<p>Okay, so I'm going to apply to MIT probably no matter what people say here, but since most of y'all got accepted already, I figured I'd give a little personal statement and see if you people would see me as "MIT Quality". I just want to get some insight on what gets you in, the things that made you stand out. BTW, I'm a junior right now that's looking at schools and seeing if I can get into MIT, the school of my dreams. Well here's what I've got so far:</p>
<p>SAT: 1490 (710 verbal, 780 math)
GPA: 4.8 weighted, 4.0 unweighted
Rank: 1 out of 350 or so
Competitive small suburban high school
Golf team 3 years (sport's getting cut for my senior year)
Math team 4 years, we usually place in top 5 of state
Volunteering at a place that gives computers to those who can't afford them, I get to rip apart old ones and take parts out, fun & educational :)
Every honors class possible taken up through this year
2 AP classes this year, probably 4/5 next year</p>
<p>As for who I am, I love computers, have built many, I've always loved Chemistry and Physics, I've got my dad's books on quantum mechanics and physicists all over the place, I'm one of those "love to learn types", and I'm sure I'll be able to get great recommendations since I work my ass off in school. (This info will prolly be put into my essays)</p>
<p>I know I don't have any HUGE achievements or things like founding state-wide organizations, not to mention I'm just a regular suburban high school student, I haven't lived in exotic locations, no "overcoming obstacles", and the best I can think of for a "hook" is that I'm half Asian, half white. This kinda makes me think my "regularness" wouldn't get me in, but I'm thinking that if I can write essays that show how I spend so much time on computers and learning stuff on my own, mebbe that'll help.</p>
<p>Bah, who's going to read this long post....</p>
<p>MIT likes proactive people, so you might need something to show for all of your efforts. Have you done anything that has demonstrated leadership or your intense drive? If so, list it. Your idea about your essay talking about your passion for learning is a good one; MIT likes people with a passion.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that your scores aren't anything out of the ordinary for an MIT applicant and so in order to get in, you have to paint a pretty good picture of yourself in your essays, one which tells them that you would be a valuable and unique individual as compared with the rest of the student body.</p>
<p>Yeah, standardized test scores don't count too bad against you as long as they are fairly good (and as long as the rest of your application is good). I got in with a 32 ACT, and 700/650/640 on my SATII tests. :X</p>
<p>Yeah, I know that my scores and grades are as good as anyone else who is applying. The way I think people need to see it is that the grades and scores QUALIFY you to be able to compete, then "everything else" (essays, recommendations, activities, awards) are what usually will get you into one school or another.</p>
<p>So yeah, I need stuff that shows for all the things I do outside of school but it's quite hard to be able to present that in ANY way, shape or form.....</p>
<p>But at least at this point I'm standing on firm ground, I've got volunteer hours, a bit of EC stuff, and the grades and scores definetly put me in the running :)</p>
<p>i think you have a pretty good shot. i didn't do anything mind-blowing either and i'm also a "regular suburban high school student." your computer thing sounds like it could make for a good angle on an essay/short response.</p>
<p>I think you should apply on the basis of whether you want to go here, and not on the basis of if you think you will get in or not. Your decision to apply is your's, the decision of admission is that of the admission of committee. Your creds will put you in a competitive pile, but as you already know, no one knows for sure. You should definitely play up your strength/interest/know-how in computers. You would indicate EECS on your preferred major and maybe even write about building computers for the first short answer question [provided it's not different for next year]. Best of luck :)</p>
<p>Do what you love, and love what you do. It'll come through naturally in your application and make you very very hard to reject because any admissions officer can easily reject a typical strategically "built-up" college resume. If you're only a junior, you have a year before the stress of college really needs to take over your life, enjoy your time while you can - I didn't even think about college til summer before senior year, it's made the process feel shorter and less stressful.</p>