Trying for MIT

<p>Hi, I just registered here.</p>

<p>Currently, I am a sophmore in highschool and i had no idea where my life was going until recently. I am currently taking all honors and ap biology. Next year all honors ap chemistry and ap us history. I want to major in aerospace engineering. </p>

<p>I was just thinking getting into my state university but then I thought to myself why should I do better. </p>

<p>I am from India. I moved to America in 2003 and started in 5th grade in american school. My parents never went to high school or college, so most of my grades are self-motivated. I am not the top student in my classes because I cannot rely on anyone to help me. I have recently have started really focusing on my school. I do not have many other activities yet because my dad works at night and my mom at day so I have no way to get a ride because my school is 6 miles away. However I am getting my license soon and should be able to do some kind of volunteer work at the library. What can I do to improve my chances? </p>

<p>Thank You.</p>

<p>
[quote]
What can I do to improve my chances?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Anything to make you stand out.</p>

<p>Aerospace</a> Engineering Major</p>

<ul>
<li>Take the highest math course available (Calc BC or duel enroll for higher), AP Physics C, and AP Computer Science</li>
<li>Show genuine interest in aerospace engineering (get a pilot's license, join the astronomy club, robotics, model planes/rockets, etc.)</li>
<li>Find an internship helping out an aviation mechanic (probably really difficult to find), or simply at an auto repair shop. (If you find anything for NASA or Lockheed Martin, pm me)</li>
<li>summer programs for aviation / aerospace / engineering (I'm looking at CSLC</a> Aviation and Aeronautics)</li>
</ul>

<p>In addition to...
- many volunteering hours (do it for the satisfaction of helping others, not to look good)
- a summer / part time job
- straight As
- high SAT scores (the median SAT math score is around 780, verbal score is around 740, writing score is around 750 - [url=<a href="http://en.allexperts.com/q/Massachusetts-Institute-Technology-2523/GPA-ACT-SAT-Scores.htm%5DSource%5B/url"&gt;http://en.allexperts.com/q/Massachusetts-Institute-Technology-2523/GPA-ACT-SAT-Scores.htm]Source[/url&lt;/a&gt;]
- high SAT II scores</p>

<p>Thank you for the reply!</p>

<p>I was thinking more into building traveling aircrafts, specifically Boeing. I am currently ni Algebra 2-3 and next year is pre calc/trig. I could of been a year ahead however I didn't know about advanced classes because I could not understand English at that time. Also I have watched many Physics MIT open courseware on Itunes U. This doesn't count for anything however it was very nice to get college experience. My writing can be poor sometime due to the fact I recently learned english. I do the SAT question of the day on collegeboard everyday to prepare. I am taking the SAT next year and I will study all summer. I know I am at a disadvantage here but I hope summer learning can help me. I also attempted to get into AP physics this year however I needed to take Physics 1-2 first which is not AP so I was not interested. I plan on taking AP chemistry this year and ask my consular to let me skip physics 1-2 because I will have more math experience and I can acquire some knowledge from Itunes U.</p>

<p>i also looked into lead america but i cannot travel to another state</p>

<p>Sorry for making another post. I wish you could just edit these or something.
Anyway, I have recieved a letter from LeadAmerica and I have been invited for the program. I wish to know how this works and what can I get out of it? Will this improve my chances.</p>

<p>Also is it a good sign I got this letter or do they give these out like cupcakes?</p>

<p>Also I would like to know. What if you cannot afford to go there? Are there any financial aid options?</p>

<p>
[quote]
I wish to know how this works and what can I get out of it?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Depending on which conference you choose to do, you will spend a set amount of days working to a major goal, as well as many other "minor" goals (for Aviation and Aeronautics, you learn to fly a plane as well as learn about the other aspects of aeronautics). Doing this, you get experience you would never get in a conventional high school.</p>

<p>
[quote]
Will this improve my chances.

[/quote]

Hopefully, colleges will see this as initiative to build on your desire to be an aerospace engineer. Instead of going to the beach, you learn to fly a plane. However, there are other more prestigious summer programs (RSI, TASP, for example) that would look better on colleges. </p>

<p>
[quote]
Also is it a good sign I got this letter or do they give these out like cupcakes?

[/quote]

By normal standards, these are somewhat prestigious. By CC standards, everyone gets these. </p>

<p>
[quote]
Also I would like to know. What if you cannot afford to go there? Are there any financial aid options?

[/quote]

Yes. CSLC</a> Financial Aid</p>

<p>call the cslc admissions office - they’re giving out financial aid “like cupcakes.”
i called recently and they promised me $400 immediately, only knowing my name. I don’t even need it too, I was just curious. They also have a fundraising guide that tells you very explicitly how you can rally your community businesses/organizations and even family or friends to contribute.</p>