<p>High school:
IB total - 35 points
math HL 6
physics HL 7
chemistry HL 5
economics SL 5
english A1 SL 4
thai B SL 7
extended essay - B
TOK - D
bonus points = 1</p>
<p>Tests:
Sat 1: math 800, verbal 550, writing 650
Sat 2: math 2c 800, physics 800, chemistry 760
TOEFL: 267 out of 300</p>
<p>College grades:
University of Melbourne
GPA (out of 100) ~ 87
major: electrical engineering/physics
Dean's list
Rank in top 10 in both engineering and science faculty.</p>
<p>Reason for transfer: I want Caltech!!!</p>
<p>Caltech has been my no.1 choice for a long time now. I applied during freshman admission, but got rejected. Should I consider transferring to Caltech, or should I just wait apply there for my master's degree (graduate studies) ? Would graduate admission be easier than transfer admission?</p>
<p>Graduate admission would be much more manageable, I think... what year are you currently? Sophomore? You should think about whether switching schools midstream is really that great. Still, with top 10 rankings at a good university you stand a decent chance even at transfer, so if you really want it, apply. Nothing to lose except the time and application fee.</p>
<p>I am in freshman year, but if you think that graduate admission will be less competitive, maybe I will wait until then. The reason I want to move is because I feel that the courses at my university doesnt challenge me enough, even when taking advanced level subjects.</p>
<p>Forgive me being blunt, doesnt challenge me enough is a damn stupid reason, period. It simply reflects your ignorance, not competence. Conceal it until it vanishes upon your maturity or mentality change, whichever comes first. I want Caltech!!! sucks too, but not as disgusting. Ben wouldnt tell you this because he is always being polite. Be specific about what Caltech intrigues you. Find out the research activities here to show your sincerity. Downplaying no one, Caltech will not be flattered. Good luck.</p>
<p>So you want him to lie and say that the research stuff here intrigues him? Maybe he doesn't have "good" reasons for trying to transfer, but those are his reasons.</p>
<p>IMO, challenging currciculum, the peers, and the reasearch are three great reasons for Caltech. I don't think he's wierd at all to wnat to go to be challenged.</p>
<p>" Forgive me being blunt, “doesn’t challenge me enough” is a damn stupid reason, period. It simply reflects your ignorance, not competence. Conceal it until it vanishes upon your maturity or mentality change, whichever comes first. “I want Caltech!!!” sucks too, but not as disgusting. Ben wouldn’t tell you this because he is always being polite. Be specific about what Caltech intrigues you. Find out the research activities here to show your sincerity. Downplaying no one, Caltech will not be flattered. Good luck. "</p>
<p>Caltech really is my first choice, because of its challenging curriculum. I am not the typical "prestige freak" you often encounter on CC. Even if I was admitted to Harvard I would still choose Caltech over it (Harvard is more prestigious than Caltech right?). I feel that Caltech is the place where I belong, since I have a strong passion for Physics/Math.</p>
<p>At my university, they curriculum simply isnt challenging. It tests students on how to apply formulas that were taught, but not to think in their own way (which I believe Caltech does). I dont ever remember formulas, and end up having to derive them all over again in the exam. I am sure alot of people might disagree with me, but this is just my thought.</p>
<p>Also, I'd just like to ask you Techers about job opportunity in the field of theoretical physics. I am considering switching from engineering/physics to theoretical physics, but from what I've heard, engineering has a far better job opportunity.</p>
<p>Not being challenged enough at your current school is a perfectly good reason to want to come to Caltech. Don't pay attention to the player haters.</p>
<p>anonamous, my apology for getting you caught in crossfire. The next load of ammunition would likely be betrayer, deserter, rebel and insurgent etc. No doubt those guys love their school, so do I! The ache is some of them have reached the phase of infatuation. Stunned and sadden being purged for dissenting. The point I wanted to illustrate was, unless you have a very specific need or interest, it is all within you, not the outside setting, which would play the major role in molding your mind, rigging you out for graduate school. Try some infinite regression of cause and effect, every thing will turn challenging. Make Melbourne proud of you. Isnt that a challenge as big as you wish to have? Regarding prestigiousness, Ben is the second-to-none expert to update you. Your mention of passion for Physics/Math reminds me of Yersinia pestis, contagious and lethal. The founding fathers of the institute never referenced to passion of any sort while they stressed on creativity and need in the institutes mission. Hardly surprising if you have contracted such rhetoric from CC Caltech. Like it or not, the hype of give them what you are, not what they want seems enduring. Stroll outside and youll see no Shangri-La. Bottom line: If what you are is what they want, give them what you are, otherwise give them what they want. Your call! Lowering expectation could be a form of condescension and deluding could be hurtful too. Peddling applying through Nothing to lose may have sounded perfectly guiltless. Dont underestimate the unduly spawned resentment, which our future alma mater may find hard to bear. Once again, good luck.</p>
<p>Would be grateful if Ben can define player haters.</p>