Official Class of 2017 RD Results Thread

programmer1812 · March 9, 2013, 9:38am

Might as well right? Results come out today.

[quote]

Pick one:
[noparse]Decision: Accepted [/noparse]
[noparse] Decision: Waitlisted [/noparse]
[noparse] Decision: Rejected [/noparse]

[noparse] Objective:[ul] [/noparse]
[noparse][] SAT I (breakdown): [/noparse]
[noparse][] SAT I superscore (breakdown): [/noparse]
[noparse][] ACT (breakdown): [/noparse]
[noparse][] ACT superscore (breakdown): [/noparse]
[noparse][] SAT II: [/noparse]
[noparse][] Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): [/noparse]
[noparse][] Weighted GPA: [/noparse]
[noparse][] Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): [/noparse]
[noparse][] AP (place score in parentheses): [/noparse]
[noparse][] IB (place score in parentheses): [/noparse]
[noparse][] Senior Year Course Load: [/noparse]
[noparse][] Number of other applicants in your school: [/noparse]
[noparse][li] Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.):[/ul][/noparse][/li]
[noparse] Subjective:[ul] [/noparse]
[noparse][] Extracurriculars (place leadership in parentheses): [/noparse]
[noparse][] Job/Work Experience: [/noparse]
[noparse][li] Volunteer/Community service:[/ul][/noparse][/li]
[noparse] Writing (Write a brief description and Rate Quality on 1-10 Scale; 10 as Best):[ul] [/noparse]
[noparse][] Essays (Include Subjects): [/noparse]
[noparse][] Common App Main: [/noparse]
[noparse][] EC Short Answer: [/noparse]
[noparse][] Teacher Recommendation #1: [/noparse]
[noparse][] Teacher Recommendation #2: [/noparse]
[noparse][] Counselor Rec: [/noparse]
[noparse][] Additional Rec: [/noparse]
[noparse][] Art Supplement:[/noparse]
[noparse][li] Research Supplement:[/ul][/noparse][/li]
[noparse] Other[ul] [/noparse]
[noparse][] Date Submitted App: [/noparse]
[noparse][] State (if domestic applicant): [/noparse]
[noparse][] Country (if international applicant): [/noparse]
[noparse][] School Type: [/noparse]
[noparse][] Ethnicity: [/noparse]
[noparse][] Gender: [/noparse]
[noparse][] Income Bracket: [/noparse]
[noparse][] Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.):[/ul][/noparse]

[noparse] Reflection[ul] [/noparse]
[noparse][] Strengths: [/noparse]
[noparse][] Weaknesses: [/noparse]
[noparse][] Why you think you were accepted/deferred/rejected: [/noparse]
[noparse][] Where else have you been accepted/deferred/rejected: [/noparse]
[noparse][li] What would you have done differently?:[/ul][/noparse][/li]
[noparse][/list]Other Factors: [/noparse]
[noparse] General Comments/Congratulations/Venting/Commiserations, etc: [/noparse]

[/quote]

chingstah · March 9, 2013, 4:33pm

So I guess I’ll be the first… one and a half hours after decisions came out

Pick one:
Decision: Accepted

Objective:[ul]
[] SAT I (breakdown): 2370 (800 math, 790 writing, 780 cr)
[] SAT I superscore (breakdown): same
[] ACT (breakdown):
[] ACT superscore (breakdown):
[] SAT II: 800 (chem, bio m, math ii)
[] Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 4.91
[] Weighted GPA: ~3.95 ish?
[] Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): N/A
[] AP (place score in parentheses): 5 (chem, us, physics mech and e&m, lit, econ macro and micro)
[] IB (place score in parentheses):
[] Senior Year Course Load: AP bio, stat, calc bc, french, english, physics mech
[] Number of other applicants in your school: 0 LOL
[li] Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.):[/ul] usnco finalist[/li]
Subjective:[ul]
[] Extracurriculars (place leadership in parentheses): Math team (captain), Science Olympiad, Environmental Club(co-president), stuff like that
[] Job/Work Experience:
[li] Volunteer/Community service:[/ul] Animal shelter[/li]
Writing (Write a brief description and Rate Quality on 1-10 Scale; 10 as Best):[ul]
[] Essays (Include Subjects): 5 (I thought it wasn’t as well written as it could have been…it was just me raving about caltech and why I love it )
[] Common App Main: 8 (it was very true to myself, and the people I asked to read it seemed to like it as well)
[] EC Short Answer: 6 (it was typical…)
[] Teacher Recommendation #1: 6 (really seemed to like me as a student, I don’t know what he could have wrote about me though)
[] Teacher Recommendation #2: 6 club adviser and english teacher
[] Counselor Rec:5??? no idea
[] Additional Rec: I don’t even know if it reached them, but 8 if it did, simply because it involved my research mentor
[] Art Supplement:
[li] Research Supplement:[/ul] lol no idea…maybe a 7[/li]
Other[ul]
[] Date Submitted App: 1/02 i think
[] State (if domestic applicant): competitive state
[] Country (if international applicant):
[] School Type: public
[] Ethnicity: Asian
[] Gender: F
[] Income Bracket: below $60,000
[] Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.):[/ul]

Reflection[ul]
[] Strengths: awards and scores… meh. Maybe interest in caltech?
[] Weaknesses: I’m not the best writer, my essays were pretty crap in general
[] Why you think you were accepted/deferred/rejected: See strengths? Lul idk
[] Where else have you been accepted/deferred/rejected: RUTGERS FTW
[li] What would you have done differently?:[/ul] I’m not sure.[/li]
[/list]Other Factors:
General Comments/Congratulations/Venting/Commiserations, etc: Congrats to everyone who got in, and good luck to everyone on the waitlist! To people who were rejected, it’s a life experience. Feel better :(

discrete · March 9, 2013, 4:44pm

Decision: Rejected

Objective:[ul]
[] ACT (breakdown): Composite 36, English 35, Math 36, Reading 36, Science 36, Writing 8
[] ACT superscore (breakdown): see above, but with an 11 on the writing
[] SAT II: (From most recent to least recent) Literature 730, Physics 710, USH 740, Bio-E 630, Chem 560, Phys 680,. Chem 570, Math 750, Phys 670, Chem 570, Math 690, Phys 670
[] Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 3.5
[] Weighted GPA: 3.85
[] Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): 43 / 507 (top 8.4%) based on weighted GPA
[] AP (place score in parentheses): APUS 5, APWH 5, AP Calc AB 4
[] Senior Year Course Load: Dual-enrolled at a local college, working on a computer science degree in my senior year of high school
[] Number of other applicants in your school: Less than 10?
[] Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.): None[/ul]

Subjective:[ul]
[] Extracurriculars (place leadership in parentheses): Extemporaneous speaking, student government (numerous elections won), several other minor activities
[] Job/Work Experience: Math tutor at a learning center
[li] Volunteer/Community service: None[/ul][/li]
Writing (Write a brief description and Rate Quality on 1-10 Scale; 10 as Best):[ul]
[] Essays (Include Subjects): 8. Talked about the importance of collaboration.
[] Common App Main: Wrote a reflection on the death of my best friend’s father, and how I neglected to help my best friend through the grieving process. 9
[] EC Short Answer: Wrote about a high-pressure situation in student government that I helped defuse
[] Teacher Recommendation #1: Physics teacher. 8
[] Teacher Recommendation #2: History teacher. 8
[] Counselor Rec: Did not read
[] Additional Rec: Student government director. 8
[] Art Supplement: None
[li] Research Supplement: None[/ul][/li]
Other[ul]
[] Date Submitted App: 12/12/12
[] State (if domestic applicant): Minnesota
[] Country (if international applicant):
[] School Type: Suburban public high school
[] Ethnicity: Asian
[] Gender: Male
[] Income Bracket: Wealthy
[] Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.): None known[/ul]

Reflection[ul]
[] Strengths: Perfect ACT, polished essays.
[] Weaknesses: Low unweighted GPA, low SAT IIs
[] Why you think you were accepted/deferred/rejected: My weaknesses, of course.
[] Where else have you been accepted/deferred/rejected: Waiting on some more letters
[*] What would you have done differently?: Gone back 4 years in time to get a higher GPA[/ul]

