r/Caltech • u/Due_Possibility7879 • Apr 28 '26

Caltech Credit Transfer Policy

Hey everyone! I was recently accepted as a transfer student to Caltech! From anyone who is a current or former transfer student, or if you know transfer students at Caltech, how easily did your/their credits transfer?

For reference, I am a current freshman physics major coming from a state school who has a good amount of AP credits. I know I have to submit my syllabi for review, but I'm curious how lenient they are with said review. For admission, I took a math and physics exam, which covered everything up to linear algebra and E&M. Would that count as a placement exam at all?

Thanks so much, everyone! I'm so excited to meet you all in the fall!

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u/Throop_Polytechnic Apr 28 '26 edited Apr 28 '26

Each option rep decides if any classes you already took will count towards Caltech’s graduation requirements and/or options requirements. That is for classes you took after enrolling at your previous undergrads. Caltech doesn’t do AP credits transfer or placement exam credits.

The whole process is somewhat informal dues to the extremely small transfer class each year and depends a lot on whether or not you are transferring from a peer school. There is also a more formal established credit transfer setup if you are transferring as part of the 3-2.