University
Pasadena, California, United States
Source: California Institute of Technology Common Data Set 2025-2026 · Retrieved 2026-08-31
Open the official institutional sourceDocument ID: sha256:6aec64b941b2dc795c427840415fa9736f0141ac8f218b301da71f82f1d60438 · Import: cds-2026-08-v15
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
Engineering
Engineering Physics
Engineering
Engineering, General
Engineering
English Language and Literature, General
English Language and Literature/Letters
Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
Engineering
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
Physical Sciences
History
History
Information Science/Studies
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
Materials Engineering
Engineering
Mathematics
Mathematics and Statistics
Mechanical Engineering
Engineering
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
Neurobiology and Neurosciences
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Philosophy
Philosophy and Religious Studies
Physics
Physical Sciences
Political Science and Government
Social Sciences
Restrictive early action · 2025–2026
2025-11-01 — Restrictive Early Action (non-binding, single-choice). Application due November 1; applicants have until November 6 to submit all required and supplemental materials, and standardized testing must be completed before November 30. Notification in mid-December.
https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/deadlinesFinancial aid · 2025–2026
2025-11-15 — New domestic Restrictive Early Action applicants: FAFSA, CSS Profile, and Noncustodial Parent's CSS Profile (if applicable) due. Additional financial_aid date(s) for this cycle: 2026-03-16 (Priority financial aid deadline for Regular Decision applicants (2026-27 academic year).).
https://www.finaid.caltech.edu/applying/how/newdomesticeaRegular decision · 2025–2026
2026-01-05 — Regular Decision. Application due January 5; applicants have until January 11 to submit all required and supplemental materials, and standardized testing must be completed before December 31, 2025. Notification in mid-March.
https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/deadlinesRequired · Fall 2027 first-year applicants
Choose two: Regardless of your STEM interest listed above, take this opportunity to nerd out and talk to us about whatever STEM rabbit hole you have found yourself falling into. OR Tell us about a STEM question, problem, idea, or project that has held your attention over time. What drew you to it, how have you pursued it, and what do you still want to understand? OR Tell us about something you created, tested, repaired, modeled, coded, built, or redesigned. What problem were you trying to solve and what did the process reveal to you?
Limit: 200 words — Required Scientific Drive; choose two essays, maximum 200 words each.
https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/supplemental-application-essaysRequired · Fall 2027 first-year applicants
Choose one: Tell us about a time your learning in STEM was shaped by another person or group—either because you needed help, offered help, changed your thinking through collaboration, or contributed to someone else’s understanding. What did that experience teach you about learning and working with others? OR Tell us about a time your approach to a STEM problem, concept, or project mattered as much as the outcome. How did you work through uncertainty or persist creatively in tackling the problem? What would you still defend about your process, regardless of the outcome?
Limit: 200 words — Required Scholarly Character choice.
https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/supplemental-application-essaysRequired · All first-year applicants
What is something you would be excited to do, share, teach, make, start, or contribute as part of the Caltech community?
Limit: 150 words — Fun question.
https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/supplemental-application-essaysRequired · All first-year applicants
If you had to choose an area of interest or two today, what would you choose? Why did you choose your proposed area of interest? If you selected 'other', what topics are you interested in pursuing?
Limit: 200 words — STEM academic interests.
https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/supplemental-application-essaysRequired · All first-year applicants
Is there anything about your academic preparation, coursework, school context, or learning experiences that would help us better understand your readiness for Caltech?
No length limit reported — Optional academic short answer.
https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/supplemental-application-essaysRequired · All first-year applicants
Tell us about a time your learning in STEM was shaped by another person or group — either because you needed help, offered help, changed your thinking through collaboration, or contributed to someone else's understanding. What did that experience teach you about learning and working with others?
Limit: 200 words — Scholarly Character, Collaboration option.
https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/supplemental-application-essaysRequired · All first-year applicants
Tell us about a time your approach to a STEM problem, concept, or project mattered as much as the outcome. How did you work through uncertainty or persist creatively in tackling the problem? What would you still defend about your process, regardless of the outcome?