BlueSparks · March 9, 2013, 5:33pm

Decision: Accepted

Objective:[ul]
[] SAT I (breakdown): 2170 (M 780, W 720, R 670)
[] SAT I superscore (breakdown): same
[] ACT (breakdown): 32 (M 35, W 34, R 32, S 30, E 10)
[] ACT superscore (breakdown): same
[] SAT II: math2 770, biology 760
[] Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 4.0
[] Weighted GPA: 4.2
[] Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): 2/418
[] AP (place score in parentheses): AP World (3), AP Lit (3) AP US (3)
[] IB (place score in parentheses):
[] Senior Year Course Load: AP Calculus, AP Environmental Science, Engineering 102, AP Language, Econ/Gov’t
[] Number of other applicants in your school: 0-1 (not sure)
[li] Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.):[/ul] major awards? eh not really, mostly local ones[/li]
Subjective:[ul]
[] Extracurriculars (place leadership in parentheses): Math Club (founder, President), World Culture Club (Founder, President), NHS, Swim team (4 years, 2 years varsity), Softball team (3 years), Travel Softball team (6 years, MVP), Girl Scouts (13 years, completing gold award), Volunteering at Humane Society
[] Job/Work Experience: Summer job at the theatre
[li] Volunteer/Community service:[/ul] Volunteering at retirement homes, highway cleanups, other random stuff[/li]
Writing (Write a brief description and Rate Quality on 1-10 Scale; 10 as Best):[ul]
[] Essays (Include Subjects): 8 (i really tried to show my love of the school and how i wanted to work in alternative energies)
[] Common App Main: 8 (talked about how I want to become an engineer that develops new forms of energy, very personal essay)
[] EC Short Answer: 8 (discussed the first meeting at the World Culture Club and how I wanted to expose my peers to the world around them)
[] Teacher Recommendation #1: Calculus teacher- 7 he’s known me for 3 years (my math teacher for 2 and my swim coach for 3)
[] Teacher Recommendation #2: AP literature teacher- 6 (eh, okay kinda average)
[] Counselor Rec: 8 (he loves me, thinks I could really succeed in life)
[] Additional Rec:engineering teacher- 8 (said I was a perfect match for engineering, really likes me)
[] Art Supplement: nope
[li] Research Supplement:[/ul] talked about my research in gender differences in STEM careers[/li]
Other[ul] 
[] Date Submitted App: 1/02
[] State (if domestic applicant): Arizona
[] Country (if international applicant): US
[] School Type: large Public School
[] Ethnicity: White
[] Gender: Female
[] Income Bracket: not sure
[] Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.):[/ul]

Reflection[ul]
[] Strengths: showed I was more than just test scores, essays, passion
[] Weaknesses: scores
[] Why you think you were accepted/deferred/rejected: showed that I had passion to change the world. I wasn’t just good at math
[] Where else have you been accepted/deferred/rejected: my first decision
[li] What would you have done differently?:[/ul]not much :)[/li]
[/list]Other Factors:
General Comments/Congratulations/Venting/Commiserations, etc:
I still can’t believe it!!! Congrats to everyone else who was accepted! I hope I see you guys there! And to everyone else: Im sure you will go to another great school!

imnew69 · March 9, 2013, 5:37pm

Decision: Rejected

Objective:[ul]
[] SAT I (breakdown): 2380, single sitting. 800 CR, 800 M, 780 W
[] SAT I superscore (breakdown):
[] ACT (breakdown): did not take
[] ACT superscore (breakdown):
[] SAT II: 800 US History, 800 Physics, 800 Math Level II
[] Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 3.8
[] Weighted GPA: n/a
[] Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): around top 5%
[] AP (place score in parentheses): BC Calc, Physics E&M, Physics Mechanics, US History, French Language and Culture, Spanish Language, all 5’s
[] IB (place score in parentheses): school does not offer
[] Senior Year Course Load: Legit courses… AP chem, english (everyone takes), some high-level history electives, fourth-year comp sci (first formal class, I self-studied prereqs over the summer), several college-level math electives …
[] Number of other applicants in your school: Caltech is not popular at my school at all. 5-10 apply per year, ~3 are admitted, and almost invariably 0 attend. We have a big east coast bias.
[li] Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.): USAJMO qualifier, USPT semifinalist (2x, it’s usually around the top 250 on the F = ma exam if you’re unfamiliar). Several awards with math team. [/li]I have a bunch of more standard awards (e.g. National Merit Finalist, Presidential Scholar candidate, AP scholar, etc.) that don’t count for much.

[/ul]

Subjective:[ul]
[] Extracurriculars (place leadership in parentheses): Varsity sports (serious ones too, not just track or something like that where everyone gets a letter) and some JV sports. Music (I’m actually quite talented, not that they would know from my app). Math team, physics club, chess club, etc. I’m really involved in this hobby I do. Wrote commonapp essay about it.
[] Job/Work Experience: No actual work experience. I did a full-time paid internship last summer, and I have a fairly serious small business.
[li] Volunteer/Community service: I’m barely average in this area. A few hours per week, nothing more, no leadership.[/li][/ul]

Writing (Write a brief description and Rate Quality on 1-10 Scale; 10 as Best):[ul]
[] Essays (Include Subjects): Uh idk pretty weak probably. I thought they would appreciate my interest essay, which was very straightforward. I basically said that caltech students are good at math and science, so if you’re interested in math/science why wouldn’t you want to go?.
[] Common App Main: Good.
[] EC Short Answer: Weak.
[] Teacher Recommendation #1: From physics teacher. He loved me.
[] Teacher Recommendation #2: English. Pretty good.
[] Counselor Rec: Good
[] Additional Rec: n/a
[] Art Supplement: n/a
[li] Research Supplement: n/a (I probably should have submitted one)[/li][/ul]

Other[ul]
[] Date Submitted App: whenever it was due haha
[] State (if domestic applicant): underrepresented state
[] Country (if international applicant):
[] School Type: private
[] Ethnicity: white
[] Gender: M
[] Income Bracket: did not apply for financial aid
[] Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.): none
[/ul]

Reflection[ul]
[] Strengths: test scores, math awards, well-roundedness
[] Weaknesses: wrote my app in a day. did not visit or show interest
[] Why you think you were accepted/deferred/rejected: not showing interest, writing weak essays (I’m a pretty good writer but they were hastily done)
[] Where else have you been accepted/deferred/rejected: none yet
[li] What would you have done differently?: Spend more time on application[/li][/ul]

Other Factors:
General Comments/Congratulations/Venting/Commiserations, etc:
Obviously I’m kind of bummed I didn’t get in. It certainly wasn’t my first choice (this is going to sound bitter, but I don’t think I’m the type of student that’d fit in there), but I would have liked to have the option (because I know in terms of academics–especially math/science-- you can’t really beat it).
To be honest, I kind of expected to get in just based on my stats and physics/math awards. I didn’t think you needed to write good essays for a school that is so unabashedly math/science and test score-focused. I also thought that they would be looking for applicants who weren’t only about academics (I focused on sports and my hobby [very atypical for a math/science guy] in my app.)
I’d love to think that I was rejected because they didn’t think I would attend (due to my complete lack of demonstrated interest) and not because of my stats, because if that isn’t the case I’m in for a rough couple of weeks.
I should have known better though, because a kid I’m friends with from math team got rejected EA (so no interest problem there) with multiple USAMO qualifications and lots of other math/science stuff. 
Oh well.

