Hey, Caltech hopeful here! I've been hearing a lot of conflicting info about test requirements. Does anyone know if Caltech requires the SAT? If yes, is there a certain score range considered competitive?
Yes, starting from the 2024-2025 application cycle, Caltech does require all applicants to submit an SAT or ACT score. It switched back to this traditional way after being test-optional for a couple of years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
As for the competitive scores, while there isn't a set-in-stone SAT score you have to hit to get into Caltech (it ultimately depends on the strength of the rest of your application and how you compare to other applicants), a quick glance at public data gives us some insight. For last year's admitted students, the middle 50% SAT score range was approximately between 1530-1580.
Remember, though, a high SAT score alone won't guarantee your admission. Caltech is particularly keen on students who combine strong academics with meaningful experiences in research, science, or math-related activities, demonstrating deep interest and potential in STEM. Good luck on your journey to Caltech!
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