<p>Obviously CalTech has fantastic sciences - but I might want to be a writer. If I go to CalTech, and up deciding I want to be a writer, will I be unhappy? There's about a 50-50 chance of me becoming a writer or math/science type. </p>
<p>Essentially, how is the humanities department at caltech?</p>
<p>If you go to Caltech and decide you want to be a writer, you will probably transfer. While we have a humanities department, and there are some good professors in it, you’re probably not going to be happy at Caltech if that’s what you want to do, for a variety of reasons.</p>
<p>I know a student who went to CalTech, then got a degree in Technical writing and is now involved in that field and has able to combine the passion for science and writing. May not be what you are interested in. If you are interested in creative writing or something similar, remember you have to still take 5 classes in Physics and 5 classes in math etc. and you may not get specific classes in that field. </p>
<p>If you want to have an option of going either way, consider a larger comprehensive university with both options. Or may be look at Harvey Mudd which is a good technical school but has the advantage of the Claremont Consortium. Pitzer College has a creative writing program so you could combine the two.</p>
<p>Caltech’s humanities department is full of professors who are often very good and dedicated, but are continually frustrated by the fact that most of their students do not care in the slightest.</p>
<p>Every case I’ve heard of where someone has attempted to drop a science major and only pursue a hum major has led to a transfer. In some cases, their advisor filled out the transfer application for them.</p>
<p>If you really feel that you want to become a writer, there is a good chance that you will be unhappy at caltech. This doesn’t guarantee it, but you should be sure that you’re ready to live, breathe, work and play math and scienece if you’re coming here.</p>
<p>There is good work being done at Caltech in social sciences (Economics, Political Science), but if you’re interested in writing you’re out of luck. I’d go somewhere else if that’s something you’re seriously considering.</p>