Caltech and Stanford

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

Hello, all,

     I am new here. I am applying to Caltech and Stanford for a major in physics as an undergraduate transfer student, and I want to get other peoples' opinions on my chances of being accepted to either, simply out of curiosity and to qualm my nervousness.
     I will start with a broad overview of my situation. My family is military. I am 16 years old, and I graduated from high school in 2014. The school I attended was very small, less than a hundred in my class. I graduated 3rd in my class, and I will be transferring to another university for fall 2015. Why so soon? That is where my situation complicates.
     My last semester of high school was composed of 6 AP courses, 1 honors course, and 5 standard courses. The reason for that is I combined my senior and junior year into one to graduate early. Why? I sought a challenge. My current classes were not challenging me enough, so I decided it would be easier to double the course load (6 is considered standard here). However, I bit off more than I could chew and didn't maintain my standard of high A's. I scored a B+ in one AP course and a C in the other, and I kept all other courses at an A. I took Calculus I over the summer at the university and passed at the top of the class. But, 2 days before the final, I fell ill and was diagnosed with Crohn's disease 2 weeks later. After I was released, I studied for a week and took my final. However, the experience had a tole on my mental strength, and I scored a B on the final. I ended up keeping an A thanks to my cushion. I chose to take the fall semester off instead of attending to recuperate from and adjust to my illness, and I was in line to attend spring semester. However, b/c there isn't a qualified doctor or facility to help me when I fall ill, I would not be able to stay here once my parents moved somewhere else. So, instead of enjoying my first semester of college, I chose the better option of securing my future education. Thus, here I am.
     Things to keep in mind are that I was dealing with this disease (unknowingly) much of my senior year and still managed to pass with high results. I skipped 7th grade for a challenge, and I have cruised through public education for my whole life. I have almost never been challenged. I am a reclusive (but starting to socialize more and realize the value in it) person, and I am extremely strong in mathematics and sciences. I greatly enjoy astrophysics and spend much of my free time studying topics. I ultimately strive to become a theoretical astrophysicist and to use my knowledge and determination to make the world a better place. That isn't the typical thing you normally hear from people - I mean it, and I will do whatever it takes to make that happen. This world is perilously balanced between sanctuary and self destruction. Science and creative thinking have the capability to make that happen.
     My ultimate goal is Caltech. Their work and social environment, thirst for challenge, and opportunities make the perfect environment for me to learn and receive the best college experience. The traits go hand in hand and parallel my personality and traits. Stanford is also on my top school choices. While it is not my dream school for my college career, I believe its focus on real world applications (unlike Caltech's theoretical focus) will benefit me in achieving my goal career. 
     My logical thoughts tell me that my capabilities, determination, and situation only better my situation. While I did not intend to transfer so early (I planned to after a year or two of adjusting to college life) I view it in a way where it is nothing but a benefit. I view it as a rushed opportunity to achieve my dreams. Things don't always go according to plan, but my determination and ability will allow me to adapt and grow significantly from this experience. I believe the recent events are a testament to my determination and capability.
     If there are any open holes in my story that I missed, spot them and I can clarify. I have a lot of ideas but quite a bit of difficulty putting it down into words for others to properly understand. Plus, my illness has degraded my previous mental state due to lack of use, so I am still recovering for that.

Thank you for your time,
rosescientist

2

Transfer is ALWAYS hard. Going in as a freshman works better. Is there any way you could do that? Maybe drop your courses this term? Or have you already applied in the fall and are awaiting results?

Gender- female would be slightly preferred. Other things?

You may wish to look for a backup. CCS at UCSB would be an ideal place for you to burn through undergraduate. They let you move at your own pace and really seem to give a lot of support.

Depending on finances, Cambridge may be a good option, too.

Good luck!

I hope you have done some research on low-inflamation diet. There is a lot you can do with diet (not a panacea, but a help).

3

Thank you for the reply! Okay, to clarify on the first question. While transferring is indeed difficult, my diagnosis left no other choice for me. I cannot remain here with the only facility able to help me being 100+ miles away, over mountainous terrain. My situation qualifies me as a transfer student in both universities, and I have already applied to both universities. I am a male. As a result of the choice to transfer later on, I mised quite a few other deadlines. Thanks for the suggestions of universities. I haven’t looked into those yet. I do have a few community colleges as backup in California should I not be accepted, but my family does not know where they are moving to. My diagnosis caused a change, so I am waiting to see where they go to search for universities. Finances don’t pose a huge barrier - I have a good amount of scholarships saved up.
I am also doing very well in learning how to control inflammation. I have been very near inflammation free, with exception to my one time trying an apple in January (the fiber plus a cold like illness resulted in moderate vomiting and moderate inflammation. Guess I can’t eat my favorite fruits anymore. :frowning: oh well) and finding a strike on a good sugar diet (nearly every food has sugar nowadays. I try to have no sugar at all)

4

Ah, I mistook ucsb for another university. I already looked into it a while ago, but the deadline was November 30. And, I forgot to clarify that I withdrew from spring semester to spend my time applying to other universities. It is wiser to do the latter instead of enjoy a single semester.

