<p>I am a junior in high school applying this year to CalTech. I feel that it would be an environment I would enjoy, and I have exhausted my high school curriculum, so I wish to leave high school early. My scores and the classes aren't too exciting, as my school doesn't offer much to love. Only a handful (like 6 or 7) kids pass their IB/AP Science tests which is depressing as there isn't much of a standard in my school. An example of the poor educational standards in my area is that I was the first math olympiad qualifier in a 50 mile radius. None of my teachers could help me achieve this; I was forced to just self-study. I am into mathematics though, so it wasn't too difficult. In a year, I went from an AIME avg of about 2 or 3 to 12+. Though, I ended up scoring a low 8 on the actual test due to some careless mistakes. -.-</p>
<p>Anyways, scores and such:
SAT: not sure exactly, but should be about 2100+: 800 M, 650+ CR, 650+ Wr
SAT II: 800 Math II, took a practice physics test w/o studying today, scored a 720, once I learn heat, waves, and optics, this should easily be 750+</p>
<p>Courses taken: I took university courses in Computer Science and Statistics, received As.
I have taken Physics IB SL, since we do not have HL. I am taking it again this year just to build my base more. I couldn't fit IB Chemistry SL in my schedule this year, though I goto school early and work with my chem teacher 45 minutes a day, so I am sure I am learning it and more. As for math, I am in Calc SL currently, but I have alternate assignments to do in there. I took Calc on AOPS last year, and I have knowledge of abstract algebra and number theory to a level beyond the olympiad.</p>
<p>ECs:
first USA(J)MO qualifier in my area (I did JMO)
AIME score 8
CS Team captain and coach
math and science team
Key Club President
Class President
Stuco Parliamentarian
Newspaper Chief Editor
Assistant Teacher at MetroplexMathCircle in Dallas (I drive 100 miles to get there)</p>
<p>So, yeah, do you guys think I stand a chance for admission this year?</p>
<p>I’d say you have a great chance seeing your passion in math. Apply this year, but I would also suggest you try to find some math-related research during the school year (which shouldn’t be hard given your credentials, and your willingness to drive 100 miles). As far as admissions go at Caltech, novel research beats teaching by a long shot, and is certainly a good replacement for your current position in Dallas if you feel you cannot fit both in. If you’re not admitted this year, but can do decent research, get a spectacular reference from a highly educated mathematician, or publish a paper, then you’ll have an excellent shot senior year. Just try to keep your schedule vigorous by trying out online or CC classes. Good luck!</p>
<p>What seadog said. Also, be sure to take the complaints out of your essays and instead turn them into what you’ve accomplished / how you’ve grown.</p>
<p>I’ve made my essay basically talking about how I’ve drained every resource available to me and milked on them.
Also, do AOPS classes count as rigorous, as that along with AMY is what a lot my time is spent on?</p>
<p>CalTech is a school that allows 14 year old’s to join and does not require HS graduation to offer admission, but those are really exceptional cases. My suggestion is you talk to the CalTech admissions counselor for your area before you apply. Remember, applications are due by Jan 1st and you have about 3 months to improve your credentials and you need to improve them. Your SAT scores are on the low side. And make no mistake, they will compare you with all other applicants and not cut you slack as you are a junior. The students who were admitted to CalTEch and were not HS seniors are exceptional and have a great track record. The fairly recent benchmark is Chris Hirata who joined as 14 year old and broke GPA records.</p>
<p>May be you should stay on in HS but take college classes or community college classes in your senior year, rather than apply early.</p>
<p>There’s no hurt to applying early. Even if you’re not admitted, you can apply again senior year, and at that time you will have improved credentials. However, you might also want to make sure you are prepared for the coursework if you do happen to attend next year.</p>
<p>I think there is an cost to applying: time, money and emotional cost. I think OP should take that into consideration. It is not like I apply now and next year they will take that into account and give me some extra points. In fact if anything it might weigh against you.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t say your SAT was particularly strong for Caltech…</p>
<p>Anyways I just wanted to note that I graduated a year early myself and I sadly didn’t get into Caltech :\ As long as you can really demonstrate your passion for math/science and show off your math extracurriculars then I think you would have a shot. I had a 35 ACT, 800x2 SAT IIs, but no extracurriculars >.<</p>