Visit Report by dianal (Member since November 20 2006 with 155 posts) Visit Date - April 2007
Visit to California Institute of Technology in April 2007 by dianal (Student, HS Class of 2007)
Visit Activities:
Information Session:
No - I already had met the admission officer giving the info session but I found that she did a good job conveying the true atmosphere of caltech. Campus Tour:
No - Our tour guide was highly amusing and readily answered all questions while including anecdotes of how certain aspects of the school affected his college experience. Classroom Visit:
Yes - I specifically visited Prof Politzer's (Nobel Laureate!) lecture. It was so exciting as he inserted pertinent jokes and demonstrations. (Though admittedly, I didn't understand much.)
California Institute of Technology Campus:
Friendliness/Courtesy of Students: 5 - Excellent -
I have a test where I hold out a map and look lost to see how many students offered help. I had around 3-4 people stop and ask if I needed any assistance and some were willing walk me to the places.
Friendliness/Courtesy of Staff: 5 - Excellent -
Admittedly, I had already exchanged 7 e-mails with the staff before my visit. But they were willing to talk to me when I dropped in however, I've heard from other applicants that they don't
Appearance of Campus: 5 - Excellent -
It's such a beautiful school nestled in the heart of upscale Pasadena. Really gorgeous landscaping. Just renovated South houses as well.
Building/Facilities Maintenance/Cleanliness: 5 - Excellent -
I loved all the available facilities because I've been to other colleges where there have been financial issues. So incredibly clean probably partially due to the Honor Code.
Dormitories: 5 - Excellent -
I visited one of the newly renovated South Houses that were stocked with all of the student's desires. Really cool murals too! Spacious rooms compared to many other schools.
Security/Safety: 5 - Excellent -
I felt really safe wandering around campus in the middle of the night. In general, I think the honor code encourages a safe environment and the residents around seem rather friendly too.
Overall Campus Impression: 5 - Excellent -
Contrary to the popular stereotype that Caltech students are completely antisocial, I found them to be the complete opposite. The campus was impeccable as well.
Off-Campus:
Area Immediately Around Campus: 5 - Excellent -
I didn't wander around very much but the area around the campus is really gorgeous. There are some shops around too.
City/Town/Community: 5 - Excellent -
It's in a suburban area that's reasonably quiet but there are interesting things to do if you find somebody with a car.
Campus Visit Notes for California Institute of Technology:
Visit Description:
When I didn't know how to get into the House I was staying in because they require an ID care to get into the dorms, one of the janitors helped me in, which I found really nice. Not sure if this is a minus to security but I was surprised that he was so willing to go out of his way to help me.
It really helped that I had friend's who helped me plan this trip (which classes to go to, which activities to attend) but also don't be afraid of ask admissions for suggestions.
I also attended an Interhovse basketball game. Though perceived as hardcore nerds (admittedly, they can be) they really do know how to work hard and play hard.
The house dinner which, I attended was so incredibly fun! Okay, some may call it childish but they have specific rules and traditions that make dinner a treat.
Dining/Restaurant Recommendations or Comments:
Lunch: Chandler has great food
Dinner: in the houses, wasn't very good. Some entrees looked inedible.
Citrus Bistro is being shut down but it had really amazingly good food at a cheap price.
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I have a test where I hold out a map and look lost to see how many students offered help. I had around 3-4 people stop and ask if I needed any assistance and some were willing walk me to the places.