<p>I was discussing with a friend about applying EA to Caltech. He told me Caltech only admits a certain type of person, and I just don't fit. I'm pretty good at math and science, but not UBER UBER good, but that's not all I do.</p>
<p>So is he right about me?</p>
<p>Here are my stats:
GPA: 3.91 UW, 4.33 Weighted</p>
<p>GPA would be a 3.98 UW if you removed freshman year.</p>
<p>ACT 34 (35 English 33 Math 36 Reading 33 Science)
SAT: 2260 (770 Verbal 710 Math 780 Writing) ---- Should I not send my SAT scores?</p>
<p>SAT IIs:
World History: 800
Math IIC: 780
Chemistry: 740</p>
<p>APs:
5:
World History
English Language
US Gov
Computer Science A
Macroeconomics
4:
Chemistry</p>
<p>Awards:
7 Science Olympiad gold medals at the state level
1 6th place medal at Scioly nationals
1 2nd place medal for Quizbowl Tourney
6th place state medal for National History Day
National Merit Semi-Finalist</p>
<p>There's no reason you shouldn't apply. Your numbers wont get you in or keep you out. Awards are good. Just write good essays, where "it sounds like you talking," and cross your fingers.
Good luck!</p>
<p>Everything looks decent... Math scores are slightly low, score in AP Chem is low, although these are not necessarily huge problems for an otherwise strong application.</p>
<p>That being said, I don't see anything about Calculus in this post. Are you taking it this year?</p>
<p>I am under the impression that applying EA won't be your best option considering your lack of Calc scores. Caltech will want to see your midterm grades.</p>
<p>Yeah, I'm taking Calc BC right now. I'm pretty sure I can get an A. Good point about them wanting to see my midterm grades for that class. I guess I'll hold off applying early.</p>
<p>Luckily, your friend is probably not in Caltech admissions. You sound like a decent Caltech applicant to me, just make sure you send good math scores for you standardized tests (so ya, your ACT, or retake your SAT I for math). As said before, your AP Chem score is low, but it really shouldn't make or break your application, just get A's in math and science your senior year. Test scores alone never get you in though. Your EC's are decent when compared to Techers I've talked to, you just need to focus on writing a good essay on your passions for math, science, and/or engineering, and show that you are a cool person in addition to being really intelligent. Basically, your personality. Your research is important as well, submit your paper with your app, and that should really help you. Good luck!</p>
<p>If Caltech is your first choice, I wouldn't let the fact that you are taking calculus now prevent you from applying EA. It will show the school you are serious about them. Perhaps you could send them your calculus grade at time of application, or have your math teacher write a note or one of your recommendations where he/she describes what a great student you are.</p>
<p>
[quote]
If Caltech is your first choice, I wouldn't let the fact that you are taking calculus now prevent you from applying EA. It will show the school you are serious about them. Perhaps you could send them your calculus grade at time of application, or have your math teacher write a note or one of your recommendations where he/she describes what a great student you are.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>My math teacher is currently writing a rec for me. It's going to be pretty damn good too, I think. I've had her for pre-calc and was one of her best students and I got the highest grade of all her classes on the first Calc test. I also solved this problem with some kids' calculators that had been bugging her.</p>
<p>Well, the good thing is you can apply to both Caltech, MIT, and Georgia Tech, as well as a lot of your safety state schools Early Action, so you shouldn't feel as if your "spending" your EA on a school where your chances or low or anything. BTW you look fine.</p>