How to get into a TOP STEM SCHOOL - 4 things your Caltech application MUST have

Heyyy good luck to everyone applying to or who will be applying to Caltech! I tried to be as thorough as possible such that you guys can be the new experts at perfecting your applications to more likely get into the hardest school to get into! (rated hardest into 2017 articles, the year I graduated :p) Let me know if this was helpful or you have outstanding questions - as mentioned in the video, I'll reply to all comments here! :D
💯 Day in the life of a Caltech student: • Life at the HARDEST sc...
💯 How I got into Caltech: • how I got into the *ha...
S A Y H I H E R E ~
Instagram: / wamyy5
~ Timestamps ~
00:00 - Intro
01:02 - Background on Caltech
01:52 - Encouragement
02:24 - Item 1
04:55 - Item 2
08:03 - Item 3
12:35 - Item 4
U S E F U L L I N K S (these will be continually updated on new videos!) ~
~🔢MATH COMPETITION RESOURCES
Books...
For MATHCOUNTS:
- Competition Math for Middle School: amzn.to/3eHL4n5
For AMC10/12 or AIME, Math Olympiad:
- The Art of Problem Solving, Vol. 1: amzn.to/3qJZXut
- The Art of Problem Solving, Vol. 1 & Vol. 2: amzn.to/3eJRLVD
- Mathematical Olympiad Treasures: amzn.to/31hWoD8
- Any Alexander Soifer book (example): Mathematics as Problem Solving
...........................
Books are excellent resources, but you can also just jump into prep with effective practice using problems you find online!
Links...
Top website: artofproblemsolving.com/
Stop looking for the "right" training: artofproblemsolving.com/commu...
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~📚RECOMMENDED BOOKS
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2) How to Win Friends & Influence People: amzn.to/32rRyDK
3) Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds: amzn.to/3JbGM58
4) The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter--And How to Make the Most of Them Now: amzn.to/3znjxkq
~📸 EQUIPMENT
-Tripods: amzn.to/3moKheY
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Some links in the description box may be affiliate links. This means that not only you can get awesome benefits, but I'll also make a small commission on sales you make through my links/codes at no additional cost to you. Happy value-hunting :)
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how I got into Caltech
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#caltech #howtogetinto #caltechstats #collegestats #howigotinto #hardestschool #collegeapplications

[@wamyy5]

🎓 Receive customized college advice: calendly.com/good2great_/30min 💯 Get a leg up by watching these: kzbin.info/aero/PLi341Q2n2bTX6hTe0QuFNDWH0UIt_IMKW

[@judyjudy9997]

Thank you for creating this video and sharing your valuable insight. I'm a mom of an 8th Grader with high potential, so I'm trying to learn how I can mentor him throughout his high school years.

[@wamyy5]

That’s awesome! Sounds like you’re doing a great job for your son - I know how thankful I am to my parents. Glad my videos can be helpful!

[@7thwonderlaboratory]

How is it going?

[@mj-pt2ty]

thank you for this video, everything from the campus to the majors offered have made me want to strive for caltech even more

[@wamyy5]

So glad you liked it. Good luck!!

[@linmengshi2008]

Awesome video! Keep up the good work at Caltech.

[@wamyy5]

Thank you!!

[@shreykabir]

Best & most detailed video on how to get into Caltech... Thnx a lot for this video

[@wamyy5]

Yay thanks for watching!!

[@pavankumarkv4920]

I really like the way you present the material😄

[@wamyy5]

Yay! I'm so glad :D Thanks for watching!

[@stellarsunny]

From your information I see that you showed a lot of passion for math in high school. In my case I think I am not THAT passionate about math but definitely really into Science and CS. I am Science Olympiad and some other CS clubs, but do you think I still should take the AMC and other math competitions to stand a chance? It's not like I don't like math, just that am I relatively more into science and CS

[@wamyy5]

Great question! I showed my passion and skills in math through evidence in relevant competitions and awards, but in your case, you can show your passion for science and cs through other ways! Hackathons and science olympiad are great activities for you. I have plenty of Caltech friends who didn’t do math competitions but did other research and contests, so you’re good :)

[@stellarsunny]

@@wamyy5 Thank You so much!

