Foundations Assessment Information
The first-year Core Curriculum at Caltech exists to provide a shared deep understanding of the disciplines that underlie STEM research and innovation. All students develop this grounding over the course of their first year, even as their ground-level backgrounds and experiences differ. To help you understand your own grounding in relation to the First-Year Core, we have designed a new Foundations Assessment. The assessment covers principles of high school Chemistry, Physics, and Math and will be required of all incoming first-year Caltech students beginning this year. Taken early in the summer, the tool provides students feedback on areas essential to the Core, coordinated with summer resources that can help deepen familiarity and confidence with key topics. The Foundations Assessment helps you prepare for Caltech, but more importantly it helps us support your aspirations as you embark on your college journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How should I prepare for the Foundations Assessment?
A: The Foundations Assessment is intended to assess your current knowledge base. While advanced preparation is not required, it can be helpful if you find yourself feeling a bit rusty. For instance, if you haven't taken Chemistry since your first year of high school, you will probably want to dust off your textbook and remind yourself about some of the fundamentals before you sit down to take that test. A review of what you learned in high school about calculus and math, as well as classical physics and chemistry may be useful – but please don't try to cram for these tests.
These tests are intended to help you assess your own preparation for the various components of the Caltech core, while also providing aggregate data back to your faculty about the overall preparation of the incoming class. If you don't know an answer, it is better to acknowledge that (most questions have an "I don't know" response option) rather than to guess.
Q: Are the tests open book? What materials do I need to complete the tests?
A: The tests are not open book. You should take the tests own your own, without the use of outside resources or assistance (this includes people, websites, apps, AI, etc). If any additional resources are allowed (such as a calculator), that will be noted at the top of each of the individual tests. As with many tests and exams at Caltech, the Honor Code is in full effect. We rely upon this code to ensure that all students are treated and treat others with fairness and respect.
As the tests sit within the Canvas platform, you should plan to have a reliable internet connection throughout, in order to ensure that your progress is not lost.
Q: How long is the Foundations Assessment? How long do I have to complete it?
A: The Foundations Assessment is comprised of three tests (one each in Chemistry, Math, and Physics) that can be taken separately, but each must be completed in one sitting. Suggested timing for each test is available within that module, but no one test is intended to take more than 2 hours to complete. You will have from May 23 until June 16 to complete all three tests.
Q: Is the Foundations Assessment required?
A: Yes! All students have agreed to complete these tests as part of the Admissions acceptance process. Furthermore, you cannot be registered for class until the tests are completed. If you have a critical problem related to access or timing, please contact your first-year dean, Kristin Weyman, as soon as possible.
Q: What feedback will I receive about my performance on the Foundations Assessment?
A: In July, you will receive feedback about your assessment. You will not receive a score, but you will receive suggested topics for review, so that you can brush up on some concepts before beginning the academic year. The feedback will include links to online resources for further study; your follow-up on this material is optional, but it may make you feel more comfortable and prepared as the year begins. No part of the assessment will impact your Caltech grades in any way.
Q: Who is the information shared with?
A: Data from the Foundations Assessment may be used internally for Institute research purposes. The individual results will not be shared with any faculty member who teaches in the Caltech core.
The Registrar's office may use student results for section assignments.
The Deans' Office will communicate with students whose performance indicates they should consider taking Advanced Placement exams in one or more subjects.
Q: Does the Foundations Assessment include Writing?
A: The Writing Placement Exam is separate from the Foundations Assessment, but it is also required. The Writing Placement Exam determines your placement into Writing 2 or your First-Year Humanities. For additional information about the Writing Placement Exam please visit their website.