LHC

For most houses, a freshman can apply for social membership as early as first term. I haven't heard of anyone becoming a full member of a new house until third term, and since most people in the houses stay in their room assignments for the whole year, a new member could not apply to live in the house until the following school year.

IMSAgeek

@kamikazewave
Well, yes, some people will never be happy in a particular house for whatever reason. But since I don't know dancer_skater's son, I don't know if he is one of these people or if he is simply upset about being placed in one of his low choices (which is understandable).

dancer_skater

Thank you to LHC, you answered my question clearly. Also thanks to everyone who provided suggestions and useful information. You guys are so nice. One thing for sure, my son is very happy at Caltech so far, except the house assignment. We hope that something will work out next year.

lizzardfire

If it helps, I ended up in my fourth choice house and I couldn't be happier. (I'm a senior now)

LHC

Correction...we've had frosh join as new full members during second term. I don't think there are usually any actual restrictions; rather, the limiting factor is how quickly a frosh can become acquainted well enough with members of a house to have a good shot at being voted a full member.

FantomBassoon

I know that when I first got here I fell in love with one house and was DEVASTATED when I didn't get into that house after rotation. Now I'm so happy that I'm in the house I'm in; for that matter, I can't actually imagine myself in my first choice house anymore.