Bachelor of Science in Astrophysics 

at Caltech, Pasadena

Students applying for BSc courses at Caltech need to have the below requirements ready before applying to the Caltech. 

• LOR:  BSc requiresLOR, and with particular exceptions, who should write those letters and the university asks faculty to write the LOR’s for high school students
• Statement of purpose ( an SOP): An SOP is essential for the application process for Caltech. It helps the applicant to convey their talents, Academic excellence accomplishments and personal background of applicants. 
• Transcripts of high school: the applicant must provide the university with transcripts of their academics with high school certificates. 
• English Language Proficiency exams: The following table explains the minimum score of each English exam the university is expecting: 

• Entrance exam: Graduate school entrance exams are most common, but however, the programs might require different exams from the applicants depending on the course chosen by the individual. 

• Resume/CV:  The University also might ask you for a CV or a resume depending on the course you choose for professional experience.

The application fee for international students applying for BSc computer Science courses is  USD 75. This fee helps cover the administrative costs associated with processing applications for the program. The application fee might change. However, keep checking the official Caltech website to avoid confusion before submitting your application forms. 

Yes, the university also allows IELTS, Dulingo and PTE for international students. Interested applicants can give any of the above English Proficiency tests to support their requirements.check out the below table for the minimum required scores:

Caltech and MIT both rank among world's top universities, with slight variations in rankings depending on criteria. Caltech excels in Science and engineeirng and has a high number of nobel winners who focu on theorectical reasearch. MIT is similarly renowened institution for it's strength in science, pratical application and enreprenurship. However the choice between Caltech and MIT depends on individual preferences, but in terms of ranking and reputation MIT takes a step higher then Caltech. But, ultimatley both the institutions focus on hand on innovation in reasearch and surely both the universities are great for students. 

To apply for Caltech, Indian applicants can follow the below steps:

Below is the application process to apply for Undergraduate Caltech:

Step 1: To apply to Caltech, applicants can choose the Common application or Questbridge application.

Step 2: Check your requirements thoroughly, and see if your current qualifications are recognised. 

Step 3: You should meet the entry requirements checklist before applying: 

• Transcripts of your high school.

• A minimum score of 6.5 and above in IELTS

• SOP

Step 4: Make sure your English requirements meet the standard of the University.

Step 5: You can submit your application after your requirements are ready.

Step 6: The applicant must pay the application fee of USD 75, which will not be refundable. However, if the applicant can’t afford it, they have a process to waive it. ( Check out how you can waive application fees)

Step 7:  After submitting the application, applicants can check their status by logging in with their credentials through common portal. 

Below is the application process to apply for graduate Caltech:

Step 1: To apply to Caltech applicants can choose the Caltech.com 

Step 2: Check your requirements thoroughly, and see if your current qualifications are recognised. 

Step 3: You should meet the entry requirements checklist before applying: 

• Transcripts of your degree.

• 6.5 and above in IELTS.

• A minimum score of 7.5 and above in IELTS

• SOP ( Things you need to know about  SOP)

• LOR ( letter of recommendation)

• Creative Portfolio ( Audition depending on your chosen course )

• Resume/ CV

Step 4: Make sure your English requirements meet the standard of the University.

Step 5: You can submit your application after your requirements are ready.

Step 6: The applicant must pay the application fee of USD 75, which will not be refundable. However, if the applicant can’t afford it, they have a process to waive it. ( Check out how you can waive application fees)

Step 7:  After applying, applicants can check their status by logging in with their credentials through the Caltech portal.

Indian students seeking admission to Caltech are required to follow the steps mentioned below to secure their seats:

• Register on the official Catltech application portal (Questbridge or Common App)
• Choose a course and apply 
• Make sure to upload all the required documents and fill in all mandatory fields as honestly as possible
• Review the application carefully 
• Pay the standard California Institute of Technology application fee worth USD 75 (INR 6.4 K)
• Wait for the university to share an official response
• Accept the admission offer and start looking for accommodation near Caltech

The university does not conduct an entrance exam of its own; however, it does consider valid scores in the SAT or ACT for admission to undergraduate courses. 

Students seeking admission to STEM courses are required to have completed their secondary school studies in the relevant fields. 

Source: California Institute of Technology Official Website

While the course fees are subject to vary as per the specialisation and levels of study, according to the official Caltech website, the average California Institute of Technology Fees for Indian students is USD 65.622 (INR 56 L) per year.

Students must also take into account the costs associated with living in California, such as: housing, food, and books and supplies, miscellaneous personal expenses and more. 

International students must meet the requirements to study in USA. Students must have a required qualification as per the programme and submit the test score during the process. Check below the English language test and additional tests accepted by US Universities:

Yes, the Caltech acceptance rate stands at 3%. while the Massachusetts Institute of Technology acceptance rate is 4.52% giving students a marginally better chance of admission.

Interested applicants must stand out among their peers both academically and non-academically, across every level of studies and submit a standout application to have the best possible chance of admission.