Overview of California Institute of Technology
The California Institute of Technology, commonly known as Caltech, is a prestigious private research university located in Pasadena, California. Established in 1891, Caltech has consistently ranked among the top scientific and technological institutions globally. Known for its rigorous academic programs, cutting-edge research, and a focus on innovation, Caltech has earned a reputation as a leader in the fields of science, engineering, and technology.
Academic Excellence: Caltech is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and intellectual rigor. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, with a primary emphasis on science and engineering. Caltech is organized into six academic divisions: Biology and Biological Engineering, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Engineering and Applied Science, Geological and Planetary Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Physics, Mathematics, and Astronomy.
The small size of the student body fosters an intimate learning environment, enabling close interactions between faculty and students. The emphasis on collaborative and interdisciplinary research encourages a holistic approach to problem-solving and intellectual exploration.
Nobel Laureates and Renowned Faculty: Caltech boasts an exceptional faculty that includes numerous Nobel laureates, National Medal of Science recipients, and other distinguished scholars. The university’s faculty members are at the forefront of research in their respective fields, contributing to advancements in physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, and engineering.
The opportunity for students to engage with world-class faculty in both academic and research settings is a hallmark of the Caltech experience. This close mentorship allows students to work on cutting-edge projects and gain valuable insights from leading experts in their disciplines.
Research and Innovation: Caltech is renowned for its contributions to scientific research and technological innovation. The university is home to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), a federally funded research and development center managed by NASA in partnership with Caltech. JPL has played a crucial role in numerous space exploration missions, including the Mars Rover missions and the Voyager spacecraft.
Research centers and institutes at Caltech focus on a wide range of scientific and engineering disciplines, from the Kavli Nanoscience Institute to the Resnick Sustainability Institute. The commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and addressing real-world challenges underscores Caltech’s role as a global leader in research and innovation.
Caltech’s Commitment to Interdisciplinary Research: Caltech places a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research, recognizing that many of the most pressing challenges and opportunities in science and technology lie at the intersections of traditional disciplines. Collaborative research centers and initiatives, such as the Beckman Institute and the Ronald and Maxine Linde Center for Global Environmental Science, bring together experts from different fields to address complex problems.
The interdisciplinary culture at Caltech extends to student-led initiatives, allowing undergraduates and graduates alike to engage in research projects that span multiple disciplines. This approach reflects the university’s recognition that the most transformative discoveries often emerge from the convergence of diverse perspectives.
Caltech’s Unique Honor Code: Caltech operates under a unique and longstanding honor code that emphasizes the importance of academic integrity and personal responsibility. The honor code is integral to the academic culture at Caltech, fostering an environment of trust and mutual respect. Students are expected to uphold the highest standards of honesty and ethical conduct, contributing to a community built on shared values.
The honor code extends beyond the classroom to research and collaborative projects, reinforcing the principles of integrity in scientific inquiry. The sense of trust and responsibility embedded in the honor code contributes to the distinctive character of the Caltech community.
Student Life and Campus Culture: While Caltech is known for its intense academic environment, it also offers a vibrant and supportive community for students. The small size of the student body promotes a close-knit community where students can engage in various extracurricular activities, including clubs, sports, and cultural events.
The Caltech Y, the university’s student-led service organization, provides opportunities for community service and outreach. Student clubs and organizations cover a wide range of interests, from academic and professional groups to cultural and recreational pursuits. The student-centered approach to campus life contributes to a well-rounded college experience.
Pasadena and Southern California: Caltech’s location in Pasadena, Southern California, adds to the appeal of the university. The campus is situated in close proximity to cultural attractions, outdoor activities, and the vibrant city of Los Angeles. The Southern California climate provides an inviting backdrop for academic and extracurricular pursuits, contributing to a balanced and enriching student experience.
Conclusion: the California Institute of Technology stands as a preeminent institution known for its commitment to academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and a culture of innovation. Caltech’s emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, the unique honor code, and a supportive campus community contribute to an environment that nurtures the intellectual and personal growth of its students. As a leader in science and technology, Caltech continues to shape the landscape of higher education and scientific inquiry on a global scale.
