<p>So, there's nothing I can do about my admissions decision now, seeing as it's in the mail, but I live in MA, far away, and will probably not be receiving my decision until Saturday, so there is still time to freak out....</p>
<p>I'm just wondering, how bad are 4s on AP exams in science? I self-studied the B topics for Comp Sci AB and all of Physics C Mechanics but got 4s on both. However, I also got fives on calc BC/AB subscore and statistics (ok, kind of a joke exam, lol). I mean, I was the only one at my school to take either of those exams... but I'm nervous about the 4s on science APs. </p>
<p>On a related note, do opportunities/initiative come into play at all in Caltech admissions? Like, well hey, at least I took the initiative to learn the material, even if I did get 4s. My school is not really good, and the only AP sciences offered are bio and environmental, though I started an unofficial AP chem class this year... Basically, I have a lot of initiative: taking those APs not offered at my school, starting AP chem, plus starting math team, organizing AMC at my school (got the highest score, BUT it was only an 84), doing some research.... but I was definitely not as successful in these realms as people who go to schools that offer these opportunities, as I had to spend a lot of energy just creating the opportunities. How is that looked at? </p>
<p>I know it's too late to change anything now... but I figure these topics might be relevant to some RD applicants cruising these boards.. so, I don't know. Do initiative and opportunity come into play in caltech admissions? Or is it really all about the "merit" (i.e, scores and awards without a lot of consideration of context)?</p>
<p>if you applied to EA then you'll find out very soon.
but i am pretty sure 4 on any science isn't going to look good for caltech.
last year a person who got into MIT but not Caltech, and he got a 4 on the AP chem test.
But organizing math stuff at your school is pretty good.</p>
<p>our math club officers (sigh... only 4 of us) gets to grade 300-400 CAML/Mandelbrot tests, organize all the tests into teachers and classes, and enter each and every of the scores into the computer every two weeks. Also organize for 700-800 people to take the AMC every year... I know how much effort it takes.</p>
<p>However, from what i've seen, it seems like they are more merit than context..</p>
<p>there's a lot of people who got 5s on science exams that are getting raped by frosh courses right now. ("raped" as in not failing, but still not good.) so 4s probably mean your background is not as strong as it could be, and you should study a bit over the summer if you do get in. phys 1A in particular is significantly easier if you were good at physics back in high school. it is a lot easier to learn this stuff in high school than it is at caltech. (at caltech things go way too fast and it's hard to really learn them)</p>
<p>Mind you, I didn't take AP Physics /until/ senior year, so the admissions committee never saw my score (both 5's ;), but that's immaterial). I never had AP Calculus (either form), I just took 20 hours (~60 units, if you want the Caltech approximation, I guess, although the work was certainly easier) of Calculus I, II, Multi-variable; Discrete, and a proof course at a local college. The only "relevant" AP scores I presented were Chemistry (5) and Biology (5). I don't think anyone cared that I got a 5 on AP United States History or a 4 on German.</p>