<p>Hello, I am an international applicant to MIT</p>
<p>I have a question regarding the importance of SAT reasoning scores. I have a total score of 2270 (Math: 800, CR: 720, W:750), which I admit is not too high, but I think it is reasonable. (**I'm actually very fluent in English, both written and spoken, but I'm not so sure why my CR and writing scores are not as high. In fact I took the TOEFL too and got 116/120). </p>
<p>Considering that I have big National/International distinctions in academic competitions (like math olympiads, creative writing, etc), very meaningful ECs and a good academic record, (my school has an IB diploma program and I was predicted a full mark. Also, I self studied and took 3 Math/Science Advanced Placement tests(AP) + AP English Language and Composition and got 5s on all of them) how do you think my SAT score will affect my chances? </p>
<p>I am aware that the International admissions to MIT is extremely tough - does that mean a lot of international applicants usually have very high SAT scores? If this is case, are priorities normally given to students with a 2300+? </p>
<p>Thanks for reading and I really appreciate your help.</p>
<p>Torus, you don’t need to worry. All MIT wants to see is >700 scores in each section of SAT reasoning test. No one over you will be preferred because he/she simply has >2300 on SAT. GL!
BTW, if you have some international awards, SAT scores will carry even less weight…
PS: Are you an Olympiad winner? O.O</p>
<p>I’m not an IMO medal winner, but I got into my country’s IMO training team this year and I am definitely one of the finalists (official team should be announced early next year, and I have done quite well on Team Selection tests so I have a chance). I was one of the top scorers in the national olympiad, and did reasonably well on other big events like HK&Macau math olympiad, Asian Pacific MO and I also took math competitions from UK, Canada and America (Including AMC12/AIME) and I placed quite highly on some of them. </p>
<p>As for writing, I got a runner up award from Royal Commonwealth Writing Competition (out of 2000+ entries internationally) and I a have a few more. I got awards for my other extracurriculars (like music and volunteer) but I like math and I like to write the most, so I spent the most time on these and I think I have a pretty impressive record for them - although I’m not so sure how much they will stand out amongst a pool of very strong MIT international applicants. </p>
<p>Anyways, Thanks for your encouraging comments. And whatever you are doing, good luck to you too!</p>