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?

These 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!

The first three questions are about your STEM journey — or your STEM future, present, and past.

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Question One - Your STEM Future: Academic Interests

Caltech has a rigorous core curriculum and students don't declare a major until the end of their first year. However, some students arrive knowing which academic fields and areas already most excite them, or which novel fields and areas they most want to explore.

If you had to choose an area of interest or two today, what would you choose?

Why did you choose your proposed area of interest? If you selected 'other', what topics are you interested in pursuing? (Min: 100 / Max: 200 words)

Why are we asking this?

Although we don't require you to pursue the major you write down on your application, we want to know that you're able to articulate your academic interests and future goals. It gives you a chance to help the admissions committee understand your motivations, and commitment to the mission of Caltech.

Tips for answering this question:

• Be honest, don't tell us what you think we want to hear. This is a chance to demonstrate your passion and enthusiasm for your desired field of study.
• Research and explain why this is the right program for you and how it aligns with your research and/or career goals.
• Do not try to game the system by choosing other fields to hopefully stand out. This will make your answer less sincere and will reflect poorly on your candidacy to the admissions committee.

Question Two - Your STEM Present: Curiosity

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. (Min: 50 / Max: 150 words)

Why are we asking this?

We want to know what's happening in the STEM world currently that interests you. We want to see your enthusiasm and interests beyond your primary focus area. This will provide the admissions committee insight into how you think about new ideas. And we want you to have fun telling us about a STEM topic that captivates you!

Tips for answering this question:

• You should choose something you are genuinely interested in at the moment. Authenticity matters and will come through in your response.
• Remember that there is no way to "out-STEM" us. When we say "nerd out", we mean it!
• Be sure to be specific by mentioning the aspects and concepts that fascinate you and let us know why.

Question Three - Your STEM Past: Prior Experiences

At Caltech, we investigate some of the most challenging, fundamental problems in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. We are interested in learning more about your engagement with STEM.

Select one of the following two STEM Experience prompts to respond to:

• 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.
• Tell us about a meaningful STEM-related experience from the last few years and share how and why it inspired your curiosity.

(Min: 100 / Max: 200 words)

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 past experiences in STEM tie 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.
• Both prompts ask for you to reflect on the last few years. Even if your passion for STEM was sparked in childhood, it's important to show us how your STEM past relates to the scientist that you have become.
• 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.
• 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.
  • 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 Four - Creativity in Action

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 to experimenting in the kitchen. How have you been a creator, inventor, or innovator in your own life? (Min: 100 / Max: 200 words)

Why are we asking this?

Caltech's mission includes "educating outstanding students to become creative members of society"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 happen 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 Five - Now it's time for a little fun!

You have 250 words total to answer two of the four questions below.
It's up to you how you use your 250 words, whether that means you use exactly 125 words for each answer or you tell us about a niche interest in 30 words so you can spend 200 telling us about a core piece of your identity.
There is no ‘right' way to choose which question to answer. If you're all STEMmed out, feel free to tell us about a creative hobby. Or if you just can't get enough math, tell us about a concept you can barely wrap your head around.
Just remember the Caltech Honor Code and stick to 250 words total.

Select two of the four prompts from the list below.

• What is an interest or hobby you do for fun, and why does it bring you joy?
• If you could teach a class on any topic or concept, what would it be and why?
• What is a core piece of your identity or being that shapes how you view and/or interact with the world?
• What is a concept that blew your mind or baffled you when you first encountered it?

(Two Essay Boxes, each with Min: 1 / Max: 249 words)

Why are we asking this?

Teachers bring a wide range of experiences and perspectives, as well as endless curiosity and passions, to our campus community and we want to give you the opportunity to tell us more about you, with the flexibility to use the 250 word limit however you'd like!

Tips for answering this question:

• Take time to read the question - you only have 250 words to answer both questions but it's up to you how you use them across both prompts of your choosing.
• Are you an aspiring mechanical engineer whose mind is blown by the science behind tornadoes? Or are you a budding astronomer who would teach a class on your favorite poet? One thing Techers have in common, is a curiosity that goes beyond a single subject!
• Do you have a story to tell? We care about your lived experiences and identities and how they intersect with Caltech's values. If there is another essential facet of your identity that isn't highlighted elsewhere in your application, this is a great opportunity to tell us all about it.
• Have fun! We are giving you choice and freedom because there is no right way answer this prompt… as long as you make sure both answers don't use more than 250 words total!