
California Institute of Technology
California Institute of Technology overview
The California Institute of Technology, commonly called Caltech, is a private research university in Pasadena, California. It began in 1891 as Throop University and was renamed Caltech in 1920. The focus is on science and engineering, and the university is known internationally for its research and its faculty. Caltech offers undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields, mainly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Its most notable divisions include Biology and Biological Engineering, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, and Engineering and Applied Science.
They also include Geological and Planetary Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy.
The student body is small, with roughly 1,000 undergraduate students and 1,200 graduate students. That size supports a close-knit community and gives you more individual attention and mentoring from faculty. The list of faculty and alumni is distinguished, and it includes numerous Nobel laureates, Turing Award winners, and Fields Medalists. Caltech researchers have made significant contributions in various fields. These include the discovery of the laws governing the universe. They also include advances in nanotechnology and the development of the Internet.
Caltech manages or partners with several research facilities. These include the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), the Palomar Observatory, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO), and the Keck Observatory. These facilities let researchers pursue new discoveries across scientific disciplines. Caltech operates under an Honor Code, which allows a high level of academic freedom and collaboration among students. The Honor Code is based on the principle that students will not take unfair advantage of one another and will act with integrity in their academic and personal lives.
The campus is in Pasadena, a city in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. It is compact, with well-equipped research facilities, well-stocked libraries, and an active residential community. Caltech places strong emphasis on extracurricular activities, including sports, clubs, and cultural events.
About California Institute of Technology
The California Institute of Technology, commonly called Caltech, is a private research university in Pasadena, California. It began in 1891 as Throop University and was renamed Caltech in 1920. The focus is on science and engineering, and the university is known internationally for its research and its faculty. Caltech offers undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields, mainly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Its most notable divisions include Biology and Biological Engineering, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, and Engineering and Applied Science.
They also include Geological and Planetary Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy.
The student body is small, with roughly 1,000 undergraduate students and 1,200 graduate students. That size supports a close-knit community and gives you more individual attention and mentoring from faculty. The list of faculty and alumni is distinguished, and it includes numerous Nobel laureates, Turing Award winners, and Fields Medalists. Caltech researchers have made significant contributions in various fields. These include the discovery of the laws governing the universe. They also include advances in nanotechnology and the development of the Internet.
Caltech manages or partners with several research facilities. These include the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), the Palomar Observatory, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO), and the Keck Observatory. These facilities let researchers pursue new discoveries across scientific disciplines. Caltech operates under an Honor Code, which allows a high level of academic freedom and collaboration among students. The Honor Code is based on the principle that students will not take unfair advantage of one another and will act with integrity in their academic and personal lives.
The campus is in Pasadena, a city in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. It is compact, with well-equipped research facilities, well-stocked libraries, and an active residential community. Caltech places strong emphasis on extracurricular activities, including sports, clubs, and cultural events.
California Institute of Technology faculties and programs
Business, Economics & Management
Chemical Engineering
Chemistry
Computational and Neural Systems
Computer Science
Economics
Electrical Engineering
Engineering and Applied Science
Environmental Science and Engineering
Political Science
California Institute of Technology scholarships and financial aid
The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) offers financial aid to international students in the form of scholarships and grants. Caltech is committed to making education accessible to students from diverse backgrounds, including international students. The university practices a need-based financial aid policy, and it meets 100% of the demonstrated financial need of admitted domestic and international students. Financial aid packages for international students typically combine grants and scholarships, which you do not repay.
To apply for financial aid, you must submit the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA). You must also submit other relevant documents, such as tax returns and bank statements. These documents help the university assess your family's financial situation and calculate the expected family contribution (EFC). Indicate your interest in financial aid while you apply for admission, because aid is awarded as part of the admission process. Once you are admitted and qualify for financial aid, your package will be tailored to meet your demonstrated need.
California Institute of Technology Exam Requirements
Submitting at least one of the exams below with the required score is a prerequisite for application. The score threshold may vary by program.
How to get into California Institute of Technology
Admission Requirements for International Students
Undergraduate
Application Materials
- Common App or QuestBridge Application
- Application Fee
- School Report
- Teacher Evaluations
- Official Transcripts from Secondary School
- Mid-Year Report
Academic Requirements
- Successful completion of basic education
- High School Diploma
- Proficiency in the following subjects:
- Four years of math, including one year of calculus
- One year of physics
- One year of chemistry
- One year of biology (recommended)
- Four years of English
- Two years of history and/or social sciences courses (3+ years recommended)
- If you cannot take calculus, chemistry, and/or physics in high school, these examinations and certificates can replace those courses:
- A score of 5 on AP exams in AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry, AP Physics 1, AP Physics 2, or AP Physics C
- A score of 6 or 7 on the IB Mathematics HL; Chemistry SL or HL; or Physics SL or HL examinations.
- HL Math for IB Students
- A-Level Maths for GCE A-Level Students
- Proficiency in the following subjects:
- Certificate in English Proficiency
- Certificate in English proficiency from an internationally recognized proficiency test such as IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic.
- High Grade Point Average
- SAT or ACT Standardized Test Score (optional)
- Supplemental Application Essays
Graduate
- Bachelor's Degree Diploma
- High Grade Point Average
- Official transcripts of the courses you took during your college/university education
- Work experience may be required for certain programs
- Certificate in English Proficiency
- Certificate in English proficiency from an internationally recognized proficiency test such as IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT.
- A GRE/GMAT exam score may be required, in line with the specific admission requirements of certain programs.
