<p>I am a regular international applicant to MIT.</p>
<p>I have a perfect GPA (4.0/4.0) but a relatively low SAT I (it was my first time: 2100). Does my SAT score mean that I will be automatically rejected? I could have taken the TOEFL because I am in the French Educational system.</p>
<p>Also: the essay states "Describe the world you come from and how it has shaped you" --> would it be preferable to talk about a passion, an interest?</p>
<p>Can I include additional essays, writings in the application?</p>
<p>Hey,
I am an international, too. What is your breakdown in the SAT, that would be more helpful. If you ask me, 2100 is quite impressive for an international. And I can assure you that you will be in no case automatically rejected based on that score. No way.</p>
<p>I am very positive that Essay B leaves you very much room for personal interpretation. I think that talking about a passion is always the way to go.</p>
<p>I am not sure whether or not the TOEFL would be appropriate in this case. I really don't feel competent to answer this. Maybe you can ask an adcom (like Ben Jones) or other people around here.
Just out of curiosity, do you have won any major awards back in France? Anything that would make you stand out?</p>
<p>You can include any extra essays or supplemental materials you want to include, and no, there is no automatic cutoff SAT score.</p>
<p>January SAT scores are accepted if a student emails and asks permission, so you may as well email admissions at mit dot edu and see it they'll accept the January TOEFL. No harm in asking.</p>
<p>I will email MIT to ask if they accept January scores.</p>
<p>In the French system, no awards are ever given for academic excellence. However, I was made skip fifth and eighth grade by the teachers staff for achieving perfect marks. Would it be useful to include that in my application?</p>
<p>Hi,
I would certainly add that you skipped grades.
Actually, I was rather thinking of accomplishments outside of school (competitions, research, etc.). Even though people will keep telling you that this is not required or expected, that's not really accurate when it comes to international admissions.
Remember: they only take 1 out of 20!</p>
<p>Well, I do enjoy various extracurricular activities (including tennis, a sport I have been playing for 9 years) and I have won competitions, but none on a national scale.</p>
<p>Well, research is research ;). What I mean is that some people have the possibility to do some research project before going to college. For example, some people do a 2-weeks project at a physical research center, etc.</p>
<p>But don't worry if you haven't done that. I was just curious.</p>
<p>In the essay you need to balance the assignment (answer the prompt) versus the agenda (we want to know more about why you are a good fit for MIT). There's nothing wrong with writing about your passions, and a lot right with it, just make sure you also answer the question, what in your world help or hindered you from nurturing those passions?</p>