Well-rounded vs Specialized

Colleges and Universities A-Z California Institute of Technology
1

<p>So I understand that Caltech is trying to shake off the image of being a nerdyish engineering school and such, but do you guys think (or know) that Caltech prefers well-rounded and slightly above in STEM subjects or "meh" at everything except bombdiggity at STEM subjects?</p>

2

<p>I also have this question in mind. Thanks for posting it. :)</p>

3

<p>My S (admitted for class of 2016) was both… he showed outstanding strengths in STEM, but also proved that he was diverse (and strong) in his interests/education.</p>

<p>Caltech wants the best, probably in whatever package they come in. </p>

<p>I believe that essays and recommendations are where decisions are made amongst otherwise strong applicants.</p>

4

<p>@crazymomster, can I please ask you to chance me on my thread specifically for CalTech and others too?</p>

<p>Chance me for Caltech, MIT, and all the Ivy Leagues!
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showpost.php?p=16423156[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showpost.php?p=16423156&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Also, I have sent you a private message. :)</p>

5

<p>The admissions person asked my son why Caltech, with his super Verbal scores and national writing awards. “Someone has to write the grants.” This was 9 years ago, so they looked for differences back then</p>

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<p>@caltechjpl - your inbox is full so i cannot reply to your PM</p>

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<p>Can you please email me?
I wrote down my email in the message.</p>

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<p>^ your email addy came through as all *****… you have to write it out as @ xyz . com</p>

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<p>G
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Did you get my username?</p>

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<p>Wellroundedness isn’t really a beneficial nor a detrimental trait here. If you happen to be a strong writer/reader, that is good, ceteris paribus, but there’s no reason for admissions to lower standards or even prefer someone more well-rounded because in the end if you aren’t extremely focused and talented in math and science, you will be miserable.</p>

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<p>Can a moderator please edit my post where I ask to chance back??
I think that it is against the terms… Sorry :-(</p>

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<p>To be completely honest, I wouldn’t call Caltech a nerdyish engineering school. The school looks deceivingly nerdyish but I was walking around on campus when I overheard that someone was majoring in the humanities. I nearly had a heart attack. It’s honestly your choice whether or not you would like to dilute the true nerdiness of the institution by calling Caltech nerdyish but I would not suggest it.</p>