Physics constitutes the study of the workings of our world and provides the intellectual bedrock of our technology. Our program aims to provide students with a broad overview of the modern understanding of physical laws, extensive practical lab experience, and research experience with leading research groups. The mission is fulfilled through course work, a multitude of lab classes, and research opportunities, primarily through our SURF (Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships) program and the freshmen Ph11 research class. Our program has a special emphasis on equipping the students with needed tools for a successful research career. The program requires computational physics and programming classes, a writing and presentation class, and offers an electronic design lab class, as well as a sequence of mathematical methods classes. Connections of coursework material and technological and practical applications are emphasized through several innovative classes and freshman seminars. Learning Outcomes By graduation time, our students are expected to have: 1. A broad knowledge of fundamental physical laws applying to the world at scales ranging from the nuclear to the cosmological. 2. Experience in data and statistical analysis and experimental techniques. 3. The equivalent of several quarters of research work. 4. An experience in computational physics programming. 5. A broad range of problem solving experience. The knowledge and skills acquired are consistent with admissions to graduate programs in peer institutions.

The following is a list of materials required for a complete application for first-year admission. If your application is missing any one of these components, it will be considered incomplete. • Common Application or the Coalition Application with the Supplemental Application Essays • Caltech does not have a preference between the Common Application or the Coalition Application. We advise that you use the best platform for your application process. • Caltech is also a QuestBridge Partner. Students may apply for Caltech through the QuestBridge National College Match. • $75 application fee or fee waiver (by request) • Standardized tests • Teacher evaluations • Secondary School Report • This is a document that is sent to Caltech by your high school college counselor. It provides context about your school that helps the Admissions Committee evaluate your application holistically. • Academic transcripts • Additional requirements of our international citizen applicants: • TOEFL scores: Required of all international citizens unless 1) your native language is English or 2) you have studied for two or more years in a school where English is the language of instruction. The latter must be completed prior to the application deadline. We do not accept the IELTS or any other substitute for the TOEFL requirement. • International Financial Aid Statement of Intent: When an international citizen applies for freshman admission, the application prompts questions to confirm their understanding of our financial aid policy and thus confirm their financial aid intent towards Caltech. Caltech is need-sensitive for international citizens because the total amount of financial aid funds is limited for these students, and we remain committed to meeting the demonstrated need of all admitted students. See our International Citizens' page to read the full extent of our financial aid policy for international citizens.