CalTech vs. MIT

Colleges and Universities A-Z California Institute of Technology
1

<p>Hi everyone,</p>

<p>I'm sure you all have seen something like this a bunch of times, but I'm really struggling right now. I'm attempting to narrow down my list this summer for which colleges I'm going to apply to. MIT and CalTech are both on there, but I'm thinking I will probably want to take one off to reduce the amount we're spending on application and to make room for another school that might be more reasonable to be accepted to.</p>

<p>What do you think? What are the pros and cons of each school? Which is best for a mechanical engineering major?</p>

2

<p>Try searching for a thread on this topic, it has been discussed many times. </p>

<p>My son and his friend have spent time at both Caltech and MIT, and say each has advantages. I’ve posted on this before, as have many students. </p>

<p>Personally, I think you should apply to both of these outstanding U’s. </p>

3

<p>The essays you are going to write for either college are going to overlap with the ones you write for other schools. Just start early and you’ll be done with plenty of time to spare.</p>

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<p>Either one is going to be amazing for mechanical engineering. If you’re only applying to one, you should be looking at other factors. Other than both having mostly STEM students and having almost the same name, they’re pretty different places.</p>

5

<p>Son is in the class of 2018 at Caltech. He is one of 237 accepted freshman. We’re in California and the “california culture” is one thing that is familiar to him. He likes that the students will be sorted into the 8 houses during orientation/rotation-is this something that is appealing to you? Both schools are exceptional but I think you need to weigh your travel expenses along with other differences. It’s really where you would be most comfortable. </p>

6

<p>Honestly MIT is a no-brainer. It was my dream school, but I was rejected and then went to Caltech instead.
Even after spending 4 years there, I still would have chosen MIT instead if I had the opportunity. Why?
There are so many features where MIT just out does Caltech, reputation, options for majors, etc.
The biggest advantage is that you will have a much better social life, and less required course work.</p>

7

<p>@aunt bea I apologize for the VERY late response! You raise a good point about travel expenses. It will be costly when I travel back and forth, since I live in the Midwest. I do enjoy the housing option. Other schools usually have very vague methods for housing students, but I know Caltech has very unique ways that get students to connect with one another.</p>

<p>@Duaneread You raise interesting points. Is there anything specifically that appeals to you most about MIT? It sounds like, even after four years at another prestigious school, you would have chosen MIT.</p>