<p>I'm a junior right now, and Caltech is definitely #1 on my list of prospective schools. I just want to ask what I can do to look good for Caltech while I still have time.</p>
<p>GPA: 3.6ish weighted, can't recall off the top of my head. I was brought down because I didn't do so hot over the last two years. I attribute it to personal psychological problems.</p>
<p>As for classes, I've taken all the most advanced math and science courses available to me, with the few notables listed below. No AP classes (not offered), <em>but</em> I'm taking several courses with the local community college:
Trigonometry: A
German I: A
Finite Mathematics: Not yet completed (probably B)
Calculus I: Not yet completed, most definitely A
General Physics I: Not yet completed, also definitely A
German III: Again, NYC, probably A</p>
<p>PSAT: 80M/73R/68W
SAT: Taking this weekend</p>
<p>As for extracurriculars, I wasn't really aware such things <em>existed</em> (math and science related, that is) until a little while ago, so I haven't participated in any national competitions. I am applying for a few summer programs this year (RSI, UD Making of a Scientist, some other stuff) and am currently awaiting to accepted/declined. At a local level there are no competitions, and I could start a math club, but I'd be the only member. On a tangential note, does being a Mensa member mean anything, or would it only make me look pretentious?</p>
<p>Yeah, so that's about it. Pretty abysmal, huh? What could I do during my senior year (short of praying for a miracle) to ensure my best possible chances at Caltech?</p>
<p>I have no idea what the olympiad schedules are... but if you can, get some tests down for those. If you're out of luck on that front, there's smaller competitions, I know there's topcoder for programming, I'm sure you can find something similar for what you're looking for. (Topcoder is mostly algorithm development anyways... so if you're looking for math stuff, that might be a lot of fun.)</p>
<p>Follow your interests, do some research, take some classes... whatever. Most of all, let your interests show as much as possible.</p>
<p>If you want to bother with AP, you can always self-study.</p>
<p>I'm still surprised Caltech doesn't have a space for GLAT scores on it's app... but it might give you a chance to distinguish yourself if you put a GLAT score down. :)</p>
<p>You're probably aware that your chances are slim, research is probably where you can likely shine the most.</p>
<p>(disclaimer: I'm just another random RD applicant expecting his rejection letter within the next month.)</p>
<p>What is GLAT? I googled it and got Google Labs Aptitude Test. Is that what you're talking about? Are you seriously suggesting I take it, or is that a joke?</p>
<p>Yes, the GLAT was a slight joke, but if someone in admissions laughs when they see it on your app it might help. <em>shrug</em> It certainly couldn't hurt, wouldn't take long and you might find it fun.</p>
<p>I thought your chances seemed slim based on the low GPA and the fact that there's not really anything that would set you apart from the other applicants. Good scores, not exceptional... good grades... not exceptional. Nothing else cited, 3.6 GPA? Didn't strike me as a likely app to be admitted. Which isn't to say it's impossible, just the information given points the other direction.</p>
<p>Remember... I'm not associated with Caltech in any way. I'm just an applicant and a lurker here, so my advice is about as good as a rusty bucket.</p>