<p>I am applying to MIT EA. If my grades and test scores are on par for MIT (4.0 UW GPA, 35 ACT, 2 800 subject tests, 8 5's on APs, AIME Qualifier), how much will the fact that I am also on the lacrosse recruiting list help me?</p>
<p>MIT doesn’t “recruit” in the sense that other schools do. There are no special slots or lower bars for athletes. Being part of lacrosse will contribute to your app in the same way other non-sports activities do - showing something interesting about you and the dedication that you apply.</p>
<p>Every year the coaches send over a list of folks that they would really like MIT to admit, and every year the coaches are in part disappointed. The admissions office REALLY, REALLY understands this. MIT is Division I in Crew (division III in most sports), and prior to his move to the admissions office, Stu Schmill, the Dean of Admissions for MIT, was the coach of the varsity crew team. So he has experienced it from both sides. Its fair to say that being a recruited athlete is certainly helpful to your application. It is also true to say that being a recruited athlete will definitely NOT grant admission to a candidate who otherwise would not be competive.</p>