1200 E. California Boulevard Pasadena, CA 91125
Phone: (626) 395-6341
Email: ugadmissions@caltech.edu
Web site: http://www.caltech.edu
Rankings: California Institute of Technology
Located in Pasadena, CA, California Institute of Technology is one of the best universities in the state of California. On this page, you will find in-depth rankings for California Institute of Technology in the following areas: graduation rates, teaching resources, financing opportunities, and alumni donations. Latest acceptance rate is also given to show how competitive is California Institute of Technology.
The California Institute of Technology, commonly known as Caltech, is a private research university located in Pasadena, California. Founded in 1891, it is one of the top universities in the United States and consistently ranks high in domestic and international rankings. According to U.S. News & World Report, Caltech is currently ranked 1st among National Universities for 2021. This ranking reflects their commitment to research and innovation across all disciplines, from engineering and computer science to biology and physics. Caltech also ranks highly in other areas such as student selectivity, faculty resources, financial resources, graduation rate performance, alumni giving rate, and social mobility. Furthermore, Caltech has been recognized by the National Academy of Sciences for its contributions to science and technology innovation over the years. In addition to its academic excellence and research achievements, Caltech also offers a range of student life activities such as athletics teams for both men’s and women’s sports as well as clubs like the Music Club and Art Club that provide students with an opportunity to explore their creative side outside of academics. All these factors have contributed to making Caltech one of the most prestigious universities in the world today.
| Rankings, Ratings, and Admissions Statistics | |
| Overall Ranking: | 4 |
| Score: | 93 |
| Peer college rating (out of 5) | 4.6 |
| Graduation and retention ranking: | 23 |
| Average freshman retention rate: | 97.8% |
| 6-year graduation rate: | 88.0% |
| Predicted graduation rate: | 95% |
| Overperformance(+)/Underperformance(-): | -7 |
| Faculty resources ranking: | 3 |
| Classes with under 20 students (2020): | 70.8% |
| Classes with 50 or more students (2020): | 6.4% |
| Student faculty ratio (2020): | 3:1 |
| Percent of faculty who are full-time (2020) | 96.8% |
| Student selectivity ranking: | 2 |
| SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (2020) | 1470-1560 |
| 2020 Freshmen in top 10 percent of high school class: | 97% |
| Freshmen in top 25 percent of high school class (2020): | 100% |
| Fall 2020 Acceptance rate: | 17.4% |
| Financial resources rank: | 1 |
| Alumni giving rank: | 24 |
| Average alumni giving rate (2020): | 31.1% |
Essential Facts: California Institute of Technology
- The average high school GPA of the admitted freshman class at California Institute of Technology was 3.97 on the 4.0 scale indicating that primarily A- students are accepted and ultimately attend.
- California Institute of Technology has a total undergraduate enrollment of 948, with a gender distribution of 55 percent male students and 45 percent female students.
- The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) has been top of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for the past three years and has produced 32 Nobel Laureates in just 123 years.
Rules and regulations Sports Activities
| General Information | |
| Percent of undergraduate students who live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing: | 95% |
| Percent of undergraduates who are members of a fraternity: | N/A |
| Percent of student body who are members of a sorority: | N/A |
| Average percentage of students on campus during weekends: | 90% |
| Are all students permitted to have cars on campus? | Yes |
| Percent of students who have cars on campus: | 35% |
| Is alcohol permitted on campus for students of legal age? | Yes |
| Additional policies and regulations: | class attendance policies set by individual instructors, honor code, hazing prohibited |
| Collegiate athletic association: | NCAA III |
| Men’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Women’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Student activities: | choral groups, concert band, dance, drama/theater, international student organization, jazz band, literary magazine, music ensembles, musical theater, opera, pep band, student government, student newspaper, student film society, symphony orchestra, yearbook |