<p>I am a junior in high school and have been fully enrolled at a community college for two years. I am relatively unworried about my test scores and transcript (middle of the 'average' scores at MIT)--they won't get me in or keep me out. But, I am curious about this: </p>
<p>Although I am "good" at math and science, it is not my passion. I plan to major in Business or Political Science. My main extracurricular is being an international award winning harpist. Yet, I am afraid my lack of interest/extracurriculars in math and science will be a negative on my application--I do not plan on going into those careers and am certainly not a 'genius'. </p>
<p>Does anyone know whether MIT will consider this a flaw, or whether they accept students without a marked interest in math and science?</p>
<p>P.S. I would like to attend MIT not because it is a technology school, but because of its excellent business program. I also love the atmosphere and people there.</p>
<p>While MIT is not a school exclusively for math/science people, everyone is required to take 2 semesters of calculus, 2 semesters of physics, 1 semester of biology, 1 semester of chemistry, and a laboratory course. If you don't love math and science in some way, you are likely to be very unhappy.</p>
<p>Certainly not, MIT will not consider it as a flaw or something something... though I guess that admission to the SLOAN school is tougher than getting into MIT itself.</p>
<p>P.S. To MIT alums: if i am wrong on my SLOAN school statement above, please go ahead and correct me.</p>
<p>As far as I know, MIT doesn't admit by major. That is, you apply to MIT itself, and once you get in you can major in anything you choose - you don't apply to get into Sloan if you choose to do a management major.</p>
<p>Thank you for your replies. I should clarify--I do love math and science, I really do. It's just that my passion is for politics and business. I'd be perfectly happy taking the required classes. I'm really just wondering whether I need to have EXTRACURRICULARS in math and science or demonstrate a "passion" for those subjects on my applications.</p>
<p>As long as your extracurriculars reflect your passions and you can write about them in your personal essay/statements in a way that reflects your true character, you should be good. MIT has one of the best political science departments in the country (same with the Sloan school), so you definitely will not be rejected on the basis of your interests. However, as previously mentioned, you need to fulfill the science core, and it'd be great if you also had an interest in the integration of science and technology with political science or business management. That would really show them you'd couple the MIT spirit of innovation with your interests. Bottom line: If you're interested in political science and business, your extracurrics should reflect THAT, not what you think MIT wants to see.</p>
<p>Side note: You do not get admitted to Sloan separately. You can choose to enter course 15 at the end of your freshman year, same as any major.</p>
<p>Another side note: Ensure that your grades, courses, and standardized test scores, including the subject tests, show MIT that you can handle the science core (calculus, physics, bio, chem)</p>
<p>Why not Wharton? Well, I really like the atmosphere at MIT. Wharton's atmosphere just didn't appeal. Once again, thanks for your comments. Keep 'em coming!</p>