Could I possibly get into MIT? (my dream school)

Colleges and Universities A-Z Massachusetts Institute of Technology
1

Applying EA

To preface this:

I know I’m at a disadvantage and MIT is a “lottery” school, but can you guys be honest and tell me if I have any shot at MIT

My interview went really well, talked about my interest both for my major (which is an uncommon major) and how I’m in love with the school. Also mentioned how I read the lecture notes for a class through the MIT courseware and he was impressed

My stats:

Demographics: Upper Middle-Class White Male at a Highly Competitive School

Intended Major: Engineering

Academics:

ACT: 36 (35W, 36M, 36R, 36S) (non-superscore) taken twice

SAT II: 780 Math 2, 700 Chem

UW/W GPA: 3.87 UW/4.31 W

AP Classes (pre-senior year):

World History (3)

Physics 1 (3)

Lang (4)

Chem (4)

BC Calc (5)

APUSH (5)

Current APs:

Econ (Micro/Macro)

Spanish

Physics C

US Government

Current Dual Enrollment:

Multivariable Calc/ Linear Algebra

Extracurriculars:

Sports:

High School Soccer-4 Yrs (3 Yrs Varsity) All District Jr. Year -Captain now

Travel Soccer (All through High School) Captain- highly competitive team that competes in college showcases and I have been recruited by a few schools (opting for academics in college)

Volunteer Coach-Youth Boys Basketball (3 Years as Head Coach)

One Year Winter Track

Clubs/Honor Societies:

Chemistry Club (2 Yrs) (Officer 11,12) Helped Triple Membership

Physics Club (2 Yrs)

Service Club (2 Yrs)

National Honor Society

Spanish Honor Society

Science Honor Society

Jobs:

Soccer Referee (2 Years)

Asst. Manager Antique Store (3 Years)

Sales Associate Retail (Past summer)

Tutored 6th/7th Grader in Math and Science (2 Yrs) He went from failing to As in both classes

~130 Hours of Community Service as well

Awards:

3rd Place High School Science Fair

National Merit Commendation

AP Scholar with Distinction

I’m an above average writer - A couple of my MIT supplements really good and highlight my interest in the school

One Rec is great the other is good

2

Your ACT is very good. Your GPA is okay. Your SAT 2 math is very good (probably very close to average for admitted students at MIT). Your SAT 2 chemistry is low for MIT, but probably not fully fatal. For ECs personally I like the fact that you have a four year commitment to soccer. I don’t know how much the AP test scores matter. 3 in Physics is not great, but otherwise they are okay. Being a white male is not going to help you at all.

I think that you probably have some chance. However, I would expect that your chances of getting in are almost certainly no better than the 7.2% admissions rate and probably a bit lower.

3

Sadly, that’s exactly what I was thinking. RIP

4

Sports might be a minority thing at MIT, but I have to ask - did you visit? Because MIT was my brother’s dream school, and the environment was just not him. And he’s geeky.

5

I did, and one of the things most appealing to me is the fact that they’re sports aren’t ridiculously competitive (I’ve gotten in contact with their soccer coach).

6

Your competition for admission includes winners of national and international science Olympiads, science fairs, programming competitions, math and computational modeling competitions, etc. It includes students who have done research in university and government labs already, obtained patents for their inventions, started nonprofit organizations and profitable businesses, and done hundreds of hours of volunteer work. It is an elite group. It is tough to compete when your primary academic achievements have been at the school level. The fact that you are applying for an uncommon major might help though. Also sounds promising that the interview went well.

7

@len_bias7:


[QUOTE=""]

and tell me if I have any shot at MIT

[/QUOTE]

Yes. You do have a “shot”. But no one on the planet can tell you what your chances are.

If you really want to go to MIT, then do apply and give it your all. But be realistic and make sure all your Plan B. school applications are in top shape.

8

Just be yourself in your essays and interviews, and you should be fine. (Fine as in “maximizing your chances.” Of course there is no guarantee.) They’re not looking for a “perfect candidate.” They want diversity.

9

Try to be likable in your essays. Your stats are fine, now you should try to come across as a regular guy who enjoys regular fun things, but someone who wants to use his talents for the greater good.

10

I agree with @mommyrocks. Your stats seem fine, but little in your ECs say, “MIT admit”! But it isn’t unreasonable for you to apply.