Is it too late to withdraw your application?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Massachusetts Institute of Technology
1

I was recently talking to a MIT alumnus and it didn’t really end well. I don’t really have much stem extracurricular besides programming and my extracurriculars were more humanities based and community oriented. Basically, I was told that I don’t have a chance of getting in because I’m not involved in AIME, an internationally recognized Olympiad winner, or founded several clubs in my school. The alumnus also mentioned I’m nothing compared to other individuals who helped implement a change in another country or their state. I was also told that I was conceited and arrogant for thinking I have a chance when I can’t even compare to those other individuals. It was also further implied that if MIT do accept me, I would be just be an embarrassment to the institution so they wouldn’t make that mistake. I understand that I didn’t do as much as other people and I probably don’t deserve it as much as others…but I don’t think I’m worthless.

It’s a bit frustrating because my friend’s sister (who is a junior in MIT) and one of the coolest person I know would be considered worthless in MIT as well. She didn’t do anything that impacted the community or the state and the only stem thing she did is math team. She got a 2010 on her SAT and a 560 on her chemistry SAT 2, but she was a good person who loved her family. She’s only one person though.

I’m wondering if a lot of people in MIT is like this and if the community is generally around the thought that you need to amazing to be impressive. My friends said that MIT community is generally like that. I honestly don’t think I really belong in MIT community because of my lack of stem side and my lack of impressive background and I guess I don’t deserve it as much. I know the results come out soon, but I’m wondering if it’s just better for me to withdraw my application.

Note: I’m not trying to bash MIT in anyway. Sorry if it comes across that way.

2

No, I would not recommend that you withdraw. It is wrong for someone, whether it be an alumnus, to belittle you like that. No one can decide your worth…as simple as that! Just wait it out and the worst that will happen is you get rejected as it happens with most of the applicants. Applying to these top universities is just like winning a lottery… regardless of your talent/achievements. BUT not applying or withdrawal is losing even without trying. Please wait it out… who knows you might be pleasantly surprised

3

You have nothing to lose by waiting it out. Don’t withdraw your application. Don’t let one person’s negativity have an impact on you. What is an embarrassment to a school is when an alumni behaves in such an unflattering manner. Chin up and good luck! Remember that if you don’t get accepted, you are in good company of another 92% of the rest of the applicants. Not everyone can be accepted and it has no bearing on how successful you will be in college and beyond.

4

Not everyone who gets in is an award winner or involved in AIME. Sounds like the person you talked to was a real jerk!! There are, unfortunately, people like that at all colleges. But just ignore him and move on. Sounds like your friend’s sister is more the norm that I think of when I think of MIT.

Keep your application in place. MIT isn’t perfect, nowhere is; but it is a fantastic place.

5

  1. As a procedural matter, it is not too late. However,

  2. from what you posted this alumnus sounds like a massive toolbox weighing in on something they have no business evaluating, and I would neither let them color your impression of the MIT community nor your application