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<p>First of all, it is safe to assume that MIT values the Rhodes and Marshall fellowships as much as any other school. Sandbagging an excellent candidate makes NO sense whatsoever. We can also safely assume that they have gained a wealth of insider’s knowledge and experience in evaluating the MOTIVATION of candidates to WIN the prestigious awards. The role of MIT’s gatekeepers in reviewing possible candidates is to segregate the students who view their participation as getting another notch on their belt or another scholastic trophy from students who clearly are looking at furthering their education and benefitting society in general. </p>
<p>Not knowing this particular candidate, it’s hard to speculate about the impact of having participated in an IB summer program. My take is that this candidate must have shown overwhelming evidence of a clear desire to be more of an investment banker than a scholar. </p>
<p>MIT might have felt or known (based on past experience) that such candidates do not pass the final and all important interviews with flying colors. Although such awards are extremely prestigious, seeking them solely for the … prestige is a fool’s errand.</p>
<p>I’d say MIT was polite.</p>