<p>I've looked at their average SAT on collegeboard, and ive searched around for an average GPA, but i still have no real idea of how much of a genius a person needs to be in order to get into MIT. it seems like besides the math score, im already past/right on the average of the score ranges that collegeboard gives. however, im starting to think that people who get average scores within that middle 50% score range have strong EC's or some other special attribute, because thsoe scores do not seem terribly high at all. this is especially true when i see the average of the middle 50% score range for Caltech, which is significantly higher than that of MIT's.
can anyone tell me, to the best of their knowledge, what could be good scores/grades/ECs/achievements, etc. for admission into MIT? any help would be greatly appreciated. thanks!</p>
<p>idk if im doing this right, but
MIT
middle 50% reading: 660-760 avg. 710
middle 50% math: 720-800 avg. 760
middle 50% writing: 660-750 avg. 705</p>
<p>i got a 730 reading 710 math and 710 writing. does this mean that, excluding ALL other variables, if i scored a 760 on the math on a future retake, i would have a half-decent chance of being admitted into MIT? i dont really understand how seriously i should take these "middle 50% score ranges." also, im currently in precalculus as a junior and will take BC calculus next year. im getting A+s in precalculus, but will it look weaker in comparison to someone who's been taking AB Calculus and maybe getting a B+ or an A-/A?
one more.... is a 91 for ap physics b going to be frowned upon by MIT? ...
thanks!</p>
<p>If someone knew what it would take, then no body would be able to get in, anywhere. Think about it. </p>
<p>S scores and ECs and recs very strong-and better than yours. Not Accepted. He did get into his #1 school, CMU. Did MS at Toronto. Now on CS internship in India with Microsoft.</p>
<p>At that site, you can see clearly that SAT scores are not highly predictive for MIT admissions. For example, even though 760 is the average SAT I math score for admits, about 80% of students with SAT I math scores between 750 and 800 were rejected.</p>
<p>Your scores will get your application looked at by MIT, but it's the other aspects of your application that will get you admitted.</p>
<p>MIT admissions is wayyy more than scores and grades.
You gotta be incredibly involved in the community/school and/or athletically/musically/artistically talented and/or have great research under your belt. Even then, who knows....</p>
<p>If MIT gave more chances to people with 50th percentile score, everyone would be going to MIT. SAT/ACT score no longer has meaning for top 10 schools.</p>
<p>From what I see, MIT admissions is peculiar in the sense that scores and ECs are mostly just check offs. Once things go through the relatively loose sieve, the real part comes.</p>
<p>It seems like everyone who is admitted had some type of amazing research under their belt; eg. Siemens Finalist. Along with that, there'd have to be a clear display of passion in that area.</p>
<p>There's many who would have easily made it into the ivies but end up denied at MIT because they simply didn't have the extensive accomplished research.</p>
<p>The point in applying for college is not about trying to "get in", but about whether you feel that the college fits you. MIT, for example, is known for its very rigourous classes, never ending homework, and large community of geniuses. One of my friends who just recently graduated from there actually dropped his major, computer science, to biology because he felt that his math was simply not good enough even though he was a US math olympiad qualifier in high school.
So I think you will find little point in looking at SAT scores, as
1. test is supposed to just test your basic english and math reasoning
2. those SAT score ranges for MIT on college board are just the "averages," -meaning that getting those scores should be the minimal expecations for you.
3. I would recommend going to MIT's open courseware's site: </p>
<p>(make sure you look at the problem sets and exams) and ask yourself if you 1. feel ready to take that level of rigor 2. feel that you can be successful and most importantly ask: 3. is this what I am looking for?</p>
<p>btw, in the ocw, walter lewin-physics has some really good lectures and there are some nice exams and problem sets in the math dept.</p>
<p>I think research is essential. However, I only had 6 weeks of research over this past summer. I did win Intel STS Semifinalist for my paper, which I am proud of since I was competing against people who have worked on their projects for 4 years. </p>
<p>In any case, I wrote passionately about my research, and sent in a recommendation from my mentor. I also indicated how there are almost no research opportunities in laboratories near me (you need to be 18 to intern). I emphasized the little research I had to the max. So packaging matters - the way you present yourself. Don't try to be all over, be more concentrated. That's my two cents I guess.</p>
<p>If you are going to MIT and Caltech, approach it as a math problem. Clue: when the bell curve shifts close to an upper limit (and many points are at the upper limit = 800), it's not symmetrical.</p>
<p>MIT is a crapshoot...basically if your scores are in the ballpark, then they look at everything else... and then roll a dice. snake eyes...then you're in.</p>
<p>There's a method to the madness. The crapshoot dice are not "fair"-- if you have shown dedication to doing science/math/engineering, your dice are weighted towards those snake eyes, producing some kind of asymmetrical bell curve for acceptance.</p>
<p>The necessity of 1) research or 2) competition awards depends on your "context." Expectations are probably higher if you go to Ward Melville than if you live in Montana.</p>
<p>It can't hurt to apply, try calling an advisor there and tell them your situation. They should be able to tell you what kind of things you can do to increase your chances of admission.</p>
<p>"i got a 730 reading 710 math and 710 writing. does this mean that, excluding ALL other variables, if i scored a 760 on the math on a future retake, i would have a half-decent chance of being admitted into MIT? i dont really understand how seriously i should take these "middle 50% score ranges." </p>
<p>Disregard everything you've analyzed about the SAT scores, cause MIT treats a 2200 as the same as 2400. Scoring a 760 over a 710 doesn't mean you have a half-decent chance at MIT. That's not how it works.</p>
<p>"also, im currently in precalculus as a junior and will take BC calculus next year. im getting A+s in precalculus, but will it look weaker in comparison to someone who's been taking AB Calculus and maybe getting a B+ or an A-/A?"</p>
<p>No it's not going to look weaker or stronger. They don't compare you based on grades earned in classes since certain schools are harder to get A's in while others aren't. They compare you in context of your own school, by taking into account your rank, and difficulty of the classes you've decided to take. But don't get the wrong idea, GPA is hardly a huge factor in getting into MIT. They care about fit, and use GPA/SAT scores as a way to get through a certain door. Once you've gone past that door, it's your essays, rec, EC's, and awards (if you have significant ones) that will ultimately decide if you get rejected or admitted.</p>
<p>"one more.... is a 91 for ap physics b going to be frowned upon by MIT? ...
thanks!"</p>
<p>No it's not.</p>
<p>Go check out the numerous blogs on the MIT website if you're crazy about getting into MIT. Those are really helpful. In terms of great EC awards to have, research such as Siemens/Intel, RSI, USAMO, USNBO, USNCO, USPHO are all great to strive for. </p>