Hiya, peeps! I've been considering CalTech for college. Could anyone provide a breakdown of their admission requirements? I'm aiming to adequately prepare myself to meet their standards. Thanks in advance!
Hello there! It's a good idea to become familiar with CalTech's requirements as the school has a competitive admissions process.
Firstly, for the academic requirements, Caltech expects strong performance in rigorous coursework. Math and science, in particular, are at the heart of a CalTech education, so demonstrating achievement in these areas is crucial.
Along with your transcript, you will need to provide school reports and counselor recommendations. You also need to submit two teacher evaluations, ideally from teachers in STEM fields. SAT or ACT scores are required as of the 2024-2025 application cycle.
Next, let's talk about the CalTech-specific essays. The supplemental essays give you a chance to show how you embody the attributes Caltech values, including a strong interest in science, unbridled creativity, and a propensity to push boundaries. You'll be given prompts that ask you to elaborate on your passion for STEM, your experiences working in teams, and your eagerness to take intellectual risks, among other topics.
On the extracurricular front, Caltech is looking to admit students who demonstrate a strong interest in STEM outside the classroom. This can be done through research, science/math competitions, or any other way that you've pursued your academic interests in your own time.
Lastly, Caltech requires the completion of the CSS Profile for financial aid consideration. If you're an international applicant, note that Caltech is need-aware for international students, which means that your ability to pay can affect your chances of admission.
Do remember that while fulfilling all these requirements makes you a contender, admission to Caltech is still highly competitive and there are no guaranteed admissions. The college also values things like intellectual curiosity, tenacity, and a genuine love for learning, which can't be directly quantified. Add a touch of these qualities to your application to give yourself the best chance!
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