Should I even consider Caltech as a possible college to apply to?

<p>I just looked at the Caltech supplement, and honestly, I feel like I can barely fill out the form. I have a special activity related to computers and I am a computer programmer, but other than that, I don't exactly have any "math or science" activities, nor do I have past research positions or science projects.</p>

<p>The only thing that would stick out for me based on Caltech's factors (from what I know) are my high stats in grades (perfect GPA with perfect AP scores in sciences, computer science, math) and test scores (perfect scores in 3 subject tests related to math/science, high SAT score) and my computer-related activities (includes a volunteer and extracurricular, as well as personal computer programming). But everyone seems to have the same academic stats that I do, so...</p>

<p>I wanted CC opinions on whether or not I should even apply. Money is hard for my family to come by, so if I can save the money from applications, I would.</p>

<p>You absolutely have a chance. Let your drive for programming show in your essays, discuss some off-the-wall programs you’ve done or have planned, and show your interest in furthering the field of computer science. Grades and scores only get you so far, showing drive and innovation take you farther!</p>

<p>I assume the two threads I recommend everyone read, if not follow this link which will show you the two threads.</p>

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/california-institute-technology/1182824-suugest-reading-two-threads-before-you-post-chance-me-caltech-type-request.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/california-institute-technology/1182824-suugest-reading-two-threads-before-you-post-chance-me-caltech-type-request.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>I think the question you are asking is “I may not have much to show in the form of math and science activities such as reserach project etc., so should I even apply?”</p>

<p>Passion can be shown in many ways. You may not have the had the opportunity for summer reserach as you may have to earn during the summer. Your school may not have many clubs etc. If you had the opportunity and did not take them, it is going to be difficult but not impossible to show your passion for math and science in say your essay. If you did not have the opportunities, you need to show what you made of the little opportunities you had. </p>

<p>So you would have to decide for your self if you can make a case for your lack of actual activities. There are students who do not have the math and science credentials yet get into Caltech. They are to able to convey their passion in a different way. May be an essay on how their music activities gives them an insight into scientific method etc. Your creativity is the key. Computer programming would be a great example. For example, "I was interested in computers and taught myself programming in C++ "</p>

<p>Again, if you have high financial needs, you need to have a set schools based on reach, match and financial safety. You need to look at it holistically and for example if you have limited money, you might not want to do both MIT and Caltech, instead chose one. I am suggesting options, not telling you what to do. Look at all the colleges on your list and then come up with a set of choices.</p>

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Thanks. I’ll take that into consideration.</p>

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Thanks, I did read those threads before posting the thread. That’s why I’m unsure - because of the heavy emphasis on “competitions” and perhaps even research, even though it’s listed as optional.</p>

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That’s definitely what my question is.</p>

<p>The opportunities that I do have include a math team at school, but other than that, it would have to be science fairs (Intel, etc). I am not too keen on competing in those types of competitions - I really prefer to explore the computer science field (there’s a specific computer-related field that I’ve heavily invested time in) on my own and play around with things. </p>

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While I am lacking in actual activities, I did self-teach myself in numerous languages (Python, C++, Java, web languages like HTML/PHP/CSS, etc). I just feel that a near empty sheet of the supplementary form makes me feel incompetent and really makes me feel disappointed about my chances for Caltech.</p>

<p>I do plan on applying to MIT for sure, but I was hoping to open up Caltech as an option too. Given the information I’ve mentioned, do you think it would be strategic to apply EA or RD? I know schools claim that there is no strategic advantage, but I’d still like some input on it.</p>

<p>Thanks for the insightful responses!</p>

<p>Again, you need to take stock of your situation holistically. If you have limited ability to pay for application fees, you need to make hard decisions. How many schools can you afford? If you apply EA and then get put on the wait list, what are your next steps. Think of a strategy, I will apply MIT EA and then if I get to MIT, I will not apply to Caltech, but if I don’t I will apply to Caltech. Or may be the opposite way.</p>

<p>In other words, if you have a money constraint, think how you want to spend the money on applying.</p>

<p>What if the application fee wasn’t an issue?</p>

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<p>I do normally chance people as I really have no idea. You need to have about 5-7 schools at the minimum or 12-15 schools at the maximum and money could be a criteria. You have to remember Caltech is very competitive as is MIT and more than 4 out of 5 get rejected. So it is a reach for everyone. Normally you should not have more than 2-6 reaches and you should have a mix of good fits and safeties (including financial safety). So if you have 7 reach schools in your list Caltech may not make sense. If you have only MIT as a reach school, then Caltech may make sense. You have to look at your entire list,</p>

<p>I am looking for schools strong in CS, and many people on CC have helped me put together this list:

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<p>What is your opinion and recommendations on this? Also, I’ve talked to my dad recently about applying to schools, and he asked me how many I wanted to apply to. I said somewhere between 10-15 schools, and he seemed surprised. He said he would be content with me applying up to twenty schools if I wanted to, just to be on the safe side. He doesn’t want me to end up with having no college to go to - of course, this might be a bit overkill.</p>

<p>Be SURE to apply EARLY to USC[ no later than the Dec 1 deadline for your complete application].That way you will qualify to be considered for at least a 1/2 to full tuition scholarship. Are your PSAT scores above the cutoff number for your state? If so, and if you are accepted at USC, and let the NMSF know by the middle of May that USC is your first choice, you WILL automatically receive a 1/2 tuition scholarship for 4 years. You may end up with the full tuition scholarship, if your interviews go well. There are a LOT of really smart CS and Engineering students at USC, many on scholarships.</p>

