California Institute of Technology

Overview

Caltech is a private institute in Pasadena, northeast of downtown Los Angeles. It is very small for a research university, and nearly every undergraduate studies science, mathematics or engineering. All students complete a demanding core in mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology before specializing, and campus life is organized around undergraduate houses. Caltech's Honor Code covers exams and coursework.

How to apply for 2026-27

Caltech accepts the Common Application or the QuestBridge Application and says it has no preference between them.

REA is non-binding but restricts other early applications. QuestBridge applicants have an earlier testing cut-off of October 31, 2026.

How Caltech reads test scores

Caltech requires the SAT or ACT for fall 2027 first-year applicants. Its approach is unusual. It does not consider composite scores; it looks at each section, and it groups results into ranges. SAT section scores of 780 to 800 and 750 to 770, and ACT scores of 35 to 36 and 33 to 34, are shown to the committee only as a range. Below those bands, exact scores are shown. ACT Science and Writing are not required.

You must also self-report every AP and IB exam you have taken, whatever the score, through the applicant portal. Only enrolling students send official reports.

Costs and financial aid

Caltech's cost and aid page says the Institute meets 100 percent of students' demonstrated financial need, and it also says Caltech is need-aware for international students because funding for them is limited. Canadians count as international applicants. If you will need aid, request it with your application.

What Caltech asks for beyond scores

Caltech's supplement focuses on how you think about STEM, with short questions about your interests and how you work with others. Strong recommendations from a math teacher and a science teacher matter, because they speak directly to the skills the core curriculum demands. Caltech also reads evidence of curiosity outside class: a research project, a science fair entry, a coding project or a maker hobby. If you have taken university courses or competitions such as the Canadian Open Mathematics Challenge, report them clearly and briefly in the activities and additional information sections.

1. September: request math and science recommendations.
2. October: finish the Caltech questions and self-report all AP or IB exams.
3. By November 30: complete any final SAT or ACT for REA.

Preparing as a Canadian student

The core courses move quickly, so arriving with confident calculus and mechanics pays off. Try our calculus readiness and physics readiness decks during Grade 12. For the broader US picture and visa links, read the StudyBrix United States guide.