<p>The biggest thing that will distinguish you from other applicants to Caltech is something that shows a unique love or talent for science. For instance, the advanced physics and math courses you’ve taken are good. Those will catch the attention of the admissions officers. However, classes alone are not a guarantee. </p>
<p>What do you do in your free time? Is there any hobby or activity that demonstrates your passion for science? My high school didn’t really offer much in the way of competitions or clubs, so I found my own ways to pursue my scientific interests. I watched science documentaries, I read Scientific American, and most importantly, I experimented. I messed around with chemistry, biology, and computer science on my own time, because I felt my high school wasn’t satisfying my curiosity in these fields. I think my description of all the different ways in which I sought out scientific understanding was probably the strongest point of my application, and the deciding factor that got me in over others who had better grades and better SAT scores. </p>
<p>So, think a little bit about what actually interests you, and how you pursue those interests, and I think you’ll have a very strong application.</p>