A Very Weird Application - Thoughts Please

Colleges and Universities A-Z Massachusetts Institute of Technology
1

<p>Hello, </p>

<p>I recently moved to the US for my senior year. Before that, I was in South Lebanon (Yes that part of the world that keeps getting all the attention). In Lebanon, I easily was first on my class throughout my elementary and intermediate education ( grades 1 through 9). However, In 2006, Following the July war in South Lebanon, I came to the US and was forced to stay for around 2 months. In school here, I got introduced into modern education based on the hows of things. That is, Here, you learn how things happen and why. In Lebanon however, You just learn the numbers and it all stops there.</p>

<p>My passion for science is enormous ever since I was young. I have also done a huge amount of research that I hope to get recognized for someday. However, After 2006, and upon my return to Lebanon, I completely hated the system in which we were educated. We were memorizing numbers and not analyzing theories and concepts. Thus, I started boycotting school and led a movement to change the education. This ofcourse, cost me one of hte most important aspects of college applications, my GPA.</p>

<p>After coming here, My GPA is being evaluated and is expected to be around 2.0. My SAT I score is 1900 " will be re-taking ". However, I did so much research on Physics in Lebanon and participated in the Lebanese Astronomy Union in addition to numerous other awards. I really didn't have the chance others have here to actually participate in programs and competitions.</p>

<p>Right now, I have a 4.0 in my senior year here from my first report card. I'm completely in love with my AP Calculus class and will be taking numerous AP exams even though I never will actually take those classes.</p>

<p>I had my MIT interview today and it was pretty amazing. The EC was impressed and I really felt quite emotional during the interview. I had never expressed my passion towards physics, astronomy, or my other activites so openly to a person.</p>

<p>I web design, program, lead a scouting organization in Lebanon, have over 600 hours of community service, and my passion for science is pretty endless.</p>

<p>Do I have any chance of getting into MIT? Or will my GPA " 2.0 something I guess..I have no idea how the GPA system works and have no idea how this year's GPA will affect it ".</p>

<p>I will be applying anyways because it's my dream and it would be a shame if I don't at least try my best.</p>

<p>Thank you.</p>

2

<p>None of us strangers can appropriately or accurately chance you, elysian, or anybody else. You surely know that. What would any of our opinions matter? BUT, I think you have a fascinating and unique story! And you sound very impassioned about the kinds of things colleges care about. You’ve got initiative, brains, communication and (it sounds like) leadership skills. You sound like a very interesting person. Good luck to you! I hope you get in! :)</p>

3

<p>Thank you for your kind reply. It’s very re-assuring to hear that from someone else. Everyone else is just telling me to forget about it.</p>

4

<p>I would concentrate on the boycott a little more and skip mentioning the GPA at the end. why would you remind someone about it, if you dont want them to care?</p>

<p>I hope your science classes have better grades. i had bunch of Cs in high school, but pretty stellar science grades – and got in from international pool.</p>

<p>you should take SAT II in physics math, chem or bio to prove you know whats going on. i think it will help a lot. I would really do SAT II plus toefl rather than sat i. cheers</p>

5

<p>I just took the SAT II in Math Level 2. I think I did good so I’ll be waiting for that. I’ll be taking SAT II in Physics in December.</p>

<p>Regarding my science classes, I excelled in Biology and Physics but not in Chemistry because that was one of the main targets of my boycott. I’m Acing my classes this year though. I’m taking the toughest courses I can take here in the US and hoping to prove something.</p>

6

<p>I’m just curious, what websites have you designed? I also second what SimpleLife said.</p>

7

<p>You can check my websites at [Elysian</a> Webdesigns](<a href=“http://WebsiteMe.org%5DElysian”>http://WebsiteMe.org)</p>

<p>Bad scores keep rolling…</p>

<p>27 on the ACT. All of those are first-timers and I’m new to the American system of testing. It’s way different in Lebanon.</p>