<p>Is there any special process for applying as a student athlete for MIT other than talking to the coach? how many student athletes does MIT get?? I know in the UC system atleast, student athletes are in a whole different pool than the normal applicants. Though I might apply as an athlete (fencer) I (of course, it's MIT here!) have strong academics. AP classes (should have around 10+ by end of hs,etc mostly A's, maybe a couple b's..., awards in several science fairs...etc (don't wanna get into all my ec's now..)). I'm a sophomore right now btw. So, are student athletes in a different pool like in the UC system? how big of a influence do coaches have on the admission?</p>
<p>Athletics is considered at MIT, but is no different than any other extra-curricular. Excelling in athletics is just one more way to express a passion of yours, not much different than doing art or music. So I guess you could say that yes, MIT does "recruit," but it weighs differently than at other institutes. This could work for you or against you.</p>
<p>For instance, if you're just a good athlete/scholar, it won't help you as much as if you were going into the UC system, as you say. But if fencing is your passion, if you live for it, thrive on it, then it will show through your application and your experiences/awards and the admissions committee will love it.</p>
<p>Ok, I was a recruited athlete at a few schools. Im at MIT now. Here's the gist of things. Short answer is, no, MIT does not treat it's athletes differently. No slots, seperate files, etc. That said, it does help having someone at MIT (ie a coach) vouch for your talents. With such a wide range of talented students applying from all over the place, giving admissions an unbiased evaluation of your potential is a good thing. Now, this just doesn't pertain to athletics, admissions also has professors evaluate musical tapes and research projects. So, at least in my opinion, I think that it's a good thing to contact a coach. </p>
<p>Now, how big of an influence? I think that depends on your level of play and dedication. If you were so good at Basketball in HS that you considered declaring yourself eligible for the NBA draft, then I think that your coach is going to write a pretty stellar recommendation. However, your essays and ECs will probably also reflect your, and I think this word is overused, passion.</p>
<p>I was recruited to play football at schools up to D1-AA. By level of play, I meant talent. But for recruiting in general, I think that it is better to come from a HS that plays better competition.</p>
<p>Just as an addendum, I don't want anything to come off the wrong way. MIT athletics isn't like most other schools. There is a WIDE array of skill levels. This is mostly because A) MIT has such an outstanding academic reputation that it attracts athletes of all shapes and sizes and B) because MIT is looking for students first. So, to be "recruited" (the quotes because it isn't really like other schools), I don't think there is a certain athletic bar. Now, that's just MIT. However, the athletic recruiting process, outside of the Tech, is a nightmare. But that's a different story...</p>