I just got my ACT score in the mail (34). I know it is a good score, but I can’t help but being disappointed because it is not good enough for MIT. MIT is my dream school; there is nothing in the world I could want more than to get into MIT.
But it’s hard to stay positive when I hear of all these near-perfect people getting rejected from MIT, because I can’t even begin to compare to them. So here are my details… can I get into MIT?
Grade:11
Gender: Female
Ethnicity: Asian
SAT: 2230: (700 reading, 800 math, 730 writing, 8 on the essay 
)
ACT: Composite: 34 (35 Writing, 36 Math, 33 Reading, 33 Science, 8 on the essay )
Unweighted GPA: 4.0
Current Weighted GPA: 5.0541
Extra-Curriculars: Math Team (3+ years… actually since 6th grade haha), 3 International Dance Groups (VP for 1 of them, going to be prez next year), Asian Club, Key Club, Varsity Lacrosse, Math Honor Society
Awards/Recognitions: various small awards from math competitions, nothing big or anything
I haven’t been nationally recognized for anything, I haven’t conducted a research experiment, I am not a gifted musician, nor was I born a genius… The only thing I have going for me is that I am hard-working and dedicated.
Your ACT score is right in the middle for MIT, and your SAT is a bit above average, and you appear to be pretty well qualified. You should be fine, but it’s also important to realize that MIT has a really low acceptance rate, so it’s a reach for anyone really. With those scores you should be able to get into many other good schools, and even though it’s your dream school, don’t worry too much about MIT–think of all the other schools you could get into!
Good luck! 
Those scores are “good enough,” but it still means that MIT is a long shot for you, as it is for everyone applying. Your Math scores and gender will work in your favor, as will the dimension you demonstrate with Dance and Lacrosse. Your ethnicity and lack of any unusual activities and accomplishments will work to your detriment. What are you interested in studying? If MIT is your dream, and your family is confident that they would be able to cover you financially, then give Early Decision a try, and identify some reach and match schools that will offer many of the things that attract you to MIT. Do you want a vibrant city, and an Engineering program? Apply to Pitt, American, UMiami, Northeastern,and Drexel. Do you want the more cerebral, research-oriented vibe? Tulane has non-binding Early Action. You will get into a fabulous college. It won’t necessarily be MIT, though.
@woogzmama MIT is non-binding EA.
I didn’t know what MIT’s protocols were, since neither of my kids was qualified to even consider it.
You are mad about your 34? Oh cry me a river. Kids get rejected with a 36 on the SAT. What are you gonna do if you get a 36? Take it over again so you can get a 36 multiple times? A kid even built a nuclear reactor in his garage and got rejected. Browse the MIT admissions. They have said repeatedly that once you are qualified academically, changes in ACT score makes no difference. In fact, they said they are not test score as number driven. If you get rejected, it’s not because of your test scores. And if you get rejected with a 34, you would’ve been rejected with a 36. Go on the MIT decision threads and look at all the students who were rejected with perfect test scores. It’s time to focus on other things.
@sunnyside102 Are you familiar with MIT? I hear a lot of kids say it is their dream school just because of the name. How good of a lacrosse player are you? That may be your way into many elite schools, but not MIT. Last December my kid was going to apply to Stanford and when I asked if he wanted to attend Stanford, he realized he just wanted to be accepted. Since their application was due a couple of days later than the others, he decided not to apply and got to relax a couple of extra days.
@sunnyside102 Lol no need to cry over a 34, that’s a fantastic score. MIT is not going to reject you because of your ACT score. You have good EC’s, good grades, basically everything for an MIT applicant.
During the summer, start thinking about your essays and either in June this school year or September next school year, start asking your teachers for recs and find out which teacher knows you the best.
People with near-perfect scores get rejected by MIT because they were not what MIT is looking for. MIT wants smart and capable students, but not people who just stay at home and study all day. Also, being a female interested in science and technology definitely helps.
I’d say you’re perfectly fine. With good essays, you’ll have a decent (if that’s what you call 7% admit rate) shot, like basically 80% of the other qualified applicants that you’re competing with.
If you are rejected, it is not due to that score.
Can you get in? Yes. Will you get in? Statistically, probably not. The overwhelming percentage of applicants will be rejected, and most will be similarly qualified. You are qualified. You have done your part, and the rest is out of your hands. This is what so many accomplished students, and their exacting parents, fail to understand. It can seem unfair until you realize that you are competing against the best and the brightest from all of the world. You are not the only student who excelled, and your parents are not the only ones to demand excellence. You will succeed wherever you go, but you should reconcile yourself with the understanding that you might not go to MIT and even a 36 cannot guarantee you admission there.