The California Institute of Technology

Despite having some wonderful friends and lots of stories, I would not go there again. Coming in, I was the typical math & science guy, and even got to skip a quarter of math based on the entrance placement exam (AP calc standards are trivial). Then, I found many people in my class who already learned the stuff - in 6th grade. That epiphany - wow, I'm not worthy, is really hard to get over. That said, most everyone is down to earth, approachable and at their core, want to help. Yeah, there are a scant few who are pathologically arrogant, shy, disinhibited, etc., but the small class size do magnify their impact. Socially, it is an awkward place - what did you expect when you put those already considered awkward in high school, together with some awfully hard academics? For the gals, the mantra - the odds are good but the goods are odd, is never more literal. For the guys, don't glom - have some self respect man!

4th Year Male -- Class 1993

Education Quality: A+, Social Life: D