Hi all,
I’m a prospective applicant to Caltech next year and just had a quick question for all of you. I’m very interested in a math & physics double major as I’m highly interested in both subjects. However, I know Caltech has many general core requirements as well as many requirements for each department, which is why I’m concerned about whether it’s possible. I’m very interested in Caltech so was just wondering whether any students/alumni might be able to shed some light on whether double majoring (especially in interrelated fields like math and physics) is a)possible and b) easy/manageable.
Possible, yes. Easy, highly unlikely unless you have extensive previous experience in theory-based versions of either/both. I’m sorry I can’t provide any more information; I am not majoring in either of those fields. Hopefully, someone else can shed more light on this. Otherwise, lurk on Quora for recounts of personal experience.
NOTE HOWEVER that as far as I am aware, you will not be recognized as a double major in Physics and Math by Caltech very easily. Both belong to the same department (PMA), so “double majoring” really will be majoring in one and taking courses in the other simply out of interest (on the bright side, you may get credits recognized for fulfilling some requirements). If you do manage to get them to recognize you as a double major in these two subjects, you will have to take extra courses because most departments now do not double count courses unless they are requirements for both (i.e.not electives).
@chewydog ; thanks so much for that information; that’s incredibly helpful. Does anybody who has majored within that department/attempted a double major have any more information?