California Institute of Technology
The California Institute of Technology, known as Caltech, is located in Pasadena, CA. The Pacific Ocean is approximately 30 miles away from the 124-acre campus of this private school. It is one of the most prestigious science and engineering schools in the world.
There are 913 undergraduate students and 1,220 graduate students attending Caltech. Faculty members number 296. Caltech is known as one of the most rigorous universities in the world.
Degree Programs at Caltech
Caltech has six academic divisions for undergraduates:
• Biology
• Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
• Engineering and Applied Science
• Geological and Planetary Sciences
• Humanities and Social Sciences
• Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy
Students attending Caltech declare a major at the end of their freshman year. Students can also design their own program of independent study, with the help of a faculty advisor.
Graduate students continue their studies in the same divisions and work toward the requirements for the following degrees:
• Master of Science
• Engineer’s Degree
• Doctor of Philosophy
• B.S./M.S. Degree
• M.D./Ph.D.
Getting Admitted to Caltech
Getting admitted to Caltech is not an easy process, since the school admits only 215 freshmen each year. You will need to prepare your application very carefully. Plan to spend some time on the writing portion and make sure that you are presenting yourself in the best possible way. Your materials will be reviewed by one of the faculty and an undergraduate student, as well as people in the Admissions Office.
Caltech uses the Common Application, and you will also need the Caltech Supplement form. School Reports and a Teacher Evaluation form will also need to be submitted. If you want to be considered under the Early Action plan, you will need to have your materials submitted by November 3. You will receive a decision by mid-December. For Regular Decision applicants, the deadline for submitting application materials is January 2, and you will be notified of the decision by mid-March. All prospective students have until May 1 to advise whether they will be attending Caltech.
Caltech Tuition
Going to Caltech will cost approximately $49,490 for a full academic year. Tuition will cost $31,437 and room and board adds another $10,146 to your bill. You will also need to pay for books and supplies ($1,194), fees ($3,500), personal expenses and an additional meal allowance ($3,213).
Caltech is committed to providing financial assistance so that all students who are admitted can attend. Two-thirds of students attending the school receive some form of financial assistance.
Sports at Caltech
Caltech has a number of varsity teams for male and female athletes, including baseball, basketball, fencing, swimming and diving, and track and field. These athletes compete in the NCAA Division III. Students can take phys ed courses and get involved with a number of intramural and club sports on campus.
Caltech Rankings & Reviews
The California Institute of Technology is consistently ranked as one of the very best science and technology schools in the United States and the world. In fact, it is considered the West Coast’s version of MIT. The reviews of Caltech are skewed heavily positive. Here are a few online reviews:
