I know that MIT doesn’t really recruit, but how much would being at the top tier of your recruiting class (one of the fastest swimmers; able to make a significant impact on the team) help you get in?
I think a sport helps a lot IF the athlete is able to prove he or she will do well academically at MIT (high GPA and strong test scores) AND he or she is a good fit (good interview and excellent letters of recommendation).
MIT does recruit, but the process and “influence” offered by the coaches for all sports is much more limited than at pretty much all other schools.
No matter what, you still need to meet the same academic standards as all other students applying - as a D3 team there is no lower GPA or test scores that apply. Unlike Ivy League or NECSAC schools, there is no official preread and likely letter process, no “bands”of kids for admission etc. And of course, as a D3 there are no athletic scholarships. All aid at MIT is need based.
I would suggest that you fill out their recruiting forms and start a conversation with the coaches. We’ve found them to be approachable, helpful and very honest when it comes to how this process works and what they can offer in terms of “influence” in admissions. And they seem well suited to be coaching the types of kids that are attending MIT.
MIT coaches recruit. Everything said by brassratter and jmtabb is spot on. Again, MIT coaches recruit.
Coaches recruit there for sure, but you need high GPA, good class rigor, 2 SAT subject tests in science and math, and high SAT scores. You pretty much need to be a flawless candidate. Then if you meet all of those requirements you have a better chance of getting admitted than a non recruited athlete but your chances still aren’t great. Decent, but not great.
Good luck.