Caltech has always been on the list of schools I was planning to apply too–albeit as a MAJOR reach school–but my standardized test scores have made me wonder if I still should submit… I’m good at math and science, and am at the top of all my classes in these subjects (although that might not mean too much considering that I attend a rural public high school), but I struggle with the timed format of the SAT and ACT and the stress of test day. I scored a 30 in math on the ACT (but a 36 in science), a 760 on the SAT I, and a 770 on the Math II subject test. I’m especially disappointed on the subject test, because I was counting on earning a perfect score to help prove I’m capable, and I did a ton of timed practice tests to get my timing down so I could finish (I got 800’s on all of those). I know scores aren’t everything, but I also don’t have anything impressive on my resume to make up for these scores; I’m very active at my school and in my community, holding many leadership positions in both clubs and volunteer organizations, but nothing super-unique and no research (small town, first generation college student, ect…). I’m truly passionate about science, though, and I’ve visited Caltech and really liked it; however, I feel bad about the cost of another application fee if there’s no possibility I could get accepted.
Some more of my stats: 4.0 unweighted GPA; 5’s on all AP tests (Lang. & Comp., World History, and Bio); 770 Chem subject test; 800 molecular biology subject test; National Merit Semifinalist; taken every math/science course offered at my school; plan to study chemical/biomolecular engineering
I’d really appreciate any feedback/advice!
I’ve already submitted my ACT and SAT scores (I used the free score reports to save money though so I didn’t get to pick :-S). My total SAT scores and ACT scores are 2280 and 34, which I think are about comparatively equal… My school offers AP Calculus AB, which I am currently enrolled in, but no BC. I’ve been learning calculus on my own using Khan Academy though… AP Chemistry and AP Physics are not offered at my school, but I’ve taken the regular courses of both. As for math/science extracurriculars, I am President of Science Club, VP of Math Club, captain of our school’s Science Bowl team, and have also done some tutoring–great activities that definitely show my interest, but like I mentioned earlier, nothing that’s really impressive or unique, which is where one of my greatest hesitations lies. I was counting on those scores to make me at least slightly competitive. I definitely will make sure that my writing shows my passion if I decide to go through with this.