From what I’ve gathered, the individuals that apply at MIT always sound like super-genuises with a thousand extracurriculars and national academic distinctions.
I’m a pretty average guy. Smart, but otherwise average. My test scores are all perfect or near perfect (36 ACT, shooting for 800s on chemistry and math II subject test). I’ve taken 9 AP classes in total, and I’m involved with robotics club, tennis, and cross country. My unweighted GPA is about 4.14, weighted is currently 4.54. What I’m worried about is the fact that I have absolutely no awards or distinctions, besides some AP English plaque I received and highest honors for GPA.
I’ve always been incredibly passionate about science, aerospace, and engineering in general. Does MIT admit people who don’t have much else but smarts and some passion?
I also have promising references (my engineering teacher and said AP English teacher), and I plan to apply early to maximize my odds.
Colleges want someone who is well-rounded. I know kids who have had your scores but have been rejected from UCLA and UCSD simply because they were book nerds. You are in tennis and cross country, I’m assuming you should be fine. Try to get an award through sports, so it shows you’re not only a book nerd.
I’ve received a varsity letter in tennis, but I’m not quite sure if that counts as an “award”.
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Do I have a chance
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Yes you do. The only way you don’t have a chance is if you don’t apply.
But realize at competitive schools like MIT, no one will be able to tell you what that chance is. Not even the MIT adcoms.
If you want to attend MIT, then do give it your all and apply there. But remember the most important thing you must do is to make sure all your “Plan B” school applications are in top shape.
Yes, you have a chance. Not everyone has won national awards. With near perfect scores you could be a NMSF. It’s a competitive school so understand that going in but you do have a chance. Try to bring your passion out in your essays. Good luck!