Congrats to those that got in!
And for those applying–scores and awards aren’t enough, show interest! (Assuming you actually want to go there though. I personally think it’s kind of scummy to show more interest to a school than you actually have.)

letteropener · March 9, 2013, 6:10pm

Decision: Rejected

Objective:[ul]
[] SAT I (breakdown): 2400 single sitting, second time
[] SAT I superscore (breakdown): 2400
[] SAT II: 800 Math II, Physics, Bio-E, Chem
[] Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 4.0
[] Weighted GPA: 4.4
[] Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): school doesn’t rank
[] AP (place score in parentheses): Chemistry, Euro Hist, English Lit, Physics C Mech, Physics C E/M, Calc BC, Biology, all 5s
[] Senior Year Course Load: AP Economics, AP Government, AP Statistics, AP CompSci, AP Eng Lang, Multivar Calc
[] Number of other applicants in your school: a lot… dunno how many.
[] Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.):two-time AIME, USAPhO Semifinalist, USABO Semifinalist, USNCO Top 50 High Honors, Google Science Fair Regional Finalist, Siemens Semifinalist, Intel STS Semifinalist (and other stuff like NMSF and AP) [/ul]

Subjective:[ul]
[] Extracurriculars (place leadership in parentheses): Chem Club pres., Science Bowl VP, Math Club VP, Speech/Debate, Bio Club VP, NHS, CSF pres, other minor things
[] Volunteer/Community service: CSF stuff, Lawrence Hall of Science at Cal, NHS stuff, MathCounts coach[/ul]

Writing (Write a brief description and Rate Quality on 1-10 Scale; 10 as Best):[ul]
[] Essays (Include Subjects):
[] Common App Main: pretty good, teachers loved it, 8/10?
[] EC Short Answer: alright, talked about Caltech pranking culture much (other short answers sucked)
[] Teacher Recommendation #1: chem teacher, alright
[] Teacher Recommendation #2: English teacher, stellar
[] Counselor Rec: supposedly good
[] Additional Rec: physics research mentor, i dunno
[] Art Supplement: non
[li] Research Supplement: Siemens/Intel paper[/ul][/li]
Other[ul]
[] Date Submitted App: late December
[] State (if domestic applicant): CA
[] School Type: public, ~500 in class
[] Ethnicity: Asian American
[] Gender: Female
[] Income Bracket: >$100K
[li] Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.): none[/ul][/li]
Reflection[ul]
[] Strengths: scores, grades, awards
[] Weaknesses: not well rounded enough, essays, too polarized
[] Why you think you were accepted/deferred/rejected: wouldn’t I like to know
[] Where else have you been accepted/deferred/rejected: personal privacy, please :3
[*] What would you have done differently?: nothing, no regrets! Better to have the college tell you you’re not a good fit for them than to get accepted, enroll, and find out the hard way :). Good luck to everyone else with everything else!!![/ul]

Oppenheimer · March 9, 2013, 8:28pm

Decision: Accepted

Objective:[ul]
[] SAT I (breakdown): 2190(670cr, 800m, 720w)
[] SAT I superscore (breakdown): ^^
[] ACT (breakdown): 32 (32e, 33m, 31r, 30s, 8w)
[] ACT superscore (breakdown): ^^
[] SAT II: 790bio, 760 mII
[] Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 3.87
[] Weighted GPA: 4.32
[] Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): 7/400
[] AP (place score in parentheses): World(4), Euro(4), APUSH(4), Bio(5), APCS(5), Eng11(5), Gov, BC, Eng12, Phys C,
[] IB (place score in parentheses):
[] Senior Year Course Load: All Ap
[] Number of other applicants in your school: 0
[li] Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.):[/ul] [/li]
Subjective:[ul]
[] Extracurriculars (place leadership in parentheses): XC (4 yrs, Capt, Districs) IT(4 yrs, Capt, Dist, Regionals), OT(4 yrs, Capt, Dist, Regionals) Quizbowl(3 yrs, Capt, Dist champion, regionals, states, nationals)
[] Job/Work Experience: C# Programming intern for govt corporation 2 1/2 years
[li] Volunteer/Community service:[/ul] County summer camp volunteer (3 yrs, 300 hrs), tutoring (calc/Java), School ambassador, etc[/li]
Writing (Write a brief description and Rate Quality on 1-10 Scale; 10 as Best):[ul]
[li] Essays (Include Subjects): [/li]
Prank: Nuggeting physics class backpacks (10 - one of my best ever)
Why Caltech: So many opportunities, required classes are awesome (7)
[] Common App Main: Needed to update, but was only decent (5)
[] EC Short Answer: Quiz bowl, not to bad(6)
[] Teacher Recommendation #1:
Chem and AP Bio teacher - knew me really well. Worked on Dolly the sheep so had some prestige, but not a great writer (8)
[] Teacher Recommendation #2:
APUSH teacher - Amazing teacher, brilliant writer. Had to use as backup because my first choice humanities teacher was in the hospital, but this one was incredible (9)
[] Counselor Rec:
I knew him really well, pretty chill guy (7)
[] Additional Rec:
Boss from work. I didnt read it, but it made my mom cry… (9)
[] Art Supplement:
[] Research Supplement:[/ul]

Other[ul]
[] Date Submitted App: 30 minutes before it was due…
[] State (if domestic applicant): VA
[] Country (if international applicant):
[] School Type: Medium sized public. Very bad reputation
[] Ethnicity: White + Small native american from montana
[] Gender: Male
[] Income Bracket: >50k
[] Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.): Didnt submit URM. I disagree w/ AA. Questbridge finalist, first gen[/ul]

Reflection[ul]
[] Strengths: decent hooks and amazing recs
[] Weaknesses: Test scores, some essays
[] Why you think you were accepted/deferred/rejected: No idea… At all…
[] Where else have you been accepted/deferred/rejected: Waitlisted at Washu, deferred from MIT EA
[li] What would you have done differently?:I should have fixed my common ap essay before I sent it… Also should have updated the schools with some extra stuff.[/ul][/li]
[/list]Other Factors:
General Comments/Congratulations/Venting/Commiserations, etc:

csforlife · March 9, 2013, 8:34pm

I am posting this because I am extremely grateful to this community for helping me as I stressed over college apps for the past year.

Decision: Accepted

Objective:[ul]
[] SAT I (breakdown): 2280
[] ACT (breakdown): 35
[] SAT II: 800 Math, 800 Physics
[] Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 3.95 (even one B :O)
[] Weighted GPA: 4.7
[] Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): top 10% (probably top 1-2%)
[] AP (place score in parentheses): US History, World History, English Comp, Calc BC, Physics, Computer Science (all 5s)
[] IB (place score in parentheses):
[] Senior Year Course Load: MultiVar Calc at community college and a bunch of APs
[] Number of other applicants in your school: 11
[] Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.): published paper in my major at a major conference
[/ul]
Subjective:[ul]
[] Extracurriculars (place leadership in parentheses): die-hard CS commitment, a lot of CS competitions, research over the summer at a university, soccer and other sports since I was really young, a lot of other activities which are less important by I love doing
[] Job/Work Experience: programming job at small local company during my senior year while I was taking college classes, studying for SATs, and writing far too many college apps
[] Volunteer/Community service: over 125 hours (experiences shaped who I am and tied in well with what I want to do in the future with CS to not just make cool products, but improve lives)
[/ul]
Writing:[ul]
[] Essays (Include Subjects): 9/10 all about different aspects of CS that I love and how CS has shaped the person that I have become and the person that I aspire to be.
[] Common App Main: 10/10 I wrote about a specific CS idea that I have become inspired to spend my life creating after I did service abroad over last summer. (To future applicants, I think that it is extremely important that you are specific about how what you have done in high school connects to the person that you want to become with the help of a Caltech education.)
[] EC Short Answer: 9/10 about how I have failed countless times in my life, but that I have been determined to turn each of these failures into a success.
[] Teacher Recommendation #1: History Teacher 9/10 (It showed that I was more than the mindless robot that my CS-focused ECs might suggest I am. He told me he talked a lot about our inside jokes and how I had the potential to become a great leader with interpersonal skills.)
[] Teacher Recommendation #2: 8/10 Math Teacher (He thought I was smart, but I am by no means the best math student at my school.)
[] Counselor Rec: 7/10 (He told me Im one of the top kids at my school, but he doesnt know about much of the CS stuff I do outside of school)
[] Additional Rec: 10/10 Professor I did research with (Over the summer, I was determined to be the last person to leave her lab every night. She knows that I was able to get where Im at because I work my butt off, not because Im wildly brilliant.)
[] 2nd Additional Rec: 10/10 CS mentor (told me that I was one of the best students he’s ever had and knew that I was determined to do something great with my life) P.S. Don’t be afraid to turn in additional recs if they show something different about you. I turned in 5 recs total and it worked out fine.
[] Art Supplement:
[] Research Supplement: my Siemens paper, which ironically got denied from Siemens (every failure can become a success)[/ul]

Other[ul]
[] Date Submitted App: Last day possible
[] State (if domestic applicant): AZ
[] Country (if international applicant):
[] School Type: Large Public
[] Ethnicity: White
[] Gender: Male
[] Income Bracket: 100k
[] Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.): none at all
[/ul]

