Chance Me

Colleges and Universities A-Z Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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Demographics: Male, Indian, USA born. I attend a very poor city center public high school. (90% of students have free lunch)
Intended major: Chemical Engineering

SAT/ACT:1510 on the SAT (780 math 720 eng) (last time anyone got this high was many years ago by someone from a very wealthy demographic)
SAT ll (Haven’t took but i know this is what i’ll get)
Math 780+ Chem 750+

GPA: 4.0UW (Idk W)

Important Classes:
Freshman year: AP US(3)
Sophomore year:AP World History (4)
Junior year: AP Chem (5) AP Calc AB (5) AP Micro and macro (4)
Senior year: AP Physics C (self study), AP Comp science (self study), Calc 2/3 at local college, AP Lit
(Nobody has gotten scores like these from any demographic at my school)

ECs/Clubs:
Bhangra (~10 hours a week)
Work(~20 hours a week)
NHS
Student Gov President
President of a local church youth group
Robotics club

My dad passed away when I was in 9th grade. He was the main financial support of my family so in order for us to compensate his loss I had to get a job at 15. It really limited my options to attempt olympiads or any real opportunities to make me stand out.

I work 5-10s most nights during the school year and our household income is less than 15k.

Not here to tell you all a sob story but I have been the first “poor” boy to actually do well in my high school. People have graduated with similar stats as me but they had tutors or parents who were doctors and were able to afford such luxuries. My grades and scores have only been achieved through the little time I have everyday to do extra studying.

Just thought I would give you an insight of my life. I am also applying to michigan and michigan state. This is my reach school for sure.

I have lurked these threads for a long time and i know these “chance mes” hold no to little weight but i am getting anxious as its my senior year. Thanks for looking!

2

I can’t count its a 730 eng

3

Are you first generation college? That could be a hook. MIT likes First Generation college students. But just apply to a range of schools, and U of Michigan is truly almost as good at MIT down the road and on the resume. The alumni network at Michigan is phenomenal. For chemical engineering, look at U of Minnesota, its ranked at the very top. . About 95% of boys get rejected at MIT so you will be in good company if that happens to you.
Smaller private schools may give you a better financial deal, look at Case Western Reserve U in Ohio as well. Minnesota, I am not certain of their financial aid packages for out of state, so study that carefully and make wise decisions for your future.

Are you a National Merit Scholar? Look up the PSAT scores needed in Michigan. If you are, there are 50 schools you could attend for almost free. Arizona State, U of Tulsa, and 48 others.