Limit: 200 words — Scholarly Character, Process option.
https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/supplemental-application-essaysRequired · All first-year applicants
Regardless of your STEM interest listed above, take this opportunity to nerd out and talk to us about whatever STEM rabbit hole you have found yourself falling into. Be as specific or broad as you would like.
Limit: 200 words — Scientific Drive, Learning option.
https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/supplemental-application-essaysRequired · All first-year applicants
Tell us about a STEM question, problem, idea, or project that has held your attention over time. What drew you to it, how have you pursued it, and what do you still want to understand?
Limit: 200 words — Scientific Drive, Pursuing option.
https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/supplemental-application-essaysRequired · All first-year applicants
Tell us about something you created, tested, repaired, modeled, coded, built, or redesigned. What problem were you trying to solve and what did the process reveal to you?
Limit: 200 words — Scientific Drive, Making option.
https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/supplemental-application-essaysRequired · All first-year applicants
How have you been a creator, inventor, or innovator in your own life?
Limit: 200 words — "Creativity in Action." 100-200 words.
https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/supplemental-application-essaysRequired · All first-year applicants
Tell us about a meaningful STEM-related experience from the last few years and share how and why it inspired your curiosity.
Limit: 200 words — "Your STEM Past - STEM Experiences." Select one of two options. 100-200 words.
https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/supplemental-application-essaysRequired · All first-year applicants
If you had to choose an area of interest or two today, what would you choose? Why did you choose your proposed area of interest? If you selected 'other', what topics are you interested in pursuing?
Limit: 200 words — "Your STEM Future - STEM Academic Interests." 100-200 words. Area of interest is non-binding.
https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/supplemental-application-essaysRequired · All first-year applicants
Tell us how you initially found your interest and passion for science or for a particular STEM topic, and how you have pursued or developed your interest or passion over the last few years.
Limit: 200 words — "Your STEM Past - STEM Experiences." Select one of two options. 100-200 words.
https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/supplemental-application-essaysRequired · All first-year applicants
Regardless of your STEM interest listed above, take this opportunity to nerd out and talk to us about whatever STEM rabbit hole you have found yourself falling into.
Limit: 150 words — "Your STEM Present - STEM Curiosity." 50-150 words.
https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/supplemental-application-essaysRequired · All first-year applicants
What is a core piece of your identity or being that shapes how you view and/or interact with the world?
No length limit reported — Short-answer section: choose two of four prompts; combined limit of 250 words maximum for both chosen responses.
https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/supplemental-application-essaysRequired · All first-year applicants
What is a concept that blew your mind or baffled you when you first encountered it?
No length limit reported — Short-answer section: choose two of four prompts; combined limit of 250 words maximum for both chosen responses.
https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/supplemental-application-essaysOptional · All first-year applicants
Have you had any extenuating circumstances (such as limited course selection or disruptions), that have affected your coursework, but that are not described elsewhere in your application?
Limit: 249 words — Optional academic short-answer question.
https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/supplemental-application-essaysRequired · All first-year applicants
If you could teach a class on any topic or concept, what would it be and why?
No length limit reported — Short-answer section: choose two of four prompts; combined limit of 250 words maximum for both chosen responses.
https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/supplemental-application-essaysRequired · All first-year applicants
What is an interest or hobby you do for fun, and why does it bring you joy?
No length limit reported — Short-answer section: choose two of four prompts; combined limit of 250 words maximum for both chosen responses.
https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/supplemental-application-essaysCounselor recommendation · Required
The high school college counselor submits a School Report through the application platform providing school context; the counselor may also submit a recommendation letter. Current-cycle source reviewed 2026-09-02.
https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/application-requirementsPersonal essay · Required
The Common App personal essay is marked required in the Common App 2026–2027 Requirements Grid, updated 2026-08-28.
https://content.commonapp.org/Files/ReqGrid.pdfSupplemental essays · Required
Value: 5 responses
One academic-interest response, one Scholarly Character choice, two Scientific Drive responses, and one fun/community response.
https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/supplemental-application-essaysSecondary school report · Required
Official transcripts from the secondary school (grades 9-11, or the international curriculum equivalent) submitted by a school official; college transcripts required if college courses were taken during high school. Current-cycle source reviewed 2026-09-02.