5

Do you have any EC’s, leadership positions, volunteer work? I mean if any high schooler gave up their EC’s would be able to pull off what you did and take out 2 years in one go. You seem intelligent no doubt but, that is not enough for these schools you have to have some other dimension to you. Your scores? I do not have any idea what are the advantages of being from military heritage though.

6

In my free time, I’ve done high school soccer for 2 years, track for a year, and cross country for 2 years. I volunteer time as a youth center soccer coach and at the base library, I’ve been a mathematics tutor in high school, and I was part of the ignition program at my school for 2 years. I haven’t taken part in many science programs/clubs duel the lack of diversity here in Alaska. I’ve done a few miscellaneous projects on my own, such as crafting an amateur rail gun and attending a selective university science program for advanced robotics for a summer. My sat score with writing was 1830, a 5 on the essay. I know this is quite bad but it was my first time (took psat freshman and sat for first time in sophomore) and I did not have enough time since my last year was tightly packed with scholarships, graduation, and lots of ap courses. Being a military child provides advantages, such as experience and appreciation of diversity, adaptability to new situations and environments.

7

Are you sure you are a transfer? Concurrent classes while in HS don’t go against you. Have you matriculated to a university and earned credits? It sounds as if you took the first semester off from college, and that you chose to concentrate on scholarships and preparing for college (rather than going to college) the second semester.

You may be a Freshman, which is a better way to enter.

Please look at the College of Creative Studies. It is not your typical “UCSB”. They have a lot of latitude. They can be thought of as an amazing little secret borrowing space and resources from UCSB. See if you can slip in an application even at this late date. Doubtful. But as I said, they have a lot of latitude. An in-person visit may be helpful.

You may wish to go to SBCC, then transfer to Stanford, CalTech, of CCS.

I would be surprised if you were successful at gaining admission, at this point, as a transfer student. I would not be surprised if you were accepted as a Freshman. Transfers are more typical after sophomore year.

8

SBCC would be a good fallback for me. I have been searching for colleges to cushion me should I not be accepted (quite likely). Plus, I fall directly into their criteria for a transfer student. Sadly there is no way I can take another year of school off. So, when freshman app rolls around for fall 2016 I will have taken classes at some university. CCS requires a UCSB application to be submitted, and that deadline already passed months ago. My options are fairly limited.
Back to the original sentence, SBCC. What is its environment like? I am prone to migraines, so much so that I need to take medications to prevent them. I need quiet living space. Since my family has a lot of friends around Anaheim, I want to attend a university within a few hours of that area should I fall ill. That would make both me and my parents more comfortable. Although, I still want a university that is relatively strong in its physics and mathematics departments. Thanks for the reply again!

9

Well, I tend to look to the non-traditional, so take it with a grain of salt. You could do worse than to finish off lower-division requirements at an excellent community college such as Santa Monica College or SBCC (or even El Camino). They often have passionate instructors who are Ph.D. students or are working in industry, and teaching a few courses. You get small class sizes, and often few “stars”, so it is almost like having a one-on-one private tutorial for your lower division (well, maybe that is a bit romanticized, but it can be a very good experience).

You can’t “sit out” math (you need to practice it so as not to ‘forget’ it), so you will want to look to the “open university” system offered through CSUs and UCs (through their Extension schools). You could take CCS, UCLA, or UCI courses; one or two per semester, through this program. After a semester, you can enroll in one class per quarter (at least at some community colleges) for free at the local UC or CSU through your CC. CCS allows you to take any course without requiring any pre-requisites-just sign up for whatever you like. Maybe you could take whatever math you want this way, until you can transfer? I would suggest you plan on not transferring until you have 60 units. Carefully plan your units so that you can do the breadth, GE, and Pre-Reqs at community college in those 60 units. Your AP courses and previous university courses will get you credit toward those units; especially if you ultimately choose to transfer to a UC.

You may be able to transfer after one year with 60 credits.

I would seriously consider community college in California. Anywhere from San Diego (MiraCosta is a bucolic and well-run college) to Santa Barbara will be within 2 hours (without traffic) drive from Anaheim. UC’s prefer transfers from nearby CC’s (though it is only a marginal advantage). It will likely be only one year and will give you a great experience and a chance to research and prepare your college applications.

Try to look (right now) for work on-campus at Stanford or CalTech for this summer so you have an ‘inside’ letter of recommendation.

10

Also, I would call admissions at Caltech and Stanford and discuss with them whether or not you are a transfer. They still (barely) have time to move your file to the “freshman applicant” pile, where I think it would stand a much better chance.

