<p>Okay, so here I am-daughter of a machinist and someone who does something with computers for a branch of GM, but it used to be EDS, now it's been bought by HP, yadda yadda yadda, all I know is she does something with computers. MIT is pretty much my dream college; I want to be an aero/astronautical engineer. I haven't applied, seeing as I'm not even in high school yet, but I've just got a few questions.
1. Chances of getting into MIT? I know it's vague, but just give me a general feel. Isn't it something like 10,000 apply, 1,000 get in?</p>
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<li><p>How would I pay for it? I know there's scholarships and financial aid and whatnot, but let me be frank with you, we're a lower middle class family and I don't really have any special talents.</p></li>
<li><p>Is MIT any better than other colleges? Specifically for aero/astro. I've read a lot of discussion that say that it's not worth the money, and there's other colleges that are just as good. Is it true? Is it worth the $50,000?</p></li>
<li><p>Are there any things that admissions officers look out for, like specific extracurriculars or community service? If you got in, if you could just give me a list of things you did while in high school, that'd be great.</p></li>
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<p>Thanks in advance, and I know I'm probably not going to get in. I think that I have potential because I took the ACT this winter and got a 26, but I just don't apply myself, as evidenced by my 3.5 GPA. So, last question: any advice for prospective students?</p>