<p>I'm currently an undergraduate freshman at Boston University who wants to transfer to MIT. I was accepted to the College of Engineering at Boston University, but the university does not provide the specific major that I want to do. In addition, taking a minor in another discipline is difficult since undergraduates have to reapply to the college that is providing that minor. So...for example,</p>
<p>I'm majoring in Computer Systems engineering, but I want to minor in Business. I would to have apply to the College of Student Management to take business classes. Also, they have prerequisites that are needed to get accepted which takes valuable time and could take a year to finish (This is only an example). </p>
<p>I also understand that MIT is a concentrated field in mathematics and science, while Boston University's concentration is in multiple disciplines. </p>
<p>So here is my situation:</p>
<p>I am required to take a writing class at Boston University, the one subject that is not my strongest. I received a C+ in that class and wanted to know if this could really hurt my chances as a transfer student. I know that the transfer rate is low (approx. lower than 6%), but I am also doing some research at MIT; I am planning on continuing the research until it is finished. </p>
<p>I know other factors except grades and test scores count into the admission. I always wanted to attend MIT, but my chances and luck have always hindered me (either by getting a bad grade in a class or a bad test score). </p>
<p>I’m applying for fall 2010 transfer, so maybe I can lend some advice.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Definitely read the transfer section on MIT’s website if you haven’t already.
[MIT</a> Transfer Admissions](<a href=“http://web.mit.edu/admissions/transfer/]MIT”>http://web.mit.edu/admissions/transfer/)</p></li>
<li><p>In order to apply for transfer you need at least one year or more finished at your university. This translates into two or more terms. </p></li>
<li><p>You should take full advantage of the science and math classes available to you. MIT strongly advises you take calculus and calculus-based physics.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Even if you apply for fall 2009 entry and don’t get in, you can always take more of these classes and reapply for fall 2010 with a stronger application. Even if you don’t get accepted, I believe you can cross register for classes at MIT.</p>
<ol>
<li>The C may or may not hurt you. It’s hard to say because there are different things admissions looks at. I don’t think they will look at your C and toss your application based on that. I think there would be more of a problem if that C was in a math/science class. You can always explain in your application why you got a C. </li>
</ol>
<p>The first class I ever took at my college I got a C. It was a English class as well. My excuse was that I was 16 and that I should have researched professors a little better. The class was a joke and we didn’t even read his book…which he had us buy. The point is to make up for it in other areas. A year later I took the second level English class and got an A, so I know my lack of knowledge wasn’t partly to blame.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Doing research at MIT could help you. I’m not saying that it’s the golden key that will open MIT’s doors, but the fact that you’re actually doing something towards your field of study (it is, right?) is a big plus. Also, the fact that you were able to get research at MIT as a non-MIT student is good as well.</p></li>
<li><p>Don’t worry so much about a bad grade or test score. Apply. You never know, you might be in that small percent.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>I hope some of that helped. Good luck.</p>
<p>Remember to do #1. It’s the most important advice I can give because admissions were the ones who wrote it!</p>
<p>Just over 4 months ago I was agonizing over whether or not to apply for transfer. Looking at the 6% figure just made my stomach churn… and it’s actually the best admission rate for all the years for which the Common Data Set is available. </p>
<p>I figured my chances would be slightly lower if I never sent the app in… and–what the hell?–they just admitted me! I think that in my case GPA, extracurriculars, and recommendation letters were the key, because my essays were not what I’d call top-notch. There’s not a ton you can do between now and the application, but I would recommend a couple of things:</p>
<ol>
<li>Get involved in a CS-related project. Find out about an up-and-coming open source piece of software and write a killer feature for it. Join one of your professors in their research. Enter a programming competition (and do well.)</li>
<li>Read all you can about MIT. You can get an idea of a good application from some of the admissions bloggers who have posted their essays. You should look at the course 6 (EECS) site and find out what you like about MIT’s teaching style. If I’d been in your situation, I would’ve walked over the river and talked to as many profs as possible. </li>
<li>Get 3 fantastic letters of recommendation. Don’t be afraid about being “pushy” and let your evaluators know why you will be a great fit at MIT. Have them explain your accomplishments within your context. </li>
</ol>
<p>If you have any questions about the app, just PM me whenever.</p>
<p>hi, I am wondering if I am at a disadvantage for applying to MIT to do math and econs, instead of sciences. because natural sciences are what they are famous for. thanks if anyone can help</p>