Caltech vs. Yale

Colleges and Universities A-Z California Institute of Technology
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<p>Caltech vs. Yale</p>

<p>Geographic Location:</p>

<p>Although I've lived in Florida for the majority of my life, I'd be willing to go up north. The weather isn't really a big factor in my decision to go to either college. </p>

<p>That said, I love going to the beach to skimboard & <em>attempting</em> to surf ;). I've heard many good things about Pasadena, and really only negative things about New Haven. Personally, my personal fit at the school matters much more than my geographic fit. </p>

<p>Enrollment/Campus Setting:</p>

<p>Smaller is better in my case. I really love the small size of Caltech, and I definitely don't like the anonymity of a larger institution. Yale's house system helps alleviate my dislike of large universities, and I don't think Yale's size will be much of a problem. </p>

<p>The one thing that I fear about Caltech is it's Male to Female ratio. I'm not the type of kid who really dates/parties, but at times I feel like the ratio at Caltech is just plain unhealthy. Many people have told me that both campuses are beautiful, and that's not really a big concern of mine as long as they are moderately aesthetically pleasing. </p>

<p>*Academic Focus: *</p>

<p>My intended major is physics, and I'm universally described as a math & science nut. I don't really fancy English classes, although I like religion and philosophy in particular from the humanities. I don't see Yale's well-roundedness as a drawback in this scenario because I really don't care enough for the humanities. Perhaps some Yalies would care to tell me about the core at Yale and how supportive it is for people with my academic tastes. The areas I'm most interesting in are Physics (1st) and Math and Biology (tied at 2nd); also I'm positive that I'm going to be majoring in a science related field. I've heard Yale is relatively weak in the sciences compared to Caltech, but I don't think this will be a problem.</p>

<p>As far as research opportunities go, I'd like to conduct research throughout my time as an Undergrad. Caltech's SURF program is very appealing to me, but I'm not well aware of the opportunities available at Yale (if someone would like to expound on this, please do so :)) I plan to become a engineer or maybe start up a business when I'm out of grad school (perhaps pursue a phd), as of now I don't really want to go into academia. I'm worried about whether or not I can have a good time at Caltech with the insane workload, and whether or not I can even handle it.</p>

<p>*Extracurricular Activities: *
I'll do whatever is available in terms of non-academic extracurriculars. I'll definitely join an intramural team, but I don't see Caltech's small student body and <em>relative</em> lack of extracurricular activities/clubs to be a drawback.</p>

<p>About Me:</p>

<pre><code>Socially as I've said I don't really care about partying/girls/the normal college experience much. I'm definitely extroverted, but I consider myself borderline geek =p. I like enjoying the occasional episode of Naruto and having halo lan parties at my house, but I am by no means a recluse. I feel like I'm a perfect fit for Caltech, but at the same time the variety of people at Yale (geeks and normal people ;), well just diversity in general) is comforting. Caltech feels like a hardcore version of MIT (M/F ratio, academic diversity, social atmosphere) to me, and to me choosing caltech means I can't have a regular college experience.
</code></pre>

<p>At Yale, I believe I can have a bit of both worlds, and if I desire that geeky/mathsci atmosphere it'll be there as well- just not in the same density. I find myself fitting the stereotypical techer in many ways.</p>

<ul>
<li>I like making alot of silly inventions (rockets, hairspray cannons, powerful rubber band guns, coil guns)</li>
</ul>

<p>-I love pranks, and I definitely have an odd sense of humor.</p>

<ul>
<li>I do consider myself to be an intellectual masochist. Though in highschool I've always slept through my classes and been labeled as a slacker because of boredom due to a <em>lack of stimulation</em>. I don't have a problem working at Caltech, especially if it's on stuff I love- but I feel like there's a delicate balance between work and play at Caltech. Whereas at Yale you can take it easy or really make it hard on yourself. </li>
</ul>

<p><em>Actually, I think Caltech's core is good, because I'm somewhat lazy and taking required hard courses is a definite plus</em></p>

<p>Almost done..
If you'd like to know anything else about me that you feel will help you give me advice, feel free to ask. This is an incredibly hard decision for me, although I'm leaning towards Caltech on paper. I'm planning to visit both places during their pf weekends - I haven't had the chance to visit yet. Thanks in advance!</p>

<p>*I apologize for my inability to write, grammatical errors, and length. (It's 1:20 AM) I know it was a hard read, but I really need help deciding so thanks again. I'll definitely update this thread once I come back from PreFrosh Weekend/Bull Dog Days, but I just want to get this out there.</p>

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<p>Sounds like you're pretty well informed and know about each school. I would definitely see what you think of each schools' preview weekend to get a better feel for the school.</p>

