<p>Some perspective as a Caltech admittee:</p>
<p>Numbers seem more important at Caltech than other schools. In fact, I would posit that the unhooked candidate with high grades and high test scores will have the best shot at Caltech than other top schools. In addition, Caltech decisions are far more predictable than other top schools (IMO, atleast). </p>
<p>However, just coming back from PFW at Caltech I can also say that practically no one without research, science/math awards or other truly unique and developed (probably quirky) talents or hobbies was admitted. Also, for what it is worth, the admitted students I met at Caltech all had an aura of brilliance about them. </p>
<p>But in terms of what level of score you will need, the answer is score as high as you can in 2 or 3 attempts at the SAT as well as as high as possible on the SAT IIs. In the end, higher scores will only help you. Finally, addressing your actual topic, I do not think you have a good shot at Caltech as I cannot see any real commitment to science in your ECs. Your most impressive accomplisment that you listed was effectively the UPENN thing which I’ve heard is not competitive at all.</p>
<p>Still, if you’ve won math or science awards and are passionate about science/math, then excuse my previous evaluation as you would then be qualified for admission.</p>