Some people say I have a good chance of getting into MIT, others say I have virtually no chance. I’m wondering where I actually stand. Currently a junior.
Objective:
GPA: 3.94/4.0 UW, 4.17 W
SAT: 1540
Courses: IBDP candidate-- HL Math, HL Physics, HL Econ, HL Chem, SL English Literature, SL Spanish
Intended Major: Mathematics
Major Awards: Top 5% of AIME qualifiers (likely would’ve qualified USAMO if it wasn’t canceled due to COVID), ARML top team, winner at various state math tournaments, USACO gold
Extracurriculars (place leadership in parenthesis): Math club/team (president), science bowl (president), computer science club (president), chess club (co-president), lead a research team to send an experiment on to the ISS with collaboration with NASA and SpaceX, piano, Varsity tennis
Job/Work Experience: Summer internship with tech company
Volunteer/Community service: 200+ hours volunteering at a tree-planting organization
Summer Activities: Governor’s Program, Ross Mathematics Program
If you look at the MIT section under colleges, MITChris has a post where he tells you that even he (and he is in the admissions department at MIT) can’t tell you your chance for admission to MIT. If he can’t, then who can???
You have no chance if you don’t apply, otherwise the admit rate is about 7% or so. Just be sure to have a plan B.
Just do the best you can in high school. Do what you like and enjoy the process. If you get into MIT and that is where you want to go, then great. If you don’t get in, then you’ll be prepared to go where ever life takes you.
Write a GREAT essay to set yourself apart from the others who may have similar scores or ECs. Start early and share something unique so that the reader can consider you to bring diversity of thought to the class. I think I got into Rice (in spite of being an ORM) because of a solid essay.
As long as you are trying your best to do well in your classes and are actively pursuing different activities outside of your classes that genuinely interest you, you are a competitive applicant. Just as many have mentioned, it is hard to get into MIT but you’ll never know unless you apply. I initially thought only those with incredible achievements (gold medals at international competitions or experience in research as a high school student) could get in. Through personal experience, I can tell you that those things are not necessary to get into MIT
If your math grades are high then it is IMHO worth an application. I am sure that you know that it is a reach and you need to also apply to safety schools and matches.
There’s no such thing as a “good chance” at MIT. It’s a hyper-competitive school with a 4% acceptance rate. Highly qualified applicants routinely get turned down. All you can do is apply and hope you’re one of the lucky ones.