11

That’s very good advice! Which colleges have which traits, if you can answer that? First, from a general view, from what I’ve said about myself, what college do you think would best suit me? I need a university with dorms I can stay in. My parents say many public schools lack dorms. (This is my top priority for me to attend a university. My family is moving elsewhere)

12

I forgot to add that I am doing my own research. Though, the evidence detailing experiences and quality.

13

Two things: First, I am not an expert; I am just a community member on a discussion board giving my best educated guess. Second, I believe that Stanford will prefer a transfer from a community college to a transfer from a different sort of university (unless it is a peer institution).

I believe CCS has a lot of latitude. I believe that if you are physically close enough, it would behoove you to set up a visit and physically go there (Corollary, when you say “CCS requires a UCSB application to be submitted, and that deadline already passed months ago.” define “requires” and define “deadline”.) and see if there is anything they can do.

I think SMC or SBCC are your best bets. I have heard about an excellent Orange County community college, too, but do not recall its name. Community Colleges, unfortunately, do not have official dormitories, with university accountability and with resident advisors and the full support system (as far as I know). These two community colleges tend to attract a lot of non-commuter students, and do have affiliated living areas; though I believe they are non-affiliated apartment complexes. You are exceeding my level of knowledge. I know of someone’s son who moved to Santa Barbara to attend SBCC and thought he said something about joint housing with UCSB, but it likely is overflow apartments.

I would make a few phone calls: call Stanford and Caltech and ask about transfer from a community college and which ones have been represented most in the last 5 years of transfer acceptances. Call the community colleges and tell them your parents are concerned because of your age about housing options and ask what accommodations they have.

I would look hard at SBCC, and I would take 2-3 classes there per term. I would also look at enrolling through “Open University” for 2 classes through UCSB University Extension the first semester/quarter. Second semester, I would also enroll through SBCC (if possible) in 2 classes (one per quarter) at UCSB in addition to the Open University enrollment. Open University allows you to get credit without matriculating (so if that is ALL you did, you could still apply as a Freshman). Ask about the advantages/disadvantages of enrolling as a freshman to Caltech and Stanford.

I could easily see you taking a year at Community College and transferring for a year at UCSB (or UCLA or UCB) to graduate. Since many schools limit you to 18 units per term, and you seem to thrive on more, CCS may be a better fit (they limit you to 95 units per term). You could start research through “Open University” at CCS your first year at SBCC, and could imagine applying to graduate school at Stanford or Caltech as soon as you enter UCSB.

Or, you could slow down to a more traditional pace :slight_smile:

14

So, that is one option:

1.) Contact Caltech and Stanford and see if your application can be evaluated for Freshman admissions,
2.) If acceptable to your parents, get “student housing” in a “student dorm” apartment complex through SBCC’s housing finder service,
3.) Enroll in Open University through UCSB Extension (CCS) (you can start as soon as March 30, 2015),
4.) Be sure to take independent research at UCSB, in addition to as many classes as you wish to take, through this program to set yourself up for grad school (note: there is -almost- ALWAYS space if you can persevere through “add/drop date”),
5.) Apply to CCS & UCSB (they are separate applications, though CCS admission requires admission to UCSB), Caltech, and Stanford as a Freshman for 2016 (assuming you do NOT enroll in community college),
6.) Look at Ross Summer Math Program, Summer Science Program, and/or research on campus at UCSB, Stanford, and Caltech for this summer.
7.) Research scholarship opportunities and apply for scholarships (optional)

Your Open University, AP, and Alaska university credits should transfer and reduce your time-to-graduation at your eventual school.

So, there is one very viable version of a plan. I still DO NOT understand why you think you are a transfer student. Could you explain that to me?

15

I personally consider myself a freshman applicant, but after contacting both stanford and Caltech, they stated I would be considered a transfer student. I don’t proclaim myself as a transfer, that is what I was labeled by the universities. My stanford case is considered both transfer and freshman but I am not willing to wait until spring 2016 to apply as a freshman.

16

Well, you could take courses at a UC (through extension) as an Open University student without matriculating. Those courses should transfer, yet will not impact your designation (i.e. you would still apply as a Freshman, just with many more units coming in). You could still graduate in Spring 2017 or 2018; even if you enter as a Freshman in 2016. It is just harder to gain admission as a transfer student (between 1 and 2x as hard- obviously closer to 2).

17

Wait why would you be a transfer?

You have yet to enroll in a degree-granting program, right?

18

I’ve already enrolled at UAF (did so last year) and was ready to begin fall semester. I was accepted for a degree in physics. For the colleges I am applying to, I am considered a transfer student, which is why I state that I am transferring. I still view myself as a freshman. I dropped all of my courses and I am searching for another university to apply to.

19

Since you have yet to take any courses there, I think you can qualify as a freshman applicant (maybe if you withdraw your status at stanford). Call stanford and Caltech up and find out from them.

20

I don’t see the OP as having a snowball’s chance in h*** of admission to either of those schools. Why is everyone encouraging him to move forward with any thought of Stanford or CalTech?