A little piece of advice from someone who got rejected 4 years ago.

Colleges and Universities A-Z Massachusetts Institute of Technology
1

<p>Hey everyone.</p>

<p>I just want to give you all a little advice when it comes to MIT/other top universities, their decision and what comes after that.</p>

<p>Like many of you, 4 years ago I was an international student applying to MIT, and like most of you will, (lets be realistic, acceptance rates are abysmal) I got rejected. This rejection hit me pretty hard for a few days, I always thought I was going to be part of MIT since I truly loved the school and what it meant, but my dream was "broken". Do not let a rejection break you down, take it and cope a few days, but do not get depressed about it and make it feel you are not good enough for MIT or any other top tier university. </p>

<p>Go to any other university you got into and excel at it. Make yourself be known and get involved with research or a laboratory group early on (as early as possible, do not wait a year). Being directly involved in research will open many doors for you, many of which can later lead to MIT or other amazing schools. My last few summers I have been graced with the opportunity of performing research at MIT through a summer research program aimed for students outside of MIT. Spending my summer working at MIT and learning from other summer fellows has been one of the best experiences of my life, however, I was not blinded by it. During the summer I decided to talk to professors and researchers at MIT and worked really hard on my research project. This combination of networking and hard work culminated in being admitted to MIT's PhD program in Biology as well as PhD programs at other great schools, </p>

<p>What I am trying to say is that do not get bummed if you do not make it in the first time, go somewhere else and make yourself be known. Through hard work and perseverance you can reach many places.</p>

<p>For those of you wondering, I am currently majoring in Biochemistry at a state school, so if you have any questions regarding biological research opportunities feel free to ask.</p>

<p>Also, for those interested in summer research programs/internships when you are sophomores/juniors, here are the two from MIT that accept international students. I was part of MSRP-Bio, so if you have any questions feel free to ask.</p>

<p><a href="http://odge.mit.edu/undergraduate/msrp/"&gt;http://odge.mit.edu/undergraduate/msrp/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p><a href="https://biology.mit.edu/outreach_initiatives/UG_summer_internship"&gt;https://biology.mit.edu/outreach_initiatives/UG_summer_internship&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Best of luck!</p>

<p>Wherever it is that you go, do not forget to give it your all and enjoy what you are doing. </p>

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<p>@Orimsz, thank you for your post, and congratulations on your success as an undergrad and on being accepted into an MIT PhD program.</p>

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<p>Great post, and it shows the kind of attitude and activities that will help student get admitted to grad programs. Congratulations to you.</p>

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<p>Exactly what I’m thinking right now. There is always another chance at grad school for MIT. Great post and congratz again! You are my inspiration, man!</p>

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<p>Great post! Even if I do get rejected tomorrow, I’ll never give up hope. </p>

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<p>This is a wonderful post. It has such a positive and inspirational perspective! Congrats on getting into grad programs!</p>

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<p>Mom of an MIT undergrad '15 here. Orimsz, what a great post! Wonderful story…Thank you so much for sharing, you will help so many with this. Congratulations!!!</p>

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<p>Thank you all! By now you probably already know your fate. Take it in and let in sink for a few days but do not let this rejection make it feel as if you are not worth it. Keep on working hard!</p>

<p>For those accepted, congratulations! </p>

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<p>Thanks - the post really helped. It’s not over yet, and I still have a long way to go ;)</p>