Essay Writing Advice

We don't want essay writing to be intimidating, but we know it often is. We have put together some advice to help you get started writing your Caltech Supplemental Essays, so you can worry less and enjoy the application process.

Some general advice

• We've said it before and we will say it again: there is no way to write about too much STEM in your supplemental questions! Caltech is an unapologetic STEM institution. So lean all the way in on the STEMiest of STEMmy topics (yep, those are made-up words but totally appropriate).
• Do your research. Read about what kind of students thrive at Caltech by reviewing our What We Look For page.
• Don't wait until the last minute to write your supplemental essays. Give yourself time to write thoughtfully - and time to proofread them, too!
• We don't have an interview process at Caltech, so our supplemental essays are where you are speaking directly to us. Embrace your own voice and personality!
• Recent experiences will always tell us more about who you are as a soon-to-be college student. You may have first been inspired to become an engineer after playing with Legos as a kid, but we care much more about what your passion for engineering looks like as a high schooler.
• Review Caltech's guidelines on the ethical use of AI before submitting your supplemental essays.
• We ask you to write a lot on purpose! Take advantage of this opportunity by writing about different facets of your life and different topics across essays.
• If you are ever stuck, take a moment and ask yourself 'Why?' Why did you choose to write about this topic? Why is it important to you? Why does it relate to your STEM identity?

You will find tips to help you answer three selected supplemental essay questions for Fall 2024 applicants. These three essays cover a wide range of themes and should each be approached differently and thoughtfully. The advice listed after each question is designed to help you kickstart your writing process. You got this!

Question One - STEM Experiences

At Caltech, we investigate some of the most challenging, fundamental problems in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Identify and describe two STEM-related experiences from your high school years, either in or out of the classroom, and tell us how and why they activated your curiosity. What about them made you want to learn more and explore further? (Min: 100/Max: 200 words for each experience)

Why are we asking this?

We want to give you the space to tell us directly why STEM matters to you and to show us how STEM ties into your larger story. Your STEM experiences help us understand who you are as a scientist, mathematician, or engineer on a deeper, more personal level.

Tips for answering this question:

• These responses are not resume entries - there is already room for that elsewhere in your application. Dig deeper than a list of accomplishments.
• Remember, we are asking about YOUR experience. Many students are inspired by a mentor or a family member, but we want to hear about your STEM experiences.
• We ask for experiences from your high school years because we want to get a sense of who you are today. So focus on a recent experience and give us a glimpse of how you do STEM.
• Struggling to think of an experience to write about? Not all STEM experiences will look the same (and imagine how boring that would be!) Here are some questions to help kickstart your brainstorming process:
  • Have you encountered a problem that you solved through STEM?
  • Did you combine two interests to discover a new passion? Biology and Computer Science! Physics and Ice Skating! Social Justice and Environmental Science! The combinations are endless.
  • Have you ever fallen down a research rabbit hole? What came of it?
  • Are you on a team? Do you have a hobby? What are some specific moments or events that highlight why you have a passion for that activity?

Question Two - Creative Spirit

The creativity, inventiveness, and innovation of Caltech's students, faculty, and researchers have won Nobel Prizes and put rovers on Mars. But Techers also imagine smaller scale innovations every day, from new ways to design solar cells to how to 3D print dorm decor. How have you been a creator, inventor, or innovator in your own life? (Min: 200 / Max: 250 words)

Why are we asking this?

"Educating outstanding students to become creative members of society" is in our mission statement and this is your opportunity to show us your creative and innovative spirit in action.

Tips for answering this question:

• We celebrate innovation in all forms, whether they happened in the laboratory, the classroom, the kitchen sink, or entirely in C++.
• Tell us the ‘why' behind your creative endeavor. Maybe you invented a new way to freeze ice cream, but was your passion sparked by taking apart an old ice cream maker, learning about the triglycerides in milk fat, or starting a side hustle?
• Have fun here and let your personality shine.

Question Three - Caltech's Values

Caltech's mission – to cultivate learning, discovery, and innovation for the benefit of humanity – relies on its community members embracing fundamental Caltech values:

• Openness and enthusiasm for having preconceptions challenged
• Respect and appreciation for the idea that, while we are all members of the same community, the opportunities we've had to develop, showcase, and apply our talents have not been equal
• Passion for the ideal that science can and should meaningfully improve the lives of others

Share what one or more of these values evokes for you. (Min: 200 / Max: 400)

Why are we asking this?

Caltech is a close-knit community that fosters collaboration and we value the wide range of experiences and perspectives our students, faculty, and staff bring to campus. We want to understand how your own personal experiences and perspectives have shaped you.

Tips for answering this question:

• You don't need to address each value listed, though you are welcome to. Take time to read the question, explore Caltech's mission and our fundamental values, and think deeply about what resonated for you.
• Be specific. For example, instead of simply telling us that you are open to new ideas, instead paint a picture of a time that you had an idea or belief challenged and how it affected you.
• Do you have a story to tell? We care about your lived experiences and identities and how they intersect with these values.
• Center yourself in the response - remember, we are asking what one or more of these values evokes in YOU.