Chance for CalTech?

<p>Well, I've done a ton of planning, and I'm extremely nervous about it, but I've decided I want to shoot for CalTech for Physics.</p>

<p>I'm a sophomore in High School, and I have excellent grades this year (~4.4 GPA), however, last year's grades were poor. I had a C or two, and the highest GPA I could possibly graduate with would be around a 3.8 unweighted. This was due to family issues and ridiculous stress associated with moving (this'll be a good story to cover on my essay). However, here's what I believe may make up for that:</p>

<p>-Possible research internship this summer
-Will finish Calc 3 by the end of my Junior year, may go into Complex Analysis or Diff. Eq. my Senior Year
-Immense passion for physics, mathematics, etc.***
-Various math/science competitions
-Beyond well-rounded (excelling in all subject areas, been reading intense philosophy books and Russian literature this year in my free time,)
-will be taking a full load of AP courses next year
-Will be president & founder of a Math/Science club
-Will likely receive a 5 on each of my AP exams
-Perfect score on PSAT (I hope to reflect this on the actual SAT)
-Of course all As throughout Sophomore, Junior and Senior year</p>

<p>So, what are my chances, given all of these variables are in place? The main question here is how much these chances will be affected by my freshman grades.</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

<p>I don’t think your Freshman grades will count much. Most colleges like to see improvement in grades over the four years, so yours are going up. Find your passion and show how you pursued it and find out why you would be a good match for Cal Tech and you’ll have a good shot at it.</p>