<p>Hello Guys,</p>
<p>I am going to apply to a few ivies and CALTECH this time next year; however, I have positives and negatives about my application. The bad news first, I messed up my freshman and half my sophomore year, GPA around 2.7. I got my act together and started making better grades, however, am only able to bring my GPA up to a 3.0 (unweighted). I have taken four AP classes this year and I plan on taking seven during my senior year. My ACT scores are in the 33s and my SAT II Physic score is 790. I am extremely interested in Astrophysics and have done scientific research and contributed my data to major research institutions. Ive also worked side by side with professional astronomers at the Stephen F. Austin State University Observatory. I am currently the president of the science club and was elected president of The Astronomical Society of East Texas when I was 14; I still hold this office today. Ive also won numerous state science competition awards and National Young Astronomers Award. With this type of background but limited grades, are my chances of getting into Caltech or other major research universities hurt? Can I get in? How do they weigh this kind of situation? I'd like to get in a major research university not because of the names but the scientific contributions those universities make. Thanks for all the help.
Clear Skies, Justin</p>
<p>if i say u can't, will u still apply? lol</p>
<p>Oh yeah I will still apply. But I'd just like to have an idea before hand.</p>
<p>Can anyone give me there opinions on Caltech, University of Arizona, and University of Texas? </p>
<p>Thanks,
Justin</p>
<p>I'm in a similar situation as you; screwed up freshman year (3.0 flat at a crappy remedial private school), and have been doing even worse this year (2.85 for the first semester, but back at public school), namely because I just stopped doing my homework.</p>
<p>I feel very worried at this point too, and I've just started to get my act together, which, to say the least, isn't a good thing. Even if I pull off a straight 4.0 these next two quarters, I'll only have ~3.62. If I pull off (very unlikely) a 4.0 the next two years, it's only going to be a final GPA of 3.87. Moral of the story for freshmen who might be reading: Start well, finish well!</p>
<p>That being said, not everything is about grades. If your SATs are good (you haven't posted your SAT I, if you took it, but your ACT is good) and your EC's are good -- they are unique and very interesting -- you could have a chance at CalTech/MIT. Just try your hardest to get that 4.0 for the next two years.</p>
<p>while your gpa is certainly not something to cheer about, your ecs show that you are very devoted to this field. Adcoms will like that and maybe just maybe you can slip by.</p>
<p>thanks guys for the input. Does anyone else have remarks?</p>
<p>Thanks, Justin</p>
<p>Does anyone have paticular information about Caltech Admissions? The do and donts.</p>
<p>Thanks Justin</p>
<p>yeah, do your best to get a 4.0 in the next few years. If nothing else, it at least tells the adcoms that you're capable of handling college-level work in all the AP's you plan on taking. For an institution as high-caliber and intense as Caltech, this is especially important. </p>
<p>However, your interest in astrophysics is a plus, because there probably aren't very many people who specify this as a possible major. Since you'll clearly be able to demonstrate how you developed your interests, that's going to go a long way for your app.</p>
<p>There's no particular tips for Caltech admissions; it's purely merit-based (edge for the females, but that doesn't qualify for you). If they think you're a good fit for their unique and hard-core atmosphere, they'll admit you. </p>
<p>btw, is there any particular reason for your low grades in ninth grade? Family problems, anything like that? If so, be sure to mention it in some way, or have your counselor write about it.</p>
<p>Good luck :)</p>
<p>Hello, I dont want to tell exactly what it was on this board, but, yes there was a problem my freshman year.<br>
I am glad you stated that. I didn't look at it in that perspective.
Thanks, Justin</p>
<p>Hi, Justin,
I'm married to an astronomer, so I have a little insight into this. What it boils down to is that if you don't get into the undergraduate program for astronomy that you want, you study physics somewhere good and do astronomy as a graduate program. Lots of schools with good physics programs. </p>
<p>I realise that Caltech is at the top of your list, but, since there aren't that many good schools with astronomy degrees for undergrades, you may as well start working through them all. If you are positive you want to be an astronomer, you can concentrate pretty heavily on the quality of the department, and how well it serves its undergrads. Case has a small department, but it does well placing people for grad school. </p>
<p>Regarding family situations (we had one with elder care when my son was a sophomore) - I wrote up a synopsis of the problems, and went in with it to talk to my son's GC. This information is (hopefully) in her rec, and may help to take the sting out of a bad year. I did this at the suggestion of one of the MIT admissions reps. Son is not applying to MIT, but I will be able to tell you how well this little experiment worked in - say, April.</p>
<p>Hello Everyone,</p>
<p>Thanks for the response. I'll keep it in mind. Yes please let me know what happens with your son. </p>
<p>Anyone else have any words of advice?</p>
<p>Thanks, Justin</p>
<p>This is a sad thruth to our country. Everything is about the numbers and achievments and not about a person's passion or drive. I think you have a good shot at Texas or Arizona. If you are in the top 5% of your class and you live in Texas I think you are automatically in to UT...I might be wrong about this. Keep workin and if all else fails try some smaller schools.</p>
<p>Caltech will be tough, they have plenty of people with similar backgrounds AND top GPAs. My advice is for you to apply to places like RPI, RIT, Carnegie Mellon, Case Western etc. If you have your heart set on Caltech, one good semester and you are a great transfer candidate.</p>
<p>To be truthful, you arent gonna make it to Caltech. They are very very pathetic about the grades and SATI, and your sophmore grades are just .. abysmal. Sorry to say this, but I've had the experience.</p>
<p>Try to come up with a good explanation for crappy grades and go for it. Securing some contacts within the school while it's still early may also help.</p>
<p>Yeah I agree with bubbles. Not trying to be harsh, but there is no room to mess up at that level. A RPI will be much more forgiving.</p>