What Is Caltech’s Acceptance Rate for the Class of 2030?
Caltech admitted 428 students for the Class of 2030. The total applicant count has not yet been released, but based on recent trends (11,000-13,800 applications), the acceptance rate is projected at 3-4%. For the Class of 2029, Caltech admitted 427 from 11,285 applicants, a 3.78% rate (Caltech News). The Class of 2028 set the all-time record at 2.27% (315 from 13,863). Only approximately 230 students actually enroll each year, making Caltech’s incoming class smaller than any single residential college at Yale or Harvard. For context, see our Top 25 admissions statistics.
| Class | Applications | Admitted | Enrolled (est.) | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class of 2030 | TBD | 428 | ~230 | ~3-4% |
| Class of 2029 | 11,285 | 427 | ~230 | 3.78% |
| Class of 2028 | 13,863 | 315 | ~235 | 2.27% |
| Class of 2027 | 13,136 | 412 | ~235 | 3.14% |
| Class of 2026 | 16,626 | ~432 | ~240 | 2.69% |
| Class of 2021 | 7,339 | 568 | ~235 | 7.74% |
Source: Caltech CDS, Caltech News, Top Tier Admissions, 2017-2026.
Does Caltech’s Early Action Give You Better Odds?
No, not meaningfully. Caltech states on its website that the admit rate is “under 5% for both Early Action and Regular Decision” with “negligible differences” between the two. This is unusual: at most top schools, early rounds have significantly higher acceptance rates. Caltech uses Restrictive Early Action (you cannot apply early elsewhere to private schools), which limits your options without providing a statistical boost. Caltech explicitly advises students not to apply early solely to improve their odds. For early strategy at other schools, see our ED vs RD guide.
What GPA and Test Scores Do You Need for Caltech?
Caltech reinstated SAT/ACT requirements after finding that 95% of applicants submitted scores anyway during the test-optional period. The middle 50% SAT is 1540-1590 and ACT is 35-36. Caltech superscores the SAT and requires all test scores to be submitted. Most admitted students have an unweighted GPA at or very near 4.0 with a full roster of AP/IB courses, including calculus, physics, and chemistry as absolute requirements. Caltech requires four years of math including calculus, one year of chemistry, one year of physics, at least three years of English, and recommends biology. For testing strategy, see our test strategy guide.
How Does Caltech Compare to MIT and Ivy League Schools?
| School | Acceptance Rate | Class Size | Requires Testing? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caltech | 3.78% | ~230 | Yes |
| Harvard | ~3.5% | ~1,650 | Test-optional |
| MIT | 4.6% | ~1,100 | Yes |
| Columbia | ~3.9% | ~1,400 | Test-flexible |
| UChicago | 4.48% | ~1,800 | Test-optional |
| Princeton | ~4.5% | ~1,300 | Test-optional |
Source: Institutional data, CDS, 2024-2026.
What Makes Caltech’s Application Unique?
Caltech is a pure STEM school with no humanities-only degrees. Every student takes the same core curriculum in physics, math, chemistry, and biology regardless of major. One-third of admitted students historically submit a portfolio or “maker work” showcasing technical projects. Approximately 20% are scholar-athletes (Division III). Caltech’s Honor Code allows students to take unproctored, self-scheduled exams, reflecting a culture of trust and intellectual independence. The school enrolls only ~230 students per year, making it the smallest top-10 university by a wide margin. For building your profile, see our summer programs guide and high school internships guide.
What Are Your Chances on Caltech’s Waitlist?
Caltech’s waitlist is wildly inconsistent. For the Class of 2028, the waitlist rate was 23.98% (41 admitted), which is deceptively high because the underlying numbers are small. For the Classes of 2027 and 2025, zero students were admitted from the waitlist. The waitlist moves when Caltech’s yield dips below the ~230 enrollment target, which happens unpredictably. For LOCI strategy, see our LOCI guide. For complete data, see our waitlist rates comparison.
Final Thoughts: Caltech Admissions in 2026
Caltech is the hardest school in the country to get into by raw acceptance rate. Its tiny class size (~230), mandatory testing, pure STEM focus, and no meaningful early-round advantage make it a unique challenge. Students who apply to Caltech should also apply to MIT, CMU, and other STEM powerhouses as part of a balanced list. At Oriel Admissions, our team of former admissions officers from Harvard, Princeton, and Columbia has helped students earn acceptances to Caltech and other top universities. Schedule a consultation to discuss how we can help. For essay strategy, see our Common App essay guide.
By acceptance rate, Caltech (3.78%) is comparable to Harvard (~3.5%) and harder than MIT (4.6%). But Caltech enrolls only ~230 students per year vs ~1,650 at Harvard and ~1,100 at MIT. The tiny class size means fewer spots exist regardless of the number of applicants.
No. Caltech explicitly states that the admit rate is under 5% for both EA and RD with negligible differences. This is unique among top schools. Caltech uses Restrictive Early Action, which limits where else you can apply early without improving your odds. Apply EA only if you are ready and Caltech is your top choice.
Class size. Caltech enrolls ~230 students per year vs MIT’s ~1,100. Even though Caltech receives fewer applications (11,000-14,000 vs 28,000), the vastly smaller class means fewer spots are available. Both require exceptional STEM credentials, but Caltech has 5x fewer seats.
Yes. Caltech reinstated testing requirements after finding 95% of applicants submitted scores during the test-optional period. Caltech superscores the SAT. The middle 50% SAT is 1540-1590 and ACT is 35-36.
Technically yes, but it is uncommon. One-third of admitted students submit a portfolio or maker work. Caltech values evidence of genuine STEM passion through research, independent projects, competitions (USAMO, ISEF, Physics Olympiad), or technical building. Coursework alone is necessary but rarely sufficient.
Caltech offers a rigorous biology program but is not a traditional pre-med pipeline. The core curriculum requires extensive physics, math, and chemistry, which provides excellent scientific preparation. However, the workload is intense and grade deflation is significant, which can impact GPA-dependent medical school applications. Students targeting medical careers should weigh the research access against the GPA risk.
Wildly inconsistent. 23.98% for the Class of 2028 (41 admitted) but 0% for the Classes of 2027 and 2025. The high percentage in good years is misleading because the raw numbers are tiny. The waitlist moves only when yield drops below Caltech’s ~230 enrollment target.
Apply to both. They are peer institutions but differ significantly: MIT is 5x larger, offers broader STEM scope, has no legacy admissions, and is in Boston. Caltech is smaller, more research-intensive per student, and is in Pasadena. MIT offers a non-restrictive EA; Caltech’s REA limits your early options. Your preference should be based on campus culture and size, not just ranking.
