<p>For the "extra" research paper that is optional, is it better to be more mathematical or more intent on reaching the general public? </p>
<p>I'm having trouble making a topology application sound understandable to those who don't understand the immediate mathematical jargon.</p>
<p>I have heard that they give the research paper stuff to people who understand each respective topic and are thus best able to judge how much of an impact it should have on your application. But I've only heard this. There are faculty on the admissions staff, at any rate.</p>
<p>If it is necessary they will find someone in the field to evaluate your paper. I don't think they expect it to be written solely for admissions, at any rate, in which case it wouldn't be surprising if it wasn't written for a general audience.</p>
<p>They will find someone that knows what you're talking about, which probably won't be too hard at Caltech.</p>
<p>^Unless the person that wrote the paper doesn't know what they're talking about.</p>