Should I go to MIT?

Transfer Students
1

<p>I'm a rising junior at Emory, getting a B.S. in (pure) math. I want to go into (quantitative) finance because I think it's really interesting, so I'm looking at getting a masters degree in Statistics. I have a 3.95 GPA and good grades in math classes, including applied math. I can graduate next year (one year early) at Emory. However, just for fun, I applied to MIT and got in (?!). I also applied to Chicago (still haven't heard from them). </p>

<p>I really like learning and I'm not scared of working hard. I have some aptitude for math, but I'm not nearly as experienced as the other kids there. </p>

<p>Is the possibility of great undergrad experience worth the risk of doing relatively poorly, and how will transferring affect my chances at graduate schools?</p>

2

<p>Oh and I only have until next Monday to make this decision, so please help!</p>

3

<p>Of course MIT is a great school, but if you go there, probably you need to stay for another 3 years. That’s really a hard choice to make…</p>

4

<p>definitely go to MIT</p>

5

<p>^why? 10char</p>

6

<p>When you say you went/go to MIT, it speaks a lot about you - in a good way.</p>

7

<p>My older brother goes to MIT and loves it. It has definitely become a life-defining thing, at least up to this point. He is surrounded by incredibly intelligent, interesting people. It just seems like a great place to be.</p>

8

<p>If it’s a place you think you would be happy at, then definitely go for it!</p>

9

<p>Try to connect with current MIT students, if possible (maybe on the MIT-specific forum on CC). Get their opinions. Obviously, take finances into account, too – is spending 3 more years undergrad at a prestigious school (and Emory is prestigious as well) worth the extra cost?</p>

10

<p>GOO man…</p>

<p>I go to emory too. MIT math owns emory’s</p>

11

<p>thanks, you guys.</p>

12

<p>Go to MIT!</p>

13

<p>Another admitted transfer here who is attending for sure.</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Go to MIT! For me, I couldn’t imagine passing up this opportunity. Like you said, this is a great undergrad experience.</p></li>
<li><p>If you have a facebook, join the group for Fall 2011 Transfer Students - PM me for the link.</p></li>
<li><p>If you like learning and are not afraid of working hard, then you will do well anywhere. If you got in, the admissions committee is also confident you will. </p></li>
</ol>

<p>With regard to grad school admissions, I don’t think the act of transferring itself will have any effect on how your application is considered. If anything, you beat harder odds than those who were admitted as freshmen. Furthermore, you will take better courses (granted, I know nothing about Emory’s math program) and can easily participate in research as an undergrad. That latter reason, as far as I know, is a big factor in grad. school admissions.</p>

<p>If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.</p>

14

<p>I would also recommend going to MIT. It’s an astounding school and an opportunity you cant let go of</p>

15

<p>don’t go, im on the waitlist and i want your spot.</p>

16

<p>What’d you decide to do?</p>

17

<p>Thank you for your responses, everyone.</p>

<p>My mind keep changing every five minutes. It’s basically starting undergrad over again, but MIT is a great place to be an undergrad.</p>

18

<p>Please go to MIT! It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity!!! I’ll take your offer of admission if you don’t want it (lol I wish)</p>

19

<p>my 2 cents: time is more valuable than anything else. if you can stomach current institution and perform exceptionally well, then you can do grad school anywhere doing something that’s more meaningful. disclaimer: i still want your spot, because i’m on the WL.</p>

20

<p>^cepher, That’s sound advice. If I don’t go, I hope you get my spot. :)</p>

<p>All the adults with work experience whom I’ve asked are telling me not to go because undergrad doesn’t mean that much.</p>