Prospects set on MIT

Colleges and Universities A-Z Massachusetts Institute of Technology
1

<p>Hey everyone!</p>

<p>I am a Junior in high shcool, top 1% of my class, aiming for those super high SAT/ACT scores, etc etc...
But looking at MIT's admissions report, I have realized that the vast majority of applicants to MIT have the same scores as me. When you're in the top 1% of your school, sometimes it eludes you that you're just about average compared to the population of students you are competing with.</p>

<p>Anyways, on to the main question... how do I show passion for my love of science? I can feel that burning desire in me to play my part in science, to help advance technology - I can feel that "passion" that characterizes those of us that want to apply. But I do not know how I can express that passion... how can I make it stand out, that I truly feel that MIT would be the place for me? Mid way through my junior year, I have come to the realization that I have not done much to stand out from the rest of the population... I have worked on research projects at my local university with regards to nanotechnology and biology, but nothing really stands out.
I have done few sports (none in high school), I don't have the love for art that everyone seems to have, and I haven't "cured cancer" or won in the science fair. I have this desire, this passion, but I can't seem to find activities to express it, I can't seem to create something that would also express it. The only things that might stand out are the various science and math clubs I've joined, the insane amount of AP classes I've created, etc...</p>

<p>At this point, there doesn't seem like there is much I can do. As much as I want to come up with a revolutionary idea for my science fair, my ideas are too far-fetched and impractical with the resources I have; as much as I want to express my love for science, all I can manage is a 2-month participation in a nanotechnology research project. Should I set my sights on other universities? Am I the only one having such trouble trying to express myself? It will look pathetic on my interview, college application/interview -
"I'm passionate about science..."
"What have you done to show that passion?"
"Uhh... a few clubs and AP classes?" </p>

<p>See how pathetic that sounds? I feel that burning desire to participate in this world of creativity, I feel that insatiable self-mandate to contribute technology, yet I can not find ways to express myself. I don't have anything on paper; telling them that "I have a desire, a passion for science" will make me look unaccomplished if I have nothing to back those claims up. I know I have a passion for science and technology... but how can I express this?</p>

<p>EDIT: Just to add what I have done, I guess it's about average or even less compared to the rest...
- Will have taken 20 AP classes by end of senior year, including all economics, history, maths, biology, and Physics B
- 207 on PSAT but aiming for 2300 on SAT (scoring in the 21-2200 range on the practice tests right now)
- On ACT practice tests - 34-35, on English, 32+
- GPA of >3.8 by end of year, weighted GPA of 5.5+ by end of year
- I am in the top 1% of my class by ranking.
That should put me at, or slightly below, most applicants. If below, what should I improve by senior year?</p>

2

<p>Personally, I think “passion” is an over-hyped word.</p>

<p>Personally, I think participating in the research that you have already shows a sense of passion. Working through 20 APs, depending on the scenario (were the classes hard, did you have a thirst to learn?), can as well. </p>

<p>You’re right in that passion isn’t necessarily something you say - or, at least, it comes across as vapid. But you can express passion in what you do. It doesn’t mean you have to have cured cancer already. What got you involved in research, why did you stick to it? What is driving you? Did you do anything in those clubs other than sign up for membership?</p>

<p>MIT isn’t looking for you as a completed person - you’re not done yet. MIT wants to know what drives you and what you will do with the outcome. Part of this is showing what you’ve already done with what you’ve got.</p>

3

<p>I think I am suffering a case of “wat do!!?”. I can expand on the reasons for the research and describe the reason I am taking a total of 20 AP classes (the challenge is fun!) but there’s not much else I can really describe. Sure, I loved to go to the Mu Alpha Theta (Mathematics club) local and state competitions, but I never won an award. I love my rocketry club, and we will be making real model rockets, but I probably won’t be able to attend the state competitions in time. </p>

<p>Do I talk more about the reason I decided to join or start an endeavor, or should I talk more about my accomplishments? Because, to be honest, on paper, it seems as if I have few endeavors that I have embarked on, and fewer accomplishments that have come from them. I love what I do, it’s just that I do not know how I would express this love without showing accomplishments.</p>

4

<p>You still have two semesters. Get some solid EC accomplishments in mu alpha theta, or the AMC, or one of those research competitions and I think you have a good shot. :)</p>

5

<p>Do what you like doing! If you are into rockets, I would spend more time with it and doing it for fun. The point shouldn’t be to do it for the awards; it should be because you love doing it.</p>

6

<p>There’s a spot to list awards on the application - list whatever you did get there.</p>

<p>But your essays are about your personality and character. Focus on why you started an endeavor and why you’re in it.</p>

7

<p>I was admitted to MIT EA, and I never won any national competition, nor won any wonderful awards. My Academic Quiz Team (which is a pretty big part of my life) isn’t very good, but I love it. The challenge I overcame was realizing I had a national competition coming up, not being prepared and making the best of the experience (aka making friends and learning while there). MIT’s application has a lot of short essays to really see who you are through them. Trying to highlight different aspects of yourself in each will be helpful.</p>

<p>Also, my MIT interview was GREAT. You will be given the name of an alumnus in your area to contact. Mine was an hour or so at a nearby library and it is more a conversation than an interview. I was nervous and probably laughed more than was appropriate, but overall I just tried to show WHO I am. The interview is mostly about enthusiasm, motivation, and personality (I think).</p>