California Institute of Technology
California Institute of Technology publishes an acceptance rate of 2.6% and is required for the 2026-27 cycle.
Testing
Required for 2026-27
- Policy
Caltech reinstated required SAT/ACT testing in 2024 (effective for the Class of 2029 cycle) and it remains required for 2026-27 (Class of 2031). Caltech uses a 'bucket' system that masks exact scores above certain thresholds (Bucket A: SAT 780-800/ACT 35-36; Bucket B: SAT 750-770/ACT 33-34 — exact number hidden); only scores below SAT 750/ACT 33 are shown exactly to reviewers. No minimum score and no preferred test.
- SAT middle 50%
- Not reported
- ACT middle 50%
- Not reported
- Average HS GPA
- Not published by the school
Applying
Deadlines, essays and AI policy
- Early deadlines
- Nov 1, 2026 (REA)
- Regular decision
- Jan 4, 2027Source
- Supplemental essays
- 5 required
5 required written responses: 1 STEM-interest response (150-200 words), 1 'Scholarly Character' essay (choice of 1 of 2 prompts, ≤200 words), 2 'Scientific Drive' essays (choice of 2 of 3 prompts, ≤200 words each), and 1 'Just for Fun' response (100-150 words). Plus 1 optional 'Academic Context' box (not counted above).
- AI use in essays
Limited Use Allowed — applies to Supplemental application essays for first-year, transfer, and 3/2 program applicants (effective Fall 2027 admission cycle)
“If you are still wondering whether your use of AI in crafting your application is ethical, ask yourself whether it would be ethical to have a trusted adult perform the same task you are asking of ChatGPT. Failure to comply with the Ethical Use of AI guidelines may result in the rescission of your admission to Caltech.”
Full cycle calendar: Application Deadlines.
At a glance
Size and cost
- Undergraduate enrollment
- 987
- Tuition (out-of-state)
- $65,898
- Category
- Elite Private
- Admissions site
- www.caltech.edu
Dewey Smart
Dewey students who got into California Institute of Technology
Dewey student admitted to California Institute of Technology, Classes of 2024, 2025 & 2026.
All results →What should this school mean for your list?
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Sources
- California Institute of Technology test policy (2026-27)
- California Institute of Technology deadlines
- California Institute of Technology AI-use policy
- California Institute of Technology admissions pages
- California Institute of Technology admissions pages
- Acceptance rate, test-score percentiles, enrollment and tuition: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, pulled 2026-08-19.
Test policy and deadlines last verified 2026-08-17.
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