Application Deadlines
* These dates are subject to change. Get in touch with our Dream Uni advisors to learn the up-to-date deadlines and all the details about the California Institute of Technology application process.
Take a closer look at California Institute of Technology
The campus is known for its beauty and its distinct architectural style, and it gives students and faculty members a stimulating setting. It covers around 124 acres, with room for teaching buildings, research facilities, administrative offices, student homes, and recreational spaces. The architecture of Caltech blends Mediterranean Revival, Spanish, and Modern styles. Many of the older structures carry elaborate detailing, red-tile roofs, and stucco facades. The most modern structures on campus have a clean, minimalist appearance.
The Beckman Institute, named after the scientist and benefactor Arnold O. Beckman, is a multidisciplinary research center for work in biology, chemistry, and engineering. The architect Harry Weese created the structure, which is known for its significant use of glass and geometric architectural features. Millikan Library, named for the Nobel laureate Robert A. Millikan, is a major library that gives students and professors a multitude of resources. Its holdings include an enormous collection of books, periodicals, and electronic resources, and it is a popular place for study and cooperation.
The Athenaeum, a private club, acts as a gathering space for teachers, employees, and alumni, for official and casual activities. Designed by the architect Gordon Kaufmann, the Athenaeum shows Spanish-style architecture and includes eating facilities, a library, and guest rooms. Turtle Pond, a picturesque site near Millikan Library, is a peaceful pond inhabited by turtles and surrounded by lush greenery. Students go there often to relax and study.
Caltech's eight undergraduate houses serve as living quarters and as social centres for the student body. Each home has its own customs, culture, and architectural style. The school features a variety of athletic facilities, including the Braun Athletic Center, Zollner Stadium, tennis courts, and a swimming pool, among others. Caltech is devoted to environmental sustainability, and many efforts have been implemented across campus, such as energy-efficient buildings, solar panel installations, and water conservation measures.
Campus life at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) gives you a dynamic, interesting, and collaborative environment. Academics and research are the major focus at Caltech, but you also have several chances to join extracurricular activities, mingle, and unwind. Undergraduate students often live in one of the eight on-campus homes, which serve as living spaces and social hubs. Each home has its own culture, customs, and social gatherings. Friendly rivalries between the houses promote a strong feeling of friendship.
Caltech has a vast range of clubs and organizations you can join, including robotics, debate, community service, music, theater, and much more. These groups let you explore your interests outside the classroom while you also develop leadership abilities. Caltech is most recognized for its academics, but the institution also has varsity and club athletics for students who want to participate in sports. Caltech participates in NCAA Division III sports, and you can engage in basketball, soccer, swimming, and track & field.
Intramural and club sports are also offered, and they encourage friendly rivalry among students.
Caltech offers a number of yearly events and distinctive customs that enrich campus life. Some examples: on Ditch Day, seniors plan intricate pranks for underclassmen to solve. At the Interhouse Party, each residential house organizes themed parties. During Prefrosh Weekend, prospective students may sample life on campus. Caltech offers a variety of services to assist you in your academic and personal success. The Caltech Counseling Center provides individual counseling, group therapy, and programs on stress management and mental health.
Academic support services, including tutoring and study techniques seminars, are provided through the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Outreach (CTLO). Caltech is dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming campus community. The Center for Diversity is committed to creating a welcoming atmosphere for underrepresented and marginalized students. It provides resources, initiatives, and events that celebrate and foster understanding. Caltech's location in Pasadena, California, gives you easy access to the city's dynamic eating, shopping, and cultural attractions.
Its closeness to Los Angeles also gives several chances for internships, entertainment, and networking. Overall, campus life at Caltech is rich and diverse, and it balances demanding academics with a friendly, engaging atmosphere. That atmosphere supports personal growth and discovery.
The California Institute of Technology has produced many notable alumni in various fields. Some of the most well-known and accomplished alumni of the California Institute of Technology include:
- William Shockley
- Vernon Smith
- Stephen Wolfram
- Stanislav Smirnov
- Regina E. Dugan
- Qian Xuesen
- Mustafa A.G. Abushagur
- Kip Thorne
- John McCarthy
- John Clauser
- Harrison Schmitt
- Gordon Moore
- Frank Capra
- France A. Córdova
- Fernando J. Corbató
- Eric Betzig
- Edwin McMillan
- Douglas D. Osheroff
- Donald Knuth
- Charlie Munger
- Carver Mead
- Carolyn Porco
- Carl David Anderson
- C. Gordon Fullerton
- Benoit Mandelbrot
- Arnold Orville Beckman
- Ardem Patapoutian
California Institute of Technology awards and achievements
Williams College has many prominent alumni, including;
- 46 Nobel Laureates
- 64 National Medal of Science Recipients
- 13 National Medal of Technology and Innovation Recipients
- 42 MacArthur Fellows
- 17 Wolf Prize Recipients
- 6 Breakthrough Prize Recipients
- 9 Crafoord Laureates
- 1 Fields Medal Recipient
- 9 Kavli Prize Recipients
California Institute of Technology Frequently Asked Questions
California Institute of Technology Location
Pasadena, United States
California Institute of Technology Contact
California Institute of Technology
Take a Closer Look
How to Get Into California Institute of Technology
In your first meeting with a Dream Uni advisor, your academic background, goals, and expectations are analyzed in detail.
By assessing your English level and academic grades, your eligibility for the universities and colleges Dream Uni partners with is determined.
The application process is managed meticulously by our professional team, and your acceptance letter is delivered to you.
Why California Institute of Technology?
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