement for the 2024-2025 application cycle, so you may have a hard time finding the most up-to-date data on average ACT scores.

However, Caltech is one of the most selective schools in the country, and prior to the pandemic, most students had ACT scores around 35-36. While a stellar score will certainly help your chances, do keep in mind that at such a competitive institution, even a perfect 36 won't guarantee acceptance. Factors like your coursework rigor, GPA, extracurricular activities, and essays also play an important role in your admission chances.

If you're looking for tips on how to strengthen your overall application, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which breaks down how to tackle Caltech's school-specific supplemental essays: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-caltech-essays/. After all, most applicants to Caltech have superb academic credentials, so admissions officers often rely on other, more subjective elements of your application - like the personal talents described in the essays - when making their final decisions.

In conclusion, aiming for a 35 or higher on the ACT would put you in a more competitive position for Caltech. However, remember that a high ACT score alone doesn't guarantee admission, so make sure you focus on other aspects of your application as well. Good luck!