How do I find what I am passionate about and find the right college that suits my interests.Answered
I am a high school freshman. I have lots of interests, but I'm really uncertain about what to focus on and major in when I go to college. I definitely do not want a cubicle job. I want a job where I can grow and be promoted, and I definitely want to b hands-on in whatever I do.
You could always start your own club such as "Future Lawyers (of America, of [school name], etc)", "Future (Aerospace) Engineers," etc, if similar clubs don't already exist at your school. And yes, debate club or a mock trial type club is great for law!
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I'd say the best way to stand out is to try to do the hardest classes like ap and honors classes, but don't overwork yourself. Colleges also look at the aps offered by your school so if your school doesn't have any they will take that into account. Another way is via extracurriculars such as volunteer work, or having a job, or sports at your school.
I would do more research before you decide on a top college like CalTech. First of all you can not major in Aerospace or PreLaw at Caltech. Most students major in CS, Physics, or some sort of engineering. It's a very small school with 235-240 in each class and is about 60% men/40% women. You can minor in Aero, but you have major in something more traditional.
Since CalTech is currently test blind until 2023 that doesn't mean it will continue to be so. MIT is moving toward bringing back ACT/SAT scores and have indicated that they want applicants to submit their scores. If CalTech removes the test blind requirement, expect to need 35/36 ACT scores or 1550-1600 SAT scores.
Also make sure you are on track to take the correct math and STEM courses. Most applicants not only have mastered calculus but show evidence of taking higher maths "The typical classes we see include AP Calculus BC, IB Math HL, Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra, and/or Differential Equations. We cannot stress enough that these specific courses are not a requirement; the context of what your school offers is paramount."
For STEM preparedness, "The Admissions Committee expects to see the student has completed the equivalent of one (1) year of physics and one (1) year of chemistry. We do not require biology coursework, but we will look for indicators that you are prepared for taking biology coursework as part of your Core Curriculum."
Last year Caltech was actually slightly harder to get into that MIT, 3.92% vs 4.01%. Also keep in mind that there is not a lot of diversity or underrepresented folks there. It's only 22% versus an Ivy like Princeton at 68%. The 4 major demographic groups are Chinese, East Indian, Eastern European, and White.
If you play a varsity Sport that will help your admissions since they are a Division III school. They do Swimming/WaterPolo/Soccer/Track & XC/Volleyball/Basketball/Baseball/Tennis. They play colleges like Pomona/CMC/Brandeis/CalLutheran/Chapman/Occidental/Whittier/Macalester
Good luck.
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What is your intended major, or at least subject area if you haven't decided on a specific one yet? I can suggest some extracurriculars based on that.