<p>^ The discussion about MIT undergrad. Admissions looking for hypersmart kids who demonstrate potential to conduct research in middle and high school has branched into a discussions about whether this is true and career opportunities for those who get PhDs. From what has been said so far, it seems to me that conducting research in middle/ hs is not necessary for acceptance at MIT. Apparently, kids who want to go into medicine or business startups/ VCs etc may have activities/ internships that suggest exceptional interest in these fields rather than research. I have learned a lot from all the very smart posters who have contributed to this thread.</p>