<p>I agree with Mollie that MIT adcom members wouldn’t scout for info, but it can’t hurt to excercise a bit of discretion in phrasing questions. Anyway, don’t worry about it.</p>
<p>One other thing: the friends I knew who got into MIT made the semis of the U.S. physics olympiad without studying anything beyond their AP physics class (Resnick), so that’s why I suggested it. Also, doing well on that test might help you to get into RSI, a very exclusive researchk program at MIT. RSI candidates are very successful getting into elite colleges. </p>
<p>Getting involved in a research project at some point is a good suggestion. Also, the best time to start research is during the summer, when you can work full-time to learn how to do the main techniques in a research groups.</p>