How to go from state school undergrad to MIT for grad school?

Colleges & Universities A-Z Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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Hey guys! This will most likely be my last post on this site, and I’m looking for a bit of advice before I move on with my life. I was rejected from MIT yesterday after getting deferred EA, and I plan on applying to MIT for grad school. I will most likely double major in Computer Science and Math at the University of Florida, and I plan on applying to MIT for a PhD in either Math or CS 4 years from now. Before this year, I had no idea what MIT was looking for. I had never heard of USAMO, USNCO, USACO, etc. and by the time I figured out what MIT applicants are generally involved in, I found it very challenging to stand out in the admissions process (please note that I understand that not all MIT students have participated in these activities, but I certainly think that succeeding in them would’ve significantly boosted my application). For instance, I received an 800 on the Chemistry subject test and a 5 on the AP Chemistry exam, and I had never even heard of USNCO until 2 weeks ago (If I had known, I would’ve studied and participated - and perhaps I wouldn’t be in this situation right now). I come from a regular public school with one measly science club - we don’t exactly get students involved in ground-breaking stem cell research or build rockets in our free time.

Basically, I’m just looking for some advice at this point. Are there any activities I can participate in college that will help me find my way to Cambridge? I plan on writing a novel (I have always wanted to do this) and creating a YouTube channel in which I discuss politics (once again - this has always been a dream of mine), but these are both humanities-oriented ECs. What else should I engage in so that I can catch MIT’s attention?

Thanks so much, and congratulations to MIT class of 2021 :smiley:

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Btw - I plan on getting involved in undergraduate research as soon as possible when I arrive at UF.

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me

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the answer, btw, is good undergraduate research (and concomitant strong letters)

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@MITChris Thanks for being so supportive of applicants and encouraging them! Wish there were more AOs like you!- open and transparent.

My kids will probably end up doing the same as OP…try MIT for graduate studies since they love it so much. They are reluctant to check their decisions since they are positive that they have been rejected. Hopefully they’ll check by tomorrow. I know that it is very tough to get into MIT and other similar caliber schools but I am glad that they at least tried. They got into Caltech but MIT is their dream

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One thing to keep in mind is that grad school is a different kettle of fish than undergrad. Students are admitted by the department, not by the admissions office. Departments have different strengths, and MIT might or might not be the place that best suits your needs down the road. Keep an open mind. As Chris said, get involved in undergraduate research. Yes, as he said, this is a means to getting strong letters, but it’s also on opportunity for you to decide if this is something you want to do for the rest of your life.

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Thanks for the advice, everyone! @MITChris @MITPhysicsAlum And that’s a very good point, PhysicsAlum. I hope that MIT is still my #1 school 4 years from now, but a lot can change in 4 years. I’ll definitely keep my options open :slight_smile:

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“Yes, as he said, this is a means to getting strong letters, but it’s also on opportunity for you to decide if this is something you want to do for the rest of your life.”

yup