Reflection[ul]
[] Strengths: strong CS focus, recs showed I was determined and a person not a robot
[] Weaknesses: SATs and stats
[] Why you think you were accepted/deferred/rejected: I showed that I am passionate about using my strengths to make the world a far better place and that Im willing to work damn hard to get there.
[] Where else have you been accepted/deferred/rejected: Berkeley
[li] What would you have done differently?: nothing at all… except probably not stressed so much for 30 minutes before nervously opening up my decision.[/li]
[/ul]Other Factors:
General Comments/Congratulations/Venting/Commiserations, etc: I am confident that the reason I got in to Caltech is that I have spent my life doing what I absolutely love–computer science–not what my parents or others have told me I needed to do to get into a great college. I hope that any future applicants reading this will see that you do not need to get a perfect SAT score or spend your entire life studying for tests to get into a great school like Caltech. Just spend your time doing what you absolutely love and success will soon follow. Congrats to everyone else who got in, and with any financial aid luck, maybe Ill be joining you next year :)))))).

hpyscm · March 9, 2013, 11:33pm

Decision: Accepted

Objective:[ul]
[] SAT I (breakdown): 2360 (760 CR)
[] SAT I superscore (breakdown): took once
[] SAT II: 800/800/800/780 sciences (and 740 US history looooool)
[] Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 3.95?
[] Weighted GPA: 4.75?
[] Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): 4/550
[] AP (place score in parentheses): 5,5,5,5,5,5,5 (self-studied physics C: mech)
[] Senior Year Course Load: 5 APs, 2 AP sciences
[] Number of other applicants in your school: 3/3 accepted I think lolol
[] Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.): uh… none I don’t think lol [/ul]

Subjective:[ul]
[li] Extracurriculars (place leadership in parentheses): [/li]Violin (13 yrs, supplement sent):
All-Nationals orchestra
All-Eastern orchestra
New England orchestra (assistant concertmaster)
All-State orchestra
Regionals Orchestra (concertmaster and soloist)
Performance at Carnegie Hall

Piano (10 yrs):
Chamber Music competition finalist
2nd place local competition (lol)

Other music stuff:
Taught paid violin lessons
LOTS of chamber music
LOTS of volunteer pit orchestra
LOTS of local orchestra stuff
Volunteering at an Alzheimer’s nursing home playing piano (weekly for 2 yrs)
Founder of rock band, played in benefit concert, etc.
Self-taught guitar and bass playa!

Science:
Attended the Summer Science Program (SSP)
Neurobiology research at one of HYPSM (sent in abstract & full paper as supplement)
Science bowl
JETS - 1st place team in state in our division
BEST robotics - 1st place team in state, went to regionals
Bausch and Lomb Honorary science award

Math:
Math team captain - team went to states and new england’s
Mu Alpha Theta Chapter president
AMC 10 school winner (back in the day lulz)
Wrote some articles for a math wiki

Various honor societies/NMSF/other small stuff

[] Job/Work Experience:
Counselor for camp for mentally and physically disabled children
Math Tutoring
[] Volunteer/Community service: Pit orchestras?[/ul]

Writing (Write a brief description and Rate Quality on 1-10 Scale; 10 as Best):[ul]
[] Essays (Include Subjects): I thought they were pretty good
[] Common App Main: personal kinda
[] EC Short Answer: rock band
[] Teacher Recommendation #1: physics - really good
[] Teacher Recommendation #2: comp - no idea
[] Counselor Rec: generic
[] Additional Rec: none
[] Art Supplement: none
[li] Research Supplement: Sent one in![/ul][/li]
Other[ul]
[] Date Submitted App: 1/1? idk lol
[] State (if domestic applicant): CT
[] School Type: large public
[] Ethnicity: Asian
[] Gender: Male
[] Income Bracket: middle class
[li] Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.): LOL[/ul][/li]
Reflection[ul]
[] Strengths: Numbers, Music, passion for science
[] Weaknesses: lack of awards in science
[] Why you think you were accepted/deferred/rejected: LOL IDK
[] Where else have you been accepted/deferred/rejected: deferred at Harvard, accepted UConn honors
[li] What would you have done differently?: More research!!![/ul][/li]
**General Comments/Congratulations/Venting/Commiserations, etc: Congrats to everyone who got in, and decisions are really random for those who didn’t! I know more than a few people who got likelies to other ivies that didn’t get into caltech, and I got NO likelies and still got in. So it really IS a crapshoot! Don’t let one rejection make you sad, there’s still so many more opportunities out there haha **

Fluttershy · March 10, 2013, 4:35am

Decision: Accepted

Objective:[ul]
[] SAT I (breakdown): 2350 | 750 crit reading
[] SAT I superscore (breakdown): 2350
[] SAT II: 800 (math / physics)
[] Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 4.0
[] Weighted GPA: ~4.7
[] Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): 1/~400
[] AP (place score in parentheses): 5’s and 4’s
[] Senior Year Course Load: Exhausted all sciences, taking a couple dual-enrollment and other AP’s.
[] Number of other applicants in your school: Not sure.
[] Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.): Science Olympiad State?[/ul]

Subjective:[ul]
[] Extracurriculars (place leadership in parentheses): Coding at local lab
[] Job/Work Experience: None
[li] Volunteer/Community service: Local science museum[/ul][/li]
Writing (Write a brief description and Rate Quality on 1-10 Scale; 10 as Best):[ul]
[] Essays (Include Subjects):
[] Common App Main: Pretty strong but vague (8/10)
[] EC Short Answer: Just listed all the fun stuff I did in high school: coding, etc (7/10)
[] Teacher Recommendation #1: Probably not that strong (6/10)
[] Teacher Recommendation #2: Generic (5/10)
[] Counselor Rec: Generic (5/10)
[] Additional Rec: Probably strong (9/10)
[] Research Supplement: Did self-initiated research (9/10)[/ul]

Other[ul]
[] Date Submitted App: ~1/2/12
[] State (if domestic applicant): CA
[] School Type: Public
[] Ethnicity: Asian
[] Gender: Male
[] Income Bracket: middle
[li] Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.): ?[/ul][/li]
Reflection[ul]
[] Strengths: Really enthusiastic essays and research.
[] Weaknesses: Not as many awards.
[] Why you think you were accepted: Probably because of my essays and raw enthusiasm for science.
[] Where else have you been accepted: Accepted from Cal and Dartmouth.
[li] What would you have done differently?: More scholastic awards and events.[/ul][/li]
Other Factors:
General Comments/Congratulations/Venting/Commiserations, etc:
It’s a veritable miracle. Hey, I’m living proof that if you’re passionate enough in your high school activities and essays, you might find yourself with an acceptance letter to your dream college someday.

Also, posting because CC’s a pretty cool place that’s been the centerpiece of my stressful college wait :D

Mascara · March 10, 2013, 4:57am

Decision: Waitlisted

Objective:[ul]
[] SAT I (breakdown): 2270
[] SAT I superscore (breakdown): 2270
[] ACT (breakdown): n/a
[] ACT superscore (breakdown): n/a
[] SAT II: 800 Math 2, 780 Lit, 720 Bio (lol)
[] Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 3.97-3.99 I’m honestly not sure
[] Weighted GPA: n/a
[] Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): Eh. 5%? Maybe more
[] AP (place score in parentheses): 5 - calc bc, language, biology; 4 - US history
[] IB (place score in parentheses): n/a
[] Senior Year Course Load: AP: Chem, Physics, Literature, US Gov, Chamber Orchestra, French 4th year
[] Number of other applicants in your school: maybe 10-ish?
[li] Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.):[/ul] none whatsoever.[/li]
Subjective:[ul]
[] Extracurriculars (place leadership in parentheses): Skating, language tutor, science olympiad captain, math team, robotics
[] Job/Work Experience: none
[li] Volunteer/Community service:[/ul] tutoring[/li]
Writing (Write a brief description and Rate Quality on 1-10 Scale; 10 as Best):[ul]
[] Essays (Include Subjects): I thought my Why caltech was clever. Everything else was about a 5.
[] Common App Main: BAHA. About my friend hating me doing science but I did it anyways. Horrible. another 5.
[] EC Short Answer: Really good; about skating! I’d say 7
[] Teacher Recommendation #1: Math, prob. really good
[] Teacher Recommendation #2: Language; also prob really great
[] Counselor Rec: Ehhhh very average
[] Additional Rec: Science Olympiad coach? I’m captain, he loves me.
[] Art Supplement: nope
[li] Research Supplement: none whatsoever[/ul][/li]
Other[ul]
[] Date Submitted App: Beyond last minute
[] State (if domestic applicant): WA
[] Country (if international applicant):
[] School Type: public, 400 kids per grad. class
[] Ethnicity: Asian
[] Gender: Female
[] Income Bracket: >200000
[] Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.): none. I’m really boring.[/ul]

