<p>Would Caltech accept someone into their junior class after they spent three years at another institution (meaning they're willing to do 5 years undergrad and assuming they were qualified of course)?</p>
<p>Yes, I believe so. More common, though, are students who transfer after their second year and then spend three years at Caltech (for a total of 5).</p>
<p>You should also look into the 3/2 program if you're at an eligible institution:
<a href="http://admissions.caltech.edu/admissions/3-2%5B/url%5D">http://admissions.caltech.edu/admissions/3-2</a></p>
<p>Good point! Can't believe I forgot to mention that.</p>
<p>It mostly applies to liberal arts colleges. With any of these plans, remember that there's a good chance that you'll like the first (3) school enough that you never actually go to the 2 school--it involves leaving all your friends behind right before your senior year, and so on.</p>
<p>how many 3/2 kids are there at caltech?</p>
<p>It's a very small number. My class had 3, I believe.</p>
<p>Thanks, it's good to know at least that it's not impossible!</p>
<p>I have another question...this semester I have a choice between fixing my "C" in Intro Physics 1 (Not good - I'm a phys major! But I got an A in the second phys course) by taking it again, or take Ordinary differential equations, or nothing so I can better focus on my 4 toughest courses yet! </p>
<p>I'm at a nonprestigious school and want to transfer somewhere with the best possible educational opportunities (Caltech would of course be my dream school...)</p>
<p>I'd take ODE if you can handle it, or focus on your four tougher courses. An A in a class you retook is not going to look impressive, especially if it's an intro course. The best way to redeem that C will be to make good grades in higher level courses.</p>
<p>Thanks...I decided to sign up for ODEs :) It'll be a big load but I know I can handle it. Plus, a bigger course load will be good preparation</p>