[@laeroengr1693]

Thank you for the video! Do you have any suggestions on whether or not to submit a maker portfolio to Caltech?

[@GetempoweredbyChris]

Thanks for the insight.......I hope to join Caltech soon

[@rakshithkarthik2332]

I know that Caltech requires the highest rigor of history classes. In freshman year, I took regular english, and this year, I took regular world history and not AP. Do I still have a good chance if I have a great spike and extracurriculars that contribute to it? I am also taking the hardest math and science courses offered by my high school.

[@jennifermirhan3077]

What were the difficulties in playing basketball and Studying At Caltech? Is it hard to manage? How much sleep do u normally get? What was your major?

[@wamyy5]

Great questions! I answer many of them in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpWraodmjdB9gdE I slept maybe 7 hours on average, and I majored in ChemE!

[@favageseline2081]

Im a junior rn and i really hope i get in, i havent gone to many stem competitions but i won 2. I would go to more if i had the time, the thing is i have 3 extracurriculars i go to multiple times a week so i hardly have time to do anything other than ecs and hw for school. Any tips???

[@amyge4650]

So incredibly helpful!!!! I'm more of a biochem person, but I also like math (bc calc sophomore year, calc III junior year). I've got a lotta bio competitions junior year, so I don't really have time for AMC12/math olympiad, is that ok? Also, I plan to take algebra & differential equations next summer and real analysis 1st semester of senior year. Is that enough to compensate for having no math awards? Thx~

[@wamyy5]

Awesome! Sounds like you are indeed advanced in math which is great. I’m glad the video was helpful! I wouldn’t say you necessarily have to compensate for lack of math competitions. My Caltech and I do consultations if you want more info! calendly.com/good2great_/30min

[@kylierosei]

thank you for the video! I was wondering though if it really take into consideration marks throughout high school as in let's say we start off somewhat average in the first 3 years in hs but continue and end off strong, does the average scores at the beginning affect it majorly?

[@wamyy5]

Thanks for watching! I think colleges take into consideration the beginning years of high school, but put a lot less weight on them than junior year. The most important thing is that you show growth and that you're truly challenging yourself with your best efforts!

[@aaravvarma1143]

I'm a senior this year and am applying to cal tech, however I really don't think I have a good chance as I have a 4.14 gpa weighted which I think is bad, keep in mind I've only taken honors and AP Classes my entire time at high school, and we also don't weigh honors or dual enrollment classes, I've taken the most challenging math and science courses however I did get a few B's, in total I've recieved 5 B's, not in math and science specefically but in total. Is this too many? I also wrote my own book on the effect of Artifical Intelligence on Distracted Driving and Fentanyl abuse while also creating my own fairy tales for artifical intelligence and I also changed legislation for a mental health prorgam that encomposes virtual acesbeility software, the help of CS. I don't think I'm smart enough to get in, do you think I should still apply?

[@aryagupta9231]

Hey! I know you ended up going the MBA route. I also plan to do something like that! How would you say an unconventional MBA undergrad like CalTech prepared you for that, and would you say a school like CalTech is worth it for MBA?

[@wamyy5]

Very cool you're interested as well! That's an intriguing question, because I don't think that undergrad necessarily prepares you for an MBA. You can go to an MBA from basically any background, since a major point of it is to pivot or level up in management. If your ultimate goal is to become a high-level executive, then you don't necessarily need to go to Caltech.

[@timwong580]

Hi Amy! Looking good. Have good care of yourself. Aim high.

[@wamyy5]

Thank you very much!

