<p>I'm entering my first semester at a liberal arts school for physics in the fall and I want to know any advice or personal stories about a liberal arts student making it into MIT.
Does it happen often?
What do I have to do as a student to stand out and get accepted?
What should I do during my undergrad studies to prepare myself?</p>
<p>You have to do the exact same things a student at a research university would have to do. And yes, students from LACs go to top graduate schools all the time, including MIT.</p>
<p>-Get research experience with a professor. Professors at LACs do research as well. So look on the website to see what their interest areas are and approach one to ask if you can assist them in research.</p>
<p>-Do well in courses and make sure to take a rigorous course load with all the math you need, as well as the upper-level physics.</p>
<p>-You should spend at least one - but possibly two - summers during an REU or other summer research experience. Most people do one between sophomore and junior year, or between junior and senior year. Some people do one both summers, and some people start as early as their freshman summer, although I think you’ll be less competitive then. Usually application deadlines are from early January to mid-March, with the most competitive programs usually having earlier deadlines, so I’d start poking around in late November to see what kinds of programs are out there.</p>
<p>@Juillet is absolutely correct in all her advice. I would add that you make sure you take the most rigorous course sequences that you can find at your university. If they have 2 semesters of quantum mechanics, take them both even if only one is required for your degree. Those upper level courses are expected of you in the most selective physics programs.</p>