So, You Want to Be a Caltech Kid?
Let's talk turkey, or rather, let's talk about Caltech. You know, that little gem nestled in Pasadena, California, where they breed geniuses like rabbits. If you're eyeing that place for your higher education, you've got guts, kid. Or maybe you're just incredibly naive. Either way, let's dive in.
How To Apply For California Institute Of Technology |
The Illusion of Choice
First things first, let's address the elephant in the room: your major. You might think you have options, but let's be real, you're probably going to end up in something STEM-related. Unless you're secretly a world-class violinist with an IQ of 180, in which case, go for it. But for the rest of us mortals, it's gonna be math, science, or engineering.
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The Application: A Black Hole of Information
Applying to Caltech is like trying to solve a complex equation without a calculator. It's a maze of requirements, essays, and recommendation letters. You'll need to prove that you can not only do math, but you can also write about it in a way that makes a brick weep. And don't forget those recommendation letters. You better hope your teachers love you more than their own children.
QuickTip: Go back if you lost the thread.
The Social Life: Alien Encounter
Prepare to enter a world where your idea of a wild night out is solving a differential equation. Social life at Caltech is like trying to find a needle in a haystack, except the haystack is filled with geniuses and the needle is a decent conversation partner. But hey, at least you'll never run out of topics to discuss.
Tip: Keep the flow, don’t jump randomly.
The Perks: Brain Food and Endless Coffee
Okay, so it's not all doom and gloom. Caltech does have its perks. You'll have access to some of the brightest minds on the planet, you'll be surrounded by state-of-the-art facilities, and you'll probably get a pretty sweet job offer when you graduate. Plus, there's unlimited coffee. So, there's that.
QuickTip: Treat each section as a mini-guide.
How To... Caltech Edition
How to survive Caltech: Develop a strong love for caffeine and a thick skin.How to impress the admissions committee: Be a human calculator who can also write poetry.How to make friends: Learn to quote obscure scientific theories in casual conversation.How to balance academics and social life: Define "social life." How to stay sane: Remember, it's just school. Eventually, you'll graduate and be able to watch TV without feeling guilty.
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