Reflection[ul]
[] Strengths: I don’t know. My essays were crap, my ECs are boring.
[] Weaknesses: Everything else I didn’t mention.
[] Why you think you were accepted/waitlisted/rejected: NO IDEA. How on earth I DIDN’T get rejected, I have no idea. I applied to appease my parents. I BS’d my essays. So getting waitlisted makes me feel really great about myself
[] Where else have you been accepted/waitlisted/rejected: Accepted full tuition Case Western
[li] What would you have done differently?: Don’t have any regrets because my heart really just isn’t set on this school. At all. My parents are actually excited about my w/l… OK.[/li]
[/ul]Other Factors:
General Comments/Congratulations/Venting/Commiserations, etc: Not really! I just wrote about myself. I guess that worked to an extent.

kcwijaya · March 10, 2013, 8:51am

Decision: Accepted

Objective:[ul]
[] SAT I (breakdown): 2330 (single sitting) - 800 M; 780 CR; 750 W
[] ACT (breakdown): 35 (single sitting) - 35 E, 35 M, 36 R, 34 S, 10 W
[] SAT II: 800 Math II, 800 Bio E, 740 English Lit
[] Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): I want to say 3.9 or 4.0?
[] Weighted GPA: cum - 4.31
[] Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): NA
[] AP (place score in parentheses): AP Biology (5), AP Microeconomics (5), AP Macroeconomics (5), AP Calculus AB (5), AP Computer Science (5)
[] Senior Year Course Load: AP Statistics, AP European History, AP English Lit, AP Psychology, Forensic Science, Sustainable Earth Systems, Band, Vocals
[] Number of other applicants in your school: I want to say 1?
[] Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.): Global Citizenship Award – internationally recognized by EARCOS, Presidential Award – Grade 10, 11, California State Award for Academic Achievement, Certificate for Recognition for Achieving High Honors, All-Star Volleyball Player of Southeast Asia, MVP Volleyball.

[/ul]

Subjective:[ul]
[] Extracurriculars (place leadership in parentheses): Student Government (Rep + House captain), National Honor Society, MUN, GIN, JHU’s Center for Talented Youth, Yearbook Copy Editor, Varsity Volleyball for 5 years (captain for 3/5), Varsity Badminton, Varsity Swimming
[] Job/Work Experience: I interned at this biopharmaceutical firm. I learned medical school level material and worked in the lab to extract beta-D-glucan molecules within mushroom polysaccharides to repair heart cells and inoculated components that inhibit VEGF receptors in our cells.
[li] Volunteer/Community service: I do a looot of community service. Coordinator of Habitat for Humanity, Coordinator of World Vision (teaching impoverished people how to use technology and giving them diplomas), Coordinator of Cleft Care - (helps kids with cleft palate), Coordinator of Pelayan Gratia (Last year sent 60 children to school. First time this was done in my school and I did this entirely on my own), Coordinator of Athletic Council (organizes athletics of my school), Coordinator of Malnutrition (raises money for malnourished kids in Indonesia), Coordinator of Big Brother/Big Sister (pairs abused children with students for high-school-career long commitments), Coordinator of several other projects dealing with orphanages, Coordinator of Klumprik – teaching English to native Indonesians, Coordinator of Recycling Committee – completely revamped the recycling system of my school. I’m currently helping my drama teacher, who recently suffered a stroke and had to get his leg amputated and lost most of his ability to speak, to learn vocabulary and reading and etc again. [/ul][/li]
Writing (Write a brief description and Rate Quality on 1-10 Scale; 10 as Best):[ul]
[] Essays (Include Subjects): Ethical Dilemma - 7 (I thought it was really cute; it was about lying on the ethical dilemma essay); Fun - 7 (Prank war at Stanford - thought it was on par with the pranks Caltech students do); Interest - 9 (Longest essay I wrote for any school I applied to. Talked about how fear of death made me fall in love with science, and named like 4 Caltech professors and their research and how I would get involved)
[] Common App Main: 9 (My goal with all my essays is to be quirky - and my common app essay was about my hair, and how the different colors I dye it is a reflection of who I am)
[] EC Short Answer: 5 (about my internship; generic)
[] Teacher Recommendation #1: 10 (AP Euro/Econ teacher - freaking amazing. couldn’t have asked for a better one. He and I are really close so it wasn’t impersonal or generic at all)
[] Teacher Recommendation #2: 7 (AP Calc teacher - a bit generic but we’re really close too. Showed some personality)
[] Counselor Rec: I didn’t see it, but I’d like to say it was good. I love my counselor!
[li] Additional Rec: Volleyball coach - didn’t see it, but, again, have an awesome relationship with her[/li][/ul]

Other[ul]
[] Date Submitted App: Oct 26, 2012 … I was really eager LOLLL
[] Country (if international applicant): Indonesia
[] School Type: Private International
[] Ethnicity: Asian
[] Gender: F
[] Income Bracket: upper middle class?
[li] Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.): I wish[/li]
[/ul]

Reflection[ul]
[] Strengths: Essays, test scores, recommendations, community service. I was “recruited” (I don’t think they really do that) for Volleyball - idk how much of an influence it had on my decision, though.
[] Weaknesses: Extracurriculars, don’t have many science related things in my essays, asian female, international student
[] Why you think you were accepted/deferred/rejected: Honestly, I think it was a clerical error…LOL. I’m amazed. Maybe it was test scores and the essays I slaved over?
[] Where else have you been accepted/deferred/rejected: Accepted into UCI Regents, LMU Trustee, UBC
[li] What would you have done differently?: I messed up on my common app a lot - so many little mistakes in test scores and stuff that I had to email each individual college about. I would have been less hasty in applying and maybe would’ve set aside my application for a month and check it over later. I also would have applied to less schools xD [/ul][/li]
Other Factors:
**General Comments/Congratulations/Venting/Commiserations, etc: **

Thank you Jesus for EVERYTHING, I can’t even.

I’ve never been so shocked and excited and thankful for anything in my entire life. I absolutely did not expect it, and I know a lot of people say that, but oh my GOSH did I not expect it at all! My parents and I just looked at the word “honor” on the first line in shock for about ten minutes before our screaming began. Caltech isn’t my first choice, but it feels AMAZING having it under my belt. It’s such a blessing. Here’s hoping I get this same sort of good news on pi day and the 28th and april fool’s day!

Congratulations to everyone who got accepted and stay positive & good luck on all your other applications to those who weren’t!!! <3 <3 :*

Und3rC0ver · March 10, 2013, 11:52am

Pick one:
Decision: Accepted
Objective:[ul]
[] SAT I (breakdown): 2300 (800 CR, 800 M, 700W)
[] SAT I superscore (breakdown): Single Sitting
[] ACT (breakdown): NA
[] ACT superscore (breakdown): NA
[] SAT II: 2390 (800 M2, 800 Chem, 790 Phys)
[] Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 3.96
[] Weighted GPA: 4.46/4.50
[] Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): 3/250ish
[] AP (place score in parentheses): 55s (Phys. B, Chem, Lit, Euro, USH)
[] IB (place score in parentheses):
[] Senior Year Course Load: AP Calc BC, AP Biology, AP Psych, AP Lang, French 5, Engineering
[] Number of other applicants in your school: 0 (probably helped)
[] Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.):[/ul] NOTHING

Subjective:[ul]
[] Extracurriculars (place leadership in parentheses): Online Writing for Golf Newspaper, Varsity Golf State Championship, Varsity Tennis Captain, Acadec, Musical Theater, Math NHS
[] Job/Work Experience: 1. Summer Internship at Blood Research Laboratory
2. Statistical Data Analysis at Computer Company
[li] Volunteer/Community service: 100ish hours through NHS[/ul] [/li]
Writing (Write a brief description and Rate Quality on 1-10 Scale; 10 as Best):[ul]
[] Essays (Include Subjects):
[] Common App Main: 9 (really good essay about Richard Feynman and discovering passion for Physics)
[] EC Short Answer: 7 (quick witty narrative about vocal performance)
[] Caltech Supplement: 9 (what I think got me in. Interesting prank, main supplement demonstrated intense passion)
[] Teacher Recommendation #1: 10 (AP Lit Teacher renowned for impeccable recs)
[] Teacher Recommendation #2: 8 (AP Physics Teacher who thought I was very capable)
[] Counselor Rec: 9 (Best student ever kindof thing)
[] Additional Rec: Nope
[] Art Supplement: Nope
[] Research Supplement:[/ul]

