<p>I’m just admitted by Rice and consider doing a double major of applied math and computer science. I LOVE Rice but Caltech is always my real dream, and its my goal to go there in the future. I have read past statitics in Rice postgraduate survey. It seems to me that only few students have made it to Caltech in the field of math or computer science. So I get totally freaked out. What should I do to increase my chance of matriculation? All I know is to keep a 4.0 GPA and do some research and related internship. What else should I do?</p>
<p>You should try not being so focused on CalTech. Do you really know that, after four years of undergraduate education, you’ll have the same goals that you do now? It’s certainly possible, but I’m willing to bet you won’t. Stop worrying so much about one specific goal for the future. If you love Rice, then come to Rice, and focus on making the most of your time here. If, after four years, you still want nothing more than to go to CalTech to study math or computer science, being from Rice definitely won’t impede you. In fact, I’m quite positive students from any university can be admitted to CalTech, as long as they excel in their field of study. But that shouldn’t be your focus right now. If you think you’ll be happy at Rice, then you should attend. If not, don’t. I’m can guarantee you that, no matter what school you go to, you’ll do better if you’re happy than if you’re not.</p>
<p>just want to remind you. Caltech is not the best place for CS and applied science. I think even Rice can surpass Caltech in applied science. Caltech is strongest, I think, in pure science-such as theoretical physics, chemistry and all that. and unlike Rice, Caltech doesn’t have a diverse student body–Asians/Whites dominate. also, students can easily get overworked. The social atmosphere is far too nerdy, compared with Rice. You have reasons to feel content with your Rice offer. 
and when you graduate, you can set your eyes on Caltech/MIT/Harvard/Stanford. 
:D</p>