Besides grades and SAT scores...

Colleges and Universities A-Z Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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<p>I know MIT is one of those crazy hard schools to get into... so rather than grades/SAT scores MIT looks at other stuff. Can someone tell me what "other stuff" is most important? Like how important (relative ranking) are interviews, essays, EA versus RD, extra-curricular/clubs, leadership, ethnicity (I'm Chinese so I guess this will put me at a disadvantage?) and volunteering for the MIT AdCom? I think I have good rank (1/582 at public HS) and SAT scores (mostly 800s after trying multiple times) but I'm worried about all the other things that might actually be more important--Not that I have much time to change them since I'll be applying this fall. I've included my "other stuff" here if you could comment on them especially those who have already been accepted/have experience with MIT admission. I'd appreciate anyone's input though. Thanks!!! </p>

<p>Varsity school Orchestra (6 years violinist) but I quit last year
Community Orchestra 2 years (volunteer) and plan on continuing-- about 25 hrs
Piano private lessons 10 yrs... UIL division 1 gold medals several years (just local awards, not state)
Spanish Honor Society-- 4 years
Started JSA (politics/govt. club) at my school, served as Prez., Treas.
Scholastic Bowl member -- 4 yrs.
Math and Science Club: several regional awards, nothing big, hope to become Prez of this the coming year -- 4 yrs
New Member of Habitat for Humanity: participated in 1 build so far and will do about 10 to 20 hrs work before EA application deadline
Will volunteer at local hospital: about 25 hours before EA deadline
NHS member
Student Council Member 3 years but this is an unelected position that anyone can be
Baylor University Research Program (conducting research for 5 weeks here--I think this is the highlight of my extra-curriculars)
I hope to be at least semi-finalist in National Merit (maybe finalist?)-- got a 232/240 and am from TX... so dunno</p>

<p>That's pretty much it... leadership ECs are pretty miserable and my listed volunteer hours are rather high for what will probably transpire. Academics and test scores are my forte but I've read so much that say these things are that important to MIT. Thanks for your input... you can just post general comments about non-academic things that are important for admissions if you don't want to comment on my ECs listed above.</p>

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<p>mlee88, your list looks pretty good so far. I guess what schools like to see is dedication and passion towards a few things. From looking through your list, it looks as if music might be one of your passions, and you also seem to have accomplished some things in the math/science department. With a little bit of work, you could make some of your smaller accomplisjments look even better. Remember, your app is just like a resume. Although you can't change your grades and SAT scores, you can "market" you skills and accomplishments. It's all presentation from there.</p>

<p>So I guess my advice is stick with what you're doing; hopefully your passion for these things will show through.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

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<p>any advice or specific pointers on how to "market" yourself?</p>

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<p>Keep it real - put as much of your true self into your app as possible. The best way to "market" yourself is simply to be yourself. Tell us why you are who you are, and who/what you want to be. Let us know how MIT fits into all of that.</p>

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<p>And now you better not lie or anything because BEN KNOWS.</p>

<p>Hee. :)</p>

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<p>lol I wouldn't lie anyway, because I mean if you lie...then you are just lettting yourself down in the future...</p>

<p>...I guess I'll stick to my instincts and apply EA at MIT and I hope MIT finds a match in me as much I find that I match them.</p>

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<p>Thanks for posting!</p>