At Caltech, we bring together students from all backgrounds who share a deep curiosity about STEM. Each year, we review applications from thousands of talented students, but we know there are many more who would thrive here and never apply.
Too often, highly qualified students, especially those from under-resourced backgrounds, rule themselves out. Some worry about affordability. Others aren't sure they belong at a place like Caltech.
Through our partnership with QuestBridge, we're working to change that.
Caltech is a small, intensely collaborative community where students truly live and breathe STEM. It's not the right fit for everyone and that's okay. But for students who are excited by challenge, driven by curiosity, and eager to dive deep into STEM, it can be an incredible place to learn and grow.
By participating in the QuestBridge National College Match, you have the opportunity to be considered for a full, four-year, no-loan scholarship to Caltech. If you're passionate about STEM and ready to push yourself alongside a community of equally curious peers, we hope you'll consider applying.
How does QuestBridge work?
Start by completing the QuestBridge National College Match application. This application shares your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and your personal story, including how you've succeeded despite financial challenges.
Each year, QuestBridge selects thousands of Finalists who are considered for the Match Scholarship. If you're matched with Caltech, you'll receive a full four-year, no-loan scholarship (valued at over $325,000).
If you rank Caltech, we'll review your application using the same holistic process and standards we apply to all applicants.
Be sure to check the QuestBridge Dates & Deadlines page so you don't miss any important steps.
Who can apply?
The National College Match is designed for high-achieving high school seniors with financial need.
Most Finalists:
- Come from households earning under $65,000 per year (family of four)
- Have limited financial assets
You are eligible to apply if you:
- Are a high school senior in the U.S.
- Plan to enroll in college the fall after graduation
Caltech welcomes applications from all students, including:
- Undocumented students
- Students with DACA status
What is the process?
Step 1: Apply through QuestBridge
Submit your National College Match application by the deadline.
Step 2: Rank colleges
You can rank up to 15 QuestBridge partner colleges, including Caltech.
Step 3: Finalist selection (mid-October)
If you're selected as a Finalist and ranked Caltech, we'll automatically receive your application.
There is no application fee for QuestBridge applicants.
Step 4: Submit Caltech materials (by November 2)
You'll get access to our applicant portal, the Beaver Breakroom, where you'll submit:
- Caltech supplemental essays (Caltech–QuestBridge Supplement)
- Official transcripts (if not already submitted)
- FAFSA (for U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens)
- CSS Profile (required for all Fall 2026 applicants)
- Parent tax return or non-tax filer statement
Caltech-QuestBridge Supplement
If you rank Caltech, you'll complete a short supplement in the Beaver Breakroom.
- Short responses (150–250 words each)
- Required and optional essay questions
- Fall 2026 applicants will also review guidelines on ethical AI use
Letters of Recommendation
Caltech requires letters of recommendation from two teachers:
- STEM: math (calculus or beyond preferred), physics, chemistry, or biology
- Humanities/Social Sciences: English, history, government, or economics
If your QuestBridge recommendations do not meet Caltech's requirements, we highly recommend, but do not require, that you obtain an additional letter from a teacher in calculus, chemistry, physics, biology, or a humanities subject. If you are unable to secure an additional letter by the deadline, we will review your application using the two letters of recommendation submitted through your QuestBridge application. Should you choose to request an additional letter, please ensure your recommender submits it by November 2 via email to [email protected], including your full name and date of birth.
Tips:
Caltech recommends requesting letters from teachers who taught you in your final two years of high school, know you well, and can speak knowledgeably about your skills and performance in their classroom. You can review examples of classes that meet Caltech's requirements for teacher evaluations.
If I match, do I have to come?
Yes. The Match is binding.
If you match with Caltech, you must:
- Enroll at Caltech
- Withdraw all other college applications
What if I don't match?
You still have options:
Finalists
You can apply to Caltech through Regular Decision using QuestBridge.
Non-finalists
You can apply through the Common Application and:
- Request a fee waiver
- Select "QuestBridge" in the CBO section
FAQs about Caltech and the National College Match
Students who match with Caltech through the National College Match are awarded financial aid by Caltech through a combination of institution funds as well as state and federal aid.
Your Match Scholarship does not require you to finish Caltech in four years. While it is expected that most students complete their undergraduate studies within four years, the duration of your program may vary depending on your individual circumstances and academic progress.
All undergraduate students must fulfill certain criteria to remain enrolled in classes. Specifically, they must complete a minimum of 27 units per term and maintain a grade-point average (GPA) of at least 1.9. First-year students are exempt from the 1.9 GPA requirement during their first two terms since courses are taken on a pass/fail basis.
QuestBridge Match students who have earned a full, four-year, no-loan scholarship, are enrolled at Caltech, and maintain Caltech's academic standards, do not risk losing their scholarship. However, it's important to remember that all students, including Match Scholarship recipients, must reapply for financial aid each year. This is because changes in household income, assets, or other circumstances can impact financial aid packages. Renewing financial aid annually is a necessary process.
Matched students do not pay back their scholarship.
Yes, you are allowed to take a leave of absence from Caltech. To formally request a voluntary leave of absence for personal reasons, you need to complete and submit an undergraduate student leave form, which will be forwarded to the registrar and other appropriate offices. While on an approved leave, Caltech still considers you a matriculated student; however, you will not be currently enrolled and thus will not have all the rights and privileges of enrolled students.
Students on leave have limited access to Caltech's educational activities, programs, and services. During your leave, you will not be able to attend classes or labs, reside in Institute housing, or utilize certain student resources such as Student Wellness Services and Residential Life activities, programs, and services.
Your Match Scholarship is specific to your enrollment at Caltech and is funded by the institution itself. As such, it does not transfer with you if you decide to transfer to another university or institution.
While we understand that individual circumstances may lead to considering a transfer, it is crucial to note that the Match Scholarship is tied to your enrollment at Caltech and the financial support it provides is specific to your studies and experiences at our institution.
Additional questions?
For questions about your QuestBridge application and the National College Match, contact QuestBridge at [email protected] or by phone at +1 888-275-2054 or +1 650-331-3280.
To contact Caltech about our admission process, contact Karla Arriaga, Caltech's QuestBridge liaison, at [email protected] or call +1 626-395-6341.
To contact Caltech about our financial aid process, contact Nathan Rudibaugh, Caltech's Financial Aid-QuestBridge liaison, at [email protected].
If you are a current student and have further questions or need more information about taking a leave of absence, contact Associate Dean for Undergraduate Students, Kristin Weyman, at [email protected].