Why is Caltech's graduation rate so low?

quantpro
Wed, 15 Jun 2011 16:19:40 +0000

My direct knowledge on this is that after the Freshman year almost all classes taken by undergraduates are actually the same classes in the graduate pHD program with the Graduate Students. It’s not a large school in student population but it is the toughest and most challenging. They screen students very carefully. It’s well known that these students get into any school they want and they choose Caltech because they want to the most rigorous program and research oppotunities. It’s much harder to get in as an undergraduate then a graduate and it’s really hard to get in as a graduate. The only fair complaint anyone can make is that you can’t have the same amount of fun because you will be challenged at the highest level. There are no gentleman A’s and B’s plenty of C’s and F’s. Fair enough. Those who get in are committed. Few leave I suspect but many need and extra year…