<p>ham, I wasn't intending to be harsh, just pointing out that filling in the "activities" list is probably not what Caltech is all about--lizzardfire or someone please correct this if it's wrong. Several of the posters might have missed the "research" item that the OP had. The activities I listed were Richard Feynman's.</p>
<p>QuantMech-- in my personal opinion, your post is fine. </p>
<p>ham-- I haven't said much because I don't usually respond to chances threads, but I feel the need to state some things about this thread. First, and most importantly, many of the replies in this thread are not coming from Caltech students. Chances threads are often just high school students commenting on an admissions process they are not often familiar with. </p>
<p>Chances threads are usually a waste of time from the perspective of correctly guessing whether a student can or cannot get into an institution. Even if we had all the information that admissions officers have, (which we don't--what does "essays and recs are good" mean?) there is no way we could predict their actions. </p>
<p>Sometimes, though, chances threads can be used for something useful. Even though they are mostly useless, occasionally we have the opportunity to explain a bit more about Caltech to a student who is applying that might not read the other posts in our forum. Far too often do students who get into Caltech but not their first choice school come here with absolutely no idea of what the school is like. </p>
<p>Although the replies above might be a little heavy-handed in making their point, the point itself is a very good one--"GimmeStanford" does not seem to exhibit the passion for math and science that is often the sign of a student who will enjoy Caltech.</p>
<p>Additionally, I feel that the reason GimmeStanford has received the replies he did was due to the manner in which he posted. Everything from the title "Don't Read This" to his imperative: "Tell me what you think about me" to his username, "GimmeStanford" showed that he doesn't really take this too seriously. That's totally fine, but it means I am pretty unlikely to waste my time seriously responding to the thread.</p>
<p>i posted just to test the waters... if you want some math/science inclination how about the fact that i took bc calc freshman year, or that i essentially teach the ap chem class at my school? the original post was just a quick one to get some insights, dont jump to conclusions that i have no math or science inclination... why would i even be looking at caltech then?</p>
<p>Just because you do something doesn't mean you love to do it :) I'd be happy to be convinced otherwise, but the fact that you took BC calculus in freshman year or the fact that you "essentially teach" the AP Chem class at your school doesn't demonstrate your passion for math and science, it simply demonstrates your ability. Instead of telling us numbers and statistics, tell us why you want to go to Caltech. Tell us what interests you academically, and why. Tell us what you care about.</p>
<p>lizzardfire, i think those two facts alone show that it isnt just ability it is a passion. i only posted for some general observations, i'll explain everything where it matters - the essays.</p>
<p>I guess we'll just have to disagree. I know many people who did math and science in high school just like you did for reasons other than passion--because they thought it would help them get into good colleges, because their parents wanted them to, because they were good at it--even though they didn't really love it. It's fine if you want to keep your passion in essays, but realize that no one on these forums is going to be able to tell you anything even close to accurate about your chances (or, the related and much more important question of whether Caltech could be a good fit for you) without knowing why you want to pursue math/science. Your exam scores are only a qualifier, they don't set you apart.</p>
<p>I remember one of the smartest guys I knew in HS was fantastic at science and math. He'd get an A in everything and managed 5s on all of the APs with pretty much no studying. What was the passion that he went to college for? Journalism.</p>
<p>exactly, your activities have to show that you like science and math</p>