<p>Hi everyone,</p>
<p>I am applying to MIT and was wondering how my application would be viewed in light of some (sorry if I generalize) "atypical" aspects of my profile. My test scores are heavily skewed towards humanities with much better performance on CR/writing and non-science/math (Math is still 700+ and sciences are 750+ so far). Most of my extracurriculars have been fairly non-competitive with a heavy emphasis on volunteer work. Sadly I don't have any math or science awards, at all. I actually wouldn't know anything about USAMO, Intel other than the fact that they are prestigious (congrats!) if not for Google.</p>
<p>This reflects the fact that I did (and still do) love social science, art, history and literature. But I wanted to explore engineering because I'm convinced that new technology is crucial to solving humanitarianism problems. I was always fascinated by Bio, and after plunging into some AP sciences (difficult but rewarding) and doing well on the tests I've started to appreciate the scientific worldview much more. </p>
<p>I wanted to avoid putting this as a "chance me" but I was wondering if I'm in over my head? I know MIT has amazing humanities classes on offer but I tell myself these are for the brilliant math/science types who also excel in humanities.</p>
<p>I looked at MyMIT and saw that those with higher CR scores have high acceptance rates but I assumed that was simply because they were paired with even better math and subject test scores.</p>
<p>Perhaps I should frame the question better, would (assuming I was accepted at all) MIT even have use for someone like me? I think I would really like it there - nice people, good sense of humor and I have immense respect for the school as a whole.</p>
<p>Thanks !</p>
<p>Yes. MIT is looking for a diverse group of students. Just apply-- you seem to have good reason to, and an interest in math and science. Explain why you’ve started to like science more and what you want to do with an MIT education. </p>
<p>It doesn’t really matter what your SAT scores are after 700… okay, that’s a generalization, but I think it’s relatively accurate. You probably already know this, but your test scores are fine.</p>
<p>Thanks. I was hoping they might cut art/lit dorks some slack, haha</p>
<p>As far as admission goes, I don’t think your background is as problematic as you think it is. Many, many MIT admits don’t really have an opportunity to shine in technical fields in high school, so they just look like good overall students. Most don’t have major awards, or major math/science awards. The moderate SAT score lopsidedness isn’t unusual or problematic. </p>
<p>The only thing that troubles me here is that you don’t describe yourself as being an engineering or science type, but as a humanities-interested person who’s exploring engineering. It’s absolutely true that MIT has great humanities classes and programs, and a much larger percentage of the MIT population cares about the arts and humanities than anybody would ever assume. But MIT is full of people who see themselves as scientists/engineers first, and see their interests in music/art/politics/history/etc. as avocational. It can be a very isolating environment for people who aren’t gung-ho about science/engineering.</p>
<p>The only people I knew at MIT who were really academically unhappy were people who came in without having a realistic general idea about what they wanted to major in. That’s not to say that you have to know exactly what you want to do when you come in, of course, but you also don’t want to waste time bouncing from department to department, trying to figure out what makes you happy.</p>
<p>^I had the same reaction as mollieb. You need to have a strong affinity for the material and the way of thinking of your major; this is far more important than whether or not you think it will help you tackle a noble goal. So someone interested in the humanities should not major in the sciences/engineering merely because they think it will help them solve humanitarian problems.</p>
<p>Thanks guys, I had similar feelings. From what (little) experience I have I think I would enjoy engineering or biology, I’m just not “really good” at it. </p>
<p>For example some of the conversations on this forum go way over my head :p</p>
<p>and ca314, you flatter me but I’m far more of a cynical utilitarian pragmatist. The type of person you’re thinking of would throw his/her tofu burger in my face. </p>
<p>as far as I know there are two possible outcomes -</p>
<p>1) I am passed over for a superior candidate as expected
2) I am admitted in a fluke or because the admission office has some kind of “affirmative action” policy in place for people with a profile like mine</p>
<p>My joking aside though my post was pretty sincere, and it sounds bad which is why I didn’t reveal anything incriminating like my exact score breakdown and GPA. I settled with teddybears because all iterations of NyanCat were taken.</p>
<p>How do you feel about sciences? Regardless of your major, you’ll have to complete quite a few science classes here at MIT. I’m not too worried about you not being good at science (that’s what MIT’s for 
Just don’t expect to continue a perfect GPA and such when you get here) – but you should have some genuine desire to do science.</p>
<p>To expand on piper’s point, do you feel like you’d like to get a feel for the sciences/engineering or do you want to learn everything there is about it? The latter is basically what you are forced to do at MIT. The subject matter will come out your ears, and if you are not truly engaged, it will be a painful process.</p>
<p>I guess an alternative would be to major in a humanities subject (a true humanities, not econ which is as mathy as engineering) and only spend the first year in the math/science firehose while completing the GIRs (general institute requirements for all MIT students.) But in this scenario, you are somewhat limited in what you can major in then.</p>
<p>@Piper, ca314: I think my answer would be closer to the latter option in ca314’s question, but then again I literally have no idea what the college workload is like past first-year. So I think I would enjoy it, but I’m sure there’d be a pretty tough learning curve. </p>
<p>But compared to many of the other (really impressive) applicants my background in science and math is not really up to standard, lol</p>
<p>So what I think might be a problem is probably transitioning, because there would be a lot to pick up - I’m sure this is possible in many schools but MIT? I have no idea.</p>
<p>Assuming I even got in (as per scenario 2), of course.</p>