Updated: Friday, September 27, 2024
One is on the East Coast, the other on the West Coast. Both have the industrious beaver as their mascot. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the California Institute of Technology are both scientific and technological titans and world leaders in cutting-edge research and innovation. Let’s explore the distinctive features of MIT and Caltech, so you can decide which college is right for you.
While no heated rivalry exists between the two institutions, there is certainly a competitive atmosphere. Both Caltech and MIT are elite private universities focused on science and technology, which puts them in similar academic spheres. This has naturally led to a friendly rivalry in terms of their research and the advancements they make in STEM fields. Additionally, the schools have a history of playing elaborate pranks on each other, which are all in good fun.
Whether Caltech is “better” than Harvard University depends on individual preferences, academic goals, and the specific field of study. If you are interested in a specialized focus on science and technology, Caltech might be more suitable. However, if you seek a broader range of academic disciplines and a more well-rounded education, Harvard could be a better fit. Both institutions are highly regarded, and the choice often depends on which one better aligns with your academic and professional goals. You may also want to consider location, student life, campus size, and other factors that can affect your college experience.
Read our guide on how to get into Harvard.
Caltech consistently ranks among the top institutions globally in science and technology, attracting top-tier faculty and students. Faculty and researchers from Caltech have been involved in significant discoveries and advancements, contributing to its reputation for cutting-edge research. The institution has also produced 46 Nobel laureates among its faculty and alumni, among numerous other awards and prizes.
Additionally, NASA entrusts Caltech to manage the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, which sends probes into space to explore the solar system. Caltech is also known for its Seismological Laboratory and numerous astronomical observatories.
Caltech is often considered on par with Ivy League schools in terms of academic excellence and prestige. It is a top-ranked university that is frequently listed alongside or even above Ivy League schools in various national and international university rankings. In addition to its global reputation in science and technology, Caltech’s small size, accomplished faculty, low student-to-faculty ratio, and emphasis on personalized education contribute to its standing among elite colleges and universities.
The question of whether Caltech or MIT is “better” depends on your academic goals and what you hope to get out of your college experience in general. Aside from considering the strength of their academic programs and opportunities, research each school’s campus culture, admission requirements, student clubs and activities, and career outcomes.
Learn how to get into MIT.
Caltech offers 28 rigorous undergraduate programs — what they refer to as “options.” As you might expect, most of these programs are related to STEM disciplines, though Caltech also offers business and humanities programs like economics, English, philosophy, and history. All undergraduate students must complete a core curriculum, which consists of advanced courses in the social sciences, humanities, and sciences. The core curriculum is designed to strengthen critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. Caltech is particularly strong in physics and astronomy as well as other science subjects, making it a good choice for students interested in pursuing those fields.
MIT offers a broader range of academic programs, including architecture and more majors in the humanities, arts, and social sciences. Undergraduates can also enroll in a program at the MIT Sloan School of Management that combines business perspectives with students’ scientific and technological expertise. Prospective students interested in engineering or computing disciplines will find particularly strong programs at MIT. The core curriculum — what MIT refers to as General Institute Requirements (GIRs) — provides students with an interdisciplinary foundation that complements their choice of major.
Caltech, known for its distinguished faculty, has attracted numerous renowned scientists and researchers across various disciplines:
Research is an expectation at Caltech, and 90% of undergraduates engage in research projects. The student-to-faculty ratio of 3:1 means that students can work closely with faculty and postdoctoral scholars. Students can choose from a variety of undergraduate research programs and have access to more than 50 research centers and institutes.
MIT has a renowned faculty that has made significant contributions to various fields:
Students at MIT can participate in groundbreaking research, working closely with faculty and researchers at any of the institute’s numerous labs and centers. Additionally, students benefit from an entrepreneurial culture and resources that can help them bring their innovations to market.
The campus culture at Caltech is characterized by a unique blend of academic intensity, collaboration, and a close-knit environment. With a student body of only 1,000 undergraduates and 1,400 graduate students, Caltech is a small institution that prides itself on accomplishing big things. Residential life on campus is a social and supportive environment, where undergraduates of all years mingle in the eight smaller house communities or the larger residence halls.
Caltech students, known as “Techers,” can find a variety of clubs, activities, and events that contribute to their overall college experience, including varsity sports, recreation, performing and visual arts, lectures, and more. The student-run Caltech Y is a non-profit organization that helps students become better global citizens through a variety of leadership, service, adventure, and civic engagement activities.
Academic rigor, innovation, and a vibrant, diverse community define the campus culture at MIT. IvyWise counselor Katie, a former Senior Assistant Director of admissions at MIT, describes students there as having an “insane passion for doing whatever it is that they’re interested in.” The institution encourages students to pursue creative projects, start businesses, and engage in technological innovation. The MIT culture has contributed to the development of numerous successful startups and innovations. As for residential life, undergraduate students can choose from 11 residence halls, each with its own distinct community.
