Would California Institute of Technology be good for me?

01jason20 · July 2012

I am planning on starting my own personal training business after college, which means I would major in some type of business or economics (possibly with focus in entreprenuership?) as well as a possible double major or just classes involving exercise science/nutrition/kinsiology-type subjects. Would California Institute of Technology be a good choice for me? Any other thoughts? (Only considering Division 2 and Division 3 schools) Thanks.

mazewanderer · July 2012

If you have been doing any reserach on admission to Caltech, two things stand out about admitted students: Students generally have a very good academic record (high gpa, test scores etc) and a demonstrated passion for math and science.

Also the Caltech core requires you to do 3 tough classes in physics, 3 tough classes in mathematics, 2 in chemistry etc. Everyone has to do it, even if you want to major in economics.

Hopefully the two points above should answer your question. If you still are not sure if Caltech is right for you, you may want to read the two threads given below and you will be able to answer your own question.

http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/california-institute-technology/577759-why-caltech-different-open-letter.html

http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/california-institute-technology/442418-anyone-wanting-know-their-chances-getting-into-caltech.html?highlight=chance

mazewanderer · July 2012

Also Caltech does not have a major in exercise science/nutrition/kinsiology, though I am sure that there are researchers who may work in that area.

01jason20 · July 2012

Is the business/economics major good? I have 35 ACT, 4.0 GPA, and #1 class rank and decent ECs so I'd at least have a fighting chance at getting in. Thank you.

mazewanderer · July 2012

This is where you need to reserach schools.

Three questions

1) Does Caltech have a business school or business department?
2) If I want to major in economics at Caltech, do I still have to pass three tough math classes, three very tough physics classes, two chemistry classes etc?
3) How many students have an economics major (not a minor, for which there are some) at the undergraduate level at Caltech?

mazewanderer · July 2012

Answers
1) No
2) Yes
3) 0 (yes zero but they do have an economics department)

Caltech is a different type of school

Is the business/economics major good? I have 35 ACT, 4.0 GPA, and #1 class rank and decent ECs so I'd at least have a fighting chance at getting in. Thank you.

You still need to show a passion for math and science. To be blunt, most students admitted to Caltech have great ACT score, good gpa's and great EC's in the math and science area. No consideration for alumni children or children of big donors, or star athletes, etc. Read those two threads and they decide for yourself if Caltech makes sense and if your profile is competitive. You may be surprised.

01jason20 · July 2012

@mazewanderer Thank you. I should have done that research on my own. I appreciate your help and I now know that California Institute of Tech. is not the college for me. (Although the math and science courses aren't the deciding factor...they probably would help me) Thank you for your help.

littlemikey4 · July 2012

No (10char)

01jason20 · July 2012

To all who posted, thank you for all of your help.

rice4life · August 2012

Hey does anyone know how competitive materials science is in Caltech?

RacinReaver · August 2012

There is no materials science undergrad degree at Caltech. There's only a concentration offered where almost all the classes you take for it are outside the department.

Would California Institute of Technology be good for me?

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