Seasonal Application Reader

Caltech; Pasadena, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 45,000; Part time

Job summary

Caltech is seeking an Undergraduate Admissions Seasonal Application Reader. This part-time, temporary role evaluates undergraduate applications and supports related projects, reporting to the Deputy Director of Undergraduate Admissions.

The position requires participation in a committee-based evaluation process. Responsibilities include reading applications in pairs, adhering to a daily schedule during Pacific time, and completing other admissions tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of experience reading applications in admissions or as a Caltech Admissions Ambassador.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work with diverse audiences.
• Conscientious, proactive, self-motivated, and a strong team player.
• Able to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Attention to detail in holistic review of materials.

Responsibilities

• Read, evaluate, and recommend admission decisions in a committee-based process.
• Read in pairs with a Caltech admissions officer, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Pacific (first weeks 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.).
• Carry out other admissions-related projects as assigned by the Director.
• Dates: 15 hours per week; Oct 19, 2026 – Feb 19, 2027.

Skills

Reading applications

Attention to detail

Verbal & written communication

Deadline driven

Team player

Education

Experience in admissions reading

Tools

Zoom

Job description

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

Job Summary

The Undergraduate Admissions Seasonal Application Reader is a part-time temporary position responsible for evaluating candidates for undergraduate admission as well as carrying out other assigned projects as needed. This position reports to the Deputy Director of Undergraduate Admissions.

• Thoroughly read, critically evaluate, and recommend appropriate admission decisions on highly competitive applications in a committee-based evaluation (CBE) process.
• CBE requires reading in pairs with a Caltech admissions officer Monday – Friday between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Pacific. Note, the first couple of weeks requires daily availability from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Carry out other admissions-related projects as assigned by the Director.
• Dates of assignment: 15 hours per week. Assignment duration: start the week of October 19, 2026 – February 19, 2027.

Basic Qualifications

• At least 1 year of experience reading applications in an admissions office or as a Caltech Admissions Ambassador.
• Ability to work with diverse audiences.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Incumbent must be conscientious, proactive, self-motivated and a strong, positive team player.
• Must have the ability to participate in a fast-paced, creative, and success/deadline driven environment.
• Attention to detail, especially as it pertains to the holistic review of application materials.
• Exhibit professional behavior and excellent judgment in executing all activities of the office.
• Ability to work in the admissions office or on Zoom during normal business hours, 9:00 a.m. – 5 p.m. Pacific time.Note, the first couple of weeks requires daily availability from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge and experience reviewing applications in a selective college admissions office.

Required Documents

• Resume.

Hiring Range

$20.00 - $33.00 Per Hour
The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.
As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks .

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position.

If you would like to request an accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please contact Caltech Recruiting at [e-mail] .

Additionally, if you do not meet the basic qualifications of a role but believe you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Caltech Recruiting at [e-mail] .