u/Low-Appointment-2906

Title says/asks it all, but I'll expound.

I'm trying to decide on a concentration for grad school and comp chem is one option I'm considering (along with organic chem and analytical chem).

I can't say I find comp chem extremely interesting, but part of that may just be me feeling overwhelmed because I don't have a strong physics or math (or programming) background.

I try to work on learning more math and programming in my free time, but physics is honestly not my cup of tea. Not even in the slightest.

I'm reading papers from various labs that I feel I may/would want to join and the papers from labs that are mainly focused on using comp chem are the hardest papers to stay engaged with.

In theory, I love the idea of the power comp chem holds, to perform/run many reactions in a short amount of time, and make predictions it would take a long time for humans to decide on.

However, I'm not sure if finding comp chem "cool" and powerful is going to be enough of a motivator to actually gain any competence in the topic.

Hi!

I'm considering applying for grad school (to begin fall 2027) and, ambitiously, Caltech is one school I'm wanting to apply to.

Wherever I end up, support services and accessibility are both huge aspects that I'm taking into consideration. I have hearing loss (hard-of-hearing, late deaf, ASL user), and the very social nature of Caltech (from what I've read) is both assuring but also intimidating.

I made my way through undergrad alone, because communication with my peers was difficult. I'm wondering how I would get by at such an institution as this, where there's a huge emphasis on working with others.

I'm wondering if any students (past or present) in the sub have hearing loss, and if you could let me know about your experience at Caltech.

Thank you so much in advance!

Context: I earned my bachelor's 2 years ago, and have been working over a year now. I want to save up for another year before applying for a grad program. There's two choices I have in mind, one of which is nearly $60K/year.

I feel like having income will disqualify me from basically every scholarship. Is it common to find scholarships for when you're not currently enrolled in school AND are working?