<p>Plain and simple. What do u guys think is the most important thing Caltech will see? Along with good SAT scores for Caltech? Caltechs profile on Collegeboard lists under very important only course rigor. Everything else falls under important and considered</p>
<p>The most important thing they’ll see is your application as a whole.</p>
<p>Intel/Siemens science semifinalist</p>
<p>My kid got in and was not an Intel/Siemens science semifinalist.</p>
<p>Being a semifinalist may help but it is not required.</p>
<p>I’ve heard that expressing passion for science/engineering in essays is extremely important.</p>
<p>Get awards in math/science. Do research. Do all math and science stuff. Also have 2300+ on SAT (to be safe). Caltech does not do affirmative action, so our test score averages are like OP compared to other Ivy LEagues</p>
<p>We recently visited, and there is a diagram on a large whiteboard in admissions showing admissions priorities. High tests scores are expected, AP sciences and BC calc at a minimum, and passion for science is what they are looking for. The essays are important.</p>