Hey folks, I know Caltech is super competitive, but does anyone know if there's a minimum GPA requirement for applicants? Just trying to figure out if I have a shot at getting in, thanks!
While Caltech does not have an explicit minimum GPA requirement, the admissions process is highly competitive, and the vast majority of admitted students have strong academic records. According to their own website, "most successful applicants have a US GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and/or are in the top 5 to 10% of their class."
That being said, Caltech follows a holistic review process, which considers various aspects of your application, including your test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. If the rest of your application is strong, it might help compensate for a slightly lower GPA. However, keep in mind that Caltech's acceptance rate is very low, and having a strong academic profile is crucial.
If Caltech is your dream school, I would recommend focusing on strengthening other aspects of your application, such as getting involved in extracurricular activities related to your interests or major, obtaining strong letters of recommendation, and writing compelling and well-crafted essays. Additionally, you could consider applying to similar schools with strong STEM programs that have slightly less competitive admissions processes to increase your chances of admission at a comparable institution.
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