{"id":13663,"date":"2018-10-19T08:16:47","date_gmt":"2018-10-19T15:16:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/hs\/?p=13663"},"modified":"2021-08-31T00:16:52","modified_gmt":"2021-08-31T07:16:52","slug":"caltech-admissions-the-sat-act-scores-and-gpa-you-need-to-get-in","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/hs\/college-admissions\/caltech-admissions-the-sat-act-scores-and-gpa-you-need-to-get-in\/","title":{"rendered":"Caltech Admissions: The SAT, ACT Scores and GPA You Need to Get In"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Caltech<\/p>\n

Here at Magoosh, we’ve covered a lot of colleges. We’ve written about a lot of top programs. But with California Institute of Technology (Caltech), the standard language to describe how awesome schools are just isn’t enough. <\/p>\n

Consistently named one of the top ten universities in the world<\/em>, Caltech’s alumni include numerous Nobel Laureates, winners of national and international accolades, and the highest percentage of graduates of any U.S. institution that go on to get doctorates. Caltech isn’t for everyone\u2014but if that sounds tempting, read on for everything you need to know about how to get into Caltech: Caltech SAT scores, Caltech ACT scores, and Caltech admissions.<\/p>\n

Before we do a deep dive into everything you need to know about how to get into Caltech, here are the basic Caltech admissions stats at a glance.<\/p>\n

Caltech at a Glance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Cal Tech SAT Scores (middle 50%)<\/td>\n1530-1560<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cal Tech ACT Scores (middle 50%)<\/td>\n35\u201336<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cal Tech admissions rate<\/td>\n6%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cal Tech GPA average <\/td>\nN\/A<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/p>\n

Caltech SAT Scores<\/h2>\n

If you’re thinking about applying to Caltech, you’re probably prepared to work pretty hard on the SAT or ACT. If you haven’t seen the average scores, though, hold onto your seats\u2026Caltech SAT scores are pretty much perfection<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Math <\/td>\n790-800<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Evidence-Based Reading and Writing<\/td>\n740-760<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/p>\n

What does this tell us about Caltech SAT scores? First of all, Math is ever-so-slightly more important to Caltech admissions than Evidence-Based Reading and Writing is. But really, only a tiny bit more. 75% of Caltech students score a 790 or higher on SAT Math, while 75% score a 740 or higher in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing. In both cases, we’re still looking at stratospheric scores<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Is it worth retaking the SAT if your scores don’t fall into the Caltech SAT scores range? If Caltech’s your top-choice school, the answer is “almost definitely.” This is particularly true if you scored below a 790 in Math. Ideally, you’d have scores in the upper 700s in both sections, though. <\/p>\n

Getting these kinds of scores takes lots of preparation. Most students find that they’ll get their best SAT scores by taking the exam more than once; just make sure that you’re using the best materials you can find and putting in the time to continually evaluate how your study plan’s working.<\/p>\n

Caltech ACT Scores<\/h2>\n

Coming down from the shock of Caltech SAT scores? Take a deep breath, because Caltech’s ACT scores are just as competitive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Section<\/th>\n25th Percentile<\/th>\n75th Percentile <\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
English <\/td>\n35<\/td>\n36<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Math<\/td>\n35<\/td>\n36<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/p>\n

Similar to Caltech’s SAT scores, Caltech’s ACT scores are at the very top of the scoring range. 75% of Caltech students scored a 35 or 36 in ACT Math and ACT English. So again, what we’re looking at here is a situation in which you want to get as close to a perfect score<\/a> as possible. <\/p>\n

For almost all students, this will mean taking the exams more than once, with a solid preparation plan. Don’t get down on yourself if you don’t achieve a perfect score the first time around; hardly anyone does! But with time and effort, you may still be able to achieve a score within the Caltech ACT scores range.<\/p>\n

Caltech Acceptance Rate<\/h2>\n

Given the scores we’ve looked at so far, it’s not going to be a huge surprise to learn that Caltech’s admissions rate is low\u2026really low. Last year, the school admitted only 6% of applicants. They have a very small student body (with entering freshman classes of around 235 students) and are among the most selective colleges in the nation.<\/p>\n

One thing to keep in mind as you apply to selective schools is that the applicant pool is already somewhat self-selecting: students don’t want to waste time and money applying to colleges that they have low chances of getting into. <\/p>\n

So how can you distinguish yourself in the very competitive Caltech applicant pile and become part of that 7%? Ashley C. of Transizion<\/a> points out, “To make the cut, you\u2019ll need exceptional aptitude for and interest in science, engineering, and technology.” More than that, though, you’ll have to demonstrate your aptitude and interest in these areas (commonly known as STEM subjects). <\/p>\n

Read more from Ashley below:<\/p>\n

\"caltech<\/p>\n

“Here\u2019s how to showcase your STEM skills and passion:<\/p>\n