California Institute of Technology
Caltech is an elite science and engineering institute. For the Fall 2026 cycle, Caltech has reinstated its standardized testing requirement. Caltech REA is one of the most restrictive policies in the US. It bars all other early applications (Public or Private) unless for scholarship or international reasons.
Important Policy Warning
Caltech REA is uniquely restrictive, blocking even most public Early Action apps.
Key Dates
Application Deadline
November 1, 2025
Decision Notification
December 15, 2025
Decisions released online
Restriction Rule
Under REA, students may not apply to any other Early Action or Early Decision programs at any other institution, except for non-US schools or scholarship requirements.
Application Compatibility
What you can and cannot apply to while holding a REA application at California Institute of Technology:
| Application Type | Allowed? |
|---|---|
| Public university Early Action | ✗ No |
| Private university Early Action | ✗ No |
| Binding Early Decision (ED) | ✗ No |
| International Early Action programs | ✓ Yes |
| Scholarship-required Early Action | ✓ Yes |
Allowed Exceptions
The following application types are explicitly permitted alongside your REA application:
- ✓International schools
- ✓Scholarship-mandatory EA
Admission Statistics
Overall Acceptance Rate
3.78%
REA Admit Rate
6.5%
Total Applicants
13,133
SAT Range (Mid-50%)
1530–1580
Avg SAT Score
1530-1580
Avg ACT Score
35-36
Frequently Asked Questions
Is California Institute of Technology's REA program binding?
No. California Institute of Technology's REA program is non-binding. If admitted, you have until May 1st to make your final enrollment decision, giving you time to compare financial aid offers from Regular Decision schools.
Can I apply Early Action to other private schools?
No. California Institute of Technology's REA policy prohibits applying to other private colleges under any early plan. Violating this restriction could jeopardize your application. Use the SCEA Compatibility Checker to verify your full list.
When will California Institute of Technology release REA decisions?
California Institute of Technology typically releases REA decisions around December 15, 2025. Decisions are released online through the applicant portal.
Verify your school list
Make sure your other early applications are compatible with your California Institute of Technology REA application.
Open the SCEA Compatibility Checker