If you read my last post, then you might have heard about DiscoTech (Discover Caltech), a 3-day event for admitted students, typically in April, that allows students to get a good feel of Caltech before decision day. Or if you were recently just admitted, you may have also heard about this event! During DiscoTech, students get the chance to explore student life up close by staying in the dorms with current students and attending events all day. Students get to explore research and academic opportunities through a research symposium, lab and research institute open houses, and lectures with prize-winning faculty. They also get a glimpse into Caltech’s social life through DiscoTech’s club fair, residential house activities, and social mixers. Some other events include exploring a little bit of LA by going to places like the Griffith Observatory.
When I attended DiscoTech in April of 2022, it was the first one hosted in person since COVID-19. This meant that the experience for me was a little different, as we stayed at a hotel and could have one parent attend with us. Last year, restrictions loosened and students were finally able to stay in dorms again. Getting to stay in the dorms with current students allows you to really get to know what Caltech life is like. You get to see the houses even more up close than ever, and you get to experience dorm life in one of Caltech’s houses.
If you were just admitted to Caltech (congratulations!!) and are debating whether to attend DiscoTech or not, take this post as your sign to attend! Not only does this experience allow you to meet many students, a lot of whom will end up committing to Caltech, but it truly will immerse you into the life of a Caltech student.
When I attended in 2022, the event started with an opening speech from Nobel Laureate and Linus Pauling Professor of Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, and Biochemistry at Caltech, Frances Arnold. It was truly unmatched to visit Caltech and have my first feel of the school being a Nobel Laureate giving a speech to prospective students and speaking to us afterward. If you want to get an idea of what this was like, many events were recorded in 2022 because of COVID, so you can watch it here.
If you have any more questions about attending DiscoTech and are curious about what will be happening this year, feel free to comment below and I will get back to you!
