Caltech Now Requires AP Exam Scores for College Admissions
This year, Caltech has become the first undergraduate program in the U.S. to require AP or IB exam scores for college admissions. Learn why the policy changed, which tests count, and how to sharpen your application.
The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) has just made a bold move in college admissions: it’s now the first university in the U.S. to require Advanced Placement (AP) or Higher Level International Baccalaureate (IB) exam scores as part of the application process. While most colleges have leaned into test-optional policies post-pandemic, Caltech is taking a dramatically different route, one that could change how future STEM students prepare for elite university admissions.
A First in College Admissions: Caltech’s New AP and IB Score Requirement
Until now, AP and IB exam scores have never been formally required in the admissions process. Students could choose to self-report their results, and some colleges would award course credit for high scores after a student had been admitted. The game has changed at Caltech: if you apply, you must submit official AP scores if you have taken AP exams, IB scores if you have taken IB exams.
This move separates Caltech from its peer institutions like MIT and Stanford, which accept AP and IB scores but do not make them mandatory for admission. It’s worth noting that Caltech students can still earn class credit or placement in an accelerated program through high scores, but their AP or IB exam performance will now be a factor in deciding whether they are offered admission at all.
Caltech admission requirements do not require AP credit for enrollment; however, if you have taken AP classes, you must submit your AP exam scores. Similarly, if you have taken IB classes, you need to provide your IB scores. And even if you want to claim Caltech AP credit, you’ll need to formally submit those scores during the application process, not afterward.
Why Is Caltech Doing This?
Presumably, Caltech’s decision is intended to boost academic rigor, promote fairness, and guarantee a more level playing field for applicants across the globe. As Caltech’s Undergraduate Admissions states, “Students must demonstrate mastery in calculus, chemistry, and physics for admission to Caltech.”
Emphasizing Subject Mastery, Not Just Course Names
Caltech’s new policy suggests a fundamental conviction that transcripts alone don’t tell the whole story of a student’s preparedness for a rigorous college education. Two students may both list “AP Physics” on their transcripts, but that doesn’t mean they retained or mastered the material equally. By requiring AP or IB exam scores, Caltech is looking for deeper insight into each student’s comprehension of core subjects like calculus, chemistry, or physics.
Encouraging Academic Follow-Through
Historically, somewhere between 20 and 30% of students enrolled in AP courses have chosen not to take the exams. Caltech’s new policy signals its conviction that the exam is a critical part of the AP experience and encourages students to use the exam to demonstrate their mastery of the material. And while it’s much less common for IB students to forego the exams, Caltech’s policy underscores the importance of a student’s performance in those exams, not just the fact that they earned the diploma.
Providing a Standardized Metric
Grades can vary widely across schools, districts, and states. AP and IB exam scores offer a more standardized comparison tool, especially important in evaluating applicants from thousands of different high schools, both in the U.S. and internationally. This is critical for a STEM-focused school like Caltech, where technical competency is foundational.
What Does This Mean for Students?
If you're planning to apply to Caltech, this policy adds a new layer of strategy and transparency, but it’s important to clarify a key point: Caltech does not require students to take AP exams. However, if a student has taken any AP exams, Caltech now requires them to submit their official AP scores as part of the admissions process. This goes the same for IB courses and IB exams.
There are more ideas that students should consider since the release of these new requirements. Here’s what you should prepare for:
Plan Ahead, But You’re Not Penalized for AP Access
Students should still plan their coursework thoughtfully and be strategic about which AP or IB classes and exams they choose. However, if your school doesn’t offer AP or IB courses or you’ve chosen not to take the exams, you won’t be penalized. Caltech’s admissions page also notes that students may submit other forms of evidence (e.g., transcripts or A-Level scores) to demonstrate subject mastery.
Submitting Scores When You’ve Taken the Test
With that said, if you have taken an AP or IB exam, even in a non-STEM subject, you must submit your score. Caltech uses this to assess demonstrated understanding. However, Caltech will pay attention more to core STEM subjects like:
Calculus
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Computer Science
While AP humanities scores may still be submitted, Caltech is primarily looking at STEM-based knowledge as part of its core admissions evaluation.
Students Should Still Consider AP Exams Strategically
Even when not required, taking AP or IB exams, especially in math and science subjects, is a valuable way to demonstrate preparedness for Caltech’s rigorous STEM curriculum. Strong performance can give your application an academic edge and show that you’ve mastered key prerequisites.
If you’re wondering how to get into Caltech under this new AP and IB exam score requirement, the answer now includes a closer look at your AP or IB test performance. This is on top of letters of recommendation, a strong high school transcript, and standardized test scores (SAT or ACT). See Caltech’s website for more information on admission requirements.
With an acceptance rate that hovers around 3-4%, this change in Caltech acceptance requirements may make admission even more selective.
FAQs from Applicants
Is Caltech test blind?
No, Caltech is not test blind, especially with the new AP and IB exam score policy. Additionally, Caltech marks Fall 2025 as the beginning year to reinstate the SAT and ACT as a requirement for admission.
What is the current Caltech AP credit policy?
Caltech will continue to award course credit for high scores in certain subjects. However, this process is distinct from admissions. If you’re applying intending to use AP credit for placement, those scores must still be submitted.
Does Caltech accept AP credit?
Yes, Caltech accepts AP credit. But keep in mind that AP credit won’t be awarded automatically. It depends on the score and the course content, and students may still need to pass a placement exam upon enrollment.
Could Other Universities Follow?
It’s too soon to tell if other elite schools will follow Caltech’s lead, but this decision will almost certainly spark debate in admissions offices nationwide. If Caltech’s first admitted class under this new policy performs well, schools like MIT, Carnegie Mellon, or Georgia Tech may consider similar approaches.
For now, Caltech is alone in making this move, but as in science, one breakthrough often leads to others.
Final Thoughts
Caltech’s new AP and IB exam score requirement reflects a commitment to academic rigor and measurable performance. If you’re a prospective student aiming for Caltech, now is the time to plan, prioritize AP or IB exams, and showcase your true subject mastery.
As always, stay informed by checking Caltech’s official admissions page, and talk to your counselor about how best to align your coursework and test prep with evolving Caltech requirements.
Need extra tutoring? North Avenue’s tutors have completed rigorous undergraduate and/or graduate coursework in their fields, and are ready to help you excel in your AP or IB courses and exams. And if you need help in a targeted subject for your AP or IB course, schedule an hourly appointment with a tutor today.
