<p>Congrats to all of you that were admitted to the Caltech class of 2010! My name is Tommy and I'm currently a frosh at Caltech. If you any of you have any questions about Tech, prefrosh weekend, the purpose of life, etc. feel free to ask here or drop me a message on AIM at Born2Run16517. Once again congrats on being admitted and I look forward to meeting many of you in April for prefrosh</p>
<p>I have this crazy question:</p>
<p>Do Caltech students fail their classes from time to time?
Not everyone, of course, but some of them, despite the fact that they were all good in math/sciences in high school?</p>
<p>It's just that it seems very unlikely to have a valedictorian fail his or her class...even at such a tough school as CalTech...</p>
<p>When does the first event on 4/20 begin and when does the last event on 4/22 end?</p>
<p>Hriundeli -- Yes, some do from time to time. Remember, once you get here you're not a valedictorian anymore. The clases are much much harder here.</p>
<p>Most people don't talk about it if they fail a class, so it's hard to know how common or why it happens for most people. I tend to think, though, that it happens when people get overwhelmed by the work (either the difficulty, the amount, or sheer burnout) and aren't able to finish their work. I think it's rare that someone finishes the work for a class and doesn't pass.</p>
<p>cadad -- This information should all be in the prefrosh weekend packet you got. If it's anything like previous years, there are probably no events on 4/22, and the first events on 4/20 will probably start around 3-5. However it's shorter than usual this year, so it might have changed.</p>
<p>Are we supposed to receive some sort of confirmation after registering for prefrosh weekend? Or do we just show up in April and assume that everything got there?</p>
<p>-Oren</p>
<p>However I found out it does not start from 4pm on 4/20, but not sure what time it ends on 4/22. It only says that they want ppl leave the campus by 12pm. If there is no event on 4/22, we can just leave in the early morning or previous night. It affects the decision on the return flight schedule. If I can have that information before buying the ticket, that will be great. Also, if somebody can post what kind of events/schedules they have, that helps too. Thanks.</p>
<p>I assume you meant it does start at 4 on 4/20. As for 4/22 if they want you to leave by noon there are almost assuredly no events that morning (you can call admissions if you like to check this). I'd advise against leaving the night before. Prefrosh weekend is already shorter than usual this year and it'd be a shame to lose the second night. Most techers are much more active at night and that will be when most of the fun activities and socializing go on.</p>
<p>As for the exact schedule, it probably hasn't been released yet because it isn't finalized. You can find LAST YEAR'S schedule here: <a href="http://www.its.caltech.edu/%7Emedling/docs/Schedule2005.pdf%5B/url%5D">http://www.its.caltech.edu/~medling/docs/Schedule2005.pdf</a>
Notice that a lot of events overlap and you have to choose what you find most important. Since this year prefrosh weekend is a day shorter, there will be more overlap of activities and some of the activities will have to be cut. I'd doubt they'd cut info sessions -- there will probably just be less time to visit classes and fewer social activities.</p>
<p>CzarDerivative -- I'm not sure if they'll send out confirmation. You could always call admissions to make sure they received your registration.</p>
<p>If we decide to come along, do we stay with the student or hotel? Is there hotel near by?</p>
<p>Parents stay in hotels nearby. If you check out the Caltech website and find the link for visiting Caltech, they have a list of nearby hotels. (I wish I knew how to post the link here but I don't - sorry!)</p>
<p>The Saga's closest to Caltech (about a 10 min walk).</p>
<p>Here is the link to this year's prefrosh information, including tentative schedule and parent information.</p>
<p>That is very helpful.</p>
<p>For economy-minded parents, follow the link on the Caltech site to the Pasadena Visitors and Convention Bureau. (I'm guessing Caltech would frown on parents saving money by pitching a tent on the lawn.)</p>
<p>No, Caltech is probably one of the few colleges in the country that wouldn't frown on this :)</p>
<p>That is good news, indeed! My backpack is always packed. All I need to do is strap on my sleeping bag.</p>
<p>About the parents thing- if my parents couldn't come, would it be alright if a grandparent came along?</p>
<p>I'm not sure why it wouldn't be, but the instructions constantly refer to the "parent" who is coming...</p>
<p>Certainly! "Parent" is just convenient shorthand.</p>
<p>Yes, but no elephants</p>