The California Institute of Technology (CalTech), located in Pasadena, California, is one of the most prestigious STEM-focused institutions in the world. For prospective students, SAT scores play a significant role in the admissions process at CalTech, as they serve as a standardized measure of academic readiness for the university's rigorous curriculum. While the California Institute of Technology (CalTech) evaluates applicants holistically, strong SAT performance can demonstrate a candidate's proficiency in critical areas like math and evidence-based reading and writing, which are essential for success at this elite institution.
SAT Score Ranges for Admitted Students:
Score Range: 1530–1580 (based on recent admissions data for the middle 50% of admitted students)
Average Score: Approximately 1550, reflecting the high academic caliber of CalTech students
Percentile: Typically in the 99th percentile, with many admitted students scoring near-perfect marks
Key Points:
SAT or ACT scores are currently required for admission to the California Institute of Technology (CalTech), though policies may evolve, so applicants should check the latest requirements.
Scores are evaluated as part of a holistic review process, alongside grades, extracurriculars, and essays, rather than as a strict cutoff.
CalTech practices superscoring for the SAT, meaning they consider the highest section scores across multiple test dates to form a composite score.
While strong SAT scores are critical, CalTech also values advanced coursework like AP or IB tests as indicators of academic preparation.
Prospective students should aim for scores above 1530, ideally closer to 1580, to be competitive in the highly selective admissions pool at the California Institute of Technology (CalTech).
