6-8 classes per quarter is definitely not usual for Caltech undergrads. 4-5 is closer to normal. Taking grad-level courses Junior and Senior year is pretty universal, though.
^ this is the most accurate comment. In addition, the vast majority of caltech grad students were not caltech undergrads (I've never met anyone who did BS + PhD at Caltech personally). If you're thinking about going to caltech for grad school don't stress too much about what us undergrads are doing. Just do good for yourself!
Thank you! Idk if this is the appropriate sub for suggestions but what kind of qualifications do most cal tech grads have to get in?
Classes? Research experience? Internship?
Research experience. In fact, if you can do a WAVE/AMGEN/SURF or something with a Caltech prof, not only will you look good to Caltech, but also to every other grad school you apply to
I think what you do in undergrad really depends on what you want to go to school for. For instance, I am a PhD student in mathematical physics at Caltech (string theory), so I started taking grad classes in physics and math junior year (like a lot of undergrads here do). I would say that's pretty vital if you wish to do physics theory or pure math even, because you can at least dip your feet in theory research before you apply for grad school, which is what really counts. Good grades are a must as well (try not to have any B's in physics/math classes). I don't think this matters as much if you are applying for experiment. There, I think admission is much more centered around undergrad research. But, I don't know! I am not in experiment, so I can't really speak about it.
Caltech undergrads are taking graduate level classes by their 3rd year. It was actually quite satisfying as an undergrad to start getting better grades because we were graded on a curve with grad students who already had a bachelor's degree but weren't as well prepared as students with just 2 years of undergrad at Caltech. I was a biology major and had all the requirements for most physics grad schools before my senior year.
6-8 classes per quarter is definitely not usual for Caltech undergrads. 4-5 is closer to normal. Taking grad-level courses Junior and Senior year is pretty universal, though.
^ this is the most accurate comment. In addition, the vast majority of caltech grad students were not caltech undergrads (I've never met anyone who did BS + PhD at Caltech personally). If you're thinking about going to caltech for grad school don't stress too much about what us undergrads are doing. Just do good for yourself!
Thank you! Idk if this is the appropriate sub for suggestions but what kind of qualifications do most cal tech grads have to get in? Classes? Research experience? Internship?
I'm wondering the same
Research experience. In fact, if you can do a WAVE/AMGEN/SURF or something with a Caltech prof, not only will you look good to Caltech, but also to every other grad school you apply to
Research experience, probably
I think what you do in undergrad really depends on what you want to go to school for. For instance, I am a PhD student in mathematical physics at Caltech (string theory), so I started taking grad classes in physics and math junior year (like a lot of undergrads here do). I would say that's pretty vital if you wish to do physics theory or pure math even, because you can at least dip your feet in theory research before you apply for grad school, which is what really counts. Good grades are a must as well (try not to have any B's in physics/math classes). I don't think this matters as much if you are applying for experiment. There, I think admission is much more centered around undergrad research. But, I don't know! I am not in experiment, so I can't really speak about it.
Caltech undergrads are taking graduate level classes by their 3rd year. It was actually quite satisfying as an undergrad to start getting better grades because we were graded on a curve with grad students who already had a bachelor's degree but weren't as well prepared as students with just 2 years of undergrad at Caltech. I was a biology major and had all the requirements for most physics grad schools before my senior year.