<p>^Maybe Caltech is different, but I have not had a science/engineering/math class so far where I’ve had to write more than 3 pages (not including brief explanations asked for in solutions). There’s a “Writing in the Major” class where I will write a lot of technical stuff, so that should be a good experience, but that’s just one class. </p>
<p>As far as vocabulary goes, I’ll learn a lot of math and science terms that won’t find much use if I talk to friends who were, say, a history major. Correct me if I’m wrong here, though. </p>
<p>For thinking critically, I actually usually don’t do the assigned reading cause in most cases so far I haven’t needed to. But I guess you’re right that when I do read the textbook, and come across something I don’t understand, I am forced to read it very closely. </p>
<p>I second the technical writing suggestion. You could always just easily read on your own, after all. </p>
<p>I think most college majors will force you to think, read closely, and write well. But some are far more focused on this than others. Another interesting one might be applied philosophy, where you can learn things like social justice in healthcare, or political economics, etc.</p>