Should I even bother sending my application for MITES?

Pre-College Issues Summer Programs
1

<p>I'm nearly done with my essays and I'm sending in my recommendation forms to my teachers. I feel as if my stats are pretty...inconsistent to say the least (basically, garden variety smart but doesn't try...at all)</p>

<p>Stats:
PSAT 212( M:76 Cr:70 W: 66) (first try, prep: zilch, but it really isn't that high)
GPA: 3.5 (undiagnosed learning disorder, handled stress poorly, it's no excuse)
AP scores: World history:5 (my school doesn't allow for sophomores to take AP's other than World History and Human Geo....weird)
Race: URM (but come on, the program is a MINORITY introduction to engineering and science not to mention that I'm a African...and they tend to be fairly well off)
Income: lower threshhold upper middle class
Gender: F
EC's: Meh, I'm at that point at which I'm just now trying to assess my passions/ interests. I'm still going to apply to research programs despite what happens.
Volunteering: meh (single parent , 12-14 hour work days, little access to transportation)
School Type: Your typical not too competitive mid size public school, though we did send someone to MIT last year</p>

<p>I'm seeking you out MITES alumni ,especially the lucky ones that somehow made it with my stats, it's HIGHLY appreciated and it'll be a learning experience to say the least.</p>

2

<p>In my opinion, by not applying, you’re stripping yourself of an opportunity that could have been. At least if you apply, you’ll get some closure; you can say, “OK, I applied, I didn’t get in,” and move on. Or, you can celebrate your successes. Barring the application fee and schedule conflicts, if you’re interested in a program and meet the requirements, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t apply. Although I’m not a MITES alum, from what I’ve heard, it largely comes down to your essays – they should be compelling and clearly articulate your interest. Your GPA may not be perfect, but as long as you’re excelling within the context of your school community I think you should be fine.</p>

3

<p>Thanks! That’s what I’ve bee trying to tell myself the last couple of days, rationalizing that there’ll always a “what if” if i don’t proceed with at least trying. I think I can at least relay my interest in STEM in my essays so…carpe diem</p>