How Does This Process Work?

There are two applications to Caltech for Fall 2024: the Common App or the QuestBridge application. Caltech does not have a preference between any of our 2 applications. Choose the option that best suits you.

In the Academics section of the Caltech Questions on the Common App, applicants will see the following information:

Caltech is a highly specialized institution for students who are passionate about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Students must demonstrate mastery in calculus, chemistry, and physics for admission to Caltech. For international students, learn more here.
By the completion of high school, will you have taken calculus, chemistry, and physics?If a student selects "No," the following information will appear:If a student is unable to take a calculus, chemistry, and/or physics course in high school because it is not available to them or they experienced unresolvable course conflicts, Caltech will accept examination scores or certifications showing proof of knowledge in the subject in lieu of an academic course requirement, provided both the student and their counselor document the underlying, unresolvable issue(s).
More extensive information is available on our Academic Requirements webpage.
The following examinations and certificates can substitute for the course requirements for calculus, chemistry, and/or physics:

A score of 5 on AP exams in AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry, AP Physics 1, AP Physics 2, or AP Physics C
The AP exam must be taken by application deadline.
A score of 6 or 7 on the IB Mathematics HL; Chemistry SL or HL; or Physics SL or HL examinations.
The IB exam must be taken by application deadline.
A certification from Schoolhouse.world in one of the following courses: AP/College Calculus BC; AP/College Chemistry; High School Physics - NGSS
Proof of certification from Schoolhouse.world is required within one week of the application deadline.

For Fall 2024, these are the only avenues for substituting course requirements in calculus, chemistry, and/or physics at Caltech. There will be no exceptions.
Will you submit examination scores and/or certifications via the application portal?

If yes to the question above and once your application has been submitted, you will be required to submit examination scores or certification via the application portal, Beaver Breakroom. Further instructions will be provided via email within 72 hours.

If you are a QuestBridge Non-Finalist, Finalist, Non-Participating Finalist, or Match Finalist and you have ranked Caltech, we will email you access to your application portal, Beaver Breakroom, where you will be asked to submit a Caltech supplement which contains the following instructions:

A score of 5 on AP exams in AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry, AP Physics 1, AP Physics 2, or AP Physics C
The AP exam must be taken by application deadline.
A score of 6 or 7 on the IB Mathematics HL; Chemistry SL or HL; or Physics SL or HL examinations.
The IB exam must be taken by application deadline.
A certification from Schoolhouse.world in one of the following courses: AP/College Calculus BC; AP/College Chemistry; High School Physics - NGSS
Proof of certification from Schoolhouse.world is required within one week of the application deadline.

Academic Requirements

Application Requirements