<p>I currently am a junior in high school, and I would appreciate it if you guys would help me improve/build up my application to Caltech.</p>
<p>No preparation:
June 3 2006 SAT: M 670 CR 520 W 530</p>
<p>Avg. Practice Tests after June 3 SAT:
M 710 CR 580 W 710</p>
<p>GPA: 4.64 (5.0 scale) 3.712(4.0 scale)</p>
<p>AP Computer Science A: 4
AP World History: 3</p>
<p>Clubs:
Mu Alpha Theta
Chess Club(Secretary)</p>
<p>Extracurricular Activities:
Programming: C++, Java
Community Service with Campus Watch(70 hours) for 7th and 8th grade
Working at a small company that puts my programming skills to practice since 9th grade.</p>
<p>Major:
Computer Science</p>
<p>============================================
What do you guys feel is the first thing I need to improve?</p>
<p>Your SAT needs to gain about 100 points, preferably most of it in the math section. Your programming job is by far the best thing here. It needs to be developed and nurtured. Try to do some projects that are mostly your own (either at work our outside work) and to foster meaningful contacts with coworkers who will be able to speak positively of your abilities in a recommendation. </p>
<p>Overall, scores are somewhat weak, so you will need to pack a punch with really impressive evidence of commitment and ability outside the classroom. Realize the goal is to be amazing and get to work on getting there.</p>
<p>Speaking of jobs being a strong point- I've got unexciting extracuriculars and am predicitng almost all A's in all the ap's and stuff. I'd asked you before about it, but forgot to mention that I have worked in a computer repair shop since late freshman year. I am nearing getting my A+ computer certification. I plan to keep the job and get the cert. Will that be a big plus?</p>
<p>The job will certainly be a plus, but there are better jobs and worse ones for purposes of the application. The more creative and independent is the work, the better. The best possible thing is an independent science project that you prosecuted (look it up! ;-) yourself. The worst is bagging groceries (unless, of course, it was a matter of economic need for your family). Computer repair falls somewhere in the middle. While it's technical in nature, it's not usually very deep or creative. In the typical such job, you don't get much of a chance to demonstrate that you have amazing, creative ideas. (If your job is an exceptioin to this rule, by all means make this clear in your description of it on your application.) RIT or RPI would be very happy with a computer repair job, but Caltech would be much happier to see you developing your own algorithms or designing your own gadgets.</p>
<p>With that said, you can't change the past, so think about how you can present your job on the application in the most favorable light. We are looking for initiative, creativity, and curiosity. Highlight the ways your job demonstrates those things. It's a question of framing, so do the best possible job.</p>
<p>Since I am a junior, I know I can definitely raise my SAT scores. I also plan to join Key Club for Community Service.</p>
<p>Thank you everyone for all your help. We will continue to work on my application so that it can be free of anything in my power that would undermine my chances of being considered by the admission officers.</p>
<p>Hmm, really? RIT and RPI have large departments dedicated to IT and computer hardware! Caltech is, to a decent approximation, all theory/very high end CS. I don't think knowing that IT is a big deal at RIT but not at Caltech makes me an elitist.</p>
<p>Your statement about the value of various jobs from independent science project to grocery store bagger, with computer repair being in the middle would be good advice for applicants to a number of technology schools. Repair skills show interest and mechanical aptitude but really don't speak to academic potential. A number of schools would view computer repair in the same light as Caltech.</p>
<p>Yes, I suppose so. Still, let's not be silly. RIT and RPI are less academically selective than Caltech and demand less intellectual creativity at the door. That's all I meant. If the OP wanted to get into RIT, he wouldn't have to change a thing. Let's be honest. Knowing that different schools look for different levels of accomplishment is not elitist either... at least I think...</p>
<p>What do you mean by more commentary? Ben's the only one on this board from the admissions committee, and his advice is the best you're going to get.</p>
<p>The profile you put up is also quite skeletal... you already knew scores and APs weren't strong, so I focused on your job, since that needs to make a big splash to put you in the running. If you tell us more about what you are considering doing or any other details about your application, maybe I can comment more.</p>
<p>If you really wanna go to caltech, maybe the best option for you is caltechs 3/2 program or whatever its called. You go to one of the liberal arts colleges that caltech lists and then you can apply to transfer to caltech after your 2nd or 3rd year. I dont really know much about it though, and must still be a competitive thing. Check it out on the website</p>