Caltech Personal Statement

When I received my acceptance to Caltech, I felt both ecstatic and daunted. I knew that at Caltech I would thrive in an environment perfectly suited for my personality and desires, but I also knew that I would no longer be at the top of my class, a new experience for me. As the weeks until I start at Caltech tick past, I came to realize how brilliant my fellow Pre-Frosh (are we still Pre-Frosh?) are. I have found myself, on more than one occasion, reading the Caltech 2021 group chat, while my fellow admits discuss mathematical concepts that fly way over my head. Admittedly, I was intimidated by this, it seemed that before I even started at Caltech, I was slated on an unequal ground, and I was worried about the amount of catching needed to be
I vowed to do whatever it took to succeed and excel at Caltech, and pursue my passion for STEM. I believe the Freshman Summer Research Institute will afford me the opportunity to level the playing field between myself and my fellow students. The program will provide me with a unique opportunity to learn new mathematics with which to advance my abilities prior to attending campus in the fall, as well as work with a brilliant researcher gaining important lab experience that I have been unable to obtain before now. Additionally, residing at Caltech along with fellow Pre-Frosh/Frosh, whatever we are, prior to the start of school, will give me the freedom to ease my way into experiencing life on my own for the first time, as well as develop bonds with my classmates and the rest of the Caltech community. Overall, the most exciting aspect of FSRI for me is the excitement of being allowed a jump start on my long-awaited Freshman year at Caltech (since the 4th grade I have been working towards this goal). I sincerely hope that I have the opportunity to attend FSRI and prepare myself for the upcoming school
Jordan somehow managed to cultivate in me a passion for Water Polo out of an immense, burning hatred of the sport. Jordan treated us not only as his players, but as his friends, and took a personal interest in our lives, and our own personal issues, going out of his way to help, and offering personal advice from his own experiences. Jordan didn’t stay aloof from the team, as other mentors I have had in the past have done, but instead talked and joked around with us to create a unique team dynamic. Even now, while he is serving in the Coast Guard, he still wants us to keep him updated on what goes on in our lives. He was always patient and very rarely did he grow angry enough to yell, and whenever he did, it was always for good reason. He was very hands on, never hesitating to hop into the water to demonstrate what he wanted us to practice, often working one on one with players who are struggling to understand. When we needed to fix mistakes, Jordan was firm, always pushing for improvement, but never harsh. Overall, Jordan was friendly, compassionate, and held our understanding above all else. Jordan is the template to which I hold all other mentors, the ideal teacher that can maximize the efficiency with which I and others learn. In a research mentor, I hope to find somebody who cares about my life, and keeps a good sense of humor, somebody who is