New class is tops in smarts, service

The admissions office opened Caltech’s doors wide for 252 freshmen this year, admitting them into the Institute’s hallowed temples of science. Like their predecessors, this group of scholars exhibits impressive academic ability and a high level of achievement. The data they provided on their applications show that they are a group marked by diversity—with varied origins and wide-ranging interests—and involvement in their communities.

Freshman applications came from 49 states (the only holdout was North Dakota), the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam. Some 600 students from 79 different countries also sent in their bids. In all, less than 10 percent of the 2,612 applications resulted in a successful acceptance and subsequent enrollment.

The class of 2006 comprises 179 men and 73 women. The population of incoming women is down to 29 percent, a dip in the three-year trend that had held steady at about 36 percent. In terms of race or ethnicity, this class reflects Caltech’s continued commitment to diversity as well as excellence. Three students are Native American or Alaskan Native; 68 are Asian or Pacific Islander; three are African American; 19 are Hispanic; and 146 are Caucasian, up from 110 last year. Seven new students did not provide their ethnicity. Six international students have origins in Bulgaria, Romania, Singapore, and Thailand.

Many students indicated that they intend to concentrate their studies in physics, engineering and applied sciences, and biology. Their academic interests coincide with their extracurricular activities: nearly half of the new students belonged to a math team, and a fifth belonged to a math club. In addition, many participated in science olympiads, academic decathlons, science bowls, robotics challenges, and Odyssey of the Mind programs. In preparation for their college careers, 93 individuals earned 1,454 college credits. A full 40 percent served as valedictorians, and 8 percent were salutatorians.

A facility for language translated for many into hours of work at their school newspaper (16 staffers, four editors) and annuals (three edited the yearbook); literature (five edited a literary magazine); politics and administration (19 were student council members); and rhetoric (six debate team captains, 15 team members). Six students have won writing awards, 26 received book awards, and one is a published poet.

These young adults also exhibit interests in areas beyond academics. Two of the students hold pilot’s licenses, while the same number are taking lessons. One individual is learning to fly a helicopter.

Besides these activities, 161 showed a concern for their community and the environment through active involvement. Tutoring was popular, and many worked as volunteers at hospitals, libraries, nursing homes, and the house-construction project Habitat for Humanity. Some worked for zoos, nature centers, or science or technology museums. Others spent time interpreting for the deaf, working with autistic children, or volunteering for the Special Olympics. About 20 percent belonged to the National Honor Society, which requires community service from its membership. One student volunteered as a recruiter of other volunteers, ensuring continuation of service.

In terms of athletics, Caltech admitted 16 track-and-field team members and 25 cross-country runners, including four team captains. The incoming class includes 27 tennis players, of which three were team captains; 18 soccer players; 17 swim team members; six basketball players; and half a dozen water-polo players.

Caltech students have long exhibited musical virtuosity and this new class has its share of musicians. Caltech now has 33 new pianists, 16 violinists, and 32 former school-band members who play every conceivable instrument.

The other performing arts are well represented, with 15 students bringing experience as chorus singers. Eight were involved in theatrical productions, and six have worked as stage technicians.
All in all, the signs are auspicious. Caltech alumni and professors have been known to engage in pursuits far afield from their academic interests. Perhaps this class, already full of great minds, personality, and potential, includes somebody who will develop and mature into the next Feynman—bongos, Tuva, and all.
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