<p>Hi. I’m planning to apply for MIT or Stanford next year.
Some characteristics of my current status are…</p>
<li>acceptable class rank(about top 20%) </li>
<li>estimated SAT score of 2200(the actual test is on January, so I’m trying to improve until then)</li>
<li>SAT2 Physics 800, Chem 800, Bio(M) 740</li>
<li>Some AP 4~5’s</li>
<li>Some clubs & some social services</li>
<li>A silver prize at a national physics competition</li>
</ol>
<p>I’m a sophomore, which means that I’m planning for early graduation.
What are other things I can focus on during the remaining period?
I’m planning to take 4 more SAT2 tests, including Bio(E)… Is this a good idea?
Or, are there other stuff that are much more worthwhile than just being immersed in SAT preparation books all day?
I really like science(every field of it).
What can I do to make myself distinguished in this field?
I’m participating in the National Chemistry Olympiad next year.
Is there something else I can or must do to get into MIT or Stanford?
I would appreciate any suggestions.</p>
<p>You have 3 SAT II tests already with good scores. Taking 4 more is not going to help to get admitted (colleges that require IIs require either 2 or 3 of them and submitting a lot of additional scores really does not add anything to the evaluation for admission) except that you should take Math IIc -- MIT requires a math (Ic or IIc) and Stanford recommends that you submit the Math IIc.</p>
<p>Your "acceptable" top 20% class rank at this point is dismal for admission to either MIT or Stanford (at both of which most admitted students are well into the top 10% class rank; at Stanford 90% of those admitted are top 10% class rank, at MIT it is almost 98%) and thus one thing you should definitely concentrate on is doing better in school.</p>
<p>Taking 4 more SAT IIs is just silly, unless you need ones that you haven't taken for the schools to which you're applying. Which, come to think of it, you do - MIT requires a math SAT II. Honestly, I don't understand why you took three science SAT IIs. You only needed one, and there are better ways to impress admissions officers with your science abilities than a bunch of high SAT II scores. Anyway, take any others you need, and nothing else.</p>
<p>If you have opportunities to do science research, this is a better way to stand out in science than taking a bunch of tests.</p>