I want to go to MIT, CalTech, or one of the ivies. The problem is, I live in a rural area of Massachusetts, and I haven’t even heard of things such as AMC12 or the olympiads until very recently. None of the schools in my area offer them either. My grades are pretty good (96 average), and I am taking classes at a local CC, UMass, and in the future (senior year) I will take some classes at Amherst College. It seems that everyone that goes to MIT on this board has tons of math/science ECs on top of great grades and test scores. The only math/science ECs I will have by the time I apply are: college math tutor, math club, engineering club, and I will have a research project entered into Intel and Siemens-Westinghouse. I may possibly go to SSP in California or New Mexico for the summer, but I’m not sure. Am I screwed because my math/science ECs are bad (assuming I apply to MIT, CalTech, and the ivies)?
<p>pft...UMASS is no community college! it's a state school! good for you! Your ECs are not bad at all...have confidence and just show admissions what you love doing! You are in no way, shape, or form screwed...yay for optimism!</p>
<p>no. my friend last year got into MIT without any real math/science ECs. she mainly focused on community service and music</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>Most likely I will be taking Multivariable Calculus and Physics at Amherst College my senior year. For those of you that are familiar with Amherst, will this help a lot if I do this and have the prof. write a recommendation?</p>