<p>In several posts I have observed people making a comment that Cal Tech is different, not much like a university. What do they mean?</p>
<p>In academic structure, Caltech is very similar to any other top research university in the US -- the way the labs are set up, etc. etc. However, being an institute means that it is more focused -- mostly on math and science and engineering. A true "university" tries to be "universal" -- doing everything. Caltech certainly has good courses in most fields, but the research aim of the institute is solidly in science, engineering, and math. This makes it quite different from, say, Princeton. I think that's largely what people mean.</p>
<p>Caltech also has a very different feel especially because of the house system and the honor code.
Its culture is relatively unique because of the intense focus on math and sciences and this leads to other implications.</p>
<p>Caltech is a small research institution. Because it is small, it is highly selective. The student faculty ratio is low. The educational expenditure per student is very high. The small size also promotes collegiality and in turn promotes creativity. The institute focuses on creative research and is considered in a league of its own. The honor code make possible the examination without proctor and allow student unusual access of institute facilities. Rigorous undergraduate core make sure all students learn mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology at their formation ages. It also built a foundation and allows efficient instruction for subsequent courses. The small size allow student to easily reach other fields in science, increase the intellectual radius of individual students.</p>
<p><a href="http://one.caltech.edu/%5B/url%5D">http://one.caltech.edu/</a></p>
<p>Watch the video.</p>
<p>I saw the video at the start of SURF this past summer, and a lot of it rings true. It's also great for getting pumped up about science, odd as it sounds. </p>
<p>Another thing Caltech has in its favor that I remembered is the fact that its small size makes interdepartment research very easy.</p>
<p>I'm thinking of applying as a biology/biochem exchange student for my 3rd yr as the university that I attend in the UK has an exchange program with Cal Tech. However, when I mention this to a few alumni that I've come across recently they ask if I've really thought this through and recommended that I apply elsewhere. One was a Physics major, now doing a Ph.D. in economics in the UK. The comment was that the culture was very competitive in a kind of "hide the books in the library kind of way". Another commented that it wasn't very friendly, welcoming, or social place. Sort of painted it out to be a collection of very bright students all with Asperger's syndrome. The consensus was that they couldn't wait to get out of that environment.
Maybe they were square pegs trying to fit into a round hole?? Or is this really what it's like? Prestige aside, anyone care to comment on their experience and/or provide a recommendation?</p>
<p>I think current caltech students are busy giving exams..They should be back to reply soon though..</p>
<p>Exams are officially done. It is now Christmas season for garbage-diving frosh. (by garbage, I mean "hallway"). So far, my loot includes a monitor, two keyboards, a printer, a chair, two random old 5.25" floppy drives, and some weird stuff the purpose of which I don't really know.</p>