Other[ul]
[] Date Submitted App: 01/02
[] State (if domestic applicant): MA
[] Country (if international applicant):
[] School Type: Public
[] Ethnicity: Asian
[] Gender: M
[] Income Bracket: >250k
[] Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.): Nothing.[/ul]

Reflection[ul]
[] Strengths: Numbers were solid, Essays were very unique (showed passion!)
[] Weaknesses: no significant Math/Sci ECs
[] Why you think you were accepted/deferred/rejected: Essays, Recs, Stats (mostly essays)
[] Where else have you been accepted/deferred/rejected: Deferred Princeton, Accepted UMass Amherst (Honors), UVa (Echols)
[li] What would you have done differently?: Can’t think of much. [/ul][/li]
[/list]Other Factors: Have been in contact with tennis coach about potentially playing at CalTech.
**General Comments/Congratulations/Venting/Commiserations, etc:
CONGRATULATIONS to all admitted students. All Waitlisted/Rejected, CalTech doesn’t know what they’re missing! I am so happy and proud that CalTech saw something in me that made me worth accepting and saw my passion for science and physics though there were no activities really available in my school for me to demonstrate them. Here’s to good news on Pi Day, March 28th and beyond. **

twoleftfeet · March 10, 2013, 12:20pm

Decision: Waitlisted

Objective:[ul]
[] SAT I (breakdown): 22XX (800M, mid 700s for R and W)
[] SAT I superscore (breakdown):
[] ACT (breakdown):
[] ACT superscore (breakdown):
[] SAT II: 800 MII, high 700 Bio-M
[] Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 4.0 soph and junior year, but it dipped to like 3.4-3.5 freshman year
[] Weighted GPA:
[] Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): Probably top 2.5-5%
[] AP (place score in parentheses): 5s on 11 exams (8 of which were sciences)
[] IB (place score in parentheses):
[] Senior Year Course Load: Some APs, some Honors… the usual rigorous courseload, nbd.
[] Number of other applicants in your school: Somewhere between 5 and 10, I’d guess.
[li] Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.): USAJMO, Siemens Semifinalist[/ul][/li]
Subjective:[ul]
[] Extracurriculars (place leadership in parentheses): Math Team Captain, Science Team, Cultural Performer, many more. Hesitant to list all, due to privacy, but it suffices to say I have pretty good ECs (although I could have more leadership, but ehh)
[] Job/Work Experience: Math tutor at two separate places
[li] Volunteer/Community service: Youth Group, VA Hospital volunteering[/ul][/li]
Writing (Write a brief description and Rate Quality on 1-10 Scale; 10 as Best):[ul]
[] Essays (Include Subjects): I thought they were good? I actually spent a lot of time crafting these essays!
[] Common App Main: Meh.
[] EC Short Answer: Okay.
[] Teacher Recommendation #1: Not sure.
[] Teacher Recommendation #2: Ditto.
[] Counselor Rec: Ditto the above ditto.
[] Additional Rec: Very good, rec from head of prestigious math summer program
[] Art Supplement:
[li] Research Supplement: Research for Siemens Competition, was pretty good (advanced, if nothing else). [/ul][/li]
Other[ul]
[] Date Submitted App: 12/30?
[] State (if domestic applicant): 
[] Country (if international applicant):
[] School Type: Public, Magnet
[] Ethnicity: ORM
[] Gender: M
[] Income Bracket: High
[] Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.): LOL[/ul]

Reflection[ul]
[] Strengths: Good research, high interest in mathematics
[] Weaknesses: Scores, maybe my “Why Caltech?” essay… I’m not sure, really.
[] Why you think you were accepted/deferred/rejected: I think it probably showed through my essays that I wouldn’t have attended Caltech even if I got in. I’ll admit, I thought I would have been accepted after receiving a Brown LL, but I realize now that was a very arrogant thought. In retrospect, I don’t deserve to be accepted to Caltech, and I accept that. Congratulations to everyone who did get in! You all deserve it.
[] Where else have you been accepted/deferred/rejected: Brown LL, some safeties (Mich, Penn State/other PA schools)
[li] What would you have done differently?: Nothing. [/ul][/li]
[/list]Other Factors:
General Comments/Congratulations/Venting/Commiserations, etc:

shubhijain · March 10, 2013, 4:03pm

Decision: Accepted

Objective:[ul]
[] SAT I (breakdown): N/A
[] SAT I superscore (breakdown): N/A
[] ACT (breakdown): 35 Composite, 35 English, 35 Math, 36 Reading, 34 Science
[] ACT superscore (breakdown): 35
[] SAT II: 790 Math Level II, 790 Chemistry, 760 U.S. History, 750 Biology M
[] Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 3.94
[] Weighted GPA: 4.4
[] Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): Top 10%, Rank is not given
[] AP (place score in parentheses): 5s on all. AP Computer Science A, AP Biology, AP U.S. History, AP Calculus BC
[] IB (place score in parentheses): N/A
[] Senior Year Course Load: AP Literature, AP Chemistry, AP Physics B, Spanish 4 Honors, AP Statistics, AP Economics/Government
[] Number of other applicants in your school: I’m guessing about 16.
[li] Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.): MFP Disability Leadership Award[/ul][/li]
Subjective:[ul]
[] Extracurriculars (place leadership in parentheses): Founder and President of a global non-profit organization, Former Founder and CEO of a local company, Co-President of School Chapter of United Nations Association, COSMOS participant, Unpaid tutor, NHS/CSF member, Mock Trial Team Witness, Varsity Cross Country (4 years), Varsity Track and Field (3 years), Varsity Soccer (2 years), AYSO VIP Soccer Volunteer, Blog writer for two local newspapers
[] Job/Work Experience: Mentioned above
[li] Volunteer/Community service: Mentioned above[/ul][/li]
Writing (Write a brief description and Rate Quality on 1-10 Scale; 10 as Best):[ul]
[] Essays (Include Subjects):
[] Common App Main: 8 (A very personal topic)
[] EC Short Answer: 7 (My passion for running)
[] Teacher Recommendation #1: 8. From my AP Calculus BC teacher. I’ve had him for two years and he takes a liking to me.
[] Teacher Recommendation #2: 7. From my AP United States History teacher. She really appreciates the passion that I show for the subject.
[] Counselor Rec: 5. Pretty generic I think.
[] Additional Rec: N/A
[] Art Supplement: N/A
[li] Research Supplement: N/A[/ul][/li]
Other[ul]
[] Date Submitted App: 12/28/2012
[] State (if domestic applicant): CA
[] Country (if international applicant): N/A
[] School Type: Public School
[] Ethnicity: Indian
[] Gender: Male
[] Income Bracket: > 150,000
[] Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.): I was in constant communication with their coaches. That might have helped.[/ul]

Reflection[ul]
[] Strengths: Extra curriculars. Essays except the Why Caltech were relatively strong.
[] Weaknesses: ORM, Not enough Math/Science related activities
[] Why you think you were accepted/deferred/rejected: I truly have no idea
[] Where else have you been accepted/deferred/rejected: I’ll keep this to myself.
[li] What would you have done differently?: Work on essays more. Do more math/science activities. I also would have stressed less.[/ul][/li]
Other Factors:
General Comments/Congratulations/Venting/Commiserations, etc: Congrats to everyone who was accepted! Hope to see you at Pre-Frosh weekend!

