Students who are in their junior year at a select group of liberal arts colleges to apply to transfer to Caltech after completing their junior year at their home college. After two years in residence at Caltech and the successful completion of our requirements, 3/2 students will be granted a bachelor of science degree from Caltech as well as a second bachelor’s degree from their home liberal arts college.

Participating Colleges

Areas of Study

Your liberal arts college will let you know which of our options (majors) are available to you. We allow our 3/2 students to transfer into any of the undergraduate options at Caltech.

How to Apply to the 3/2 Program

3/2 Program

Admission to the 3/2 program is not guaranteed for all applicants; admissions decisions will be made by the Caltech Faculty Upperclass Admissions Committee. The following checklist, however, tells you everything you will need to do in order to apply to Caltech.

3/2 Application Checklist

  • Apply using the Coalition Application. You must first follow the path for transfer students, and from there, you will be able to see questions that will categorize you as a 3/2 applicant. The deadline for submission of the 3/2 application is April 1. Admission to the program is determined by the Caltech Upperclass Admissions Committee.
  • Obtain letters of recommendation from your college’s 3/2 liaison and from a mathematics, science, or engineering faculty member.
  • Complete one year of physics (two years recommended).
  • Complete one year of mathematics (including multivariable calculus and differential equations; two years recommended).
  • Complete one year of chemistry.
  • Complete the International 3/2 Student Supplemental Form, if relevant (if you are an international 3/2 student if you are neither a U.S. citizen nor permanent resident).

Deadlines

  • Application Deadline: April 1
  • Admit Reply Deadline*: June 1

*While Caltech does not require a deposit, all admitted 3/2 students must reply to our offer of admission by June 1.

FAQ for 3/2 Applicants

FAQ

Below is a list of some common questions that 3/2 applicants have.

Who do I approach if I am interested in the 3/2 program?

Each of Caltech’s 3/2 partner schools has a 3/2 liaison. Ask your college who its 3/2 liaison is and set up a time to discuss the program and application timeline.

When can I apply to the 3/2 program?

You can only apply to the 3/2 program during your third year of college.

Am I eligible for financial aid?

Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible for financial aid. International 3/2 students are not eligible for aid.

Do I have to live on campus if I’m admitted to the 3/2 program?

You do not need to live on campus as a 3/2 student. However, you are welcome to join the waiting list for Caltech housing. The Housing Office will contact incoming 3/2 transfer students during the summer with further details on how to join the waiting list.

Must I attend a 3/2 partner school in order to apply to the 3/2 program? 

Yes. Applicants to the 3/2 program must attend a 3/2 partner school.

Is admission to the 3/2 program guaranteed?

No. We consider each applicant individually, and our upperclass admissions committee decides based on all of the materials provided. We are looking for students who are a good “fit” for Caltech and who can show that Caltech is the best place for them to continue their studies. The program was started with the notion of bringing in students with a strong liberal arts and science background. 

Which options can I study as a 3/2 student? 

3/2 students can transfer into any of the Caltech options. However, dual degrees cannot be in the same major unless the programs are substantially different.

Which options are ABET accredited?

The three ABET-accredited programs are electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and chemical engineering (also approved by the American Chemical Society).