Probably won't major in science - should I apply to MIT?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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<p>I'm considering applying to MIT, but I probably won't be majoring in a subject like maths, chemistry, or biology. Instead, I would likely end up doing something like Management, and minor in a social science like Psychology. So I'd be studying professional/humanities subjects. I'm also international, which makes my chances of getting in extremely low.</p>

<p>On the other hand, it's obviously one of the best colleges in the country, one that really appeals to me, and my homeschool courseload is very geared towards that type of school - I've taken more than the required four years of science. </p>

<p>I'm in two minds whether to apply or not. Can anyone tell me about what it's like to major in something like Management at MIT? Would I still have to take a lot of science courses? (Please note, I don't hate science; it's just that I'd like to mainly study stuff related to my major.)</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

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<p>Management is actually the second most popular major at MIT (although that’s probably mainly because a lot of people double in it).</p>

<p>It’s not uncommon to see people major in something that’s not science or engineering. However, I don’t suggest applying unless you LIKE the sciences. After all, you’ll have to take GIRs in them (bio, chem, physics, calculus, and a lab).</p>

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<p>^I actually do like the sciences (this is probably going to sound cliche, but I like learning stuff like biology and chemistry for learning’s sake), but if I’m going to major in management, how much time am I going to spend learning stuff related to that, and how “in-depth” would the management courses be? Also, would I probably have to get a job in a science-related industry?</p>

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<p>Liking biology and chemistry just for learning’s sake is what would make you a great applicant for a school like MIT. The GIRs include 2 semesters each of calculus and physics, and one each of biology and chemistry, so make sure you can deal with that. </p>

<p>As for management, the Sloan school of management is a great school, and after you get most of the GIRs out of the way freshman year, you can focus on your management courses. Here [MIT</a> Course Catalogue: MIT Sloan School of Management](<a href=“http://web.mit.edu/catalogue/degre.manag.ch15.shtml]MIT”>http://web.mit.edu/catalogue/degre.manag.ch15.shtml) is a list of required classes in course 15 (management). Also, course 15 has relatively few required classes, which means you can pick electives that interest you and either go more in-depth in course 15, or take some psychology classes and work towards a psychology minor (requirements for that found here [MIT</a> Course Catalogue: Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences](<a href=“http://web.mit.edu/catalogue/degre.scien.brain.shtml#minorpsych]MIT”>http://web.mit.edu/catalogue/degre.scien.brain.shtml#minorpsych) ).</p>

<p>As for job opportunities, you can do whatever you want when you graduate. You definitely wouldn’t have to get a job in a science-related industry if you didn’t want to - it’s up to you. </p>

<p>Bottom line is, you can’t get in if you don’t apply. My advice is, as long as you think you’d be happy with the GIRs, it can’t hurt to apply.</p>

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<p>Looking at the GIRs, I’m going to apply. There seems to be a nice mix of subjects, so I’ll be able to experience a lot of things and “learn for learning’s sake” in a wide variety of areas, and also be able to be sure that there’s nothing else I would rather major in than Management. Besides, I love the MIT student culture.</p>

<p>Thanks to both of you for the advice :).</p>