Caltech Transfer Acceptance Rate
Caltech admitted 11 of 178 transfer applicants for Fall 2024 — a 6.2% rate per the Caltech CDS 2024-25 (primary-source verified). Caltech runs its own application (Beaver Breakroom) and administers its own math + physics entrance exams.
Caltech transfer admissions, at a glance
Caltech transfer figures
Caltech publishes one cycle per Common Data Set. Fall 2024 figures appear in CDS 2024-25, Section D2, page 24 (published May 2025). Men: 138/7/6. Women: 40/4/4. Total: 178/11/10.
| Cycle | Applicants | Admits | Acceptance Rate | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2024 | 178 | 11 | 6.2% | Caltech CDS |
What GPA do you need for Caltech?
Caltech doesn’t publish a formal GPA floor. The institute’s bar is the transcript: multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and a year of calculus-based physics are the floor, completed at four-year-university rigor.
Competitive admits typically present 3.7+ overall college GPAs with A’s in their STEM prep. For CS, EE, or Physics majors, the practical bar trends higher — 3.8+ in major-prep coursework.
What competitive Caltech transfer applicants look like
Competitive Caltech transfer admits share a consistent profile. Below any of these bars, you’re likely competing uphill.
What Caltech actually requires
Six non-negotiable pieces. Caltech runs its own application — there is no Common App route — and adds its own math and physics entrance exams.
Coursework Requirements
Multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and a year of calculus-based physics. Without these, the math/physics entrance exams will expose the gap.
Application Essays
Caltech’s own supplemental essays — all STEM-focused: STEM Academic Interest, STEM Curiosity, STEM Experiences, Creativity in Action (50-249 words each).
Letters of Recommendation
Two college faculty recommendations required, from math, science, or engineering professors. Recommenders are contacted directly by Caltech after application submission.
Application Deadlines
Application: February 1. Math + Physics entrance exams: February 15. Decisions: mid-April. Admit reply: June 1. No spring entry.
Standing & Credits
Transfer admits enter as second- or third-year students. Caltech provides a pre-evaluation of class standing on admission.
Test Scores
Test-optional policy varies year to year. Many elite privates reinstated SAT/ACT requirements post-2024 — verify Caltech’s current policy. If submitting, top-quartile scores strengthen a competitive application.
Not sure if you can transfer to Caltech?
Book a free 60-minute consultation. We’ll look at your transcript, your prereqs, and your target majors — and give you a straight read on your chances.
Common transfer mistakes that kill Caltech applications
We’ve reviewed thousands of transfer files. These five failures show up more than any other — and each one is fixable if caught early.
- Waiting until senior year to think about transfer.By the time you’re serious about Caltech, your junior GPA is already locked in. Winners start planning transfer their first semester of freshman year.
- Assuming your current college’s grade is ‘good enough.’A 3.5 that got you honors at your current college won’t clear Caltech. Benchmark against admit medians, not your peers.
- Writing the same personal essay for every school.Caltech’s essays reward specific, researched fit. Generic ‘why transfer’ language is the #1 kill signal readers flag.
- Missing a prereq — or completing it at the wrong level.Community-college calc that transfers as elective (not prereq) doesn’t count. Check equivalency BEFORE you register — not after.
- Applying without a strategy for financial aid.Transfer aid pools shrink every year. Some elites cap need-based aid for transfers. Model this before you apply, not after.
Want us to spot these in your file before you submit? Book a 60-minute review →
Popular Caltech majors for transfers
Caltech’s six undergraduate divisions all accept transfers, but the most popular destinations are computational and physical sciences.
How Caltech compares to peers
If Caltech is your target, apply to these STEM-strong peers in parallel. Rates from each school’s most recent Common Data Set.
Frequently asked questions
Does Caltech accept the Common App?
No. Caltech accepts only its own application, submitted through the Beaver Breakroom portal.
What is Caltech’s transfer acceptance rate?
6.2% for Fall 2024 — 11 admits from 178 applicants per the Caltech Common Data Set 2024-25.
Do I need SAT Subject Tests for Caltech?
No — those were discontinued. Caltech administers its own math and physics entrance exams, due February 15.
Can international transfer students get financial aid?
No. Caltech does not have need-based aid for transfer students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
When are Caltech transfer decisions released?
Mid-April. Admit reply deadline is June 1.
Where this data comes from
- Caltech CDS 2024-25 (§D2) — applicants, admits, enrollment by gender
- Caltech Admissions — Transfer — deadlines, exams, application portal
Want a real shot at Caltech?
Caltech’s Beaver Breakroom application + math/physics exams demand specific prep. We’ll assess your transcript against Caltech’s competitive bar.