Admissions
Caltech's Graduate Admissions Committees recognize the challenges and disruption caused by COVID-19 and will take that into consideration when reviewing applications.
Caltech is committed to supporting students and scholars affected by the war in Ukraine, irrespective of citizenship. For candidates who are qualified for admission to Caltech, but have been affected by the war, it may be possible to apply after the posted deadline. Interested candidates should contact the respective Option Representative for additional information and guidance on applying. The normal standards for admission will be used.
Caltech attracts the brightest and most creative minds in the world to populate its faculty, research and administrative staff, and student body. At Caltech, we foster an environment where various perspectives are valued by seeking out exceptional individuals from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences. As such, the graduate program thrives on exceptional individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences, and we highly encourage applications from members of underserved and underrepresented populations in STEM. Graduate admission is covered by Caltech's Nondiscrimination Policy (see below). In general, the admission process takes place once each year accepting applications between November 15 and January 1, for enrollment starting in the following fall term. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible and are responsible for ensuring that all supporting documents are submitted by the posted deadline. All applications are reviewed in their entirety by the respective admissions committees. There is no minimum grade point average or other quantitative metric used in the evaluation of our applications. The personal statement, transcripts, and letters of recommendation are all taken into consideration.
Some academic options will review an application received after the posted deadline, but such an applicant may be at a disadvantage in the allocation of financial assistance or in the priority for admission. Applicants may only apply to one academic option during each admission cycle. However, in reviewing your application, the admissions committee of the option to which you have applied may recommend that your application be reviewed by another option. If your application is referred to another option, you will not be charged any additional fees or be asked to submit a duplicate application.
For more information about the graduate programs, please see the graduate section of the Catalog.
Caltech is committed to equal opportunity for all persons without regard to sex, race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as disabled veteran, or other eligible veteran, for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability, or any other condition protected by the state and federal law. It is the policy of Caltech to provide a work and academic environment free of discrimination as required by federal and state law, including Title IX which prohibits discrimination based on sex in Caltech's educational programs and activities. Caltech will take all reasonable steps to eliminate discrimination, harassment, and sexual violence in its work and academic environment. Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX may be referred to Caltech's Title IX Coordinator who can be reached at TitleIXCoordinator@caltech.edu.