<p>i hear a lot of people saying showing passion in what you are interested in is the most important thing for MIT but what about leadership positions? Ivies really look for this but I dont know if they are as important for MIT</p>
<p>They are important, but context is equally important. Here's an example: if you tell me you were president of your class, I'm going to want to know what you accomplished within that role. Two scenarios:</p>
<p>1) You fought hard to get elected so that you could effect real change at your school. After being elected president, you accomplished 4 distinct things that enhanced your school's culture and you increased student participation in a variety of worthwhile activities.</p>
<p>2) You were really popular and won a popularity contest. You put "president of class" on all of your college apps but you don't have anything else to say about the experience.</p>
<p>See the difference? #1 is going to help you a lot; #2 isn't. :-) Like the rest of your application, we consider everything in context.</p>
<p>Hey Gandhiji, from talking to you, I believe you are a freshmen(rising sophomore now). I used to be just like you, wondering what to do to get into MIT. </p>
<p>The main problem with that is that you automatically become superficial. I know this isn't easy advice, but don't worry about getting into any college until junior year. Sure, you should seek guidance on certain summer programs to attend, etc, but don't worry too much about how to prove yourself to MIT.</p>
<p>Once you start doing things you really love, something that really captures your attention, you will realize that MIT is everything. The success/failure of your life isn't dependent on getting into any particular college, but rather your own individual effort/talent. I came to this realization last christmas. And don't worry about not knowing what interests you the most. The more you encounter, the more your focus will shift. Try things, experiment, ask questions, these things will help you gain a better perspective of the world, and make you a better person.</p>
<p>Also I would very highly advise you to take up clubs like Model UN, World Quest, Debate, etc. What you achieve in the lab is nothing without the ability to communicate your accomplishments to peers. Things like public speaking will help you no matter where you go in life. I've met far to many nerdy type geniuses who are far more brilliant than me, yet lack the ability to confidently speak to large groups, debate, etc. These skills help you build an impression/reputation, which is good for contacts.</p>
<p>um.. Im a rising junior which is why im trying to learn everything about colleges now before its too late (lol)</p>
<p>I wouldnt be surprised at all sagar if I didnt get into MIT because of the high competition. Ill be happy if i can get into this one tech college in my state (Virginia Tech) which also has great stuff. At our school we have Model UN, and Debate but neither interest me. Our school also doesnt have many tech clubs which are the most interesting to me (we're gonna lose science olympiad next year) Our Math Team (which im in) doesnt participate in regional or state competitions either.</p>
<p>^ "Ill be happy if i can get into this one tech college in my state (Virginia Tech) which also has great stuff."
Gandhiji---I am so glad to see a fellow HS student with some great perspective on the whole crazy process. Good for you :-). Also..I am from VA...VT does have great stuff!</p>
<p>Sagar put it incredibly well; basically what I would have said.</p>
<p>Forget about MIT for a while. Do what you like to do? Do you like tossing a frisbee around? Join/start an ultimate team. Do you like mathematical logic problems? Join/start the math team. Just do what you like to do. Realize your own self-worth and follow whatever things interest you. Satiate your own curiosity, and then make it insatiable again by latching on to something else you're curious about.</p>
<p>I'ts not about getting into MIT, it's about being yourself and doing what you want to do. If that gets you into MIT, great. If it doesn't and MIT doesn't accept you, then you weren't meant to be there anyway and they weren't meant to have you. You'll find somewhere else you'll be happy and will thrive.</p>
<p>Good luck :)</p>