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Incoming freshmen participate in a summer program designed to enhance the transition from high school to a research-based education and to assist students in developing learning behaviors that will help them excel at Caltech.

FSI participants are immersed in the core ideas and language of math and physics.  The level and pace of the lectures expose students to the high performance expectations of Caltech faculty. Participants are taught strategies for navigating Caltech academic life. 

One of the highlights of the program is the opportunity to participate in laboratory research! The research component is designed to introduce students to the culture of laboratory research, give them hands-on project experience, and initiate a relationship with a mentor. The research component connects students to the centrality of research at Caltech and they gain experience that positions them well for future research opportunities

Program Objectives:

• Introduce students to the research-based culture of Caltech.

• Provide students with an intense academic experience to assist them in developing constructive learning behaviors.  Specifically, learning to work hard, learning time management, learning to work and study in groups and learning to ask for help.

• Connect students with faculty, postdoctoral scholars, and graduate students to enhance their research opportunities and position them for successful academic experiences.

• Develop relationships that will enhance the development of community at Caltech.

FSI is one aspect of the undergraduate high achievement program at Caltech. The Office for Minority Student Education is responsible for fostering and furthering the community that supports underrepresented students.  This support includes personal / academic guidance, social activities, research / conference opportunities, etc.  During the FSI program, students will learn more about the support programs we offer.