Okay so this post has 2 parts. First off, I want to know if I really have a shot at getting into MIT. I’m just starting my Junior year of HS in Alabama (medium size public school) and I got a 33 ACT score last summer (35 in everything but science in which I had a 28) and I’m taking every AP my school has to offer (not very many) and plan on self studying Psychology. I’ve been a runner for a while but i’m not good. I’m an FBLA national level competitor and thats about my entire extracurricular portfolio if you take out all the scholars bowls and random clubs. I have all A’s in my classes and intend to keep it that way.
Second part, I’m really into nuclear engineering and love MIT’s program. If I select it as my intended major, will I have a better chance of getting admitted as it is kind of niche?
MIT admits to the college and not by major. So, there is no selecting a niche major to help your cause.
Get your science ACT score up. It doesn’t look good to have it be your lowest when applying to any tech college.
Admit rates to MIT are low for everyone. The only thing you can say for certain is that you don’t have a chance if you don’t apply, otherwise who knows.
In my opinion, if you believe that your interests in nuclear engineering are important to you, I feel that demonstrating that will help your application, not necessarily because it is a niche interest but because you would be demonstrating your own personality and your real hobbies. I see this said a lot, but as far as I can tell, it’s true that being sincere about yourself will typically put you in a situation that’s best for you.
I can tell you for certain that, this year, MIT has a question on their application asking “which department or program at MIT appeals to you and why?” They have a note attached to that question which says, “Truly, we’re asking only because we’re curious about what interests you right now–not because we have any quotas. You won’t declare your major until the end of your freshman year–there’s a lot of time between now and then to explore, discover new things, change your mind.”
Also, this is completely irrelevant, but what year did you go to FBLA if you don’t mind me asking? I was just there this June! (It’s nice to see people with similar interests)
@HPuck35 , I doubt MIT cares one bit about the Science subtest of the ACT. I believe it is the least valid of the 4 subtests. It actually detracts from the validity of the composite score. Further, it is not really a test of science knowledge or ability despite the name of the subtest. It is more like a test of how well someone can extrapolate information from graphs and charts. Yes, a scientist needs to be able to read charts and graphs but there is no data to suggest that someone who does poorly on the subtest is less adept at reading and understanding charts and graphs that are accompanied by text nor that those who score low can’ t easily learn to read charts and graphs. There is no support for the predictive or concurrent validity of the Science subtest so I would not worry at all about that sub-score.
Wow. talk about a late reply sorry lol. I went in 2019 to nationals and state