Deciding on Caltech

Colleges and Universities A-Z California Institute of Technology
1

<p>Hey I need some help in deciding whether or not Caltech is right for me.</p>

<p>While I was at Caltech, they put me in Dabney house, which I didn't
really feel fit in, and had my host as this really crazy dude who was
pretty cool, but still crazy. I've met a lot of really cool people, and
really cool pre-frosh, but in the back of my mind I'm always thinking
"will I really enjoy it here?" I mean, the people I met were all pretty crazy, some pretty out there, so I guess that's my major stumble. I'm pretty crazy myself, but I'm not sure if I'm that crazy.</p>

<p>I can handle a rigorous curriculum and all that. What I was wondering
about is if I could handle the social atmosphere environment etc of
Caltech. I'm cool with craziness, but I also appreciate normal things,
as well as aesthetic things along with other arts. I'm just trying to
wonder, what type of person really fits in at Caltech, and whether or
not I am one of them.</p>

<p>I would really appreciate it if you can help me a bit, and I apologize
I don't know what other information to give you.</p>

<p>I enjoy listening to and playing classical music, I love hip hop (Tupac lives on), breaking, mixing, lyricism etc, as well as pool, poker, and swimming. I also like all racket sports (I'm tournament level in table tennis, and maybe badminton, but probably rank amateur in tennis since I don't play anymore). I love science too. However, I do enjoy sleep, at least 6-8 hours of it daily. 14 on weekends (I'm serious, whenever possible). Just wondering if Caltech seems right for me. </p>

<p>Also, Caltech's financial aid sucked. You think I can spend my money more wisely, since Caltech's gonna be far from free for me. Or is it gonna be money well spent?</p>

2

<p>There are houses with very different personalities from Dabney. If you want normal, trust me, you'll be able to find it here. </p>

<p>I get on average eight hours a night. I actually like sleeping 12 hrs some days and then not at all on other ones, but most people don't like that.</p>

3

<p>You don't have to be as crazy as Goldstein to fit in here. In fact, 99% of us aren't. The fact that you weren't terrified by having him as your host indicates you're probably already crazier than the average Techer. Your interests are all things that other people here like as well (especially the sleeping one!)</p>

4

<p>Oh man, Goldstein was his host?!?! hahaha I can see why he thought tech was crazy.</p>

5

<p>Just to let you know, I think I'm one of, say, five people here who love hip hop. (So if you do end up coming here, we should hang out...)</p>

6

<p>I know more than five people who like hip-hop. There are probably five or ten in my house alone.</p>

7

<p>FYI, Goldstein should be graduating after first term next year, so you don't have to fear him.</p>

8

<p>Kamikazewave,</p>

<p>I've been a long time lurker on CC, particularly the Caltech forum. I submitted my deposit to Caltech a few days ago. After reading your post, I was struck by how much the position you are currently in resembled mine when I had the agonizing decision of deciding between Caltech and some other schools, so I decided to register and respond to your post.</p>

<p>I, too, consider myself a "normal" person. I like many of the things you described above, especially hip hop music (LONG LIVE TUPAC!). I was afraid that EVERYONE at Caltech was just freaky and weird, but I have come to realize that for the most part, people can be normal at Caltech too. Sure there's gonna be that guy who harnessing and tampering with plutonium in some metallic chamber in the dorm down the hall, but I think most people are just like you and me, normal people who have many hobbies outside of science, like music, sports, and "normal people things."</p>

<p>It's just that we'll all come together because we have a passion for science. It's what bonds us together. I encourage you to come to Caltech, because not everyone at Caltech fits the nerd stereotype. I certainly don't, and I don't like studying ALL the time, but I'm coming to Caltech and I hope to meet you next year!</p>

<p>BTW, if you decide to go to Caltech, can you teach me how to mix? LOL</p>

9

<p>FYI, I didn't particularly care for Dabney either (although I did have many friends there, the environment wasn't for me) and ended up and was quite happy in a more stereotypically "normal" house.</p>

10

<p>:D at Joe.</p>

<p><-- wearing his LLOYD shirt right now</p>

11

<p>Good post chippers.</p>

12

<p>I just sent in my stuff. I'm going to Caltech.</p>

13

<p>Congrats! Don't worry, I'm sure you'll find a house that fits you.</p>

14

<p>Congrats! There are plenty of regular Houses</p>

15

<p>Congratulations, Kamikazewave. You made the right choice!</p>

16

<p>More kids from Florida is always good :D</p>

<p><- Orlando. We've got I think three from Miami in Lloyd, actually.</p>

17

<p>Haha, yeah go 305.</p>

18

<p>Pfft It's all about the 407... I'm surprised you didn't know!</p>

19

<p>I guess everyone else has dealt with the specific host situation, but yes, we saw that you wanted someone "interesting" and someone decided it would amusing to give you exactly what you asked for. (We had a bit more trouble with the person who wanted a host who went to sleep late... but not past midnight.)</p>

<p>Perhaps we shouldn't play with the prefrosh so much.</p>

<p>Also, I'm the one who told the dinner story and tried to get you all to jump, and will assure you that I'm considered a bit insane even by the rest of the house. The craziness was turned up to a level that actually most of us weren't delighted with either (and the exact dates of PFW this year meant you probably saw a particularly unrepresentative cross-section of the culture), but that's not to say each house is right for everyone. So, you know, don't worry.</p>

<p>ki"of course, it'd be pretty mean to tell someone who'd already decided to come here TO worry"m</p>