California Institute of Technology

What are Caltech’s supplemental essay prompts?

Prompt #1

Your STEM Future – STEM Academic Interests

Caltech has a rigorous core curriculum and students don’t declare a major until the end of their first year. However, some students arrive knowing which academic fields and areas already most excite them, or which novel fields and areas they most want to explore.

a) If you had to choose an area of interest or two today, what would you choose? Note that you are under no obligation to follow this choice if admitted.

b) Why did you choose your proposed area of interest? If you selected “other,” what topics are you interested in pursuing? (Min: 100 / Max: 200 words)

Prompt #2

Your STEM Present: Curiosity

Regardless of your STEM interest listed above, take this opportunity to nerd out and talk to us about whatever STEM rabbit hole you have found yourself falling into. Be as specific or broad as you would like. (Min: 50 / Max: 150 words)

Prompt #3

Your STEM Past: Prior Experiences

At Caltech, we investigate some of the most challenging, fundamental problems in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. We are interested in learning more about your engagement with STEM. Select one of the following two STEM Experience prompts to respond to:

a) Tell us how you initially found your interest and passion for science or for a particular STEM topic, and how you have pursued or developed your interest or passion over the last few years. (Min: 100 / Max: 200 words)

b) Tell us about a meaningful STEM-related experience from the last few years and share how and why it inspired your curiosity. (Min: 100 / Max: 200 words)

Prompt #4

Creativity in Action Question

The creativity, inventiveness, and innovation of Caltech’s students, faculty, and researchers have won Nobel Prizes and put rovers on Mars. But Techers also imagine smaller-scale innovations every day, from new ways to design solar cells to how to 3D-print dorm decor to experimenting in the kitchen. How have you been a creator, inventor, or innovator in your own life? (Min: 100 / Max: 200 words)

Prompt #5

Required Short Answer Questions

You have 250 words total to answer two of the four questions below.

1. Hobby: What is an interest or hobby you do for fun, and why does it bring you joy?

2. Teach: If you could teach a class on any topic or concept, what would it be and why?

3. Identity: What is a core piece of your identity or being that shapes how you view and/or interact with the world?

4. Concept: What is a concept that blew your mind or baffled you when you first encountered it?

Two essay boxes, each with Min: 1 / Max: 201 words.

Prompt #6

Optional Academic Short Answer Question

Have you had any extenuating circumstances, such as limited course selection or disruptions, that have affected your coursework, but that are not described elsewhere in your application? If so, tell us about them here. (Min: 0 / Max: 150 words)