<p>Hi guys!
I know I'm really late, and I know I have a zero percent chance in getting accepted to MIT. But there's nothing bad in trying, so yeah :P
I would need an advice on the following essays topics:</p>
<p>Tell us about the most significant challenge you’ve faced or something important that didn’t go according to plan. How did you manage the situation? (250 words)</p>
<p>In this one, I'm thinking about writing about my current situation. Like I've been a student of St. Francis' College for the last 14 years. And now when it's my last school year, it's like a big BIG challenge to say goodbye to my old friends (they're like brothers to me).
I dunno, will this approach work? Or should I rather go on some academic challenge sort of thing?</p>
<hr>
<p>What attribute of your personality are you most proud of, and how has it impacted your life so far? This could be your creativity, effective leadership, sense of humor, integrity, or anything else you’d like to tell us about. (250 words)</p>
<h2>For this one, I'll write about my passion for game design. Like how some people think I would not get admission to any GOOD place like the IITs or any American colleges because my grades are not among the TOP students, and just above average. I'll write about how I feel like I have to prove to them that I can, and I will. And most importantly, I have to do it for the happiness of my family.</h2>
<p>PLEASE answer asap guys! And thanks so much! :)</p>
<p>These essays are supposed to be YOUR essays; not a collaborative effort with strangers. You are the one seeking admission; write about who you are.</p>
<p>Hey @UbiCell, from your post, one can make out that you’re Indian and/or live in India. Im Indian too so I know where you’re coming from with this post. Thing is, US college admissions are a lot different from Indian ones. They are more holistic to say the least. I just felt like I should share with you a bit of information that Ive picked up along the way.
They want to see who YOU are. Probably one of the common phrases you see around here, I know, but that doesnt make it any less true. At the end of the day, colleges like MIT get so many applicants that good grades is the norm and isnt, by far, something that can soley get you in. You need to make admissions officers like who you are. Theyre people to they can empathize with your failures and struggles, cry with you on your losses, laugh with you at your embarrassing childhood memories and celebrate your feats with you. Help them do that; give them a candid slice of your life and make them love you. If you think game design is an important part of who you are, go for it. Just make sure your essay oozes your personality, is fun to read and says a lot about you.
That being said, good grades are important…they’re the first hurdle. Youve mentioned that you havent gotten good grades. Why? When so many kids with top grades are applying, theyre obviously going to want to know what prevented you from doing that. Perhaps, if relevant, you could explain that in your essay, the additional info section or have your counselor include it in her report.
Colleges have personalities and quirks and MIT is no exception. They want to know what allures you to their institute. Academics can be a huge reason of yours, but it cant be the only one because yhere are a lot of other great schools that can offer you a wonderful academic experience as well. Prestige and family’s name/happiness arent considered very valid reasons here. Show them why you want MIT to be your home for the next 4 years.
Unfortunately the best advice you can get isnt from random people on the internet. Brainstorm with your friends and seniors and come up with essay topics that feel right to you. If its too hard writing it, then the essay doesnt really reflect who you are and youd be better off picking another topic. Just be yourself and you cant go wrong.
I wish you the best of luck!
-fellow MIT applicant</p>
<p>Thanks everyone! I’ve written four, and I’m really satisfied with these essays. @hereindreamland Lmao you must have the mind of Sherlock. Yeah, I’m from India. And thanks for that amazing piece of advice there!</p>
<p>I think my essays are totally “me.” Just gotta battle with the challenge essay, and additional one.</p>
<p>I think that it is a bad idea to write on the aforementioned topics in your essay. The essays have to be about yourself and from what you have described, it certainly doesn’t look that they will help the adcomms get a clearer picture about who you are. You only have a day left, if you can work quickly, I would suggest changing both the topics.</p>
<p>@UbiCell:
Be careful with some of the input you receive. Much has been written in this MIT forum and in the MIT admissions blogs about essays, including high level guidance from those close to or in admissions. You may want to peruse those.</p>
<p>@mumbai98 yep, I changed those way back. Written both the essays, and I’m pretty satisfied. @jpm50 I know! Did a lot of research these last two weeks. Lol I’m just gonna submit my app in a few hours. Thanks!</p>
