<p>I doubt this is the right forum to list this in, but it's the best match. </p>
<p>I really want to get a computer science degree (computer security in particular) and Caltech looks like a great place to go. The problem is that the more I look at it the more I feel like I'm flat out not smart enough.</p>
<p>I'm not dumb, my GPA is 4.0 and I'm in the 98th percentile for SAT scores. I've always floated through school. Every class I take just seems easy. I'm worried that might wreck my chances because I've never been challenged.</p>
<p>What worries me is that the people at Caltech are bloody geniuses. Compared to them I seem dumb. I'm asking weather I should try and go for it (which I really want to do) or just give up and go somewhere else (which I'm afraid I might have to do).</p>
<p>Your question is should you go for something that could only be positive and great for you or just give up without trying? Rethink that. Immediately.</p>
<p>do some research on the school. sure, student body is one thing to consider, but not everyone there is going to win a nobel prize. Check out the campus, area, teachers, and facilities. See what attracts you to it and if you really want to go there. If you’re passionate about computer science, then I say go for it. You’ll find a good group of friends who fit your “average smart” characteristics.</p>
<p>Caltech is an extreme place. It has higher SAT scores than any school on the planet and pretty much everyone is extremely academic. It’s not a school that bends for athletes, legacies and URMs creating the kind of mix you find at HYPS. And you’d probably need to get your SAT to 99%!! You have to really want that kind of school, most don’t.</p>