<p>Okay, so as a rising senior, I'm wondering whether I should apply Early Decision to MIT. The thing is, though I'm in the top 5% of my school with a rigorous course load (I still have a lot of B's) and high-ish (kind of not really) test scores (33 ACT and 2080 SAT- retaking both), I don't have any amazing outstanding ECs and I'm not really super good at anything. The thing is, I've been researching MIT online for a long time...and I love the school. I would love love love to go there. I've done a fair amount of researching other schools but MIT is the only school I feel so strongly about. I'm crazy about MIT!
However, my stats are so much lower than the norm at MIT. So should I apply ED and cross my fingers? Or should I just wish I had worked harder in high school and apply ED to a school that I'm more likely to get into? </p>
<p>Your ACT is stronger than your SAT, so I would present MIT with your ACT. In fact, your ACT stands at the 50th%ile of students enrolling at MIT. </p>
<p>Are you female or male? If female, MIT may actually be a reasonable reach. </p>
<p>Since MIT is your dream school, I strongly caution against applying anywhere else ED.</p>
<p>Well, I’m retaking SAT and will hopefully score above a 2200 at least. I mean, I’m an AP scholar with distinction (7 APs so far), probably have PSAT semi-finalist but aren’t these pretty average for people going to MIT? So basically I have average ECs (played viola since 3rd grade/math club/science club/etc. etc.) but no…hook. And yes I’m an Indian female in Louisiana.</p>
<p>And sorry, you’re right, it’s non-restrictive EA, but that means I can’t apply restrictive EA to somewhere else right? Should I still try my luck at MIT?</p>
<p>A 33 ACT is about equivalent to a 2200 SAT. And yes, MIT is non-restrictive EA but if you want to apply restrictive EA somewhere, the schools that offer it (Yale and Stanford) are just as selective as MIT. Many people that apply EA to MIT often mix in another EA application elsewhere, such as at Caltech or UChicago which also offer non-restrictive EA.</p>
<p>In addition to what schrizto said, it’s REALLY nice to have a handful of non-restrictive EA applications in the mix. If you get accepted, that makes your spring semester much more pleasant.</p>
<p>I think you absolutely do! You’re a female from a fairly underrepresented state and you’re really passionate about the school. MIT loves kids who are actively involved in research and discovery rather than bookworms who simply study for standardized tests so make sure your essays show off your scientific curiosity and any interesting personality traits.</p>
<p>But DO keep in mind that MIT is a reach for everyone. Even though you’re thinking of applying EA there, you still have to do all the Common App stuff to apply for other schools, because you don’t want to have to scurry to do applications in November while still being depressed from not getting in. Just because a few anonymous strangers say you have a chance, don’t count on it.</p>
<p>Good point GreekMom. MIT is a reach, regardless of how strong one’s profile may be. Gssmiles should apply to at least 2 or 3 other reaches, 2 or 3 matches, and a couple of true safeties.</p>
<p>Gss, you should also apply to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the oldest engineering school in the U.S. They have a great student body with freshman SAT at 1363/1600 and 2000/2400. They also just finished a $1.4 billion capital campaign, about half of which was used to build new facilities. It would be a great match for you and the 90% of people who will be rejected from MIT next year. Hope you get into MIT though it is a reach for all as stated by others.</p>