Caltech Transfer Acceptance Rate
The Caltech transfer acceptance rate was 6.2% for Fall 2025 — 10 admits from 162 applicants, per Caltech’s Common Data Set 2025-26. Of those admitted, 9 enrolled. 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 2025 figures appear in the 2025-26 CDS, Section D2 (published August 2026): 162 applicants, 10 admitted, 9 enrolled.
| Cycle | Applicants | Admits | Acceptance Rate | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | 162 | 10 | 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 a competitive Caltech transfer applicant looks like
Competitive Caltech transfer admits share a consistent profile. Below any of these bars, you’re likely competing uphill.
Caltech Application Requirements
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.
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.
Interested in transferring to Caltech?
Book a 1-hour Zoom consultation with “The Goat” — a Stanford transfer student turned advisor, who’s spent the last decade helping applicants transfer into elite schools.
Why most Caltech transfer applications get rejected
Most rejections trace back to one of five patterns. Here’s what they are — and how to fix them before you apply.
- Not having strong extracurriculars.A strong GPA isn’t enough — admissions officers want to see sustained commitment and leadership outside the classroom.
- Not having a competitive GPA.AOs need to know you can handle the coursework.
- Not telling a story that catches the AO’s attention.A list of accomplishments isn’t a narrative. The strongest essays connect who you are, why you’re transferring, and why Caltech specifically — in a way that’s memorable, not generic.
- Not having a compelling reason to transfer.“I want a bigger school” or “better opportunities” reads as vague. Admissions officers want a specific, personal reason tied to your goals and to Caltech.
- Not having strong personal recommendation letters.A rushed request to a professor who barely knows you shows. Build real relationships early so your recommenders can speak to specifics, not generalities.
Want us to spot these in your file before you submit? Book a 60-minute review →
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?
The Caltech transfer acceptance rate was 6.2% for Fall 2025 (10 admits from 162 applicants), per Caltech’s Common Data Set 2025-26. That is higher than Caltech’s 3.8% first-year rate.
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 — Common Data Set 2025-26 — Sections C1 (first-year) and D2 (transfer) admit data · primary source
- 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.