What's up guys? So I'm really interested in California Institute of Technology. But the one thing I'm unsure about is their GPA requirement. Any of you know what that might be? Thank you!
Hello! Caltech doesn't exactly have a GPA "requirement" per se. However, it is one of the most selective schools in the country, so they typically admit students who have demonstrated high academic achievement, almost all of whom have GPAs in the upper echelons of their high school classes. Most successful applicants usually have a unweighted GPA of 3.9 or above or a weighted GPA of 4.0 or above.
That being said, GPA isn't everything when it comes to Caltech admissions. Your transcript will be evaluated in context of the opportunities available at your high school, and they're looking to see a rigorous course selection in addition to strong grades. It's also notable that starting from the 2024-2025 application cycle, Caltech will no longer be test-optional and will require all applicants to submit an SAT or ACT score.
Finally, you should also keep in mind that extracurriculars (particularly those that reflect a student's passion for STEM), strong essays, and letters of recommendation also hold great importance in their evaluation process. So in addition to maintaining a high GPA, make sure to pay particular attention to these other aspects of your application as well. Good luck with your application!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.