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Author: |
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Anonymous |
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Date: |
March 15, 2007 |
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I really enjoyed my time at Caltech, but it's not for everyone. It requires a LOT of science and math, in multiple subjects, so you really need to be passionate about science (and not just one science) and willing to work hard. The broad background in math, physics, and chemistry, with a bit of biology and science writing thrown in does make for a great basis for doing science, though.
Another thing to be aware of is that it is a small school - less than 1000 undergraduates. On the plus side, this means lots of opportunities to play sports, sing a in a choir, get a place doing research in a lab, etc. It also means that the students are relatively close-knit. On the other hand, there aren't the shear numbers of clubs, people, etc. that there are a larger college.
Overall, if you enjoy math and science and are pretty sure that's what you want to study in college, I'd definitely recommend looking into Caltech. |
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Author: |
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Anonymous |
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Date: |
February 10, 2007 |
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Caltech is rightly regarded as a rigorous education in science and engineering, and if your interests lie elsewhere, don't apply. It's also very small compared to similar institutions (only around 1000 undergrads), which has its good and bad points. The good - you'll get a chance to know a large fraction of other students and professors; the bad - your choice of classes and majors is limited compared to larger colleges. Opportunities for research are common, especially in higher grades and for "SURF" projects done during the summer. Core classes - centered in math, chemistry, and physics - extend through freshman and sophomore years, and the first two quarters of freshman year are graded pass/fail, easing the introduction into the Caltech system.
One very large component of the Caltech undergraduate culture is the House System. Undergrads are split up between 8 different houses, each of which has its own culture, traditions, and lifestyle. The houses really do constitute a house, and the upperclassmen and others in it are who you'll likely spend most of your social time with.
A few notes:
-Caltech has a low acceptance percentage, though since many who are accepted choose other schools, the waitlist can be generous. Don't count on grades or scores alone to get you in.
-Don't attend unless you're serious about your interests. Period.
-Caltech does have a low 4-year graduation rate and low GPA's; it's not uncommon for students to delay graduation by a year or more or even take a leave of absence entirely. |
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Author: |
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Anonymous |
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Date: |
February 05, 2007 |
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Caltech's a pretty difficult school, and you shouldn't even pay the application fee unless you want to spend the next 4 years up to your ears in science, and not just the science in your major, but two years of school-wide core curriculum. The graduation rate isn't high, and neither is the average grade rewarded. It's possible to go to this albeit excellent school and have it look bad on job/grad school apps. On the other hand, you will learn a tremendous amount.
Socially, I found the House (think Harry Potter) system to be friendly and supportive, and, for the most part, admin's position is that we the students are under a lot of pressure, so many real-world tasks are made easy for us. They're also very understanding about personal situations, offering free counseling, etc. It's not a competitive place (between students, anyway). Collaboration is the norm, and the robust Honor System means that 90% of exams are take-home. Don't let this fool you into thinking it's easy. You will work. You will work hard and you will get poor grades, and you will at all times be held to a higher standard than you can achieve. It's good for you. But it hurts.
Like all top-tier schools, it's expensive, but the finaid is very good if you can't pay. (But if you can pay, oh, you will...) On the other hand, you can get a job that is high-paying (research or TA) or easy (library minder) without much effort.
You're also likely to be on a first-name basis with people you can read about in major newspapers regularly. For example, I work for Mike "Pluto is not a planet" Brown.
My experience here has been tremendous. I've loved it at times and I've wanted to jump off buildings at other times. I wouldn't have it any other way. But you might. Keep that in mind. |
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Author: |
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Anonymous |
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Date: |
January 23, 2007 |
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Consider carefully, because that old saying of "Study, Sleep, Fun: choose 2" is absolutely true. I do highly recommend Caltch, and I would do it again in a heartbeat if given the chance. The campus is beautiful and the House System works well for most students. But you will find the first year difficult if you did not take AP Calculus, Physics, and Chemistry in high school, and if you have no backround in any kind of computer programming. However, if they accept you, you CAN do it. |
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