Chances for MIT as International Student?

Hi all. I’m an International student from Austria. I’m applying to MIT EA, and I just wanted to know from you if I have any chance to get in.

  • I have excellent Secondary School Grades. In the Final Exam I got the highest score possible. No one in my school got this score, and in my city (10-12k students) only 3 got the same.
  • My TOEFL score (made about one year ago) is 92. Do I have to retake it?
  • Unfortunately my SAT Subject Test scores are not very good. I took 700 in Math1 and 750 in Physics. This was my first approach with standardized tests. I’m planning to take another time these tests (maybe math2) in December, after EA deadline, if I will not be rejected. May these low scores cause the rejection of my application?
  • I won important European Prizes, for Energy and Health, partecipated to ISEF, MOSTRATEC Brazil and my city’s MakerFaire.
  • I’m a good soccer player. I’m the capitain of the soccer squad of my school, and I also played for my city squad some years ago.
  • Indeed I’m the co-founder of a small company that provides IT services in Austria.
  • With two friends I made a small dog shelter, and we are planning to make it bigger.

I’m worried to be rejected from EA for my low test scores, and I’m studying hard to improve them for December Tests.
In your opinion, do I have any chance?

Did you email the MIT soccer coach to ask whether you might be able to play for their team? Introduce yourself just like you did above but include some sports-relevant information. Hurry because even if you’re recruitable, recruitment started months ago.
Math1 is for stusents who are weak at math so refister for the November Math2 test as well as one or two others - English if you think you can do well, Latin if you took that, chemistry? Not German :-)… Also, your physics score is fine so don’t retake it. Have the test results sent to MIT (not “rush”, it actually messes things up).
Retake the TOEFL as most of your competition will have 100+.
You’re competitive, except for taking Math1 which makes no sense.

Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately, I can’t register for the November Math2. I hope I will not be rejected, but at least deferred. I will explain why in the apposite section of my application. Why do you think I have to take others Subject Tests if MIT accept one test in math and one test in science (Physics, Biology, Chemistry) ? For the TOEFL test, I think I will take it in November.
I didn’t tried to email the MIT soccer coach, but I will do it soon.
Thanks for your advices

Why did you pick Math1 and not Math2? They’ll wonder about that as much as about the score.

I suggested an extra test or two because 1) everyone has math2 and a science, so showing strength in other subjects can help you stand out as long as you have 750+ in everything 2) your time FL is low for MIT si the English subject test would reinforce the idea you CAN handle high level work in English and are ubafrwid of the Humanities.
Email the soccer coach TODAY. If the coach supports your application (something you can’t ask about) it will help you tremendously. Foe him to support you, he needs to have reviewed your athletic profile and interviewed you. In order to do that you need to be on his radar. And recruitment season has almost ended! So write now and start making a video of yourself.

The reason why everyone has math and science is because those are the admissions requirements. Maybe @MITChris can answer if MIT considers extra subject test scores? In the meantime, I personally think you should focus on good scores on the TOEFL and Math 2 rather than studying for a test they don’t ask for.

You have an terrific collection of experiences on your activity list, and your grades are great, so there’s not really any weakness for an extra test to “make up for.” Get the needed scores on the needed tests and focus on telling your stories well on your application. If you have interest in playing college sports and can get an endorsement as a soccer recruit, that will help, too.

MIT is very tough for international applicants, so no one can promise anything, but you sound like you’d have a chance.

I agree that Math and TOEFL should be the priority.