MIT is known for its “hacking” culture, where students engage in clever and creative pranks and projects. The Great Dome on campus is a popular site for these hacks, which are considered a tradition and a form of creative expression. In their free time, MIT students can participate in one or more of the 450+ clubs and organizations on campus, as well as varsity sports.
Listen to our Just Admit It! podcast: What is MIT like?
Over the past few years, Caltech’s admission rate has been below 5%. Students hoping to attend Caltech must demonstrate that they are being challenged academically and have a willingness to explore and take risks intellectually. Faculty review applications of the most competitive students, so it’s important to focus on STEM in the supplemental essays as much as possible. Caltech requires test scores for fall 2025 admissions after being test-blind since 2020. Students admitted to Caltech typically graduate in the top 10% of their high school class — Caltech does not report the high school GPAs of its admitted students, but you should strive for the highest GPA possible. Recommendations, strength of character, and extracurricular activities are also important factors.
Like Caltech, MIT also has an admission rate below 5%. While competitive applicants perform well academically and have a record of increasingly rigorous courses, MIT focuses on holistic admissions to ensure students are a good fit for the campus culture. This means that the student’s personal qualities, talents, and extracurricular involvements are also important factors in their admissions decisions. MIT requires students to submit standardized test scores. The middle 50% of admitted students for fall 2022 scored 1520-1570 on their SATs and 35-36 on their ACTs. While MIT does not report the high school GPAs of its admitted students, it can be helpful to know that of the students who reported their class rank, 97% graduated in the top 10% of their class.
Caltech has produced a notable group of alumni who have made significant contributions to various fields, including science, technology, academia, and entrepreneurship.
The career outcomes for Caltech graduates span various sectors, including academia, industry, research, and entrepreneurship — the possibilities are endless. Many Caltech graduates choose to pursue careers in academia, becoming professors and researchers at universities and research institutions. They are also in high demand in industries such as technology, aerospace, biotechnology, and finance. You can also find Caltech graduates in government and national laboratories, finance and consulting firms, technology, pharmaceutical companies, and more.
As expected, MIT also has many notable alumni, some of whom are also affiliated with Caltech, such as Andrea Ghez and Richard Feynman. These alumni have made significant contributions in various fields.
MIT’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge contributes to the success and impact of MIT alumni across various industries. Many MIT graduates pursue careers in technology and engineering, working for leading companies in areas such as software development, hardware engineering, aerospace, and telecommunications. Others work in research and development, manufacturing, government and public policy, and biotechnology, among numerous other industries. Because of MIT’s strong emphasis on entrepreneurship, many graduates have launched successful companies.
Caltech offers extracurricular activities to complement the rigorous academic environment and provide students with opportunities for personal growth, recreation, and community engagement. In addition to the clubs and activities we mentioned above, Techers can find opportunities to participate in student government, the student-run newspaper, coding competitions, robotics, and a variety of other activities that cater to diverse interests.
Similarly, MIT offers extracurricular activities, such as Model UN, student government, cultural and diversity organizations, MIT Outing Club, entrepreneurship activities, student publications, hackathons, and performing arts groups — just to name a few. Students can also participate in a variety of community service projects.
There are many things to consider when choosing between Caltech vs MIT — but when it comes to the application process for both schools, being as competitive as possible is key. It can be helpful to work with a college admissions counselor who knows how to help you stand out. IvyWise college admissions counselors are experts at guiding students through each stage of the college admissions process, from building their profiles to telling their stories in their college applications. Schedule an Initial Consultation to learn how we can help you achieve your academic goals.
Students interested in attending college in Los Angeles often prioritize two schools: the University of Southern California (USC) and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). While they are both located in the same geographic area, they differ in a few significant ways that may impact which school you choose. If you’re considering both schools, it’s helpful to take a deeper dive into their similarities and differences.
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With more than 4,000 colleges and universities in the US, it can be difficult to nail down exactly how many colleges you should apply to. As juniors embark on the college admissions process (and visit schools over Spring Break), now is a great time to make a preliminary college list. Here are some of the most common mistakes we see students make and some tips from Dr. Kat to help you narrow your focus.
When searching for best-fit colleges, size is often one of the first things that students consider. Many college-bound students already have an idea of what they’re looking for in a school before they start researching specific institutions. Maybe they prefer a large student body with endless possibilities, like what you find at public research universities. Perhaps a small campus with an intimate atmosphere is preferable — a characteristic of many private colleges. Going with your gut is a good place to start, but there are many pros and cons to certain college sizes that students might overlook when building their balanced college list.
Join IvyWise college admissions counselors Danielle and Kim, both former admissions directors at UPenn, for an inside look at the University of Pennsylvania. Whether you are beginning the college search process or finalizing your list, this is a great opportunity to learn all about UPenn from those who used to recruit and admit students to the university.
