MIT for an under-privileged kid

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>I've got a bit of problem guys, much like everybody else on this forum, I suppose. I have some decent stats for getting into good schools, but I worry that I'm too mediocre for MIT. Here's the kicker, my dad has been struggling with alcoholism for years and my family has been fighting foreclosure for about 6 years now. I've helped my dad manage his business and gotten lots of experience with finance but have been unable to participate actively in any one extracurricular to a high level, so from a pure achievement standpoint, I'm sub-par. Anyways, here are some of my stats.</p>

<p>GPA: 4.0 (Unweighted)
Class rank: Academic Top Ten (No ranking system aside from this)</p>

<p>Sophomore Year: AP US(5), AP Bio(5)
Junior Year: AP Calc AB(?5), AP Chemistry(?5), AP World(?5), AP Psych(5), AP Lang and Comp(?5)
Senior Year: 8 AP (5 classes, 3 self study with math/science focus)</p>

<p>EC's:</p>

<p>FIRST Robotics: Charter member of a team. (9-12)
Student-led Tutoring: Freshman (Not offered 10th-12th due to school change)
Cross Country Varsity: 11-12
Track and Field JV: 10-12 (May be Varsity 12th)
Washington State Math Competitor: 11-12
Teen Bible Bowl: 7th-12th grade (8th grade regional competitor, could not go again due to financial issues)
500 Mile Club: Charter member (11-12) (Second most accumulated miles)</p>

<p>Work Experience:
Business administration experience
Building experience (Summer work @ various locations with my dad)</p>

<p>I plan to go into engineering or physics(and I like to think that I have a knack for the subjects) no matter what school I get accepted to, but I have had my heart set on MIT since 7th grade and really want to get in. What can I do to set myself apart from the rest of the applicants who have a way more impressive repertoire and maybe have a chance to make it in?</p>

2

<p>Scores? What do you mean by Under privileged? Do you attend an inner city or poor rural school? Did your parents attend college? Family income? Ethnicity?</p>

3

<p>I’m taking the SAT at the end of the year and have taken the PSAT with a 205 w/o studying. I took a practice exam and got a 2290, with some more studying hopefully it will go up when I take it in June.</p>

<p>My family income is 47,000 a year with 7 members (my mom, dad, sister and I have to work).</p>

<p>I attend an inner city school that is pretty good about financial aid for things like AP tests and SATs.</p>

<p>My mom got her associates before our financial situation escalated but my dad has always had to work (manual labor or menial jobs).</p>

<p>My parents are Russian immigrants, all of my immediate family are refugees (not allowed to practice Christianity in the USSR) and I have a pretty good grasp of the Russian language, if that is a redeeming quality for MIT admissions.</p>

<p>Thanks for the reply.</p>

4

<p>I guess MIT’s need blind policy is sort of like a double-edged sword. You should, however, explain (appropiately) your unique circumstances in your essay. </p>

<p>Wait, are you a US citizen then?</p>

5

<p>Yeah, I’m a US citizen, can you clarify on “need blind policy”?</p>

<p>Edit: Just researched it, what a downer. Does this mean they simply don’t give admission based on economic status at all, or are they reasonable when it comes to more unique circumstances?</p>