Unknown
Aerospace Engineering
It is a school for complete idiots!
Biology
The movie Real Genius gives a quirky, gestalt feel of the place in the 70s-80s (watch it if you are thinking about tech) and is many shades from the current truth. The old adage of be careful what you ask for definitely applies.
Computer Science
Physics
I got bloody good SAT scores, high grades in HS, and did 'research' at some summer programs in other universities. If someone wants to go to the Institute (for whatever reason) they should either cheat in hs and on the sat (if they aren't bright enough to do very well--i wouldn't reccommend this, because they will fail out of caltech) or be very intelligent. Also extracurricular interest in sci/math must be demonstrated.
| Physics
Demonstrate genuine academic passion for math and all sciences. Back up your passion with mental toughness stringed along with beads of creative liveliness.
Undecided
I don't really know why I got in. I did really well in school and on tests, and I did a really fascinating essay and "Put something interesting here" page.
Individuality counts; I think Caltech actually discriminates against students who have come down the "good student" conveyor belt.
Undecided
I'm not sure how I got in, to be honest. I got a 3.7 in high school; that's the lowest of anyone I know at Caltech. I got 1460 SAT's, which is also the lowest of anyone I know at Caltech. What I did do was have a real passion for math and science. I'd done a few modest research experiments, and wrote my essays with an open heart. I really wanted to get in, and I showed it. I went to a challenging high school and tried to do stuff I liked regardless of how hard it was, went to classes at a college nearby, etc. Just a pure heart devoted to math/science got me in, and I don't regret a minute of it =).
Engineering Department
You don't have to be "super-smart" to get into Caltech. A pretty decent HS student ( 1400 SAT, A average ) will get you in no problem, especially if you are an underrepresented group. If you are female and are accepted, expect some nice financial perks in your tuition package, because they're trying pretty hard to even out the ratio. Ditto goes for Hispanic and African-Americans (us Asians will get nothing because there's "too many" of us here already).
One thing that you will have to stress in your application is your uniqueness and dedication to science. If you don't have the grades to make it in, then stress how you did an interesting experiment in high school, or how you pilot airplanes as a hobby, etc. The admissions committee loves creativity.
Engineering Department
Work hard. Good SATs and high GPA are a must. Do some research or science projects or something. Do a few, like 3-4, extracurriculars, and do them well. Very well.
And write good, fun, interesting essays.
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