<p>I was just wondering, is research experience (Intel,etc) really important for top colleges like harvard, mit, etc? I'm applying as math/econ major.</p>
<p>it can only help, but i don't think it's absolutely essential.</p>
<p>no of course not really important...a lot of kids have it but its definitely not essential.
it would be good to have more on your app in terms of math activities than math team/AIME though. an independent project or something would be marvelous, or a college course taken during hs</p>