<p>Hello, I am a high school freshman this year and was wondering what summer activities would be most beneficial to getting into MIT. I overestimated the amount of work high school would give me taking full honors and now I feel like I wasted most of the year. Recently I started a science and mathematics club but would like to do something over the summer as well. My first interest would be taking classes at a local college as I love learning (spend most of my time reading) but I have heard that some colleges don't accept or consider classes taken before admittance. Volunteering at my church would be my second option with the third being to get a job (don't actually need the money just something to do). If it matters I wish to major in theoretical physics. Suggestions would be most appreciated.</p>
<p>Taking classes at a local college would definitely be a boost in admissions. MIT probably won’t give you transfer credit for it, but it will look pretty on your application. Classes will also be easier in college in four years if you’ve already had an introduction to the material.</p>
<p>do science camps (such as Asian Science Camp with participation of nobel Laureates) help? I gained a medal there last year but not have any other international awards? Does it affect my chance?</p>
<p>and is “gap year” a problem when applying to MIT? Since I’m not US citizen therefore not familiar with its educational system.</p>
<p>Most people apply to MIT immediately after high school. Then, after you get in, you’re allowed to take a year off before college.</p>
<p>Anything you do that you are passionate about helps. If you enjoy science camps, then do science camps. It would be especially great if you could find a way to have a leadership position in the science camp at some point.</p>
<p>Do whatever you enjoy doing. The little I know about the MIT admissions process is that it is not nearly as academically focused as most people would like you to believe. The way I’ve interpreted it is that MIT would much rather have students that balance fun with learning than students who spend their limited vacation time on more educational activities just for the sake of putting it on their application. That being said, if you enjoy physics more than anything else in the world then you should take physics courses over the summer. I personally have a passion for math and spend a good deal of time studying because I enjoy it immensely, but I spend most of my summer and afternoons relaxing at home or hanging out with friends.</p>
<p>Do what you love! My son’s summers were spend doing travel baseball and local baseball, working as a tutor and a professional violinist in various capacities, busking, working with an online chess mentor, beach camping, and last summer, doing physics research. No camps in this house (too much $$) but loads of fun, creativity, and learning. 
He was admitted to MIT this year and will probably be a math major.</p>
<p>I know of some who worked in the corn fields over summer who were admitted and others who attended RSI who were not. It isn’t so much about what you do, as long as it is something you love and hopefully grow in some way from the experience.</p>
<p>thank you!</p>
<p>go to a top summer program</p>
<p>I don’t know if it helps, but I am going to the ROSS program.</p>