what are my chances?

<p>I qualified for USAMO. SAT is 800 on math, 600 on verbal. 640 on writing. SAT2 physics: 800, math2c: 800, chemistry: 800</p>

<p>I got some state and regional recognition for math and physics. Captain of math team.</p>

<p>Strong recommendation from math and science courses.</p>

<p>Grades are my weakness. I was never a straight A student. Not that I don't have the brain to get good grades, but I just never was that dedicated to grades. For all those times I could've spent doing pointless busywork (for good grades) that wouldn't help me learn anything, I'd rather spend it solving physics and math problems or tinkered with some inventions. That's why my grades are less than stellar. My grades are like mostly As junior year and a few Bs. Sophomore year it was like half As and half Bs. But the real killer is my freshman year, in which I got 3 Cs! due to immaturity</p>

<p>But my grades DO show steady improvements. And I'm highly practical person.</p>

<p>So how hard does Caltech looks at grades? Thanks</p>

<p>I think the steady improvement should look very solid, especially if your recommendations also note your improvement and current maturity.</p>

<p>Also, I'd try to bring up those verbal and writing SATs. If your grades aren't perfect (and of course not everyone's are--mine weren't), it can't hurt to study up and shine a bit on the standardized tests, particularly since your lower grades were probably in verbal/writing type classes. You have plenty of time to retake, so I don't see much downside.</p>

<p>I heard grade is just for college to know you can do well at their school, and not drop out. </p>

<p>Shouldn't a school like Caltech put more emphasis on passion rather than nitpick about grades? </p>

<p>I mean, a candidate with 3.5 GPA but with great passion and extracurricular achievement should have a better chance than someone with 4.0 but very so so extracurriculars I would think.</p>

<p>Right?</p>

<p>Not a very good comparison. Caltech prefers the students with 4.0s and great passion/extracurricular achievement... and there are plenty of them.</p>