How competitive are Caltech scholarships and what's the process like?

I've always been interested in the scholarships available at Caltech but I'm not sure how competitive they are. Does anyone have experience applying for these scholarships? What does the process involve and are there any specific criteria I should be aware of? If you have any tips on making my application stand out, I would really appreciate hearing them!

Caltech is a need-based financial aid institution, which means they primarily offer financial aid packages based on the financial need of the applicant and their family. They use the CSS profile and your FAFSA results to determine your family's ability to contribute towards your education cost. It's important to know that Caltech is committed to meeting 100% of the demonstrated financial need of every admitted student, and they do not consider financial aid in the admissions process, a policy referred to as "need-blind" admissions.

While the majority of financial aid at Caltech is need-based, there are a few merit-based scholarships also available. These are typically extremely competitive due to the high achieving nature of Caltech students. Often, merit-based scholarships are awarded during the application review process, and don't require a separate application.

To make your application competitive, it's critical to present a well-rounded application with strong academic achievements, particularly in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. As Caltech is a STEM-focused institution, demonstrating excellence and passion in these areas can set you apart. Furthermore, showcasing unique experiences or engagement in activities outside the classroom - such as research projects, internships or leadership roles in extracurricular activities - can further enhance your application.

On a final note, always make sure to complete the financial aid application process by the appropriate deadlines to maximize your chances of receiving a comprehensive aid package. You should also reach out to the financial aid office if you have any specific circumstances or questions—they're there to help guide you through the process.