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).
