<p>I'm a senior in high school and M.I.T. is basically a dream school for me. I'm scrambling over whether to apply early decision or regular decision. Due to some circumstances, I was unaware that college applications were due by the beginning/middle of your senior year. I had always assumed them to be due towards summer and didn't find out otherwise until two months ago. As such, I'm rushing my standardized testing, I have a 31 composite on the ACT with writing (36 S, 27 W, 33 M, 28 R). I can definitely improve my math score and reading but not sure about writing. My main concern is that I don't know whether it's worth it to wait for improved test scores because I feel like my personality and background really match with MIT well. Can anyone offer any advice possibly? If additional info is needed, I can provide it.</p>
<p>The other thing is, I’m hesitant of my teacher recs. I waive my right to read them because I’m not worried if they’ll be “good” or not however I don’t think any of my teachers really know me that well beyond my grades and work ethic. I just feel as if a lot of odds are against me, any suggestions :/?</p>
<p>Absolutely wait if you think that the extra time will help you to improve your application! Also, consider sending an additional recommendation by someone that you feel knows you well. (a coach, mentor or an instructor out of school) If they can add something about you that the addmission committee won’t know with out this addition, the committee will be more than happy to read it. </p>
<p>Good Luck!</p>
<p>Compare your ACT scores to those of accepted applicants here: [Admissions</a> Statistics | MIT Admissions](<a href=“http://mitadmissions.org/apply/process/stats]Admissions”>Admissions statistics | MIT Admissions)</p>
<p>I don’t know much about the ACTs or what a good score is, so unfortunately I can’t give you very educated advice. However, I would retake, simply because your scores are below the middle 50% range for accepted applicants.</p>
<p>Your essays, your recommendations, and what you’ve done with your life and your opportunities so far are a lot more important than your standardized test scores. If you feel like you can put together a compelling application in a week and a half, go for it; you can always retake the ACTs and send MIT your new scores if you are deferred early action. On the other hand, if you could write better essays and get more thoughtful recommendation letters with the extra two months, in addition to better ACT scores, it is probably worth it to wait and apply regular action. When did you ask your teachers for recommendation letters? Keep in mind that those take time. You’re not the only one writing your application.</p>
<p>MIT does early action, not early decision. There is not a significant advantage to applying in either pool – a higher % of EA applicants get in, but it is a much more competitive pool, and the time you apply will probably not be a determining factor.</p>
<p>If you need more time to prepare and take the tests again, do it. A rushed application is not a good idea.</p>