The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is a prestigious research and education institution located in Pasadena, California, about 11 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles.
Renowned for its focus on science and engineering, Caltech is home to cutting-edge facilities like the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (a NASA property), the Caltech Seismological Laboratory, and the International Observatory Network. It is one of the select U.S. institutes dedicated to technical arts and applied sciences, and its highly competitive admissions process ensures that only the most talented students gain entry.
Founded in 1891 by Amos G. Throop as a preparatory and vocational school, Caltech was established with the mission to “expand human knowledge and benefit society through research integrated with education.” It quickly emerged as a central hub for U.S. scientific research in the early 20th century and played a crucial role during World War II.
Today, Caltech is home to the Einstein Papers Project, which works to preserve, translate, and publish selected papers from Albert Einstein’s estate. The institute also leads an energy innovation hub aimed at developing groundbreaking methods for generating fuel directly from sunlight.
The 124-acre Caltech campus is conveniently located near Old Town Pasadena and the Pasadena Playhouse District, popular spots for students. Campus life is vibrant, with numerous social activities, clubs, and recreational facilities. Caltech takes its intercollegiate sports seriously, with the Caltech Beavers—named for the beaver, nature’s engineer—competing in 13 sports.
In addition to sports, Caltech supports a rich cultural life with opportunities for music, theater, and visual arts, all integral to its mission of “educating outstanding students to become creative members of society.” The Athenaeum, a stately building at the heart of the campus, provides a venue for formal and informal dining, meetings, and events.
Balancing a demanding academic curriculum with activities that foster personal growth, Caltech offers students a transformative experience and a strong foundation for future success. While it may not have the same historical prestige as Ivy League schools or institutions like Oxford and Cambridge, Caltech is consistently ranked among the top universities worldwide, particularly noted for its strengths in technology and engineering.
