Research Papers and Publications
Research Papers and Publications
We know research opportunities are hard to get in high school and, if they were available to you, we want to learn more about your experience. Your supplemental material is categorized as a research paper or publication if...
- You worked at a laboratory in a university or research-affiliated organization
- Worked closely with and/or reported to a senior researcher within the lab
- The outcome of your research resulted in a paper or publication that was published, submitted, or in preparation.
If your research experience meets the criteria above, we require 3 components related to your experience:
- A full research paper or publication is strongly preferred
- Additional letter of recommendation from site of research
- A form with the description of the research
If any of the three components above are not met, we will consider your submission to be a STEM Portfolio.
Research papers and publications may be uploaded to your Caltech application portal, Beaver Breakroom, after submission of your application. A research paper or publication is strongly preferred when possible. However, if this is not possible, you may submit an abstract or poster. If the research is embargoed, this must be explained in the recommendation letter of the research supervisor.
Letter of Recommendation from Site of Research
If you are submitting a research paper, we require an additional recommendation from someone who can comment on the research experience that produced the paper. This letter can come from a supervisor, a mentor, an adult collaborator, or an administrator, but they must speak to your specific contributions to the submitted research.
After you submit your application, you will receive a link to the Beaver Breakroom which will include instructions on submitting supplemental materials. If you are submitting research, you are required to fill out a form with a description of your research and the email address of your recommender. Our office will then email your research recommender a link to upload their letter.
We offer writing advice for recommenders, too.
Description of Research
If you are submitting a research paper or publication, you will need to fill out a form with additional information with the description of the research. Research papers can be published, submitted, or in preparation. You may submit more than one research paper or publication, however you will need to fill out the form for each one.
The form will be sent to you after you have submitted your Caltech application and will ask:
- how you obtained the research experience
- a description of your involvement and your role
- the time frame of your involvement
- the topic of the research
- status of paper: published, submitted, or in preparation
Note: you are not required to only submit research for the major(s) you noted on your Caltech application.
Have multiple research papers?
Some students have participated in multiple research projects. You can submit multiple research papers, but each requires a mentor letter from the research site. If you have multiple papers with the same mentor or research site, only one letter is needed.
Have you been involved in other research opportunities?
We know it is difficult to secure a research position in a university lab or research-affiliated organization and that there are numerous research experiences that may be had. Some that we see in our applicant pool include, but are not limited to:
- summer or year-round research program
- research as part of a class project
- research required for a class
- independent research
- summer internship
If any of these experiences above are those you wish to share as part of your application then submit a STEM portfolio.
Some examples of research-related experiences that can be highlighted through your STEM Portfolio include:
- The required independent research you conducted as part of a class requirement, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) Extended Essay
- Independent research you have done outside of a laboratory and without a mentor
- Classes labeled as "Research" where you received academic credit
- If you have built or created something that you are proud of
Haven't had a chance to conduct research yet? No problem! Research is not an admissions requirement and there are many ways you can prepare a strong application for Caltech.
