Your Chances

Colleges and Universities A-Z California Institute of Technology
1

<p>So, what are you chances of getting into Caltech (or into any other school, for that matter)? Typically, you can assume it to be around 70%, if it is your top choice (at least that’s what all those Princeton Review books say). Beyond this, no one, and I mean it, NO ONE will be able to give you exact number.
Therefore, begging people to tell you your chances is a waste.</p>

<p>Now, you might also wonder what can you do to improve your application. By now, after reading several “chance me” threads, you should have a feeling whether you need to raise that Math IIC score of yours from 790 to 800 or not. As for the non-grade related part of you application, I have only one advice – change your attitude towards the college, and towards the college application process in general. Stop looking at it in terms of numbers (“Should I have 300 hours of community service or 3000?”, “Will I look bad to AdCom if I don’t take AP Statistics because it conflicted with Concert Band?”). Do what you like, do what you enjoy to do. Love the college you are applying to. Desire to go there! And then, your essays will come to live. Suddenly, you are not just another name with within-the-range credentials to the Admission Committee, but a human being, a human being that has emotions, that has hobbies and interests, that has things that he/she dislikes. From this perspective, colleges can eye you better. Sure, they might not like what they see, and you won’t get accepted, but think about it, had they admitted you knowing (from your essays) your personality does not fit the school, you would not be happy there anyways!
See, it is very hard to fake passion (that is why SAT essays are so boring and dull). You might need a BS in BS’ing to pull that off and admission people know it very well. Thus, it is in your best interests to be as honest and determined to get into the school as possible. And the rest will come.</p>

<p>So, all in all, what can you do to improve your application? Don’t lie to your heart and don’t lie to your college, and I promise, if you are a true fit in terms of personality and intellect, they will take you, even if your SAT CR starts with a 5.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

2

<p>He-he, just felt I should put this down while I had a fit of inspiration =)</p>

3

<p>Hear, Hear!
I totally second you!
I was accepted and waitlisted at 2 super reach schools that I genuinely cared about even though my stats implied otherwise.
Things will fall into place if you do what you love. Things will be a lot more fun and relaxed. It's easier to commit to things that you love and it'll show. Admission officers CAN read through resume padding... don't build your application for college. Do it for yourself. </p>

<p>Also, don't think too much about prestige. Caltech is super prestigious but it obviously doesn't fit a lot of people. Research!</p>

<p>And spazzing does not help you get in.</p>

4

<p>haha diana!
i agree too though
i think its same for a lot of things
like in robotics this year. i did what i should have done for the club, and end up getting president even thought at the beginning of the year i thought the most i can get was a VP.</p>

<p>just do what you should be doing instead of just worrying about numbers</p>