Caltech

Academic Preparation:
4 years of math (including calculus)
1 year of physics
1 year of chemistry
3 years of English (4 years recommended)
1 year of U.S. history/government (waived for international students)

Testing Requirements:
SAT w/writing OR ACT w/writing
SAT Mathematics Level 2
1 SAT Subject Test: Biology (Ecological), Biology (Molecular), Chemistry, OR Physics
TOEFL (for international students*)
All testing must be completed prior to the application deadline. Scores from tests
taken after the deadline will not be considered.
*If your native language is not English, and you have not studied for at least two years in
an English-speaking country, we require the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).
All versions of the TOEFL are acceptable.

Official test scores must be sent by the testing agency. Please do not rush scores.
Caltech strongly recommends that students submit all SAT and SAT Subject test scores.

Teacher Evaluations:
One Math or Science Teacher AND
One Humanities or Social Science Teacher*
While Caltech requires one math or science teacher recommendation AND one humanities or
social science teacher recommendation letter, you are also encouraged to submit one letter
of evaluation from a mentor or supervisor who might know you in a different context.
Please have the recommender include your full name and date of birthso that we can
match the letter to your application.
Suggested optional recommenders include (but are not limited to): arts or club Instructors,
band directors, employers, research mentors, religious or community leaders, program
advisors, or coaches.
* The following classes are suitable for the humanities/social sciences teacher
evaluation:
English, Literature
Foreign Language
Philosophy, Religion
History, Government, Political Science, American Studies, Geography, Economics
Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology
These are all classes that have a writing requirement.

Interviews:
We do not conduct interviews as part of the admissions process. You are, however,
encouraged to visit the campus to participate in an information session and tour.

Credit for Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, A Levels, Cambridge
Pre-U, and College Courses:

Caltech does not grant credit for AP, IB, A level, Pre-U, or college courses taken prior to
enrollment. Each student will take a math and physics placement exam prior to enrolling.
Based on the results of these exams, a student may place out of courses and be granted
credit for those courses.

In some cases, Caltech faculty will grant permission to take a higher level course in other
disciplines based on an evaluation of previous preparation in that discipline. These decisions
are made on an individual basis after a student enrolls at Caltech.