Hi I recently got accepted into Caltech and will probably attend. I heard there were placement exams on math and physics as well. Are there any alums that could give me advice on how to prepare for them? Or should I even try to prepare? How are the placement exams structured? Thanks!
There are placement exams for math, physics, CS, and chemistry. Like virtually all Caltech exams, they can be done at your leisure whenever you want wherever you want as long as you abide by the Honor Code. This means that you won’t use more time than you’re given (if there is a time limit), won’t consult external sources if prohibited, etc. I’ll break down the specifics by subject:
Math: There are two mandatory exams that cover most of AP Calculus, and then one optional exam for Ma 1a, 1b, 1c, 2, and 3 (proof-based calculus, linear algebra, vector calculus, differential equations, probability and statistics respectively). If you have not taken any of these classes yet (i.e. at another university), then I don’t recommend that you try to place out of them, but it doesn’t hurt to glance at the placement exams to see what you’re in for.
Physics: There is a short, mandatory 10-question placement exam on basic mechanics that determines your section (although this doesn’t really matter at all) for Ph 1a. If you do well, you have the option of placing out of Ph 1a (classical Newtonian mechanics) and more rarely, Ph 1b and 1c. The type of students who generally place out of Ph 1c are physics olympiad veterans.
CS: There is a relatively easy placement exam for CS 1 (Introduction to Programming).
Chemistry: Almost no one places out of Ch 1a or 1b, but there is an (obviously optional) exam.
In short, if you’ve taken any of Ma 1abc or Ph 1a in high school and feel like you have the material down pat, then feel free to brush up a bit for the exams. Otherwise, it’s definitely not worthwhile to try to prepare for a class you haven’t taken before.
Can confirm all of what arrhenius said (though I would tack on that there have been the rare instances of people who have previously taken college-level orgo classes passing out of the Ch41 series).
Seriously, don’t freak out about the tests. You’re going to see someone on the FB page stressing about it, but in all honesty, it’s not worth the time to stress out about it. Take each test to the best of your ability while following the Honor Code, and just enjoy your summer of freedom. No one cares if you’re taking the “remedial” course for math or physics or writing (and the flip side: good for you if you get into the “advanced” sections, but it’s not worth bragging about)–everyone has to start somewhere, and we understand and respect that.
Some chose not to,put too much effort into,these exams, willing to learn all aspects of the material.