<p>I'm very excited to have been accepted to Caltech EA. I have a few questions about the institute:</p>
<p>How difficult is it to double major? I'd really (and I mean REALLY) love to double major in mathematics and biology. I understand the the rigor of Caltech courses are essentially unmatched anywhere, but is it possible to do a mathematics/biology double?</p>
<p>Also, I've read about advanced standing tests like in mathematics where you can place higher in the core requirements. How difficult are those tests in comparison to material covered in a normal multivariable calculus or differential equations class?</p>
<p>Also, I think this question has already been asked, but we can submit our CSS/FAFSA things soon if we forgot to do them earlier, correct?</p>
<p>Sorry for being verbose, I look forward to going to Caltech!!!!!</p>
<p>-Ty</p>
<p>I'm a current sophomore at caltech majoring in math.
I came in also wanting to double major in math and biology , but dropped the biology major after taking bi 8 / bi9 ( first two biology classes for biology majors) and not finding them very interesting.</p>
<p>The trouble with double majoring, is that requirements add rather than union...so if class a in major \alpha counts as an elective for major \beta taking a can only count toward one of your major requirements...this often makes double majoring an administrative hassle and most people with interests in dichotomous areas prefer just to major in one thing and otherwise take classes ur interested in. Math and bio requirements have very little overlap but are reasonable enough to major in one and take classes in both fields. That said, there is a current senior at caltech who will complete a math-bio double major with flying colors so if a year from now ur still interested in completing requirements for both majors- its certainly possible.</p>
<p>As for placement tests:
As far as I remember the placement tests were about the level of difficulty of a typical college class in linear algebra/ multivariable calculus / linear algebra/ differential equations. If u want to check out the course materials for the core math classes and want to decide whether to test out of them check the course websites at math.caltech.edu/courses.html; the placement tests are pretty similar in content to the midterm/final exams for the course.</p>
<p>Submit the financial aid stuff as soon as u can but don't worry about it- i don't think i've ever submitted mine on time.</p>
<p>-Ilya</p>
<p>Hey, there's a current senior in Ruddock who's double majoring math/bio, so I think it's doable. </p>
<p>You can download the catalog and find the graduation requirements: <a href="http://pr.caltech.edu/catalog/%5B/url%5D">http://pr.caltech.edu/catalog/</a></p>
<p>You'll probably try placing out of some math courses, and possibly Ch1ab also. You'll want to take Bi 8/9 frosh year and skip Bi 1.</p>
<p>Yes. In fact, I can get you the email of the senior in Ruddock doubling in math and bio if you'd like. Few better sources for that sort of thing.</p>
<p>Wow, I'd really appreciate that! Thank you Ben!</p>
<p>Okay. I'll send the email now to ask her and get back to you soon by CC PM :)</p>