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Fall Fly-in Program: Caltech Up Close

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Are you a high-achieving student who is interested in pursuing the STEM fields in your undergraduate career?

Are you a rising high school senior attending school in the U.S.?

If your answer is yes to these questions, create an account and apply to experience Caltech Up Close (CUC)! Through Caltech Up Close, selected participants will interact with current students, faculty, and staff through informational sessions, meaningful conversations, and fun social gatherings on- and off-campus.

*CUC is for students only, parents/guardians will not be able to attend any part of the programming.

Apply Now!

Deadline: Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at 11:59PM PT.

Note: The application process will require applicants to submit unofficial high school transcripts.

Caltech Up Close 2025 is open to all students that reside and will graduate from high school in the U.S. in 2026. The program is designed for students of exceptional promise and will focus on the experiences of students from disadvantaged backgrounds (e.g. rural or small town, socioeconomically diverse, etc.). This year's program will take place October 11 - 14, 2025 and, during the all-expense paid visit, selected participants will have opportunities to:

  • Explore Caltech's 124-acre campus.
  • Connect with campus community members, including faculty and current students.
  • Discover undergrad academics, research and internships, as well as student life.
  • Analyze application tips and requirements.
  • Grasp admissions and financial aid processes.
  • Experience a glimpse of life in Southern California.

Caltech Up Close is a program hosted by Caltech's Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Contact us with any questions you may have at ugadmissions@caltech.edu.

CUC Application Essay Questions

  1. What Caltech option/department interests you the most?  What excites you most about these options?
  2. If you won a 500-million-dollar research grant, what problem would you try to solve and how?
  3. Each person brings numerous lived experiences with them to Caltech. How have these lived experiences (including triumphs and barriers) shaped who you are and inspired you to pursue STEM? How will your lived experiences enhance the community of scientists and engineers at Caltech?