MIT FAQ for application year 2008-2009

<p>MIT lists the regional information sessions on the website (here</a>) without any information about RSVPs, so I wouldn't worry about it -- just show up and have fun!</p>

<p>Thanks molliebatmit!</p>

<p>OK, so now that my professor is talking at length about my research work, do I need to talk to talk about also in my part of the application? Won't just leaving it to the professor look as negligence on my part?</p>

<p>I included my research abstract in (I think) the Additional Info section. That was the extent of what I talked about regarding my research experience. My research mentor then wrote a recommendation letter without telling me what focus she would put on it - I didn't want to know; that gives your recommender that much more freedom.</p>

<p>Everything seemed to work out by doing it that way.</p>

<p>I've just got a few questions regarding the SAT and the application.</p>

<ol>
<li><p>How /exactly/ does the admissions process work in regards to the SAT? (ie: Do they see all of your scores, or only those you send them, or can you chose which scores the CollegeBoard sends?)</p></li>
<li><p>Is there anywhere that you could address your SAT scores if you needed to. If they do see all of the scores - on one of the CR tests I took, I scored in the 500s (my other two scores were in the upper 600's). This is because after finishing a section, I realized that I had skipped a question early on, but didn't skip it on the answer sheet, so all of my answers were off one line. So, I erased all of my answers with the intention of reentering them (I circle them in the test book), and just then, the time ran out. Should I explain this?</p></li>
<li><p>Finally, is there a real disadvantage to taking the test too many times? I have taken the reasoning test 3 times, and am strongly considering taking it a fourth to pull my 680 CR to at least 750 (which I know I can get). Would there be any negative effects of taking it again, or would it look bad?</p></li>
</ol>

<p>Thanks.</p>

<ol>
<li><p>They look at the highest of your scores and starting from next year I think you can choose which scores to send. Anyhow, MIT oly looks at the combination of the highest scores on the three sections, no matter if these scores come from different sittings. </p></li>
<li><p>Don't explain anything. Check if you score fits within the range of the incoming class, if not you can retake the test. But, please don't explain a bad SAT score. Though, you can explain any bad school scores, they matter more.</p></li>
<li><p>No. Take it as many times as you want. But a 680 CR is more than enough. So you may reconsider strongly.</p></li>
</ol>

<p>I would advise really trying to keep the number of times you take the SAT low. More than 3 starts to look bad. However, inproving your CR to a 700+ score could very well be worth it, so you have to weigh the benefits and detriments. In this particular case, I'd say the pros outweigh the cons, especially if you end up getting the 750 you think you're capable of. But don't "take it as many times as you want."</p>

<p>But isn't a 680 CR OK enough?</p>

<p>Are you okay with just being "OK"? Everyone has differing opinions on the matter about when you should stop caring about heightening a score (because the additional points will stop mattering), but mine is that 700+ across the board is being on the safe side.</p>

<p>Of course, if you have an 800/680/800, then that becomes less necessary, but in fact, that is the exact score combination I had before I took the SAT a third time. I retook simply because I felt more comfortable having over 700 in the three sections.</p>

<p>Ya ok, point!</p>

<p>On page 6 of Part 2, when you list your classes, should you try to include all of them? They will all be listed on the transcript, so is it necessary to include electives, etc. under Additional Classes?</p>

<p>Yes you should. MIT asks you to self-report your courses because every transcript is slightly different and is hard to read through many different ones. The self-report section is in a format they are familiar with so they can read it quicker.</p>

<p>Does that mean I should try to fit in as many (or all) of my classes as possible on that page? Should I put electives that are somewhat English related under English?</p>

<p>What about classes like required freshmen gym? Should we put those?</p>

<p>Just put all the classes that appear on your transcript.</p>

<p>How related do you mean by somewhat related?</p>

<p>There is not enough room for all my electives in the Additional Classes section.</p>

<p>Should I put them in order of most recent first? or should I put them in the Additional Info section of the app?</p>

<p>If they do not fit under the other categories provided, the instructions say to put all the courses you can, starting with your most recent ones.</p>

<p>ah this seems like the best place to get an answer for my question.
I have two sat 2 subject tests that are near or on par for a school like MIT ( math 2 and chem)
However i farted on my physics and bascially failed (650). So my q is, does this physics score gonna affect me even though i have 2 good sat 2's?</p>

<p>No, MIT only looks at the scores that put you in the best light.</p>

<p>From Matt's blog, here:</a>

[quote]
Q. Which SAT Subject Tests should I take?</p>

<p>A. We do not have a preference. You should take the tests for which you're best prepared and best suited. If you have taken more than one test in a category, we will use the test which makes you look best.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>I am from Poland, and our high school lasts 3 years. We can't choose courses, only profiles (~3 subjects on extended level, I have english, math & physics). We can't retake courses too, unless completely failed. Grades are not such important, because the're not considered in domestic colleges admissions; they're VERY subjective too, and grade average have almost no accordance to knowledge, maybe to your work only.</p>

<p>Because of this, my transscript looks awful comparing to most applicants.
I have 3 out of 6 from math (SAT II 800) and 4 from physics (SAT II 800).
My grade average is 4.15 (6!). </p>

<p>Will MIT take into accout that polish school system REALLY differs from US?</p>