What could Cal Tech offer that say Cal or UCLA or UCSD might not be able to offer for an undergradate majoring in biology? What kind of student would be best served in choosing Cal Tech for bio? Thank you.
Two words: interdisciplinary research. Also, at the UC’s you have to compete with many to get these opportunities, but at Caltech it’s just too easy to get into a lab.
Are you planning to go to grad school?
@firstsax I’m asking for S2. He doesn’t know if he wants grad school or med school. He’s empathetic and good with people. The one possible profession he’s mentioned is Psychologist. But it’s all pretty vague at this stage. He’s a top .1% scorer on the PSAT and straight A student (now five APs two languages) who really loved his high school AP bio class and wants to do more. I’ve had him read about various possible bio careers but that hasn’t really brought a more specific goal. My thought would be to head down the pre-med track and take a range of bio courses and see if anything else resonates like that first AP Bio or more. Cal Tech is a little frightening being known as a GPA killer and perhaps that would hamper med school aspiration. But point taken on the many interdisciplinary research opportunities. I’ll put it back on the list with that thought.
At Caltech students don’t have to declare a major until the third term of their freshman year. Before this time he will have taken freshmen core classes that will expose him to a wide range of science and math classes which can give him a better feel for where his interests are. Many freshmen take seminars to learn about different fields of research going on at Caltech, which may also pique his interests. Additionally, I believe there is great flexibility with your major in that you can “custom make” it to suit your interests. I think it would need to be discussed with his advisor. I would agree that it may be more difficult to get a very high GPA at Caltech, however, the many experiential learning opportunities and the ability to develop a long term working relationships with professors in labs may make up for the lower GPA (good recommendations). Also, grad and med schools are aware of caltech’s rigor.
Another thing that is unique about the Caltech experience is the opportunity to spend time with professors socially. My brother is a sophomore there, and I must admit I’m envious of his experiences. I’ll give you just a couple of examples. A professor of his invited him and a few students to lunch. The professor drove them in his new Tesla to an expensive restaurant and bought all of them lunch. Also, there is a director that lives across the street from campus in a very nice home that routinely has students over for social gatherings and watching football (all students are invited). Although none of this is necessary for a solid academic experience, you have to admit this is pretty cool. These things would NEVER happen at a UC.