[@noobboyperson8747]

I hope straight a in math science English music and d&t helps I really want to get into Caltech

[@bobux2853]

I feel similar to you in terms of math competitions as I just started AMC 10/ math Olympiad studying this year (8th grade ). How would you recommend that I study for these competitions? As well, how did you find prestigious but rigorous summer programs in STEM to put on your application?I'm very sorry for all the questions. I'm just very curious lol so my last questions are how did you study for standardized tests and manage your time to get straight A's while taking extremely rigorous courses (I take all honors classes rn in middle school and get A’s but I'm worried that my current time management won’t help me when I am taking all AP's/etc).

[@wamyy5]

Hi, that’s awesome you started math competitions! It seems a video explanation about how I prepared for these competitions may be helpful, so I’ll make that soon. To say the least, the best things to do are lots of practice and review math tricks and the way to think about the problems when you see the solutions. Also, I recommend you do a Google search to start but PROMYS and Ross are both really good. I created videos about how I get a high GPA from straight As and hard classes, as well as a video, about tests, so please check those out! Then if you have follow up questions, I’ll be happy to answer :)

[@kkkkky2460]

@@wamyy5 I'm a usamo participant. Caltech EA rejected me upfront. LOL

[@wamyy5]

@@kkkkky2460 ​ Ahhhh I'm really sorry to hear that. In my year, I saw some news of outrage over a guy who won some international-level math/science award getting rejected :( We never know the reasons for rejection, so I'm sure you did your best and I hope you get into somewhere else you like!

[@kkkkky2460]

​@@wamyy5 LOL, caltech was my dream school before, but now I would literally be ecstatic if accepted by any tp20.

[@wamyy5]

@@kkkkky2460 Hi! I hope that you are well. Your comments inspired my latest video, where I hope that you may feel better about any college situation you may be in :)

[@someone1059]

Hey please answer my question if you can. I am a high school student in pakistan in 12th grade currently with 98.8% marks in 9th and 10th grade and 91.6% in 11th grade. I have very strong interest in mathematical physics and have self taught myself calculus and linear algebra. I have got 3 essay writing awards in 9th and 10th grade(s) and have teachers who will write very good recommendation letters for me. But the problem is that I do not have any international awards or a scientific research paper. Considering the fact that I want to become a professor of physics, do I have any chance at all to get accepted at caltech for bachelors in mathematics? I will need 100% financial assistance as my country and parents are poor (they have approximately $15000 combined annual income). Please guide me little bit as I geniunely want to study at caltech.

[@fandomlover3651]

Regarding science, my school only offers Biology, Physics, and Chemistry. The highest class would only be AP Biology. I want to major in astronomy/astrophysics so I don’t really see a point in me taking AP Biology…but you said it’s best if we take the highest science class offered. What do you think I should do after reading that now?

[@wamyy5]

Thanks for asking! I recommend that you still take AP Biology because as the highest science class, that will likely be the most challenging and shows Caltech your desire to push your limits. I encourage you to fit it into your schedule along with all the other STEM courses. Also, as mentioned in the video, Caltech values breadth too, evident through its curriculum since biology is required for all majors, just like physics and chemistry are required for even computer science students.

[@fandomlover3651]

@@wamyy5 okay thank you!!

[@sadsader100yearsago9]

I’m worried about my ecs, I’m in my Freshman year and I haven’t done or even started studying for any Olympiads. My heart lies with astrophysics but I don’t know how to study for the Olympiads. So far I’ve: flown planes, been leader of engineering club (with a school wide award), tech club, mathletes club, civil air patrol, and astrophotography. Any tips on how to improve my ecs over the years and compete in science Olympiads?

[@wamyy5]

Personally I’ve never competed in science olympiads, only math ones, but your set of accomplishments looks quite good already! Make sure to extend them throughout hs and show commitment and growth :)

[@sadsader100yearsago9]

@@wamyy5 when you studied for your math Olympiads, did you have a book on it or do a certain course?

[@wamyy5]

@@sadsader100yearsago9 I worked with a private math tutor!

[@-i2641]

hey the SAT is no longer required so do you suggest i should take it?

