<p>I have kind of a random question. Do you guess think that MIT would be more interested in a candidate that's sheer out unique but lacks test scores, or are the scores and gpa the deciding factor?</p>
<p>For example, would a candidate w/ a 2000 SAT who's a world champ at pingpong be a more likely admit than someone who has 2400 SAT's and 3 800 SAT II's w/ lots of usual math/science awards?</p>
<p>Or, for a less extreme example, would someone w/ 2200 SAT and 760 + 800 SAT II's that's an Eagle Scout and has tons of health (read medicine)-related volunteer hours beat out a 2350 SAT w/ 790 +790 SAT II's with some math award?</p>
<p>Thanks for the thoughts!</p>
<p>Well, scores and GPA aren't the deciding factor, but they're still an important part of a competitive application.</p>
<p>In the second example, I would say that yes, all other things being equal, the first person would beat out the second person (usual caveat about admissions being unpredictable, blah blah). A 2200 is not by any means a mediocre SAT I score, so it's not like the 2200 is really a disadvantage compared to the 2300, and the first person's ECs are better.</p>
<p>Thanks, I was just wondering about this because when I usually think of a typical MIT student, the stereotype of perfect SAT math/science genius comes to mind, and from what I've seen on these boards, that isn't always the case (though I doubt MIT has many people who are straight up BAD at math/science).</p>
<p>Everyone at MIT has some talent in math/science, and I only say that because like, they actually wanted to go here...</p>
<p>A 2400, all 800s applicant probably has an excellent shot no matter what. I mean, that's pretty rare, although I have heard of it in the cases of some kids - who were accepted. MIT says that scores around 700 will pretty much put you into consideration. That's the competitive range they look for.</p>
<p>Lotus123, I think your stereotype of "typical MIT student" doesn't hold anymore. Because of the core classes, students do need some comfort with math/science, but the students there are so much more, from what I've observed. I was very pleasantly surprised: the place is filled with every type of fascinating person, with so many strengths and passions. (Maybe the "uniqueness" thing factors into that.)</p>
<p>Yeah... Definately extra stuff helps... I mean my sister was a great student and did well on the SAT and stuff, but I think what definately helped get her in the door was that she was an All American Cheerleader.
Unusual stuff helps.</p>
<p>I've said it before and I'll say it again: you don't need perfect scores to get into and succeed at MIT. You need tenacity, determination, passion, and sheer force of will. In spades.</p>
<p>ChunRich, did your sister cheer at MIT?</p>
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with some math award?
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<p>What does this really mean? Like in any field, in competitive math, there's a whole bunch of different levels. Clumping all aspiring mathematicians into one big section as people with some math awards isn't fair to them, especially to those who really are brilliant. Maybe MIT senior Reid Barton, the first 4-time gold medalist at the IMO would agree.</p>
<p>lol, didn't mean to offend anyone with that one. I myself am a combo of the two categories, and I meant to pluralize that to read "math awards" i.e. state level finishes in competitive mathematics. Nothing truly spectular like professional-math journal publications, but rather a regular on the math competition circuit (which I am). Hope I didn't cause any harm!</p>
<p>Everyone's unique, but most of us like to mold ourselves to some external cast in hope that we will be "accepted" (no admission puns intended).</p>
<p>On your application, write what you want to write. Don't write what you think MIT adcom wants to hear. Ben says on his blog that he really admires the applicant who wrote "daydream" as one of the things he likes to do in his spare time. His honesty gleams. </p>
<p>You seem stuck in the world of numbers. Don't concern yourself too much to crunch the numbers and get XXXX on the SAT or a X.XX GPA in school. It seems like you are doing what you love. So that's fine. Generally speaking, the students who get into MIT don't stress over grades and scores. Heck, most of them don't have to, they are smart enough on their own to not have to worry about them and yet still do well. They are more concerned with learning rather than a plethora of numbers and that's what sets them apart. Do they have those numbers? You betcha, you don't see them touting it around; it isn't what they're concerned with.</p>
<p>No she didnt cheer</p>