MRU93Raith · March 11, 2013, 3:36pm

Decision: Rejected

Objective:[ul]
[] SAT I (breakdown): 2010 (CR 650, W 620, M 740) - 2100 (CR 690, W 640, M 770)
[] SAT I superscore (breakdown): 2100
[] SAT II: MII - 780, Phys - 800, French - 600
[] Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): top 10%
[] A Level CIE (place score in parentheses): Math (A), Phys (A), Chem (A), Further Math (C), French lang (B), Eng Lang (B)
[] Number of other applicants in your school: not sure, probably just myself
[li] Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.):none apart from through ECs[/ul][/li]
Subjective:[ul]
[] Extracurriculars (place leadership in parentheses):
-Swimming: School varsity (Captain) Junior and senior victor laudaurum, Mauritian nationals (club captain) 4th in 50m/100m back, top 8 in 50m/100m fly, top 12 in 50m/100m/200m free.
-PADI Scuba Diving certified to Rescue diver
-Kite surfing
-Water polo 2nd and 3rd team wings
-Brown belt 2nd cue karate
-Grade 6 Classical Guitar
-Electrically and acoustically trained in guitar
-Rugby
-Cricket
-PPL (Private Pilot’s License)
[] Job/Work Experience:
-Working as an apprentice engineer at a company that is the largest supplier of Let aircraft to Africa, where we help maintain and rebuild these 19 seater planes.
[li] Volunteer/Community service:[/li]-First aid: AED; Oxygen; CPR to infants, children and adults. 75+ hours through rugby and hockey games mostly.
-Helped revamp a community centre for a small village here in South Africa (~20 hours)[/ul]

Writing (Write a brief description and Rate Quality on 1-10 Scale; 10 as Best):[ul]
[] Essays (Include Subjects): Don’t remember, but I didn’t feel that they were that strong
[] Common App Main: Could have been better (My sister’s influence on me)
[] EC Short Answer: Great (Kite surfing)
[] Teacher Recommendation #1: (Physics) Brilliant, one of the best in her career
[] Teacher Recommendation #2: (French) Good, not great
[] Counselor Rec: Very good, took difficult course load and pushed himself
[] Additional Rec:
[] Art Supplement:
[li] Research Supplement:[/ul][/li]
Other[ul]
[] Date Submitted App: Day due?
[] Country (if international applicant): Living in Mauritius, but a South African and British national
[] School Type: Private
[] Ethnicity: White
[] Gender: Male
[] Income Bracket: no idea… $100k+?
[li] Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.):Under reprisented country if that counted other than that none[/ul][/li]
Reflection[ul]
[] Strengths: A Level Results, ECs
[] Weaknesses: ECs, lack of international awards or research papers, relatively low SATs
[] Why you think you were rejected: Not a good fit for CalTech, Low SATs
[] Where else have you been accepted: Steven’s Institute of Technology
[li] What would you have done differently?:Maybe tailored my essays to suit CalTech better, paid more attention to beating the SATs, taken the initiative to take my research/design ideas further [/ul][/li]
[/list]Other Factors:
**I probably wouldn’t have enrolled as I don’t feel like I would have fit in very well. The area also is a lot warmer than what I have been aiming for, but kinda wanted bragging rights
I am really happy for everyone who did get accepted and wish them the best wherever they go.

To future rejectees and waitlistees: Don’t take anything to heart, learn from the experience, and if they don’t think you’d cope or be a good fit for them, some other great place will!
Best of luck to the future applicants! :D**

Chemystery · March 11, 2013, 8:27pm

Decision: Accepted

Objective:[ul]
[] SAT I (breakdown): 800 Math, 790 Critical Reading, 800 Writing, Total 2390
[] SAT I superscore (breakdown): Only took once
[] ACT (breakdown): N/A
[] ACT superscore (breakdown): N/A
[] SAT II: 800 Math II, 800 Chem
[] Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 4.0
[] Weighted GPA: 4.62
[] Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): 3
[] AP (place score in parentheses): All 5 (AP Calc BC, AP Chem, AP Physics B, AP English Lang/Comp, AP Stats, AP US History)
[] IB (place score in parentheses): N/A
[] Senior Year Course Load: AP French, AP Physics C, AP Econ, AP Psych, AP English Lit/Comp, AP Bio, Honors Orgo
[] Number of other applicants in your school: Idk … 3 or 4?
[li] Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.): Science Bowl - national qualifier 2012/2013, USNCO, ARML - third place nationally [/ul] [/li]
Subjective:[ul]
[] Extracurriculars (place leadership in parentheses): Cross-country - 4 yrs, Prestigious out-of-school symphony orchestra - 2 yrs, ARML - 2 yrs, Science Bowl - 3 yrs, Math Team - 3 yrs
[] Job/Work Experience: Research Lab Assistant
[li] Volunteer/Community service: Academic tutor - 4 yrs, A ton of miscellaneous volunteer work as well, total well over 500 hrs [/ul][/li]
Writing (Write a brief description and Rate Quality on 1-10 Scale; 10 as Best):[ul]
[] Essays (Include Subjects):
[] Common App Main: About my passion for chemistry - 8.5
[] EC Short Answer: Why Caltech - 9, Ethics (how one time I completely and singlehandedly screwed up an important experiment at my research lab) - 8, Stuff for Fun (super nerdy - WOULD NOT have worked for ANY OTHER COLLEGE lol) - 8
[] Teacher Recommendation #1: AP English teacher, did not read, probably really good; 9.5
[] Teacher Recommendation #2: AP Chem teacher, did not read, probably 8 or 9
[] Counselor Rec: Did not read. I’m guessing 7 or 8.
[] Additional Rec: N/A
[] Art Supplement: Hahaha … it wasn’t really an art supplement but a series of photographs … VERY NERDY and would have immediately had me labeled as a weirdo by any other college
[li] Research Supplement: I sent an abstract as part of my common app, but no formal paper [/ul][/li]
Other[ul]
[] Date Submitted App: 12/26
[] State (if domestic applicant): PA
[] Country (if international applicant):
[] School Type: Large public school, mostly white/Asian
[] Ethnicity: Asian
[] Gender: F
[] Income Bracket: <$70K
[] Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.): I made it SUPER OBVIOUS that I was SUPER PASSIONATE about science, which I know is really important to Caltech. [/ul]

Reflection[ul]
[] Strengths: Essays, test scores, grades, extracurriculars
[] Weaknesses: Did not really win anything major, besides ARML, but that’s a team competition
[] Why you think you were accepted/deferred/rejected: Showed obvious interest and passion, application was VERY science-skewed (probably not well-rounded enough to get into anywhere else XDDD)
[] Where else have you been accepted/deferred/rejected:
[li] What would you have done differently?: Well, I got accepted, but I do wish I’d started getting serious about science at an earlier age so I could have learned even more during high school [/ul][/li]
Other Factors: N/A
General Comments/Congratulations/Venting/Commiserations, etc: YYYAAAAYYYYYY SOO HAPPPYYYYY Caltech is the BEST science school in the WORLD and I’m so honored to be accepted ^-^

xoPinkBarbiexo · March 14, 2013, 4:34pm

Decision: Rejected

Objective:[ul]
[] SAT I (breakdown): 
[] SAT I superscore (breakdown): M 800, W 800, R 740
[] ACT (breakdown):
[] ACT superscore (breakdown):
[] SAT II: M1: 750, M2:720, Physics:690
[] Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 3.81
[] Weighted GPA: 4.1
[] Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): top 10%
[] AP (place score in parentheses): Biology (5), AP US (4), UMASS Lowell: College Writing 1:A, Calculus 1: A
[] IB (place score in parentheses):
[] Senior Year Course Load: AP Comp Sci, AP Calc AB, AP Calc BC, AP Physics, H english
[] Number of other applicants in your school: 0
[li] Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.):[/ul] Rensellear Medal, Rotary Award, Half Marathon Record, sportsmanship essay published by the MIAA[/li]
Subjective:[ul]
[li] Extracurriculars (place leadership in parentheses): V Outdoor Track (varsity 6 years (middle school) 3 time captain), V Indoor Track (varsity 4 years, 2 time captain), V Field Hockey (varsity 4 years, 1 time captain), CCD teacher, student rep to school committee, about 7 clubs (with leadership in most), science Olympiads (pres), academic decathlon (pres)[/li]
[] Job/Work Experience: Yup! I cut fruit and babysit
[] Volunteer/Community service:[/ul] Relay for life, CCD teacher, camp counselor, youth track coach

Writing (Write a brief description and Rate Quality on 1-10 Scale; 10 as Best):[ul]
[] Essays (Include Subjects):
[] Common App Main: awesome! I wrote about glue! (but really, it was a good essay)
[] EC Short Answer: hahahahaha I described myself as scandalous
[] Teacher Recommendation #1: awesome!
[] Teacher Recommendation #2: praising, but probably pretty generic
[] Counselor Rec: awesome! But also probably generic
[] Additional Rec: praising, but what REALLY GENERIC
[] Art Supplement:
[li] Research Supplement:[/ul][/li]
Other[ul]
[] Date Submitted App: 1/3
[] State (if domestic applicant): MA
[] Country (if international applicant):
[] School Type: average public
[] Ethnicity: white
[] Gender: female
[] Income Bracket: >100,000
[] Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.):[/ul]

