<p>Hello all! I am going to become a high school freshman this year. I was just wondering what it takes to get accepted into Caltech! Caltech has been my goal and dream school ever since I first heard about it. I LOVE math and science with a passion, so I believe that a school like Caltech is good for me. I'm just wondering what I should do during my high school years (what classes i should take and EC activities) to get accepted into Caltech. I know for sure that I will be involved in student government...Unfortunately, the highschool that I will be attending is not the best and does not provide ALL of the AP classes or other special classes, nor does it have science clubs or math clubs(i plan to make them!!)...However, 2 people from this school have been accepted into Stanford and Harvard, so I believe that if I work as hard as them, I can do the same! </p>
<p>I plan to major in engineering (especially architectural)....So please give me any suggestions or advice for my future high school years! Thank you :)</p>
<p>I notice this is your first post, so welcome and good luck with your HS education.</p>
<p>Again, starting early is very good and it is great you have started thinking about it.</p>
<p>First of all CalTech does not have an Architectural program. They have programs in civil engineering, and they are also strong in mechanical and geological sciences. Architecture programs often are associated with school of fine arts and that is a not focus at CalTech. Hence if Architecture is your focus, you need to look at different schools with such programs.</p>
<p>Second, all students do not have the same opportunity, but CalTech wants to see how you made the best use of the opportunities that your school offers. Take the toughest classes possible.</p>
<p>Third, look outside your school for advanced math and science classes: your local community college, your local university, on -line classes etc.</p>
<p>Fourth, see if you can get an internship at reserach facility or other institution near your house or in summer. Participate in Science fairs etc. In other words, look for opportunities for research.</p>
<p>Fifth CalTech may be your dream school, but do have a list of schools including safeties. Look at the school website and what they need and plan your studies that will help you achieve what the need.</p>
<p>Sixth, start visiting schools whenever possible. Your ideas may change once you visit them.</p>
<p>I think the most important thing you can do now is not
think about college at all and just enjoy your freshman year.
You got 3 more years to worry about this stuff so why start
so soon.</p>
<p>I commend you for planning ahead, as you are surely increasing your odds of acceptance by trying to get a sense of what it takes to get in Caltech. You probably know you should be academically as serious about science/math as possible, including grades, standardized test scores, etc. Doing either science fair, science/math competition, or science research seriously is something you should look into to show extracurricular interest in science, which could be essential in your application. If needbe, starting a science club or science team at your school if it doesn’t already have one would be a good idea if you are searching for an outlet to demonstrate your passion for science. I highly suggest calling Caltech admissions and asking to talk to an admissions representative (although you may or may not want to give your full name…) If you get a chance, tour Caltech for a sense of what it is you want to get yourself into. Caltech does not have any architecture classes that I’m aware of, and I don’t think there is an undergrad degree for civil engineering, so you would probably be majoring in mechanical engineering (maybe?) if you came here. Thus Caltech may not be the place for you unless you a looking for a specific emphasis for an undergrad degree in something other than architecture.</p>