[@wamyy5]

Yes, definitely try to get your best score! And only if you can’t get a good one then don’t submit. A strong datapoint can help you out a lot

[@mathwithruben]

Wait a moment, hasn't Caltech gone test-blind this year? Why to worry about SAT/ACT scores to be as high as Caltech wants?

[@wamyy5]

Hi, thanks for bringing that up! Caltech being test-blind is supposedly temporary, though the moratorium has been extended for a year. It may not be test scores specifically, but the point is to show through certain stats of your academic skills. The testing is mentioned as it is general advice since scores may likely be required in the future!

[@mathwithruben]

@@wamyy5 Oh, okay. Thank you for the clarification.

[@michaelma4308]

Hi Amy, how was PROMYS? Was it fun or just all work? 6 weeks is quite long, do you think you will replace it with other activities in retrospect? If you can share any of your thoughts will be great. Thank you!!!

[@wamyy5]

It was a lot of fun!! Def one of the hardest experiences though because we were doing nonstop math mostly every day, but you make amazing friends! There's also "Mandatory Fun" activities and we explored Boston a lot, went to the beach, went to the movies, and had a talent show! I would not replace it with anything else! Good luck :)

[@michaelma4308]

​@@wamyy5 Thank you! That's great to hear! You are very resourceful!

[@hongyuzhang5631]

The turtle pond!

[@wamyy5]

Yes! It's beautiful.

[@aa1zz428]

thank you for the video! i'm a student from the UK, and we don't have mandatory english after year 11 (10th grade) so should i be choosing english as one of my a-levels instead? also how intense are a-levels to american colleges, because we don't have the option to do AP classes as more advanced classes, though i suppose a-levels are considered harder than IB classes or BTECs. I'm thinking about asking my school to allow me to do 5 a-levels as that would let me do a-level further maths too, as i love maths and that's the highest level i would be able to do. for a-levels, i'm thinking of doing maths, further maths, physics and i was going to do another nonstem subject i enjoy like french or geography, but i suppose i could do that english requirement by doing english literature as my 4th option, and i was going to ask my school to allow me to do chemistry as a 5th, though 5 a-levels is considered extreme as very very few people in the country do this as most do 3 - not even 4. i have gotten the maximum grades for maths, chemistry and physics right now, i'm doing gcse further maths and i'm working on my english but i'm confident I'll improve. i love maths and physics and while i love chemistry i wasn't going to do it as a 4th a-level with maths, further maths and physics as i thought i should do a nonstem subject to balance myself academically.

[@yalikewaffles3783]

hi im from nepal, and here english is compulsory probably cause its a non english country. and im taking alevs too (currently as level) with physics chem maths, further maths and english, and no ap classes but we can have a minimum of 3 subjects on our transcripts for applications. you prob dont have to take english if you're in the uk and i suppose getting a* on atleast 3 subjects should work out pretty well for you good luck

[@AP-kk7zs]

thank youu, do you have any tips to improve amc/aime score?

[@wamyy5]

What really helped me is doing at least a few practice problems every day and reviewing the solutions after trying my best attempt at them. Even for questions I got right, oftentimes I discovered a better solution, which will save time and get you more points! Practice tests are also awesome, and it's great to review math tricks. What's also really helpful is to have someone in your life who gets excited about solving those cool math problems with you :)

[@AP-kk7zs]

@@wamyy5 thank you for the advice i’ll start right away

[@droppedinwronggenz]

Hey I have 1470 SAT, 800 Maths and 670 English. Should I submit SAT to Caltech? What do you suggest?

[@wamyy5]

Hi, I think you may want to try and raise your SAT and English scores to be more competitive!

[@shreykabir]

@@wamyy5 hi there, I have around 1450 in my SAT (800M + 650RW), but have great extracurriculars (research papers, few national-level awards in maths and science olympiads, summer programs etc.) do I have any chance of getting in?

[@wamyy5]

@@shreykabir it’s hard to say for sure, but your extracurriculares are great! I would try to increase your SAT score though to be more competitive!

