<p>Ok, so let's assume I'm equal with all other CalTech applicants. Top five percent class rank, 2100+SAT, 750+ on three subject tests, fives and fours on AP exams, lots of volunteer hours at a local hospital, and a genuine interest in science. Is a science related extracurricular super important? I'm going to be in Academic Decathlon and the Texas Science UIL olympiad, and I also tutor kids in math and science, but how important is research? I am trying desperately to get a research assistant position at either a physics or chemistry lab, but I haven't had much luck. So how important is this research, will it bring my "average" application to a likely acceptance with good essays? Any help will be greatly appreciated as summer is coming up quick and I need to find positions! Am I likely to get in without it?</p>
<p>Research is a big plus</p>
<p>My son didn’t do research until summer after admitted. The tutoring, competitions, math club, sound same as you.</p>
<p>@bookworm Did your son also happen to have some sort of other hook (ISEF, AMC12, USABO semis)?</p>
<p>His HS had no math club. He helped form one, and they went to other schools for competitions. No wins. He did get accepted into a state summer program, but that was after he applied. He took many math and science classes at the local U, along with econ and Latin. Honestly, his hook was he liked math and science. </p>
<p>@bookworm I’m going to go ahead and assume that probably won’t work for me. I love math and science, but I doubt just putting that on my application along with good grades/sats/and clubs will give me a good chance. Seems like so many who get rejected have all that.</p>
<p>Don’t forget about LORs. Math teacher wrote how son studied on his own, took AP exams in subjects hadn’t taken formally, helped others. I didn’t see any other letters, but I assume they showed son’s interest.</p>
<p>Where are you from? Are you one of the strongest among your peers? You don’t need to answer on this forum, but if you feel passionate, if you read Feynman for fun, then express that in your application.</p>
<p>@bookworm I’m one of the strongest when it comes to higher level physics and chemistry. I love science, and I’ve read both sean carroll’s general relativity textbook and griffith’s intro textbook to Quantum Mechanics for fun (all without knowing too much calculus haha). I also write various nuclear physics and material chemistry hypotheses for fun. I could probably get pretty strong LORs (if I don’t screw up next year) since all my science teachers know I go far beyond the curriculum. I don’t do amazingly in extracurricular science competitions (AP science level) amongst my peers though. I just hope the fact that I’m only able to take AP Physics I next year won’t be too much of a hinderance on my application since a lot of my friends are already doing C since they did Pre AP sophomore year. Also what were your son’s grades like?</p>
<p>GPA good, #2, I think it was his interest. ECs included band and writing. I wish others would chime in and offer you more insight. </p>
<p>Will you have a chance to visit and sit in on classes? You seem like a good fit. As long as you are taking physics in senior year, that is fine. If you can, learn what makes Caltech special, and include those qualities in your essay.</p>
<p>There are so many special attributes offered by Caltech. The House system was great. Social life centered on that initially, then friends made thru ECs and classes. I suspect Rice offers same advantages. After settled, he would venture out to movie premiers, hiking, swimming, spending weekends with friends in CA. There were always shows and things to do on weekends. </p>
<p>My son recently attended a Caltech reception for admitted students. Some had research experience; others had none. I don’t think it’s necessary, but it does enhance your application, especially if you can validate your work with a recommendation from a mentor or recognition through a science competition. Have you tried speaking to graduating seniors or your science teacher for internship leads, intros to physics/chemistry professors at local colleges? In Northern California, students can find internships through third party organizations (see Schmahl at <a href=“http://prod.schmahlscience.org/schmahl_new/ps_ASRP”>http://prod.schmahlscience.org/schmahl_new/ps_ASRP</a>). There may be similar resources in Texas.</p>
<p>Another option is to google your local universities and find out if they offer summer research programs for high school students. However, these programs can be pricey and application deadlines may have already passed.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>