<p>I am trying to get some info for my child. Interested in Computer Science.
GPA 3.5,
AP Biology 4,
AP Computer Science (not back yet)
AP Spanish 3
SAT Math 690, Writing 660, Reading 630 Essay 11
Math level 2 640
Spanish Sat2 580
Biology sat2 700
National Honor Society
Lacrosse
Junior Statesman
Black Belt
Cello and Trumpet
Tons of volunteer hours
Will retake Sat and Sat2
Summer science courses taken mostly in Computer Programming (twice) and six weeks in Mexico school.
Thanks for any help</p>
<p>The SAT scores are very weak considering Caltech has one of the highest, if not the highest, SAT averages. The AP scores are a bit low too. The 3.5 GPA needs to be put in perspective: where does that place him in the class? With the exception of the summer courses, lack of EC's related to math/science won't help either. Unless there are factors which you haven't posted, I would say little to no chance.</p>
<p>I would suggest looking at schools slightly less selective. One such school I would recommend is Harvey Mudd. I personally know someone who could not attend Caltech but is now very happy at Mudd. The also offer plenty of merit-based aid if the SAT scores were to increase.</p>
<p>those sat 2's and GPA may hurt a bit for mudd. it is definitely worth a shot though.</p>
<p>For most schools those SAT scores might not matter, but Caltech is a by the numbers place:</p>
<p>Freshman
Admission: 3,071 applied; 520 admitted; 191 enrolled
Test Scores:
SAT verbal scores over 500 99%
SAT math scores over 500 100%
SAT verbal scores over 600 94%
SAT math scores over 600 100%
SAT verbal scores over 700 77%
SAT math scores over 700 96%</p>
<p>Your child is in the bottom 4% in math and the bottom 23% in verbal. Unless some other part of the applicaton is outstanding (published research type of outstanding) I would say his prospects are dim.</p>
<p>Still, if you want to go to Caltech, it never hurts to apply, regardless of the odds.</p>
<p>May not waste his time. We'll have to see if test scores improve.
Thanks for the information
He is going to work on the SAT 1 and 2 scores since those were taken Junior year. This fall he'll be in
AP CAlculus a/b
Honors Physics
AP Psychology
Bioethics
Expository Writing
Required PE
Government/Econ
probably local youth orchestra</p>
<p>Yea... since his classes sound pretty easy, he's going to have a hard time explaining a 3.5 gpa.</p>