Transcript:
Transcripts from all colleges or universities attended are required. Transcripts may be sent directly from the Registrar of the institution you attended or transcripts issued directly to the applicant, and so marked, are acceptable, and can be submitted online following the electronic submission process. If you attended Caltech as an undergraduate, you must request an official transcript from the Office of the Registrar. We cannot obtain one on your behalf.
Please provide an explanation of any nonstandard grading systems. International transcripts or records of all courses, seminars, and examinations, including grades, scores, grading scales, and conferrals of degrees, must be in English. All translations must be complete versions of the original records. An official transcript documenting the award of an undergraduate degree is required prior to enrollment in the graduate program at Caltech.
Curriculum Vitae:
Attach a CV or resume that includes the following, if applicable:
1) Teaching, professional, and vocational experience (include military service, but omit summer or part-time work not relevant to your professional goals)
2) Research experience
3) Major academic recognitions, honors, and memberships in scientific, professional and honorary societies
4) Professional activities
5) Significant extracurricular activities
6) Conference presentations
7) Titles of publications,major papers, or theses authored or co-authored; if published provide citation.
Personal Statement:
Provide a brief statement of your scientific and professional interests and objectives. Include a description of your past accomplishments that are not evident from the examination of other documents submitted. Report, if applicable, on any research in progress. The statement must be written by the applicant in English. It must not be written in another language and translated for the applicant by another person.
Recommendation Letter:
Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your academic and/or work performance are required for all applicants.
Recommendation letters should address the following information:
1) How well is the applicant known and in what capacity?
2) Does the applicant have the intellectual capability, experimental ability, fundamental training, creativity, and
motivation to be successful as a student at Caltech?
3) Would the applicant be encouraged to do doctoral research under the recommender’s supervision?
4) If English is not the native language, how well does the applicant read, write, and converse in English?
5) How does the applicant compare to any previous students who have come to Caltech for their graduate work?