<p>I am an international student who currently attends school in the US. Due to many objective factors, I have attended four schools during my four years of high school. That means it has been very hard for me to secure any leadership positions or have amazing opportunities in these years. I have never heard of the many awards you guys have won on the Decision Threads! However, I have tried my best to make the most of my experience in these different schools. I have created clubs in schools in both China and America, and they both became a hit on campus and they still exist today! Last year, I was an exchange student in a public school in a small town in America, and I have overcome great difficulties in life that year. Now I attend a small private school in America, and I still live with a host family. Again, no major awards, but I am very passionate about math, physics, and engineering. I taught myself AP Calculus BC and got a 5. Now I am teaching myself AP Physics C. I have been involved with a few engineering projects at a local university, but no research awards, math/science major awards, etc.</p>
<p>During my interview, my interviewer told me my story was very encouraging, not only because of the difficulties I have overcome in my exchange year, but also how independent I am. Nearly nobody around me encourages me to apply to MIT, either because they think I am too social for MIT, or because they think I haven't achieved as much as the other applicants in math and science. However, I have learned that MIT is a diverse and exciting place, and I have determined to apply. </p>
<p>I know it is EXTREMELY difficult to get in MIT as an international student, and it is more difficult to get in without those major awards. This is not a Chance Me thread, but I am curious how people think about context as opposed to awards. I have extremely good stats (awesome SAT, GPA, AP class load, etc.), and I have definitely made the most of my school years.</p>
<p>Any comments are welcome!</p>