<p>How important are the AP tests in MIT's admission process?</p>
<p>My school does not offer any AP courses (again, I do not live in the USA) but I'm kind of worried that the lack of AP's might hurt me during the process. I can sign up for three tests and do well on them, but I'll have to pay around US$ 450 (international administration + late fees) as was demonstrated by the participating school's counselor. Will there be any sort of bias against those not submitting AP scores?</p>
<p>If you happen to be in a similar stance, what would you do? Thoughts?</p>
<p>Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>PS. I recently got into RSI as an international participant.</p>
<p><em>is amused that you'd like to go from Purgatory to Hell</em>
MIT has lots of international applicants, and lots of applicants from schools that have limited or nonexistant AP classes offered. they, like most colleges, want to see that you've taken advantage of the opportunities you've got, and are impressed when you create your own, but aren't going to penalize you for not bending over backwards to get some specific one. if you're qualified (and i suspect you are, having been admitted to RSI from overseas) they'll be able to tell, without a few 5s on your app. being poor, i wouldn't waste my money, but then, i'm not particularly a fan of standardized testing, anyway.</p>
<p>Hey Goddess, a fellow rickoid suggested not taking the tests as well. Should I be accepted, I can always do the Advanced Placement tests conducted at MIT for credit purposes.</p>
<p>I would take the AP test (for classes which you may get credit for ie not chem) not the class if you can somewhat easily arrange it because it is the easiest way to get credit for the course but if you cant arrange it dont worry just wait till orientation</p>
<p>To quote a message, you should use the vB quote tags, like:</p>
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<p>So you actually recommend taking the ones I can get credit for now? I really have no clue. I'll have to call the counselor at the other school and ask him to order a make-up version of the test. </p>
<p>Oh and I can always take the tests next year and place out the easy ones with it. But most importantly, will the lack of the AP scores in my application affect me during the process?</p>
<p>on second thought if 450 is a lot of money you could just wait till orientation I think some of the orientation test might be a bit harder but the price is right</p>
<p>YOU GOT INTO RSI!!! Just take the basic AP's like BC Calc, and Physics C, which you might not have to study for. If you got into RSI, I am pretty sure you are going to get into MIT. Congrats!</p>
<p>Right, so I'm not by all means confirming the following, but I do think it [partially] has something to do with RSI Admissions (written by sran, a Rickoid'05):</p>
<p>
From my own experiences (so far) here at RSI, as well as my meeting other people and talking to them, here's how you get in:</p>
<ol>
<li>Demonstrate you either a) have the knowledge to do well in your chosen field, or b) that you can learn fast, well, and under serious pressure.</li>
<li>Demonstrate a love and passion for your subject.</li>
<li>Demonstrate that you can bring something powerful to RSI. Not necesarily Olympiads or anything -- even a unique personality will do.</li>
</ol>
<p>FYI: RSI is pure merit. There is no racial/ethnic/gender system governing RSI admissions.
</p>
<p>And yes, quotas are enforced too. You better have an excellent profile/application if you're applying from an over-represented state, ie. california.</p>
<p>I ought to mention, however, that I couldn't go to RSI because of visa/travel issues.</p>