MIT can I still get in? Bad freshmen year...

Colleges and Universities A-Z Massachusetts Institute of Technology
1

<p>Now, this may be a long read, but I feel that it is necessary.</p>

<p>So after moving back to the US I started high school, school had around 4,000 students and was fairly competitive, but was mostly focused on sports. I decided to play football and started but by the end of the year I decided that football really wasn't my passion. But during this time my grades were horrible... I ended the year with an 87 gpa (3.5 at my school). The teachers were just horrible and I had a pretty bad experience with the whole school in general. Along with the fact that I didn't do anything extra, I played football pretty much (Its Texas, what do you expect? =P) </p>

<p>EDIT: I also moved again to a different school at the end of freshmen year.</p>

<p>My sophomore year (this current year) I have done extremely better, I joined band, technical theatre, joining NHS, and mu alpha theta next year. My gpa right now is at a 96 (first semester) and Im not too sure on how my school calculates weighted gpa, but the way I think it works, I should have a gpa of 4.0 and then a 4.1 weighted (3 honor classes and one AP). I also have the misfortune of taking algebra I my freshmen year, so sadly Im stuck in geometry (god that class is easy). But my current plans are to take algebra II over the summer so I can take pre-cal next year (I can't skip it!!!!) And physics B AP, along with everything else AP... Then senior year to take Calculus BC AP - and physics 2 C AP.</p>

<p>After taking chemistry this year, I think my interest lies with (after talking with my teacher) physics - Deals a lot with math and science (Both my strongest subject's and the ones I enjoy the most). I have watched lectures and stuff online on physics and I find myself to be truly interested. </p>

<p>But my main question and concern is, if I work my butt of this year, next and senior year. Do I stand a chance? I screwed up so bad my freshmen year and didn't even really think about (or try even) school until just recently and I feel that my life is pretty much screwed. So, why not aim high now and maybe get lucky? If not, maybe this decision will allow me to get into another college with a great program in physics? </p>

<p>Now I know there is no guarantee but, there Is a point when one should know if its even worth it. </p>

<p>Any mistakes sorry - its 1 am and Im also studying for my AP history exam tomorrow :/ (That's something because I don't think I have ever studied before o.O)</p>

2

<p>MIT admissions are hyper-competitive; applicants with near-perfect “numbers” don’t always get in. This is not to discourage you - simply, with admission rates in the low teens or less, schools like MIT have many dissapointed applicants who go on to very successful college and professional careers someplace else. One qualitative aspect I believe they look for is the applicant’s passion for engineering/science. That plus strong SATs may be a sufficient discrimnator to overcome an underperforming freshman year. </p>

<p>Time will tell. Don’t sweat it - if you think your future is in physical sciences, go wallow in it. Take the strongest classes your school offers, and look for opportunities to pursue the interest outside the classroom - robotics competitions (start a team if your school lacks one), science fair/competitions (your teacher can/should be of help here), maybe you can be the one to figure out what keeps a bicycle balanced (there is still no agreement on the underlying dyanamics!). Keep MIT as your goal if that’s your desire, but keep eyes open for other possibilities.</p>

3

<p>its funny, because i had an 87, and right now as my sophmore year, i also have a 96 gpa.
The wierdest part of it all is that i was also planning on taking trig during the summer and am trying to get into MIT, best of luck to you, see you when the Official MIT results of class of 2018 thread comes.</p>

4

<p>oh and dont worry about that GPA, if your taking APs you fine, just do not get lower than a 96 from now on, and aim for 99 dude.</p>