Hey all, I'm considering Caltech for my dream school. But those darn tests are absolute anxiety inducers. So I've been wondering, is Caltech test-blind?
For the 2024-2025 application cycle, California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is not test-blind; they reversed their test-optional policy and now require all applicants to submit an SAT or ACT score. This change can put pressure on students, but remember that your test scores are only one component of your entire application. The college also examines your academic preparation, participation in extracurricular activities, demonstrating the potential for significant future contributions to the scientific, mathematical and technological community.
However, even though standardized testing is an important part of the application, having a strong test score doesn't guarantee admission, and conversely, students who score a little lower than the middle 50% ranges can still certainly be admitted. Make sure to highlight your passion for science and math in other parts of your application.
It's also worth mentioning that taking the tests multiple times could potentially lead to improvement in your scores. Another option might be to explore test prep resources to help you feel more confident going into the tests. Aside from CollegeBoard's free Khan Academy prep, test prep books are also often recommended. Of course, ultimately evaluate what methods work best for you and remember to balance time for test-prep with your normal academic and extracurricular commitments.
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