<p>You have 8 reaches here and does not seem enough financial safeties. Are you from California? I would consider Cal State SLO also.</p>

<p>Again, how may schools do you want to apply to? 16?</p>

<p>First decide how many schools you want to apply and then prune the list. </p>

<p>Please understand that most students at Caltech have similar stats (Valedictorians, high SAT, good AP scores etc.), so choose carefully.</p>

<p>Thanks for all the responses guys. It’s a lot less convoluted than the thread I made in the College Search section…</p>

<p>@menloparkmom
My PSAT scores are in the 230’s as well. Thanks for the tip!</p>

<p>@mazewanderer
I am from CA. I’ll look into Cal State SLO! I don’t really mind the number of schools I apply to - mostly, it’s up to my parents and how much they can/will dish out to help me with the fees. My dad said he thinks it’s safer to have 20 despite my initial number of around 10-15, so I still have space to find schools. It’s just that I don’t know what schools would be a good fit for me. I don’t have any preferences other than a strong CS program with financial aid.</p>

<p>I understand that aspect of Caltech admissions, so I wanted to ask your opinion on it.</p>

<p>EDIT: I should also add that I do like the idea of out-of-state schools, although I will still apply to California schools.</p>

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<p>I am confused. Is money tight or not tight? Remember for each application, in addition to application fees, you need to also consider</p>

<p>[ol]
[<em>] Supplement fees
[</em>] Additional SAT score transmission fees
[<em>] Additional AP score transmission fees
[</em>]Additional transcript and other fees
[<em>] More work for your GC and teachers who give recommendations
[</em>] More work for you to keep track of the applications
[/ol]</p>

<p>It could easily cost $100 per college. I would not recommend 20 applications, I would try and keep it from 10-12.</p>

<p>Again, I am not going to tell you to apply or not apply. Just note that you do not have strong EC’s in science and math and everything depends your ability to convince the committee that you are passionate about math and science. Yes, you have some computer skills but I am sure there are others who have that to.</p>

<p>You do appear to be competitive but there are many other students who are also competitive. The last thing you should do is put all or most of your eggs in the selective institution category and then find you do not have the choices you want. Caltech is a little different from other institutions as one pf the posting states. </p>

<p>So you need to assess your chances yourself, no one else can do it for you, especially on an internet discussion board.</p>

<p>I thought the exact same thing OP, and almost didn’t apply. I ended up going with (for my 3 things): computer animation (with a lil programming), an internship I did for the summer before Junior year, and an engineering survey course I did the summer before senior year. Not exactly primo math/science competitions or clubs. :P</p>

<p>But…I got in. So, if you want to go to Caltech, go for it.</p>

<p>You’ve got the test scores, just let your love for programming/math/science rock out the essays. :)</p>

<p>Thanks for all the responses. I think I will consider applying to Caltech then, hopefully with a powerful essay to swing admissions in favor of me.</p>

<p>Money
My son found application fee savings in doing EA. If you apply to both MIT and Caltech EA and get into one of them, you don’t need to send anything else RD. He had a list of about 12 schools he was GOING to apply to, but he had a great EA and Rolling acceptance rate, so just didn’t bother applying to 4 schools (at least) in December. </p>

<p>NOTE: This is only for saving money, NOT for saving time. You still need to get the applications ready, because you don’t want to be starting new ones after being rejected from your two favorites. If you ARE rejected or deferred from both EA, it’s a signal to improve your app or get a few slightly lower schools. Also, rolling admission schools (I think) have the best acceptance rates for the earliest students, so you want to make sure you do all the rolling schools ASAP.</p>

<p>Also, aren’t there application fee waivers available? Can you talk to your HS counselor and find out more about those?</p>

<p>I am in the same boat . I do a lot of programming (Java, C++, Action Script 2.0, HTML, CSS , PHP, Visual Basic, AJAX etc…) Made several programs for my school that are in use today</p>

<p>Got decent scores on my SAT (If you classify a 2350 as decent) and perfect scores on my Math II, Math I and Physics Subject Tests A good enough GPA </p>

<p>Finance wise I can only pay 2 years of Caltech</p>

<p>I do a lot of programming (Java, C++, Action Script 2.0, HTML, CSS , PHP, Visual Basic, AJAX etc…) Made several programs for my school that are in use today</p>

<p>Got decent scores on my SAT (If you classify a 2350 as decent) and perfect scores on my Math II, Math I and Physics Subject Tests A good enough GPA </p>

<p>Finance wise I can only pay 2 years of Caltech</p>

<p>Apply. Caltech has excellent financial aid. If you truly have demonstrated need, Caltech will meet that need, usually without loans. The only way to know if you can afford it is to apply, get accepted and look at the financial aid award. The same holds true with any college you are interested in, especially private schools who often have more generous financial aid.</p>

<p>According to another post, jater12 is an international applicant. Caltech is need aware for international applicants and hence he/she needs to understand that inability to pay may have an impact on admissions. </p>

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<p>ROFLOL, such statements amuse me.</p>

<p>Sorry I didn’t notice that jater12 was an international applicant. What I said is true, however, for U.S. applicants.</p>