This is my first post and I’ve been stressing out a lot recently. I am a Junior at a very competitive math and science high school (probably one of the best in the country!) and I have a 3.9 GPA. My two B+'s have been in Spanish and English, which are notoriously hard here. I think I can get recommendations from either teacher to verify that I am a strong student in their classes. I have won a $10,000 scholarship for original research, I do research with a professor (a fellow of the american mathematical society and very distinguished mathematician), and I have been invited to MIT to conduct research with professors there through one of their programs. I’ve also published two papers in mathematical journals and qualified for AIME (I haven’t done a lot of other math competitions). I am also president of my school’s mathematics honors club and am head of a club that organizes various math contests for younger students. On weekends I work in an outreach program that teaches underprivileged students math and science. I also write for my school’s newspaper and am a section editor. I have a 36 on the ACT and will take the SAT this next year. Stress about college is really killing me right now and I’d like to know what you guys think of my chances at Caltech. It’s been one of my dream schools ever since I can remember and I’d really love to get in!!!
I would like to major in mathematics or physics
I haven’t thought about SAT Subject tests a lot, but I would like to take Math II, Physics and Chemistry
I’m an Indian male too btw
I’d say you have a relatively good chance of getting into Caltech (25-35%+). You’ve shown your drive and aptitude for research (which I think is the most important thing Caltech looks for) and you have above average stats too.
@limoxe1424 No need to take the SAT. It is also changing early 2016 - why put yourself through unnecessary stress of preparing for it when you have a 36 ACT?
Well, you have to take Math II and a science…
If you can show them your potential through your research and other activities, I’d say you have some chance. But Caltech is extremely difficult to get in to.
Are you a US citizen? You have a good shot, but of course there are other good STEM schools – you shouldn’t hyper-focus on one school. Be prepared to apply to a range of schools where you could be happy. If possible visit and research them so you can put in a strong application. MIT and Harvey Mudd seem to be obvious additions to your list, but you should add a few lower ranked schools as well. Even perfect test X ores and strong grades don’t always translate into admissions.
I agree that you should not take the SAT. Focus on the SAT IIs.
Be sure to run the net price calculator for all the schools on your list to make sure they are affordable. You find them on each college financial aid page.
