California Institute of Technology

General Information

1. What is Caltech’s full name?
   California Institute of Technology.

2. Where is Caltech located?
   1200 E California Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91125.

3. Is Caltech a public or private institution?
   Private.

4. When was Caltech founded?
   1891.

5. What is Caltech known for?
   Science, engineering, and managing JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory) for NASA.

6. What is Caltech’s campus size?
   124 acres.

7. What athletic division is Caltech part of?
   NCAA Division III (without football).

8. What is Caltech’s mascot?
   The Beaver.

9. Does Caltech have Greek life?
   Greek life is minimal, with 75% of students saying it is not prominent.

10. What makes Caltech unique?
    Its focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, and managing global research facilities like LIGO.

Admissions

11. What is the acceptance rate at Caltech?
    3%.

12. What is the application deadline?
    January 3.

13. What are the SAT requirements?
    SAT scores range between 1530–1580.

14. What are the ACT requirements?
    ACT scores range between 35–36.

15. Is the SAT/ACT required for admission?
    Yes, they are required.

16. What is the application fee?
    $75.

17. Does Caltech accept the Common App?
    Yes.

18. Does Caltech have Early Decision or Early Action?
    Yes.

19. Is a high school GPA required for admission?
    It is considered but not mandatory.

20. How competitive is Caltech?
    Extremely competitive, with a 3% acceptance rate.

Academics

21. What is the student-to-faculty ratio?
    3:1.

22. What is the average class size?
    Small, with personalized attention.

23. What majors is Caltech known for?
    Computer Science, Physics, Mechanical Engineering.

24. What is the Core Curriculum?
    A set of foundational courses required for all first-year students.

25. Does Caltech offer online courses?
    No fully online undergraduate programs are offered.

26. What type of research opportunities does Caltech provide?
    Extensive, including JPL, LIGO, and the Seismological Laboratory.

27. Does Caltech have evening degree programs?
    No.

28. What is the average workload like?
    Intense, but manageable with strong time management skills.

29. What is the average graduation rate?
    94%.

30. Can students double major at Caltech?
    Yes, depending on departmental approval.

Costs and Financial Aid

31. What is the annual tuition for Caltech?
    The net price is $20,755 on average.

32. What percentage of students receive financial aid?
    71%.

33. What is the average financial aid package?
    $59,192/year.

34. Does Caltech offer scholarships?
    Yes, both merit-based and need-based.

35. Does Caltech have a no-loan policy?
    Yes, financial aid packages do not include loans.

36. Are there work-study opportunities on campus?
    Yes.

37. Does Caltech provide assistance with private loans?
    They offer resources and guidance.

38. What are other costs beyond tuition?
    Housing, meals, books, and personal expenses.

39. Does Caltech offer financial aid for international students?
    Yes.

40. How can I apply for financial aid?
    Through the FAFSA and CSS Profile.

Campus Life

41. Do all first-year students live on campus?
    Yes, 100% of freshmen live on campus.

42. What housing options are available?
    Dormitories and specialized housing like Avery House.

43. Are there dining facilities on campus?
    Yes, multiple dining options are available.

44. Is Caltech a commuter school?
    No, it is primarily residential.

45. Does Caltech have varsity sports?
    Yes, but they are not a major focus.

46. What is the campus atmosphere like?
    Collaborative and intellectually stimulating.

47. What are popular extracurricular activities?
    Research projects, student clubs, and cultural events.

48. Are there student organizations?
    Yes, a variety of clubs and interest groups.

49. Does Caltech host campus events?
    Yes, including cultural celebrations and academic seminars.

50. What is unique about Caltech’s campus culture?
    It is highly focused on academics and innovation.

Diversity and Inclusion

51. Does Caltech promote diversity?
    Yes, it is a core value.

52. Are there cultural resource centers on campus?
    Yes, to support diverse student needs.

53. Does Caltech have international students?
    Yes, a significant portion of the student body is international.

54. What programs support underrepresented groups?
    Various mentorship and scholarship programs.

55. Is Caltech LGBTQ+ friendly?
    Yes, with supportive organizations and events.

After Graduation

56. What is the median salary of graduates?
    $85,900/year after six years.

57. What is the employment rate after graduation?
    89% within two years.

58. Does Caltech offer career services?
    Yes, including job fairs, workshops, and counseling.

59. What industries do Caltech graduates work in?
    Technology, engineering, academia, and research.

60. Are there alumni networking opportunities?
    Yes, through events and mentorship programs.

Research and Facilities

61. What is the Seismological Laboratory?
    A research facility for earthquake science.

62. What is JPL?
    Jet Propulsion Laboratory, managed by Caltech for NASA.

63. What is LIGO?
    A gravitational-wave observatory cofounded by Caltech.

64. Are there opportunities for undergraduates to conduct research?
    Yes, through programs like SURF (Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships).

65. What observatories does Caltech manage?
    Palomar and W. M. Keck Observatories.

Admissions (Continued)

66. Does Caltech accept transfer students?
    Yes, but admission is competitive.

67. What percentage of applicants are admitted Early Action?
    Data varies yearly but is competitive.

68. Can international students apply?
    Yes.

69. Are interviews required for admission?
    Not required but encouraged.

70. What is the average GPA of admitted students?
    Typically near 4.0.

Student Life

71. Are there fitness facilities on campus?
    Yes.

72. What transportation options are available?
    Bikes, campus shuttles, and public transport.

73. Are pets allowed in campus housing?
    Policies vary; service animals are permitted.

74. Does Caltech have study-abroad programs?
    Limited, but opportunities exist.

75. Is there a music or arts scene?
    Yes, through student groups and facilities.

Miscellaneous

76. What is Caltech’s motto?
    “The truth shall make you free.”

77. Who are some notable alumni?
    Linus Pauling, Richard Feynman, and Kip Thorne.

78. What is the faculty-to-student ratio?
    3:1.

79. Does Caltech offer part-time programs?
    No.

80. What is the retention rate?
    Over 90%.

Graduate Programs

81. Does Caltech offer graduate programs?
    Yes, in various disciplines.

82. What is the average time to complete a Ph.D. at Caltech?
    Around five years.

83. Can undergraduates take graduate-level courses?
    Yes, with approval.

84. Does Caltech offer MBA programs?
    No, but related courses are available.

85. What fields of graduate research are strongest?
    Physics, engineering, and computer science.

Community and Surroundings

86. What is Pasadena like?
    A vibrant city near Los Angeles with cultural and outdoor activities.

87. How far is Caltech from downtown Los Angeles?
    About 10 miles.

88. Are there nearby beaches or mountains?
    Yes, within an hour’s drive.

89. Is Pasadena a safe area?
    Generally, yes.

90. What is the weather like?
    Mild and sunny most of the year.

Technology and Resources

91. Does Caltech provide laptops to students?
    No, but computer labs are available.

92. What library resources are available?
    Extensive digital and physical collections.

93. Are there innovation labs on campus?
    Yes, including maker spaces and research centers.

94. Does Caltech use online learning tools?
    Yes, for blended learning.

95. Is there Wi-Fi on campus?
    Yes, campus-wide.

More FAQs

96. What are Caltech’s school colors?
    Orange and white.

97. Does Caltech have a marching band?
    No.

98. What are the most popular campus traditions?
    Ditch Day and pranks.

99. Is Caltech affiliated with any religious organizations?
    No, it is a secular institution.

100. What makes Caltech different from other Ivy League-level schools?
     Its size, focus on STEM, and unique research opportunities.