<p>Hey - i have a really unique situation - I go to a private school and because of the small amount of kids, the only EC's they offer are college bowl, debate, and the AIME's. Heck, there isn't even a student council. Looking around this board it seems everyone has tons and tons of EC's that I've never even heard of. In the situation I'm in I've maxed out, being the Captain of College Bowl and JV Debate, doing pretty well on the AIME's, and having a 99.8 GPA. This year alone I've taken Physics C Mechanics, E+M, Calculus BC, Macro/Micro, Psychology, and Stat all self-study because my school doesn't offer them (in addition to AP Composition with my school). Everyone knows that at MIT, getting 8 5's and 5 800's will just get you past the first test, to see if they should consider you - but what's really important is showing your "color". I have tons of potential but no opprotunities to actualize it - will that kill my chances? </p>
<p>I'm confused. You don't call being "Captain of College Bowl and JV Debate" and self-studying for 6 APs "accomplishments"? Then what are they???</p>
<p>They key phrase you used was saying that you "maxed" out. That's exactly what MIT likes to see- that you took full advantage of what was available to you, which you clearly did. Of course, this isn't enough to get in by itself- you'll have to demonstrate passion, resiliance, etc in the application as well. But no one's going to hold it against you that you passed up non-existant opportunities. </p>
<p>Also, no one "knows" that you need straight 5's and 800's to get past the first "test," because it's simply not true. You have to be SMART, not perfect. Or even close to it.</p>
<p>I think the OP was just saying that statistics, such as straight 5's and 800's, will only go as far as getting you past the first cutoff if that, and won't be a deciding factor in the second round.</p>
<p>Fermat, MIT looks at context. If you come from a school with fewer opportunities, they look at how you've done with the cards you've been dealt. Doing College Bowl, JV Debate, and AIMEs is just fine - the key will be WHAT you did with those activities, what you can show about yourself.</p>
<p>If you want more ECs, try looking for them outside your school. I had ECs within my school, but I also had some from outside it, such as "springboard diving judge" and "volunteer with the Education Committee of the state chapter of the ACLU".</p>
<p>It's all about context. I would think they consider potential and accomplishments, among other things, in evaluating applicants. </p>
<p>I would think they look for a balance between potential, accomplishment, and desire/interest. For example, you could be one of the most bright people (full of potential), but could be too lazy to exercise that potential. Why would they want to save a place for you if you, ultimately, were to lazy to use the knowledge you gained? Similarly, you could be a person with lots of awards and accomplishments, but not really interested in the subjects. I doubt they would want someone who suceeds primarily for academic reasons. Finally, you could be a person who has a tremendous interest in a subject, but if you don't explore that interest or discover your passion, how can they be assured you will in the opportunity-rich environment of MIT? </p>
<p>First of all, your situation isnt unique at all. Unless my situation is coincidental to yours. Because its identical. </p>
<p>Second of all, your school does have a student council. In fact, it is registered with the state student council department and has a certificate right outside mr sklars office. </p>
<p>Or maybe i was president of the non-existend 9th grade council last year.</p>
<p>Also, you school offers psychology, BC, Physics, and economics (only with a demand). Also, how do you have a 99.8 gpa if you were never there for a year!!!!!! Thats pretty amazing. With a 99.8 gpa while never being there, you will be able to graduate from MIT this year - while never being there.</p>