College application & essay help for Caltech applicants
Work with advisors who have real experience with Caltech and will help you stand out in the application process.
Find an advisor who’s helped students get accepted to Caltech
These advisors have direct experience with Caltech as alumni or admissions professionals and
have helped students gain acceptance to Caltech.
Applying to Caltech
Applying to California Institute of Technology is highly competitive, and the strongest applicants go beyond grades and test scores.
They clearly demonstrate who they are, what they care about, and how they see themselves growing at Caltech.
Although no two applications are identical, schools like Caltech tend to look for similar things: academic strength, meaningful engagement with interests, intellectual curiosity, and a genuine connection to the school’s culture. Understanding how these come together at Caltech can help you build a more focused and intentional application.
Although no two applications are identical, schools like Caltech tend to look for similar things: academic strength, meaningful engagement with interests, intellectual curiosity, and a genuine connection to the school’s culture. Understanding how these come together at Caltech can help you build a more focused and intentional application.
Advisors who know Caltech well can help you think through how your application comes across and
where to focus your effort. At Sundial, you can work with advisors who either attended Caltech or have helped
students get accepted to Caltech.
How Sundial helps Caltech applicants
I’m working on my Caltech essay — is it good enough to get me in?
Caltech essay review
From Caltech supplemental essays to your personal statement, get targeted feedback from advisors who know exactly what Caltech admissions looks for!
I have questions — I need to talk to someone that knows more about Caltech!
1:1 advising meetings
Book Caltech admissions advising to map deadlines, refine your essays, and prepare for interviews with someone who knows how Caltech evaluates applicants.
FAQs about applying to Caltech
Essays are one of the few places Caltech can see who you are beyond grades and test scores. For competitive majors and selective programs, strong essays aren’t just helpful, they’re often what differentiate students with similar academic profiles. The best essays don’t sound generic; they show clear thinking, self-awareness, and fit with what Caltech actually values.
Caltech looks for students who’ve taken their interests seriously over time, whether academically, creatively, or through leadership. Beyond raw achievement, they want to see intellectual curiosity, initiative, and evidence that you’ll contribute meaningfully to their campus community. Your application should tell a clear story about how your experiences connect to your goals.
A strong Caltech application essay goes beyond summarizing your résumé or activities. Admissions officers want to understand your motivations, values, and fit with the school. Focus on writing with clarity and intent, and make sure your responses connect your personal experiences with why Caltech makes sense for your goals.
Yes! Many Sundial advisors have direct experience with Caltech, either as alumni or through years of helping students get accepted. Their insight helps you avoid generic advice and instead focus on what actually matters on your Caltech application.
If you’re looking at this page, that’s a pretty good sign you might want to get started! Ideally, planning for Caltech begins several months before deadlines so you’re not rushing major decisions or submitting first-draft work under pressure.
Ready to get help with your Caltech application?
Choose an advisor who understands Caltech and can help you with both strategy and essays.
Need help? Contact us at
support@sundialessayreview.com