[jadengeller]

I don't think the data supports this: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/college-mobilit...

I do think it's true that Caltech students are all very passionate about STEM, so the average family wealth is less apparent.

[WalterBright]

> the data

Keep in mind that I attended in the 70s. Nothing stays the same. I have little idea if Caltech is the same today as then, and rather doubt it. One obvious change is their mission statement has changed drastically. In the 1978 "Caltech Information for Students" pg 105 it says simply:

> The primary purpose of the undergraduate school of the California Institute of Technology, as stated by the Trustees, is "to provide a collegiate education which will best train the creative type of scientist or engineer so urgently needed in our educational, governmental, and industrial development."

[umvi]

Caltech is very different today than it was 50 years ago. Modern Caltech recently cancelled Robert Millikan (the founder)

[nobodyandproud]

If college is the only way to make a good living, then rational actors will game and lobby their way to getting in.

Even in the 1990s, a CS program was easy to get into and a local 4 year degree was sufficient for most lines of work.

[ridgeguy]

>Keep in mind that I attended in the 70s. Nothing stays the same. I have little idea if Caltech is the same today as then, and rather doubt it.

Late 60s, Page, for me. I was lower middle class, which seemed to be the great majority. I recall only one House contemporary who was from serious wealth. Would never have known but for developing a friendship. As you say, I doubt things are similar today.

[ajkjk]

How could they keep that in mind if you never said it ..