Portfolio

What is a Portfolio?

A portfolio is one way to showcase to the admissions committee the personal projects, creations, and outlets you have in your everyday life. Have you built a device to close your door at night when you're already in bed? Are you a figure skater and currently working on your triple axel? Do you keep a notebook on you to write down math equations that pop in your head throughout the day?

A portfolio is not a required part of your application to Caltech. It is simply an option for you to showcase your own personal outlets when it comes to all the ideas and passions you express daily. Submitting your portfolio is as simple as taking out your phone and taking a few pictures of your projects, creations, and ideas and submitting them.

STEM Portfolio

Each Techer brings their unique relationship to STEM through varying interests and complex ideas to Caltech. The STEM Portfolio is one way that you will be able to showcase how you approach STEM through different mediums. Examples of materials you can submit include (but are not limited to):

• Coding projects
• Research posters
• Videos or pictures of homemade inventions or projects
• Personal or competitive robotics projects
• Hand-made equipment and tools
• Schematics and/or designs of future ideas
• Personal notebooks
• Bridges, model rockets, or balsa wood planes
• Video tours of personal lab spaces/workshops
• Presentations explaining a problem or proof
• AP Research or Theory of Knowledge (ToK) papers

For group projects, make sure to give enough description so that we can understand your individual part. What was your role and how did you fulfill that role? Remember, this is about showcasing a passion or interest you've explored. We want to know about your connection and motivations to your project - not just the end result.

Non-STEM Portfolio

Techers come to Caltech as people with layers, interests, and complex ideas. Outside of the lab, Techers are exploring a multitude of interests in the world. These experiences contribute to the unique perspective each applicant brings to our community. Whether it is dance, Pokémon card collecting, competitive cubing, or even just doodling in your notebook, the admissions committee will review your application holistically. Your everyday life is important, and the admissions committee wants to understand the different facets of who you are. Examples of Non-STEM projects you can submit to your portfolio include (but are not limited to):

• Drawings, paintings, sculptures, or any other art piece
• Videos of you singing, dancing, or playing an instrument
• Theater performances on or off stage
• Vlogs, video diaries, or blog posts
• Photography
• Creative writings, poems, or short stories
• Cake decorating and baking
• Any other important passion!

Haven't worked on any projects? No problem! A portfolio is not an admissions requirement and there are many ways you can prepare a strong application for Caltech.

Unsure of whether your supplemental material should be submitted in the Research submission or Portfolio submission? Click this link to take our online quiz! Have more questions? Check out our FAQ's below!