Reflection[ul]
[] Strengths: SATs, Extra Curriculars
[] Weaknesses: SAT 2s, teacher recs, GPA
[] Why you think you were accepted/deferred/rejected: teacher recs, describing myself as scandalous, and grades
[] Where else have you been accepted/deferred/rejected: accepted at WPI and UMass, waiting on MIT tonight!!!
[li] What would you have done differently?:[/ul] asked my track coach for a recommendation instead of my joke of a physics teacher [/li]
[/list]Other Factors:

General Comments/Congratulations/Venting/Commiserations, etc: I think the key lies in recommendations. Instead of trying to impress the ACs by getting people with doctorates to write about you, try to ask people who genuinely care about you (like an athletic coach)

AtomicBoyWonder · March 16, 2013, 5:57pm

Decision: Accepted

Objective:[ul]
[] SAT I (breakdown): 2340 (800 M, 760 CR, 780 W)
[] SAT I superscore (breakdown): n/a
[] ACT (breakdown): n/a
[] ACT superscore (breakdown): n/a
[] SAT II: 800 Math II, 800 Chem, 790 US History
[] Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 3.95
[] Weighted GPA: n/a
[] Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): 7/457
[] AP (place score in parentheses): Biology (5), World History (5), Calculus AB (5), Chemistry(5), English Lang. (5), US History (5), Calculus BC (5)
[] IB (place score in parentheses): n/a
[] Senior Year Course Load: AP Physics B (C not offered), AP English Lit, AP US Govt., Symphonic Band, Science Seminar, Honors Linear Algebra & Multivariable Calculus
[] Number of other applicants in your school: 1
[] Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.): 3 National Science Olympiad medals (2 firsts, 1 third) , USNCO Top 150 “honors,” 1st in State Knowledge Bowl Team
[] Common Awards (AP Scholar, honor roll, NM things, etc.): NMSF, AP Scholar with Distinction, State Science Fair 2nd in Physics & Astro, 1st Chair Mallet Percussion in School band, LOTS of SciOly awards, AIME qualifier[/ul]

Subjective:[ul]
[] Extracurriculars: Science Olympiad: 9-12, VP + Team Captain, LOTS of events and medals – included comprehensive list in “additional info” section; Knowledge Bowl: 9-12, Team Captain, 1st Place State 3A team, quiz bowl-esque competition; Chem Olympiad: 11, brought it to my school, USNCO qualifier, Top 150 “Honors”; Research: 9-12, solar cells freshman year, supernovae sophomore, radiation damage junior/senior summer; Xylophone: 9-12, 8 years experience, school band, African marimba + balafon ensembles, built a beautiful bass marimba for SciOly ;; Math Club, Mock Trial, National Honors Society
[] Job/Work Experience: n/a
[] Volunteer/Community service: Elementary Science Olympiad coach/coordinator – 40 hrs, NHS things – 10 hrs
[] Summer Experience: 2012 - Full time internship at Reed College Nuclear Research Reactor; 2011 – Indy Study math and science things; 2010-11 – Telescope camping w/ 12.5” Cave Astrola; 2010 – Pre-calc self-study; 2009-2012 – Relaxing; 2009-2011 – Visiting family in Iowa[/ul]

Writing (Write a brief description and Rate Quality on 1-10 Scale; 10 as Best):[ul]
[] Essays (Include Subjects): I liked most of my essays.
[] Common App Main: 8/10, Research Internship
[] EC Short Answer: 8/10, Science Olympiad
[] Keywords, Books: 10/10, Probably as good as such a short response can be haha
[] Ethical Dilemma: 9/10, Something out of the ordinary and pretty cool
[] Unusual Fun: 7/10, Twilight Imperium. Only used about 1/2 the space but what I wrote was good.
[] Why Caltech: 8.5/10, Very detailed and generally good, but needed some revising now that I look at it again…
[] Teacher Recommendation #1: Math, didn’t see but guessing 9-10, my Calc BC and Linear Algebra teacher – she really likes and is impressed by me, but didn’t see it so can’t say anything for certain
[] Teacher Recommendation #2: AP US History, didn’t see again guessing 7-9, very fun guy, hear he writes good recs, I was always great in-class but wasn’t as good at getting homework in but overall our relationship is pretty good, so I think the rec was fine
[] Counselor Rec: Caught a glimpse of it, looked 9-10, school VP and administrator of the STEM magnet program, likes me a lot, and heard her recs are fantastic
[] Additional Info: Nuke project abstract, comprehensive list of scioly awards, pretty standard letter from Research mentor
[] Art Supplement: Decided not to submit my nice collection of altered Pokemon sprites
[/ul]

Other[ul]
[] Date Submitted App: 1:00 AM on Jan 4
[] State (if domestic applicant): WA
[] Country (if international applicant): USA!
[] School Type: Public, with smaller “magnet” program in it
[] Ethnicity: White
[] Gender: Male
[] Income Bracket: 130k
[] Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.): Not much really.[/ul]

Reflection[ul]
[] Strengths: SAT, Extracurricular, Awards, Course Rigor, Internship
[] Weaknesses: Lack of MAJOR awards, white male, essays could have been revised better
[] Why you think you were accepted/deferred/rejected:
[] Where else have you been accepted/deferred/rejected:
[li] What would you have done differently?:[/li]Spent more time on essays. Remembered to send in my financial aid information (it just arrived there a couple days ago). Started on some more national-scale extracurricular things (USAMO etc.) earlier in high school.[/ul]

Other Factors: I <3 Science
General Comments/Congratulations/Venting/Commiserations, etc: See all of you admits at the weekend thingy! And best of luck to the rest of you!

13prongs · March 18, 2013, 8:37pm

Pick one:
Decision: Accepted

Objective:
SAT I (breakdown): 2280 - Writing 790, Math 760, CR 730
SAT I superscore (breakdown): Took test once
ACT (breakdown): 35 - Science 36, Math 36, English 34, Writing 34
ACT superscore (breakdown): Took test once
SAT II: 800 (Chemistry, Math II)
Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): School is on a 0-6 scale, GPA - 4.6
Weighted GPA: NA
Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): Second 25%
AP (place score in parentheses): 5 (Chemistry)
IB (place score in parentheses): NA
Senior Year Course Load: (Fall) Organic Chemistry, AP Physics, AP Calc BC, English, International Relations - (Winter) Physical Chemistry, AP Physics, AP Calc BC, English, Chorus
Number of other applicants in your school: 5-15
Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.): None

Subjective:
Extracurriculars (place leadership in parentheses): Chorus (Co-President), Origami, Varsity Volleyball
Job/Work Experience: None
Volunteer/Community service: None

Writing (Write a brief description and Rate Quality on 1-10 Scale; 10 as Best):
Essays (Include Subjects): 8 - I attended a visit at Cal Tech, and the admissions officer who gave the opening remarks laid out what it was that the department was looking for in essays, so that was wildly helpful.
Common App Main: 10 - This may seem arrogant, but I’ve gotten into every school on the Common App, so there’s that.
EC Short Answer: 8 - I wrote about singing, and how it’s something that I like to do despite being not very good at it.
Teacher Recommendation #1: Fine, my AP Chemistry teacher thought I was a bit of a tit, but it worked out okay.
Teacher Recommendation #2: Fine, although my History teacher did give me straight C+/B-'s throughout the year, so maybe that was risky.
Counselor Rec: Unknown, I didn’t get to read it and have no idea what he said.
Additional Rec: None
Art Supplement: None
Research Supplement: None

Other
Date Submitted App: Day it was due
State (if domestic applicant): New York
Country (if international applicant): USA
School Type: Private Boarding Prep
Ethnicity: Korean
Gender: Male
Income Bracket: Enough to need significant aid
Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.): None

Reflection
Strengths: I write prettily.
Weaknesses: I have no Community Service, no real EC’s, my grades were low, and my test scores were about average for the school.
Why you think you were accepted/deferred/rejected: Looking at this thread I really have no idea.
Where else have you been accepted/deferred/rejected: (Accepted) Case Western Reserve University, University of Edinburgh, University of Leeds, Oxford University, University of Michigan (Rejected) MIT
What would you have done differently?: Nothing, I guess. Maybe stressed out a lot less? It worked out fine.

[/list]Other Factors:
General Comments/Congratulations/Venting/Commiserations, etc: I really have no idea how this process worked out so well, other than “I didn’t stress out and just sort of ran with it.”

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