<p>Im looking to get into MITs graduate program for chemistry, I’m extremely interested in the present research being done there, and I would--more then anything--like to be a part of it. </p>
<p>I’m just wondering what type of things would increase my likely hood of being accepted? GPA's, GRE scores, awards, experience? Anything really.</p>
<p>At present I’m attending a community college with a 3.8 gpa, after i get my AS i plan on transferring to a 4 year university and obtaining my BS in chemistry.</p>
<p>The university also allows for undergraduate research, i believe this would show MIT that I’m capable of conducting research.</p>
<p>Do as much research as possible. Start as soon as you get there. E-mail some professors and get into a lab. Aside from that, it seems that the averages for top-tier programs like MIT's are 3.7-3.8 GPA, 800/600/5 GRE (Q/V/A), 2+ years of research, great LORs, challenging courseload, maybe some university awards, etc. Those aren't all necessary, of course, but they seem to make one competitive for top programs. Usually if one of those areas is lacking, then there's another area that compensates. So, for instance, if your GPA is on the low side (3.4, say), then you'll probably need something to compensate, like more/better research experience or something. The largest factor is going to be your research experience. So put most of your effort into that, I'd say, but not at the expense of the other elements. And make sure you get to know at least three professors well enough to write you good letters of recommendation.</p>
<p>i know a guy who got in with a ~3.0 and a publication. he seems to believe that the minimum is a 3.0 and a first author will get you in, guaranteed. i am tempted to believe this since graduate experimentalists are basically lab monkeys -- more grad students = more output.</p>
<p>thanks for the info guys.
You wouldn't happen to know what he scored on his gre would you molsysbio?</p>
<p>Also, I'd love to hear about anyones experince with MIT's graduate admissions, particularly in the chemistry department.</p>
<p>Id also like to make this addition: I did fairly poorly gpa wise in high school, I have my reasons but thats not really relevant. I did however make a 34 on my ACT, but with my terrible gpa there was no way I could attend a top tier college as an undergrad.
At present Im attending community college. Later on I plan to transfer over to my state university (university of Kentucky). My question is will attending a non-top tier college hurt my chances of getting into MIT as a graduate student?
Im fairly cretin I can keep a 3.8 gpa throughout my undergrad studies at UofK, and I plan to study my balls off for the GRE test. Id more the likely be doing a lot or research at UofK as well, and I would hopefully get a publication out.</p>
<p>
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Also, I'd love to hear about anyones experince with MIT's graduate admissions, particularly in the chemistry department.
[/quote]
Each department at MIT (and at most schools) admits independently, so stories from other departments will not be relevant to you.</p>