<p>Hi,</p>
<p>I am very much into computer science/mathematics and physics. I have had high marks in math and physics in high school. However, I was not able to take biology/chemistry classes. I just couldn't. Will this affect my application? I know that MIT puts emphasis on the sciences, so will they look badly upon my application? Or is it ok to tell them that I learnt by myself?</p>
<p>Hmm...if you mean that you never took any bio or chem, that might be a problem, because a year of preparation in science and bio are highly recommended for your application. </p>
<p>But by all means- tell them that you self-studyied (and be explicit about it, explain what you mean by that in detail) and maybe get in touch with one of the admissions counselors to talk to them about your specific case. Also, here's a section in the application that says, "Tell us anything else you think we should know," which would be the perfect place to explain why you were unable to take science classes (opportunity, guidance counselor problems, money, family problems, whatever the case may be).</p>
<p>What do you mean "you just couldn't?" Did you have scheduling problems? Issues with the teacher? Didn't want to? If you had scheduling issues, I'm sure MIT would look upon that more leniently than if you just didn't want to or something.</p>
<p>Can you prove that you learned by yourself by taking SAT2s or APs in biology or chemistry?</p>
<p>I couldn't since the curriculum I chose didn't <em>let</em> me have biology/chemistry. I am from Germany and my school offers both the German Abitur along with the IB. I decided to do <em>both</em>. The drawback was that I had to choose one science subject (physics) and had to let go of chemistry/biology.</p>
<p>mathmom, SATs would be a good way to show I learnt. Problem is I have not yet ;). I have one year to learn and I think this is viable.
I will definitely use LauraN's advice and tell them of my situation.</p>
<p>Gruess Gott!</p>
<p>If you have done the IB, then you have Higher Level Physics plus...what? If you have the full IB diploma, that means 3 Highers, 3 Standards. A school like MIT will want to see that your Highers were in Maths/Sciences.</p>
<p>To pass the Abitur, you 'must' have had some Chem/Bio, or comprehensive sciences. In any case, your guidance counselor or school head can explain in the 'GC recommendation' your circumstances, and that you took the most demanding courses that your school offers.</p>
<p>If you want to go to MIT, you should apply. Because there's no other way to do it! You can't 'redo' your high school career. You can only move forward and do your best in sciences and math.</p>
<p>Viel Glueck!
A.M.
ps, you're 19 -- did you do a gap year? Just wondering.</p>
<p>Hi.
I did the IB with higher levels in English, Math and Physics. You don't need bio or chem in the German Abitur, but you need one science (I had physics).
I will follow your advices.</p>
<p>Thanks very much.</p>
<p>PS: Yes, I am 19 and I just finished high school. In Germany, you have 13 years of school. Right now, I am doing a year of community service.</p>
<p>Abless,
your Higher Level classes are good, what did you take for Standard Level? And what are you doing for Community Service? </p>
<p>My son graduated with an IB diploma last year in Germany and is now a freshman at MIT. He did Higher Level Physics, Chemistry and Math, Standard Level History, English, and Geography (and of course had TOK and the Extended Essay, which was an astrophysics paper). MIT is not unfamiliar with IB, the coursework, and the requirements.</p>
<p>If you have questions about bio or chem credits, I suggest you call the MIT Admissions Office and just ask. The people that work in Admissions are great and will help you if they can.</p>
<p>It is hard to 'pick up' science courses in Germany, I know. You do not really have a community college system. There are lots of sites you can access on line, however. You can do test prep for the SAT on the College Board site, and self-tutor for the AP. And you have a wealth of knowledge through MIT's OpenCourseWare, which is all free.</p>
<p>Viel Glueck!
A.M.</p>
<p>Hello AnudduhMom,</p>
<p>you are very kind. My Standard Levels were Spanish (ab initio), History and German. Actually, I considered the IB just as some extra fun (and some courses were chosen too easy, such as German and Spanish): I definitely concentrated on the German Abitur (remember: I did both the Abitur and the IB). In retrospect, I'm happy I did the IB; it taught me a lot of more useful stuff in math/physics. Oh btw, I got 41 points, which is ok I think. Again, Abitur was my first priority.</p>
<p>I am doing "Zivildienst" (this community service); in Germany, every male has to do military service or social/community service (although there are quite some exceptions today). I am working in a hospital.</p>
<p>Congratulations to your son! Is he German or was he considered domestic applicant. I know that it's super-hard to get into MIT as international; still, even getting into it as domestic applicant is a more than remarkable accomplishment. Give him by best regards.</p>
<p>
[quote]
There are lots of sites you can access on line, however. You can do test prep for the SAT on the College Board site, and self-tutor for the AP. And you have a wealth of knowledge through MIT's OpenCourseWare, which is all free.
[/quote]
That is exactly what I intended to do! I am sure I'll have enough time to google through myriads of sites, and OCW is indeed a great project.</p>
<p>Vielen Dank für alles :)</p>