<p>Except Ben still doesn’t know thermodynamics … <em>cough</em></p>
<p>This thread actually reminds me of a conversation my best friend and I had today. (So I already have a rant prepared). Throughout high school, I met quite a few people who were proud of the fact that they could do well without trying. I don’t quite understand why this is a source of pride. Sure, it means you’re probably inherently very smart. But it also means you’re not challenging yourself. And if you’re * proud * of this, then either you’re lazy or you have no passion for what you’re doing. </p>
<p>I’m really into mathematics and I love facing a challenge - and some of the worst emotional torture of my life was being able to ace tests without trying. (I sometimes susupect that Hell is just eternal boredom). A much more satisfying feeling was when I aced a final at UChicago after studying for a total of 45 hours over the course of four days. </p>
<p>Getting back to the point: How many people got 5’s on the Physics C E+M last year? Over 3600. How many people got 5’s on the Physics C Mechanics? Almost 6000. How many people applied to Caltech last year? Here’s a hint: it’s lower than both those numbers. </p>
<p>Another point to consider: the “average” applicant to Caltech gets rejected.</p>