<p>Are you allowed to submit supplemental materials (such as research, ideas, designs, etc...) to Caltech? If so, do they need to be postmarked by Jan 1? Also, how should they be labeled? Thank you for your help.</p>
<p>Yeah you can submit supplemental material... I don't know if they have to be postmarked by Jan 1 or if there needs to be labels, but I'm sure Caltech won't be extremely picky if supplemental stuff isn't in by the deadline. And as long as you have identifying information on your material and they can find out who you are, you should be ok. But ask someone else to make sure. =)</p>
<p>icymoon is right. Deadlines aren't THE MOST IMPORTANT thing in the world, but try to stick close, and get the main app in on time.</p>
<p>A question I have for Caltech is that I have my own idea (call it a "theory" if you wish) of the structure of atomic nuclei. It is fairly conceptual, with Calculus 2 being the best math to back it up (I thought of it last year, and completed the idea after taking AP Physics C). I was wondering if it was worth submitting, and wheter it will help me more that it will hurt me (i.e. Nobel Laureates in Physics having a good laugh).</p>
<p>Well, you should realize it's not out-of-the-ballpark unlikely that a Nobel lauerate in physics will <em>read</em> this, so think about how original and worthwhile it is. They don't expect something publishable, but it's also not great to appear naive. Make sure to point out that it is not what you would really consider a "theory" per se, just some ideas you've had. If it shows creativity and intellect, it will make a positive impact.</p>
<p>Should I send in my whole research paper (mine is 17 pages long) or should I send in my 1-page abstract? I think sending the paper would be too long but then the abstract is so short that it doesnt' include the protocol that I designed or the data and graphs. I don't know. what should I do?</p>
<p>For me, I just sent in my whole research paper... but hmm yours IS kind of long compared to mine.</p>
<p>Send the paper!</p>
<p>Ah thanks Ben! I just came back from sending it! Now I feel A LOT better. Less worrying! I hope you all have a happy new year!!</p>
<p>Send the paper by all means! Papers are much better than abstracts. </p>
<p>And, if you have a great idea about something that you should have sent in, but missed the deadline, Send It!!!</p>
<p>I sent in my whole application late (misjudged when things would be open, had to get something else in, basically everything was a disaster), and I've been a student here for a while. Not that you should follow my lead, but do understand that deadlines aren't hard and fast. I've heard rumors that they accept most things that come within a week or so. </p>
<p>Theories could be good or bad. If I saw something that I could easily debunk (bearing in mind that I am an economist, but have gone through the core and done decently well), I would be very unimpressed. If, on the other hand, it was interesting and made me think, that would be a big plus. This is one of those "make us interested to meet you" sort of things. If you're someone pompous who thinks they're "all that"... do I really want to meet you? Nah. If you're someone that has an interesting idea that I find stimulating do I want to meet you? Yes!</p>
<p>g</p>