Caltech
Pasadena, California
How selective is it?
Caltech is in our Most Selective tier (Under ~15% acceptance). Admission is a long shot for nearly every applicant, strong grades and scores are a starting point, not a guarantee.
Acceptance rate ~3%, one of the most selective schools in the country.
Tiers are broad on purpose. Acceptance rates move every cycle, and many schools are more competitive for specific majors than the school overall, so use this as a starting point for your list, not a prediction.
How to use Caltech in your college list
Treat this as a reach for nearly every applicant, even with top grades and test scores. Apply because the school fits you, not because you expect to get in, and balance it with several schools in lower tiers. Review at these schools is typically holistic, so essays, activities, and recommendations carry real weight.
Building a list across tiers? See all 47 California colleges in our finder, or follow our guide to building a list by score and GPA.
What it's known for
Caltech is widely recognized for strengths in the fields below. This reflects peer-assessment rankings and long-standing reputation, not a full list of programs.
Explore related majors: Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Biology, Chemical Engineering, Mathematics.
Check the current numbers yourself
For Caltech's current test-score and GPA ranges, acceptance rate, and cost, go to the source:
- Find its Common Data Set ↗ Section C has the middle 50% of scores and GPA. Our step-by-step guide shows how to read it.
- College Scorecard ↗ U.S. Department of Education data on cost, graduation, and outcomes.
- Net price calculator ↗ Estimate what your family would actually pay after aid.
- Find the official admissions page ↗ Deadlines, requirements, and how to apply.
Similar colleges to consider
Schools with a similar selectivity, in the same state, or known for the same fields. A balanced list usually mixes a few reaches, several realistic targets, and at least one or two safeties.
- Harvey Mudd CollegeClaremont, CA · Most Selective
- Stanford UniversityStanford, CA · Most Selective
- UC BerkeleyBerkeley, CA · Most Selective
- Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore, MD · Most Selective
- Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge, MA · Most Selective
- Rice UniversityHouston, TX · Most Selective
Frequently asked questions
How selective is Caltech?+
Caltech sits in our "Most Selective" tier (Under ~15% acceptance). Acceptance rate ~3%, one of the most selective schools in the country.
Is Caltech hard to get into?+
Admission is a long shot for nearly every applicant, strong grades and scores are a starting point, not a guarantee. Selectivity varies by major and changes every admissions cycle, so treat the tier as a starting point and check Caltech's own admissions data for the current year.
What is Caltech known for?+
Caltech is widely recognized for strengths in Engineering, Natural Sciences & Math. This reflects reputation and peer-assessment rankings, not a complete list of programs, so confirm that a specific major is offered and how competitive it is.
How do I find Caltech's current SAT, ACT, and GPA ranges?+
Search "Caltech Common Data Set" and open Section C, which lists the middle 50% of test scores and GPA for the entering class. Our guide "How to Build Your Own College List by Score and GPA" on this site walks through it step by step.
Where is Caltech?+
Caltech is a private institution in Pasadena, California.
Selectivity tiers and "known for" tags are general guidance compiled from public sources and may be out of date. MajorAtlas isn't affiliated with Caltech. Always confirm details with the school.