HELP! I don’t know what to do.
My life long dream has been to go to MIT and ive done thorough research about the institution, the application process, and even know a student from my high school who goes there. However, I made a grave mistake and scheduled my classes early (i am a incoming junior) and decided it was a good idea to take 5 AP classes, plus Chinese IV, and the next level of computer programming. While watching some videos, ive seen Stu Schmill, the DEAN OF ADMISSIONS, talking with Sal Khan about how the student staying up till 2:00 am working isnt always a good idea. Ironically I am typing this around 2:00 am. I think I can manage some ECs, but debates usually take a long time during the week, in addition to my other ECs and Tennis. On top of that I plan to start some clubs, work my way up to becoming president of the robotics club, and start some organization, but I ALSO have SAT/ ACT prep to do.
Im at a crossroads, either I risk it to continue staying up till 2 am working on APs and managing ECs, or drop some AP classes and continue with Honors, while simultaneously studying for SAT/ACT.
I personally believe that I can do it, and so do my parents.
These arnt all my exact activities, but I am interested in all of them, and am willing to work towards my lifelong dream of going to MIT. (ever since my uncle graduated from there, he got a MIT alumni license plate “outline” that Ive hung in my room ever since)
Thanks for any advice.
@18Razak This seemed to be fairly normal at MIT…
A couple things here. It seems like your school year is starting or just started, and those APs *could * be easier than you think (not saying they are) – however, coupled with the ECs you’re looking at a pretty time-consuming schedule regardless.
If you think your schedule might be too much, either drop a couple APs that you have little or no interest in, or cut down/drop ECs that you aren’t too involved in (if any). For example, it’s not clear what clubs you plan on starting and why, but it’s your decision. And remember you do not have to start clubs or do everything in HS in order to get into MIT.
Which APs are you taking?
But I think yes, having to stay up to 2:00am is too much on a regular basis.
Im taking AP Stats, AP Calc AB, AP Physics, AP English, and APUSH II, as well as Chinese IV (which is extremley easy), and the next level of Computer programming offered at my school (im unaware as to what that is, most likely C++)
I wanted to start a programming club of some sort at my school, I feel that the APs will be hard, combined with the SAT/ACT Prep. Youre right about MIT not requiring to do everything in high school to get in, but anything helps.
Thanks for your advice @MITer94
@18Razak Drop a couple classes if you feel it will take out too much of your time for other things, it shouldn’t hurt too much so long as your high school is only beginning.
Also, don’t be too centered on just MIT given its low acceptance rate. Keep your options open for other top tier colleges.
@noplayallwork Im not sure about dropping classes, but getting rid of some ECs that im not involved in will hopefully free up some time. And MIT is my main goal, and I have also kept my options open to other top colleges.
Thanks for the advice.
That is a lot of AP classes, but I commend you for your academic bravery. I would drop some EC’s to clear up study and homework time. I think if your parents believe in your capabilities, I think you could do it, its always good to have someone behind you and backing you up. 
Best of luck!
@18Razak Well if you can manage to get As and 4s or 5s on the AP exams, while having time for extracurriculars, then go ahead and take the 5 AP courses.