[@bobux2853]

Do you suggest I try to get ahead in Math and science by course (I'm in 8th grade taking honors geometry and honors biology and AP courses in STEM have pre reqs). Just an extra, I'm also rlly interested in Bio and want to participate in the USABO biology olympiad so I started preparing for the test.

[@bobux2853]

The thing is, my district offer credit by exams but they only give on level credit so I don't want it to look like I took an on level class especially in STEM courses and my school district is extremely competitive

[@bobux2853]

I have also discussed with my counselor about the possibility of taking an honors course in algebra 2 at a 3rd party and they contacted the district about that (I already know alg 2 but just to have gone ahead)

[@bobux2853]

Btw, I love your academic videos and Caltech vlogs :DD

[@wamyy5]

Hi! Thanks so much for watching my videos! I’m glad they’re helpful. I definitely recommend you get ahead in math and science if you can. I don’t fully understand the on level exam thing, but yeah, just make sure what you’re doing is within the bounds of how you can graduate, etc. Also, that’s awesome you want to do the biology Olympiad!

[@bobux2853]

@@wamyy5 thanks so much for replying! By on level I mean that taking the test only counts for regular class credit and not honors so I would get a 4.0 on the weighted scale as if I took a regular math class instead of the 4.5 I would get taking an honors class.

[@ayz_artonex]

Hey, do you know anything about Caltech's transfer process?

[@wamyy5]

Sorry I don’t! Would recommend you reach out to admissions with questions

[@ayz_artonex]

oh okay thanks

[@Aditya_Saroha]

Me and my friend are thinking of applying to caltech, We are in high school, india Our academics is just good but extra curriculum we are devloping a native app for a startup any tip

[@wamyy5]

Wow, you two are developing an app? That's awesome! If you can show your commitment to this project and build it up to be something that's impactful, then I encourage you to stick with it and use it for your application. I also recommend adding a few additional STEM-related activities in case the startup doesn't work out! Just make sure to show passion and leadership.

[@Aditya_Saroha]

@@wamyy5 well I am new to American system of education, Can you pls explain the stem

[@wamyy5]

@@Aditya_Saroha STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, math!

[@Aditya_Saroha]

@@wamyy5 really gratefull for your help, and great video

[@Charleslihan0211]

Oh god does caltech really wants the hardest English course??? jeeez this crashes my caltech dream.....

[@ayeeitsluke]

can you do vids on math competition

[@wamyy5]

That’s a great idea! Though I’m not quite sure what kind of stuff I would cover. What questions do you have?

[@ayeeitsluke]

@@wamyy5 do most ppl who do math competitions take outside classes or coaching? i remember math counts in middle school and they just gave us problems to do, but there were hundreds of kids so no way people could actually learn as deeply, and it was only like once a week

[@wamyy5]

@@ayeeitsluke Definitely outside training is needed. The books in my description box are a great starting point!

[@abigailanton2184]

Hey! Is AP Chem a requirement to get into CalTech? Also, will they accept an AMC-12 score from your senior year if you didn't take it as a junior?

[@wamyy5]

It’s not required, but you should definitely take it if you can because it’s good preparation for the frosh year chemistry course! Basically, you want to take the most advanced science and math classes available to you in high school. Also, an AMC score from senior year will be accepted, but keep in mind that the AIME is in February!

[@lunaeclipse5768]

have u seen or know adult student who graduate from caltech? im 28 and planning to apply

[@wamyy5]

Sorry I don't know cases except for PhDs!

[@lunaeclipse5768]

@@wamyy5 noooooooo thats so sad for me :(

[@wamyy5]

@@lunaeclipse5768 you should still look into it though! Good luck :)

[@lunaeclipse5768]

@@wamyy5 Ofc my parents didnt go to college and im the elder child of 4siblings

[@bluephoenix8630]

Were you a student athlete?

[@wamyy5]

Yes, I was on the basketball team in college and tennis in high school!

[@bluephoenix8630]

@@wamyy5 oh ok, thank you for replying