<p>I'll address some points that you brought up-
While the male/female ratio at Caltech definitely isn't desirable, it's not "plain unhealthy." Most likely, it's something you won't notice for the most part after a little bit. </p>

<p>Being accepted means that the admissions committee feels that you are capable of doing the work. How much work it will take you it something that's hard to tell before you actually start. The balance between work and play is something that is different in each house- you'll see this some during pre-frosh weekend (although there are extensions for sets due during pre-frosh weekend, so people will spend more time playing).</p>

<p>Caltech has a lot of extracurricular activities. Although our sports teams may not be particularly good, there are a wide variety of other activities. If there isn't a club for what you want, and there other people interested, it's not too hard to get money from ASCIT. </p>

<p>The biggest difference is that at Caltech, everyone is interested in math and science. Although Yale has plenty of people in sciences, you're probably not going to find the level and number of physics majors at Yale that you will at Caltech. Being around people who are interested in studying the same thing you are can make it easier and more enjoyable.</p>

<p>Good luck on your choice!</p>

3

<p>Are you SURE you'd be willing to go up north? So, CT is south of MA where I'm from, but I ask emphatically, are you sure you want to spend your November to March in New England?</p>

<p>Haha, that aside, from most things you said (and from my underqualified opinion as a wee froshling) you seem to be a better fit for Caltech. Size of school will probably affect your experience a lot; the ratio is not as big a deal as it's often made out to be, and "math/science nut" with intended physics major sounds very suited to Caltech. Although I'm not at all familiar with Yale.</p>

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<p>Sound like you and Caltech are good fit.</p>

5

<p>Coming from FL, you will probably like Pasadena more. Weather a little cooler, but still shorts most days, sweatshirts at night. Very casual. City like Ft Lauderdale, with mountains in view instead of water. More to do than FL. Diversity in people more like S FL. Easy flights.
Congrats on acceptances. You'll get best feel when you see the schools.</p>

6

<p>Thanks for the responses so far.
As for New Haven's weather, I think I'll be able to handle it - I lived in New Jersey for about 3 years. Although I'm not sure how that compares, as I've never been to Connecticut. ;)</p>

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<p>I do not not understand why you would go to Yale for physics, so if you are truly, one-hundred percent sure you want to do physics, come to Caltech. But, a number of people do come here hoping to do physics and end up having second thoughts (I am currently in this group).</p>

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<p>Two things: </p>

<p>1.) Being able to survive a climate's weather and enjoying it are two very different things ;-). Although weather shouldn't be a MAJOR reason to go to a particular college in most cases, the weather here certainly makes it a more enjoyable place to live.</p>

<p>2.) From your description of yourself, it sounds like you'd be a perfect fit for Tech. If you are, you'll see that when you visit and you'll fall in love. Don't worry about diversity of students here--loving math and science does not make us clones of each other--and in fact, because of Caltech's very accepting atmosphere you are more likely to see "real people" then at a place where people are pressured to fit to some set of norms.</p>

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<p>


</p>

<p>The thing is I'm not positive that I want to pursue physics as a major, I'm positive that I'll pursue a major in math and science. (Either Physics, Applied Physics, Maybe Some Form of Engineering, or Biology for my Major)</p>

<p>I know Yale isn't exactly up to par with Caltech when it comes to physics, but it isn't to shabby either.</p>

10

<p>yeah, well im sure that caltech has a lot more to offer in physics than yale. especially with jpl nearby and everything. A lot of ppl who graduate from caltech end up starting up business. I know one personally.<br>
i think caltech was one of the more affordable ones.</p>

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<p>Actually, at the undergraduate level it looks like Yale's course offerings are quite similar to Caltech's. However, in science education research is very important; after all, it's good to know what you might be doing in graduate school (and beyond) ahead of time so you'll know if you even want to continue doing research. For physics in particular, one course that may be of interest to you is Ph</a> 11. </p>

<p>You noted that you don't know about Yale's offerings in terms of research. I don't either, but I'd be willing to bet that at either school you'd be able to find research during the year. However, that is something you should look into: perhaps you could e-mail a faculty member at Yale or something.</p>

<p>Now I don't know much about Biology or most of the engineering majors, but Applied Physics at Caltech is getting exciting: next term (this coming fall) the Kavli Nanoscience Institute lab opens. It'll be a lab with huge capabilities and a focus on nanophotonics and nanobiotechnology (if you don't have a solid grasp on what those are, don't sweat it. I didn't either until last year). With this new, awesome lab space available, I'm pretty sure that it'll be even easier to get research in applied physics than it has been in the past. </p>

<p>Anyway, I wouldn't decide on any one school until after visiting their respective prefrosh weekends. I'm glad you're planning to visit both schools; don't forget to keep an open mind (after all, you're spending the weekends trying to get to know more about each school), and good luck with your decision.</p>