<p>Hey CC! While I was reading over the accepted Caltech undergraduates of 2009, I noticed many had outstanding awards of the national or even international level as well as research done at nearby universities. I'm pretty sure that I want to attend to Caltech in the future, but unlike many of the acceptees last year, I am not sure where I would find the resources required to complete serious research. Also, in the place I live (Maui, Hawaii) I don't see many math or science opportunities near me. Right now, my chances at Caltech look pretty slim. If any informed posters could tell me where and how they started completing research, I would be very grateful. :D</p>
<p>What are your interests?</p>
<p>Serious research is not a requirement–it is simply a way for applicants to show how they are passionate in the sciences. Don’t become enamored in one college, and if you truly belong at Caltech, you should already be doing science related ECs/classes that will demonstrate your passion.</p>
<p>10iswarrior, you’re probably right. Well I’m a freshman. Is that too late already? I think I will produce decent test scores in the future (took SAT practice as 8th grader and got 2220) and hopefully will keep my grades up. I just wish I could find something to show my passion for science and mathematics.</p>
<p>I don’t have serious research experience, just a little preference of scientific stuffs to other stuffs(but I think affirmative action helps me get in). So you see. and 2220 for a 8th grade student is excessively impressive. Enough for any top school, if we only consider the scores part. :)</p>
<p>For me, though, the tests and grades aren’t a problem. I just would like to expand on my math and science interests. My high school, I feel, doesn’t provide enough opportunities for this. Our FIRST robotics team is pretty much the only club that I can think of which is for those who wish to pursue math or science interests. I have thought about taking courses at my local community college, but it provides no advanced math or science courses which I heard have helped previous acceptees. Btw, there won’t be any affirmative action for me because I’m full Japanese. Unfortunately, I’m one of those asians whose parents could care less about attending a top ranking college.</p>
<p>Try applying for a summer program at your state university.</p>
<p>Don’t worry about not doing science based ECs if there are no science based ECs to do, colleges understand that you didn’t have the opportunity. I personally do science fair projects in my house, because the nearest research university is hours away. Also, our community college is not good at all, they don’t offer advanced math or science classes–essentially I can’t take anything there. At the end of the day it all depends on how you can communicate yourself. Take as many math and science classes as you can at your school (take 2 at once if you can) and perhaps read some science books. There are some good ones out there about the making of the atomic bomb, Einsten, etc.</p>
<p>Does anyone know what would be a good online college program to take advanced math/science courses from? Right now that seems like my only option.</p>
<p>Have you looked into Harvey Mudd College?</p>
<p>I would suggest you make USAMO, and another science olympiad final such as USABO, USNCO, or USAPhO, then proceed to attend ISEF and place top 10 in your category, senior year it would be preferable to become either a Siemens or Intel finalist.</p>
<p>In addition it would be helpful if you completed math through complex analysis, real analysis, partial differential equations, and topology.</p>
<p>What field of science are you interested in? If you are interested in Physics, this will be tough for CalTech. It would be preferable if you attend the Summer Science Program, in addition, complete through college sophomore/junior level physics would be preferable.</p>
<p>Take AP Physics C (both e&m and mechanics) sophomore year and then thermodynamics/quantum mechanics junior year. Fluid dynamics/advanced electricity&magnetism senior year.</p>
<p>Currently, I attend a mediocre public school with more of an emphasis on athletics. We have 6 AP courses in all, but I dont remember what they are at the moment. I didn’t even hear of competitions and tests like USAMO, AMC, Siemens, Intel, etc. until I started lurking on CC, and I’m sure even my teachers would not know what they are. Going to a high ranking college is almost unheard of at my HS because most from my school attend the state university. My nearby community college offers no advanced courses in math/science but I would be willing to take online courses in these areas to supplement my own education. I was also thinking about applying to several summer programs during my sophmore year. </p>
<p>P.S. Would being a student from an average public HS in Hawaii hurt my chances of getting into colleges like Caltech? We don’t have many opportunies for mathematic/scientific excellence in our small island community.</p>
<p>Okay, I think that Ilikeyou might be a bit…off track. Those AP course are extremely tough, and may not be realistic for the average applicant, especially given that they’re about 4 years ahead of the typical curricula.
Why don’t you try posting on the CalTech wall?
I also am enamored with the idea of attending CalTech, my top college choice, and I support the idea of doing an independent research project with either a science teacher at your school or during the summer. But it’s not as hard as it may sound; simply get involved in a math or science club, and online courses sounds like a good idea.</p>
<p>Haha thanks. My high school doesn’t even offer those courses. I think the highest is AP Physics. I think I’ll start on online college courses this year and I’ll just keep my eyes out for research opportunites. I guess I’ll go check out the Caltech wall now. Thanks.</p>
<p>
ahh, I don’t mean AA of race, I mean of sex. If you are a female prospective student then you are more likely to get in-I remember reading somewhere that the admission rate of female applicants is thrice that of male applicants!!</p>
<p>BTW, I don’t think AP courses are immensely helpful if you are applying to MIT/Caltech. 1) Caltech doesn’t grant AP credits 2) I hear that most basic freshman courses are harder than APs (don’t know this is true or just an exaggeration) </p>
<p>so I suggest: focus more on research experiences. They are more helpful than AP tests, even if these two schools don’t require research experiences. :)</p>
<p>Take the most challenging courseload that you can, and you don’t even have to do research with a professor. You could just do it at your house or something if you really want the experience or you could try and get an internship or something over the summer at a university.</p>
<p>AP courses are still important because they put rigor in your schedule and show that you are more likely to be able to handle the work. It’s because Caltech doesn’t accept AP credit that they can afford to make their classes more difficult than APs.</p>
<p>Don’t go for USAMO if you think you can’t handle it (it’s not for everyone) However, USABO and USNCO is possible with a great deal of study. From my perspective, doing USABO is much more feasible. You just need to hit the book early (like >2hours a day). (and You prolly know which book I’m talking about)</p>
<p>I have no idea how I would go around competing in competitions like USAMO and USABO. I never hear those terms and other terms like RSI, TASP, etc. anywhere except on CC. I don’t go to an academia-oriented school, if you’re wondering. How do I know if my area even participates in competitions like AMC, AIME, etc.</p>
<p>U just have to ask your math/science teacher to register for one of them. It usually costs money to take the tests, so preferably, you should establish like a math/science olympiad team and have your school sponsor it.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice. If I ask them they’ll probably be like “wut?” O.o but I’ll try anyway.</p>