CalTech vs Other Elite Universities and Advice

Colleges and Universities A-Z California Institute of Technology
1

I am mainly interested in planetary science/observational astronomy, which other universities are strong for this?

I go to a small school in South Dakota that willingly sends most of its students to tech schools or small traditional schools. My school doesn’t have any huge extra curriculars except FFA, which is one of the worst aspects of my life right now.

I have looked at Intel and USAMO and other similar events, but I don’t have any resources to do anything like it. This includes money and support. My school has one physics teacher who also teaches two chemistry classes and a calculus class. I would love to do Intel but don’t have the support.
I am in many extra-curriculars however. I am in debate and do everything else my school offers with leadership positions.

I have 4.0 UW and I think 4.1 W
I am tied for first in my class

Here is where I need advice:

I want to go to an elite university. I want to pile AP classes in to improve my own education and my application. I tried signing up for AP for my sophomore year and the admins told me I could only take US History, so I signed up and then was told I needed an ACT score so they wouldn’t let me take it (this would all be online). I found out this “prerequisite” was a lie and they didn’t want to have to register more and pay for more online courses (we only have 3ish kids who take AP).
I signed up for two AP classes for junior year and tried to add more… Apparently there is a rule that 2 is the maximum.

How can I compete with Intel/USAMO champions/competitors with 5.0W GPA with all AP classes when my school sets limits on what I take?

2

My 2 cents:

  1. Take the most rigorous courses that are available to you at your school. If possible, take college level classes at your local university/college or online.
  2. Do well in all tests including the SAT, ACT, AP tests and Subject SATs. Actually you should aim for near perfect scores in these tests at least, if Caltech is your target.
  3. Show your passion, endeavors/achievements in the application essays and in the interviews. Arrange letters of recommendations that will strongly support your stories.
  4. Demonstrate your interest in Caltech. Contact the school early and ask about the Caltech Up Close, even though the application to this program is invitation-only. You probably have a good chance to get in, considering you are from an underrepresented area.
    Caltech, unlike some other institutes, is more merit-based and forward-looking in its admission. It pays more attention to a student’s test scores, motivation and potential and less to awards from the competitions which the vast majority of students in the country don’t have opportunities to participate. Good luck!
3

Do I need to take SAT?

4

It is better to take both SAT and ACT. You will have a chance to pick a better test score for the application. If you are able to achieve excellent scores in both tests, then send both of them.

5

Also build a list of matches and safeties with good programs if CalTech does not work out. And bust your tail on standardized test studying.

6

Definitely agreeing with you that Caltech is only a dream. I have back-ups and back-ups for my back-ups.

7

Online courses don’t have to be for high school credit to “count” in the college prep and admissions process. In particular, Coursera offers at least 2 planetary science classes by Caltech professors, which can at least give some background and insights for essay writing later on - great classes too. I’m sure there is similar stuff on the MIT courseware site. The SSP summer program can help show your interest and get you exposure to more advanced research activities. I understand your frustration, but it sounds like you are taking advantage of what is available which is the first step.

8

“which other universities are strong for this?”
University of Chicago is very strong in this area.
IN addition, Caltech will hardly look at any application if the student does NOT score above 780 on the Math II subject test.
So practice, practice and practice taking the SAT and the math subject tests.

9

Take a look at the other schools that offer the 3/2 program with Caltech. Maybe Ohio Wesleyan or Occidental might work for you for three years before you xfer to Caltech?