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California Institute of Technology

STEM-focused short essays for one of the most selective schools in the country. Annotated examples.

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STEM essay

100 to 200 words

Rabbit-hole

50 to 150 words

Test scores

Required

Supplement

Required

What Caltech rewards

Caltech's supplement is unlike anyone else's: it is almost entirely about STEM. There is no broad Why-us essay and no personal-growth narrative. Instead Caltech asks a short STEM experience essay (choose one of two options, 100 to 200 words), a STEM rabbit-hole short answer (50 to 150 words), and a set of additional short questions about your interests, your community, and what you do for fun. Caltech now requires SAT or ACT scores again.

At a roughly 3% admit rate where nearly every applicant has top scores, these short answers carry enormous weight. Caltech is reading for a specific kind of person: someone genuinely, almost helplessly curious about how the physical world works, who pursues that curiosity without being told to. The essays are short, which means there is no room for throat-clearing. Open inside a real problem or moment and let your actual thinking show.

01Genuine, specific curiosity. Caltech wants to see a mind that chases problems for fun. Name a real, narrow thing you cannot stop thinking about, not a general love of science.

02Depth of process. How you think matters more than what you achieved. Show the steps, the dead ends, the moment something clicked.

03STEM as identity, not resume. The strongest answers feel like the writer would be doing this even if no college existed. Caltech can tell the difference.

04Precision in tiny spaces. These are 50 to 200-word answers. Every sentence must carry weight. One real detail beats a paragraph of enthusiasm.

Essay prompts for 2026-2027

2 prompts for Caltech, each broken down with annotated examples.

STEM experience (choose one)100 to 200 words

Choose one: (a) Tell us how you initially found your interest and passion for science or for a particular STEM topic, and how you have pursued or developed your interest or passion over the last few years. Or (b) Tell us about a meaningful STEM-related experience from the last few years and share how and why it inspired your curiosity.

STEM rabbit hole50 to 150 words

Regardless of your STEM interest listed above, take this opportunity to nerd out and talk to us about whatever STEM rabbit hole you have found yourself falling into. Be as specific or broad as you would like.

See all 2 prompts and get a read

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Add your GPA, test scores, and profile to estimate your odds at Caltech and build a balanced list.

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Deadlines

Early ActionNov 1

Regular DecisionJan 3

Cost

Sticker price$90,822

Avg net after aid$23,397

Meets full needYes

Read my essay for Caltech

Explore Caltech

How to get inAcceptance rate, the GPA and SAT profile, and what Caltech weighs most Supplemental essays2 prompts, each broken down with annotated examples Cost & financial aidAverage $23,397/yr after aid · net price by income + calculator InterviewDoes Caltech interview? Format, tips, and practice The Caltech Reader ProScore your draft against Caltech's exact prompts

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Caltech FAQ

What is Caltech's acceptance rate?

Around 3% in recent cycles, from roughly 13,000 applicants, making Caltech one of the most selective universities in the United States. Caltech requires SAT or ACT scores again after several test-blind years. At Caltech, a strong application essay and a well-balanced school list matter alongside your grades and test scores.

What supplemental essays does Caltech require?

Caltech requires 2 supplemental essays on its application. On EssayLens each prompt is broken down with annotated examples, and you can get a free admissions-style read of your draft against the exact prompt.

How much does Caltech cost?

Caltech's published sticker price is about $90,822 per year, but the average family pays $23,397 after financial aid. Your net price depends on your family income; use the calculator to estimate yours.

Does Caltech require SAT or ACT scores?

Caltech requires SAT or ACT scores as part of the application.

When are Caltech's application deadlines?

Caltech's application deadlines are Early Action Nov 1; Regular Decision Jan 3. Add Caltech to your plan on EssayLens to track its deadlines automatically.

Campus photo via Wikipedia.

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