Chances of getting into M.I.T.

Hey there!

I am a white male junior who has wanted to get to M.I.T. for aerospace engineering since around 7th grade and I just want to know my chances.

(Academics)
(new SAT)- 1460
ACT- 33

Combined GPA of freshman/sophomore year is 3.8

GPA of junior year is 4.5

AP’s- AP chem, AP psychology, AP world history (this year)

Senior years’ AP’s- AP calculus BC, AP Stats, AP physics C, AP french

(Academic EC’s)

National Honor society
French Club
Students for Environmental Action club
Adopt-A-Class
Medical Careers Club

(Non-Academic EC’s)

Part time job at Life Time Athletics for 2 years

Varsity Wresting (3rd at sectionals) (10-12)
Varsity Tennis (10-12)
Varsity Soccer (11-12)

I play several instruments which I play in a band with- Guitar, Drums, Bass, Piano, Banjo, Ukulele

Family Income of > $50,000

If you think that my chances are low, then what could I do to improve them?

It certainly looks like you are in the ballpark but no one here can tell you your chances other than quoting the overall admit rate, which isn’t very pretty.

Aim for MIT but have a plan B. MIT is a great school but there are many other great schools that will provide a rich educational experience to get you started in your career.

The MIT website has all kinds of information about applying. It is a great resource and you should read it.

I don’t know how competitive your school is for athletics, but if you can get recruited for a sport at MIT you have a better chance at getting in

I don’t see any engineering or STEM-related ECs. Are you sure engineering is what you want?

as I’m sure you know, there is no guaranteed formula for getting into a certain university. most of the people on chance me threads are not admissions officers, and thus can not give you an accurate estimate of whether or not you will get into a certain school. with that said, your stats look competitive. the essays are where you showcase what you can offer to the school-get started with the brainstorming process now. make sure your passions shine in your application. above all, know that prestige means very little in the long run; the college you attend does not dictate your future, as difficult as that is to believe. best of luck!

@Fearthebeaver, The athletic department staff at MIT has no influence in the admission decision at MIT, no matter how much they like you.

Your SATs are very low for MIT. Any plans to retake?

What is your unweighted GPA each year? Weighted GPA is computed so differently at different high schools that is it useless for comparison on a US-wide basis. What are your grades in math and science classes?

You SAT is low for MIT. What is your breakdown between the parts of the SAT? Do you have subject tests?

On first glance, your chances look lower than the overall average admit rate at MIT.

The odds are low for everyone - even those with 1550 and above and higher GPA. What one of the alum advisers told us was MIT could accept a freshman class, then reject them. Select the next freshman class. Reject them… At least eight times down the line and each class would be qualified to be at MIT. The difference maker is hard to know. If could be the band needs a left hand flute player or the Russia house needs someone who speaks Russian or - who knows what. I’d take the SAT again just because there’s no downside.

The reality is that you will most likely end up at another school where you love it, do great and succeed fabulously after graduation. You might have more fun and even more opportunities at this other place. Give yourself credit. You’ve done awesome. Search for the programs around the world that match the dream you’ve developed around MIT. There will be places that offer things that MIT doesn’t and the other way around. Give yourself multiple ways to win.

Chances are lousy, even with perfect scores. You have nothing to lose by applying. They might toss your application, or accept it. Remember, getting in is only half the battle. You need to still be able to afford it. Keep a good number of affordable schools in mind when doing your applications. You do qualify for scholarships. There are a few I know of off the top of my head, namely Univ of Alabama, Univ of KY, and Univ of AZ.

The athletic department at MIT has influence. It is well known that recruited swimmers and rowers have a good chance of acceptance, even with lower than average scores and GPA. Maybe that wasn’t true a few years ago, but it is now.

The OP asked the question months ago and has yet to return. Old threads should be used for research,but should not be needlessly revived. Closing.