https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/application-requirementsMidyear report · Required
Required when first-term senior grades are available at the applicant's school. Current-cycle source reviewed 2026-09-02.
https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/application-requirementsEnglish proficiency · Required
Required of all international applicants unless their native language is English or English is the primary language of instruction in their secondary school. Accepted tests: Duolingo English Test, IELTS, or TOEFL. Current-cycle source reviewed 2026-09-02.
https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/application-requirementsCSS Profile · Required
CSS Profile (and Noncustodial Parent's CSS Profile, if applicable) required for aid applicants; applicants seeking only federal aid need complete only the FAFSA. Current-cycle source reviewed 2026-09-02.
https://www.finaid.caltech.edu/applying/how/newdomesticeaFAFSA · Required
FAFSA required as part of the financial aid application. Current-cycle source reviewed 2026-09-02.
https://www.finaid.caltech.edu/applying/how/newdomesticeaApplication fee · Required
Value: 75
"$75 application fee or fee waiver."
https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/application-requirementsFee waiver · Optional
A fee waiver may be submitted in place of the $75 application fee.
https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/application-requirementsRecommendation letters · Required
Value: 2
Two evaluations required: one from a STEM teacher (Calculus or beyond, Chemistry, Physics, or Biology) and one from a Humanities or Social Sciences teacher (English, History, Government, or Economics).
https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/application-requirementsCounselor recommendation · Required
The high school college counselor submits a School Report through the application platform providing school context; the counselor may also submit a recommendation letter.
https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/application-requirementsPersonal essay · Required
Personal essay submitted via the Common Application (or QuestBridge Application).
https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/application-requirementsSupplemental essays · Required
Caltech supplemental application essays required. All Fall 2026 applicants must review Caltech's guidelines on the ethical use of AI before submitting their supplemental essays.
https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/supplemental-application-essaysSecondary school report · Required
Official transcripts from the secondary school (grades 9-11, or the international curriculum equivalent) submitted by a school official; college transcripts required if college courses were taken during high school.
https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/application-requirementsMidyear report · Required
Required when first-term senior grades are available at the applicant's school.
https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/application-requirementsEnglish proficiency · Required
Required of all international applicants unless their native language is English or English is the primary language of instruction in their secondary school. Accepted tests: Duolingo English Test, IELTS, or TOEFL.
https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/application-requirementsCSS Profile · Required
CSS Profile (and Noncustodial Parent's CSS Profile, if applicable) required for aid applicants; applicants seeking only federal aid need complete only the FAFSA.
https://www.finaid.caltech.edu/applying/how/newdomesticeaFAFSA · Required
FAFSA required as part of the financial aid application.
https://www.finaid.caltech.edu/applying/how/newdomesticeaRetrieved 2026-08-20 — Common App member-reported first-year deadlines; grid updated 2026-08-14.
Official source · supports application_platforms
https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/first-year-applicantsRetrieved 2026-07-21
Official source · supports testing_policy
https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/standardized-testsRetrieved 2026-07-21
Official source · supports deadlines
https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/deadlinesRetrieved 2026-07-21
Official source · supports deadlines
https://www.finaid.caltech.edu/applying/how/newdomesticeaRetrieved 2026-07-21
Official source · supports essay_prompts
https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/supplemental-application-essaysRetrieved 2026-07-21
Official source · supports requirements
https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/application-requirementsRetrieved 2026-07-21
Official source · supports requirements
https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/supplemental-application-essaysRetrieved 2026-07-21
Official source · supports requirements
https://www.finaid.caltech.edu/applying/how/newdomesticeaRetrieved 2026-07-21
Official source · supports deadlines
https://www.finaid.caltech.edu/applying/deadlinesRetrieved 2026-07-21
Official source · supports description
https://catalog.caltech.edu/current/general-information/historical-sketch/Retrieved 2026-07-21
Official source · supports admissions_url
https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/Retrieved 2026-07-21
Official source · supports financial_aid_url
https://www.finaid.caltech.edu/Retrieved 2026-07-21
Official source
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?110404Retrieved 2026-06-10
