Hello, I applied after getting a mail and email about the Caltech up close program…
I was just wondering if anyone has any information of how many people actually get invited, because there is no fee to apply so I don’t think they just send it out to everyone?
Also, how selective is the program?
I got the email but I’m not sure how many other people got the email. I’ve heard that around 40 get the email. I imagine it’s fairly selective given that it’s Caltech.
I got the email but I’m not sure how many other people got the email. I’ve heard that around 40 get the email. I imagine it’s fairly selective given that it’s Caltech.
I got the email as well and I’m fairly confused about a few things. Namely how I qualified for this, what exactly the whole thing would entail and what going to this says about my chances of getting into Caltech.
Hello! I’m a current Caltech undergraduate, and I have served as a host before for the Caltech Up Close program.
I am not sure exactly how many students get the email - my guess is that somewhere between 20 and 80 people participate. From what I’ve noticed, the invitees are typically (but not always) from groups typically underrepresented in STEM. If you are invited, you are likely thought of a promising candidate; i.e., if you decide to apply to Caltech, there is a decent chance that you will get in.
I highly recommend participating in this program (and similar programs at other colleges). It is a good opportunity to figure out what kind of school you are looking for, as well as what possibilities are out there.
Thank you very much for the information. I look forward to hopefully being accepted to the program so that I can experience one of my most desired schools in person.
I got accepted. Anyone else going?
I am! I also play league, haha. Feel free to DM me to chat
I’m not, kinda due to the fact I’m a white male, but they offered me some other stuff for my application and some cool “caltech” swag
hey!! I’m also going so feel free to DM me as well, I guess? :’)
My kid was accepted - not happy about the 2 school days. 
its quite an honor to be invited to this program- well worth the 2 days off , if it helps him land the thick envelope.
Sorry to revive this thread, but I just want to say to future Up Close applicants to definitely apply! It was a great experience. There was really a range of Up Close students, all sharing a common denominator of being amazing in some way. Feel free to message me with any questions about it, maybe I’ll still be checking this account next year 
@Helianthium Is the Up Close program only for URM? My S18 is caucasian but Caltech is definitely one of his top choices. Can you explain more about the program and how they got your name? Thanks
@brazos21 I’m probably less help in this, but I was invited to apply to the program but I wasn’t accepted. From my knowledge, you must be invited to apply, and you can’t just google the things. The email (sent in Aug 2016) states:
"Caltech up Close is a program to bring students who are underrepresented on our campus to our campus to see how diverse and welcoming our campus is. Who are underrepresented students? Anyone who isn’t the majority in the STEM fields. Women, women of color, members of the LGBT community, and everyone who wants to explore STEM yet maybe hasn’t been able to access the traditional tract. We continue to expand our community and extend opportunities to everyone. With more diversity of thought on campus, with more perspectives in the conversation, we can continue to pursue the big discoveries and live on the frontier of knowledge. To be audacious pioneers of science, you have to have the voices of discovery around you!
Caltech up Close is a program you have to apply for and there are limited spots admissions can offer. If you are interested and feel you are someone who would like to explore Caltech as a potential new voice in our community, I hope you will apply. The whole purpose of the program is to give underrepresented students a chance to come to campus and really consider Caltech as a possible school they will consider applying to. Acceptance to Caltech up Close is not acceptance to Caltech, just to the admissions program for you to explore Caltech."
I’m not sure who contacted everyone else, but the basketball coach at Caltech who I’d been in previous contact with sent it to me.
Hello, I would love to be invited and was wondering if anyone knows if they sent out the invites yet for this year (2010). I’ve been faithfully checking my email!
I got the email today
I got the email on the 18th as well. @jeffrandell do you want to DM each other about this program and stuff. I know nothing about it. And also I was admitted to CMU SAMS and I attended, it would have been cool if you came
Anyone get an email yet? Last year it was around this time.