MIT has been my dream school forever, primarily because of their chemical engineering program. As someone who’s done a LOT of science research in the chemistry/bioengineering fields (2x ISEF, Davidson Fellow, NASA etc), I’ve dabbled in programming (mainly data analysis with MATLAB and some scripting), but beyond that, my programming experience is minimal.
Meanwhile, most of the people I know that got into MIT were either hardcore programmers or robotics junkies. I’ve been self-teaching Java/HTML/Python and intend on really boosting my CS experience so that I can expand into computational research as well (hoping to build my own PC this summer!), but I’m wondering if a lack of sustained CS engagement will hurt me. Are there any non-CS/computer engineering MIT students that can describe their admission experience and whether programming expertise is a MUST?
Programming expertise is definitely not a must. I know several admits who don’t know how to program. You should learn if it interests you or you believe you’ll need that skill in the future. However, not knowing won’t hurt your chances during the application process. Good luck.
There are several programming/robotics competitions but few other types of STEM activities that high school students can participate in. Therefore, you will see quite a few applicants with programming/robotics on their lists of ECs. As stated above, you certainly don’t need it for admission to MIT.
Nope. However most applicants/admits to MIT will have learnt programming anyways. Because it’s fun, and does cool stuff.
I’m certainly no expert on MIT admissions and would defer to someone like @MITChris. But I’d say that you should be yourself and not do things because you think they’ll help with MIT admissions. You have a clear passion and impressive credentials and achievements, and should be a strong candidate. But nothing guarantees admission. By all means learn some programming if it interests you, or adds a relevant skill; but don’t do it because you think it will improve your chances of admission.
@horseshoe99 there’s a reason why MIT offers many intro programming classes (6.0001/2 and 6.01 use Python, for example).
no lol
I have never coded a day in my life, nor have I done any significant STEM research/internships… However, I am Class of 2021!