<p>This is a really really honest, serious question. The only reason I am having doubts about apply for Caltech is that
1. I am international, but then not really because my greencard is pending (I need financial aid though)
2. I don't have the super high Caltech stats
3. I have wayyy too many schools already</p>
<p>I would really appreciate it if anyone, particular Caltech students can tell me if I have a chance to even try and please please don't just say--everyone has a chance because we all know that's just not true :P</p>
<p>Female/Asian
SAT-2290
SAT IIs: 800 math and 790 chem
APs: 7 (5s and 4s) AP Scholar with Distinction
GPA: 3.85 UW 4.4W</p>
<p>Recs: should be pretty amazing
Activities: lots lots of science activities, best would probably be research at Caltech and UC Davis
Hook (kind of?): Really amazing rec letter from a caltech prof
Awards: lots of stuff for regional and state science competition</p>
I am international, but then not really because my greencard is pending (I need financial aid though)
I don't have the super high Caltech stats
I have wayyy too many schools already
[/quote]
</p>
<p>For 2 and 3: If you have wayyy too many schools, I think it's up to you to decide which ones are the ones you want to attend most, and apply to those. That's a process of elimination which is different for everyone depending on what they consider 'too many' and it's really up to you to decide how much you like Caltech (it's great, by the way =D*)</p>
<ul>
<li>- if you ignore the crushing wave of workload...but that's what we were looking for, right? =p</li>
</ul>
<p>And if you really do want to come here, then there's no reason not to apply, because that eliminates your chances of coming here. So I think this applies very generally, to all 8 billion 'chance me' threads posted every year: if you want to come here enough to apply (and only you can make that decision), then do it regardless of what you feel your chances are, and it'll sort itself out. A lot of people here come in feeling they were unworthy of acceptance.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Recs: should be pretty amazing
Activities: lots lots of science activities, best would probably be research at Caltech and UC Davis
Hook (kind of?): Really amazing rec letter from a caltech prof
Awards: lots of stuff for regional and state science competition
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Oooookay....what was that about not having super high Caltech stats again?</p>
<p>well to be honest, I would be fine with going to Caltech, but it is not a top choice. I think that's why I am having second thoughts and posting this question on a forum lol :)</p>
<p>I did some calculations though and the % of international students with financial aid is well highER than the percentage at other schools, so I think I will apply</p>
<p>plus when I said I don't have super high stats, I meant like I didn't do USABO or the big national math/science competition stuff. those awards seem like there would just really shine on a caltech app :P</p>
<p>Yes, an inside recommendation is probably a very good thing. Also when it comes to financial aid for international students, while it is definitely true that international admissions is not needs blind and funds for international student financial aid are limited, it is at the same time the case that Caltech is more generous with financial aid to international students than many other schools. Typically, it is much harder at Caltech to get any merit-based financial aid, but I have the impression they are more likely than other schools to be reasonable about computing your financial need and actually meeting it.</p>
<p>Hi google,
Your chances at Caltech would be quite good I think. Isn't your dad working at caltech? So you might qualify for free tuition, and plus regardless of your SAT scores (they are quite good), they also might consider your application favorably. Good luck!</p>