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Can I get into schools like Caltech?

Ok so I know that everybody asks these and it's stupid but whatever. I want to know if I'm getting my hopes up, which I think I am. So I'm a senior applying for a freshman spot at Caltech for the 2011 fall semester. Here are some stats:
GPA: 4.3, unweighted: 4.0
Class Rank: 2 of about 300
SAT/ACT (I know these suck but I'm retaking all of them): 2020/30 Math SAT-710, SAT2: Math 2-690, Chem-730
APs i've taken: (Hon. Chem-weighted as AP), AP Chem, AP Lang, AP US, AP Environmental Science (weighted as 2 APs), AP Calc BC, AP Lit, AP Microeconomics, AP Govenment
Other Science/Math classes: Biology, Engineering, REGULAR Physics (my school offers AP but it's independent study and only like 2 people take it, I'm afraid that is rly going to hurt my app)
Extracurriculars: I tutor in maths and sciences 6-8 hrs a week for 7 years and interned in a UC lab under a German food chemist and Spanish Chemical engineer for a whole summer. I've been to a few math/science camps over summer. Then generic extracurriculars: building houses abroad, soccer, basketball, community service like volunteering at soup kitchens, heavily involved in youth group, involved in organizing school events, jump started a tutoring business of my own as well as volunteer tutoring and help with college apps for underprivileged students

I am a white female so I hope that helps. I am interested in materials science, chemical engineering, or math. I am also going to have REALLY amazing teacher recommendations because I know my teachers and a super personal level. I am also hilarious, bubbly, crazy, and NOT some cookie cutter Asian calculator person so I am going to write some really great essays. I just want to know if I have a fighting chance. I don't want to waste time, hopes, or money. I obviously know that my test scores need to go up but do I really have a shot at this and did not taking AP Physics ruin my chances??

Thanks to whoever answers! It really helps me out! :)

Public Comments

1. A better question to answer is whether your family has the money. If you think financial aid will cover everything you're kidding yourself.

In listening to a Today show report on the best colleges, they said to expect to pay $14,000 for an Ivy League school out of your own pocket per year. Cal Tech would be very similar. Do you have that kind of money?

2. Yes, you have a shot at getting into Caltech. No, the AP phys thing is not going to ruin your chances. There is nothing that stands out and sets you apart from the top Caltech applicants, based on what you have said, but you certainly are in the "fighting chance" category. If you have great essays and recommendations, you could very well get in. However, there is one thing that sets you apart... and you know it: your SAT scores. You have got to get those up. As it stands right now, I think those might single-handedly ruin your chances. You should be looking at 780+ in the math and science sections. Maybe if you have strong AP test scores (which you will need anyways), that can offset a low SAT score. But don't count yourself out just yet.

That being said, Caltech is difficult to get into, and even with your qualifications, you should be realistic about your chances. Caltech is a stretch school for anyone, including you.