CalTech for a kid interested in bio/neuroscience/linguistics?

adimeola14
Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:20:54 +0000

The notion that Caltech is primarily an engineering school is false. While engineering is undoubtedly reputable here, Caltech’s greatest strength has historically been in the pure sciences. There is an abundance of seminal research going on in neuroscience and biology on campus.

However, it is true that Caltech puts an emphasis on mathematics and physics, as evidenced by the Core curriculum. Some biology majors find the rigor of these classes daunting, and this may be a drawback to your son. However research in Biology is become vastly more computational, and I’d argue a Biology major who has a solid grounding in math and physics has an advantage.

I think it would be worthwhile to visit and see if the environment is agreeable to your son. I don’t think it would hurt to apply.