Chances at MIT?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>I'm a high school sophomore. I took the PSAT (should be getting scores soon), and I plan to take the SAT next year, as a junior. </p>

<p>However, next semester I plan to take the CPT so that I am able to take classes in a local college, as a high school student, while receiving college credit (dual enrollment). I plan to take Music Theory, Intro to Engineering, and maybe some more advanced biology.</p>

<p>So far I have:
Weighted: 4.1
Unweighted: 3.5</p>

<p>I received 5 As and 3 Bs my Freshmen year, and now I have straight As as a sophomore.</p>

<p>This is my expected high school schedule:</p>

<p>Freshmen:
English I Honors
Algebra II Honors (took Algebra I in middle school)
Biology Honors (took Earth and Space Science in middle school)
World History Honors
Physical Education
Italian I
JROTC I
Keyboard I</p>

<p>Sophomore:
English II Honors
Geometry Honors
Chemistry Honors
Advanced Placement Biology
Personal Fitness
Italian II
Chorus I
Guitar I</p>

<p>Junior:
Advanced Placement English Language
or English III Honors (I heard you read good books in English III, of which I am more interested than simply focusing on the compositional aspect in an AP class)
Advanced Placement American History
Advanced Placement Chemistry (I have good relations with the professor)
Physics Honors
Pre-Calculus Honors
Chorus II
Guitar II
Anatomy and Physiology Honors</p>

<p>Senior:
Advanced Placement English Literature
Advanced Placement Government and Advanced Placement Macroeconomics (half year courses)
Advanced Placement Physics
Advanced Placement Calculus AB
Chorus III
Guitar III
Research I (taught by the AP Chem teacher)
Marine Science</p>

<p>As for extracurricular, I have volunteered multiple times over the summer with with the Dolphin Foundation, and I play bass guitar at my church, in the worship group. I plan to continue volunteering, perhaps at a homeless shelter when (if) I get a car. And I will continue to be in the worship group 'til I leave my city.</p>

<p>I plan to major in physics.</p>

<p>What are my chances, assuming my SAT scores will be above average? Also, what are my chances of scholarship, considering that neither of my parents attended college and I am of a very low-income family?</p>

2

<p>Your chances seem average for an MIT applicant, since your ECs don’t show any particular passion in your intended major. Also, your GPA is slightly on the lower side for MIT.
Improve your GPA, focus on more relevant ECs if you can, ace your SAT (2100 and above), and write a kick-ass essay. Focus on those, and your chances will be great.
In terms of a scholarship, you seem like a top candidate for one. Just make sure to improve that GPA a bit.
You also should consider some other schools, like CALTech, UMichigan, and WashU.
Good luck! I’m sure you’ll be fine :)</p>

3

<p>@HanginOnStars</p>

<p>That’s my Freshmen GPA, so it’s not including my straight As from this year, or anything thereof. I’ve no doubt the GPA will improve.</p>

<p>But what kind of relevant ECs can I do? What do you mean by this?</p>

4

<p>Also, I plan to take the Physics SAT II.</p>

5

<p>I would get your GPA up a little bit! I also recommend working on some extra curriculars to better round you out!</p>

6

<p>Assuming you score well on the SAT, you probably have less than an average chance at MIT. MIT is unbelievably competitive, and I see no “hooks” on your application right now, such as math/science awards, research, great EC’s, etc. If you’re really good at math and science (and I mean REALLY good, not just getting high 90’s in your math/science classes) then try taking the first round tests for the USAMO and USABO, the United States of American Math Olympiad and Biology Olympiad. And there are other academic competitions you can look to participate in.</p>

7

<p>I agree with cortana. Awards in math and science will get you far in your application. Try starting a physics club, join the mathletes, do some credited research, summer classes at a local college etc etc etc. you need some proof that you have a certain dedication and passion towards your intended major.
But remember to stay well rounded. Try a sport or something that you enjoy.
If your GPA goes up, get a good score on SAT, get a 4 or 5 on some relevant APs, and write a kickass essay, you should be a great candidate and your chances will be high. You have some time to get things together, so don’t overwork yourself.
Good luck!!! :)</p>

8

<p>Two things: did you really have to type out advanced placement x and we can’t chance you without test scores & other info also.</p>