Chances for UC Santa Barbara and if possible Caltech

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

I’m an Idaho student
(W) GPA: 3.61
(UNW) GPA: 4.07
First SAT: 1760
Second SAT: 2190

My area of focus for my undergraduate is Physics, Astronomy and Mathematics.

I took Multivariable and Vector calculus, Discrete Mathematics, and this year Abstract Algebra & Number Theory. I attend a Math and Science institute, and take university classes. And if I follow through with these credits, there’s a possibility I will graduate high school with a minor in mathematics.

I’m a member of a local astronomy society, I have given presentations on personal research in Accretion discs around Black Holes. And have volunteered at a local Science museum for the last year.

I have a very good relationship with a few of the local universities faculty, in particular the math professors, so there’s a good chance I can get good recommendations. One of them is a Caltech Alumni.

Would try to draw attention in my essay to my extremely rapid development in mathematics. I went from being a year behind during my freshman year (I was taking Algebra 1) to now being enrolled in an Abstract Algebra class, and having passes my Multivariable class at the top of the class.

I’m relying on my relationships with professors and their recommendations though… As I lack the extracurricular. But I have done advanced self study, in areas such as causal fermion systems, derivations of Einstein field equations, and path integrals.

General list of good-looking classes:
AP Physics 1
AP Statistics
AP Calculus AB and AP Calculus BC (This is a 1 year course at my math and science institute, they counted for full year of credits instead of a single semester, and payed no regard to the test, they went onto a college transcript immediately.)
AP Physics C
AP Language
AP Literature
AP American Government
AP Human Geography
AP World History
Multivariable Calculus (University credit)
Discrete Mathematics (University credit)
Abstract Algebra (Future university credit)
Pre Engineering (University credit, construction and launch of a prototype earth satellite)
Possible associates degree when graduating high school.

I doubt my chances at Caltech are anywhere above 1%, so my goal would be Santa Barbara. And they have a very respectable physics institute, so I’d be rather happy if accepted.

2

UC GPA? Subject test scores?

3

Estimated it to be around 3.73, I don’t have ready access to my transcripts at the moment so I cannot accurately measure it, had to give it purely based on memory. And I’ve only taken SAT subject test for physics, I received a 790.

4

@PurifiedPhys A UC Gpa of 3.73 puts you at a 0.2+ deficit from UCSB’s average GPA. Your SAT is really good but GPA is a bit low. Would say its a high match. Hopefully UCSB won’t be too centered on GPA this year

5

Have you looked at finances for UCSB? Will you be able to pay???

6

Your a high match at UCSB. No chance at Caltech though sorry.

7

I agree with @MegaMetalHead, but, can your parents afford $55k per year at Santa Barbara?

8

With a 3.73 UC GPA, UCSB could go either way - a stellar personal statement could make all the difference.

CalTech is really unlikely.

You’d be a very strong candidate for UCSC or UCR.

Good luck.

9

UCSB: Low Reach
Cal Tech: High Reach

10

I should have the costs covered with financial. . . At least hopefully, UCSB is mainly appealing because of the Kavli institute. Would there be better alternatives to UCSB, that would be cheaper? Yet keep the same level of respectability.

11

As an Idaho resident, you are eligible for the Western University Exchange which offers discounts to out of state public schools. The program doesn’t include all public schools in the West but, the list is pretty long and the discount can be substantial.

Perhaps something from this list will catch your eye.
http://wue.wiche.edu/search_results.jsp?searchType=all

12

@PurifiedPhys
I’d try ASU Barret honors. SAT is above average so you should be admitted. UC Irvine Honors Program might also be good.

13

You’ll also be admitted to UCSB. Thats pretty definite.