<p>CalTech is my first choice school. However, I also like Princeton and Yale. According to past statistics, Princeton and Yale gives slight advantages to early appliers while CalTech does not. I'd be very happy going to any of the three schools, but would be happiest at CalTech. However, I realize that getting into anyone is a HUGE reach, so shouldn't I use the advantage Princeton/Yale early actions and then just apply to CalTech regular decision?</p>
<p>MY STATS:
Perfect SAT and SAT Subj Scores (Chem, Math II, Phys).
Nine 5's on AP Exams.
Top awards at many regional math/science contests.
Mediocre awards at state math/science contests.
Did research, but nothing major.
Started and have leadership positions in many clubs: did real work for all of them.
DOES NOT go to a competitive school. My school is an average US high school.
DOES NOT live in a competitive city/county.</p>
<p>I know I only have the "bottom line" accomplishments that only get me considered. As an added deterrent, I'm chinese. So should I apply early to Princeton/Yale for the advantage, or should I apply to CalTech because I fit/like it better?</p>
<p>Go for the Earlly Action at Caltech. It is non-binding, and they don’t restrict where else you apply early. It just lets you know sooner, or holds you over for regular decision. It is great to know before Christmas, and takes the stress off your other applications if you get in! Caltech is really quite gentlemanly about it - they let you know mid-December, but don’t ask for a commitment till May 1st. I would highly recommend applying to your top choice school early, because it lets the stress off if you get in, and lets you go full steam ahead on Plan B if you don’t.</p>
<p>Also, going only by the info you’ve given, you DO have a reasonable chance. Just let your essays describe your true interest in science, and show you have curiosity and drive to research the deep questions of life, and you should have an excellent chance.</p>
<p>I think to show the strong interest in research will pay off with this research-centric school. Summer intern in a university would be a great add-on to the application.</p>
<p>My daughter got into Caltech with scores like yours, but without the contests & clubs. Caltech is not about ticking off the service and club boxes; it is about sincerely wanting to be at Caltech for the characteristics that make Caltech unique, and being able to communicate that in your application. That said, poppingpopcorn has it correct when suggesting that Caltech’s “early action” program makes applying a no-brainer. It gives you peace of mind and time to consider if it is really the correct choice for you. Some people who go to Caltech are very UNhappy because they were not expecting it to be so hard. My daughter is VERY happy there, but she actually <em>likes</em> studying 13 hours a day If you just want a “name” college, elsewhere is easier.</p>
<p>manypencils - are you male or female? What state are you from.</p>
<p>If you are considering only these three schools for EA, I suggest picking Princeton or Yale for SCEA. If you are interested in applying to other open EA schools, go with Caltech.</p>
<p>I agree with texaspg. Caltech is not the kind of place that would give any advantage to EA applicants beyond simply letting you know a decision earlier. If you would have an advantage because you’re applying SCEA at Princeton or Yale, which you also like, then go for one of those.</p>
<p>On a similar note (and sorry to hijack the thread), would I be more at an advantage by applying EA or applying RA with a supplemental rec from my research mentor of four years, knowing how much stress Caltech places on research? (I didn’t ask early enough and won’t be able to get one before Nov. 1.)</p>
<p>Zach, how soon can you get the letter of rec? If it’s only a week or two after Nov 1, you might want to get in touch with the admissions office and see if it’s okay for you to send it in a bit late. </p>
<p>If you can’t get the letter of rec in for EA, it’s probably better to wait until RD, as it’s extremely likely you’ll get deferred without a letter of rec. I’m not sure what your chances are being deferred and sending in good supplemental materials versus having a complete and strong application in the first place for RD…maybe the former would almost be better.</p>
<p>I won’t be able to get the letter until Thanksgiving probably, since he’s going on two-week vacation starting this week. You make a good point that I could be flat out rejected if I applied EA and tried to add the rec to my application after being deferred (I didn’t know I could do that). I think I’ll just wait it out then. Thanks.</p>
If you just want a “name” college, elsewhere is easier.</p>