<p>Hello and thank you for taking time to read this- I really appreciate it!
I am a current sophomore attending a residential magnet school- I will try not to give away the name for privacy purposes. It is a school for students gifted and passionate in the STEM fields and who have undergone a competitive admissions process. <em>I do not use the word AP or Honors, because all classes given by the school are advanced or on the college level</em>. The school is very well-known among colleges for it's accomplishments and I'm worried that I won't impress or stand out in an admissions process like my classmates :(
So here is a little bit about me:</p>
<p>GPA:
none (our school does not keep track of GPA until we request it senior year- near a 4.0 though)</p>
<p>SAT scores: 2300 (I need to retake it junior year)</p>
<p>ACT scores: 32 (also to be retaken junior year)</p>
<p>Classes I have taken: Biology (AP level), Chemistry, Physics, Scientific research, Statistics. I am taking BC Calculus I this summer [I plan on taking more advanced math and science courses junior and senior year].</p>
<p>Extracurricular:
~Student Ambassador (giving tours, speaking to prospective students of the academy)
~Robotics Engineering
~I teach young students in the STEM fields
~I am on the varsity track/cross country team and a competitive triathlete
~Speech team (I have many awards for speech)
~Advanced choir
~I have taken advanced computer science
~Computer programmer (fluent in java, still learning more programming languages)
~Fluent in English and Spanish, and almost fluent in Japanese
~I have a leader role in the Asian American Student Association at our school- I am NOT Asian, I do this club to broaden my understanding of a culture other than my own.
~I have done independent research at a National Accelerated Laboratory with a scientists in particle physics as well as medical research at a private state University (opportunities offered by my school)
~200+ hours of volunteer work since I started high school
~I have gained numerous high awards for writing </p>
<p>Why MIT?
I get asked this a lot- "what makes you think that you can make it into such a spectacular school?" Honestly, admission into MIT would be an honor; MIT students seem to radiate this sort of passion for learning that I just want to be a part of. Admission into my current school has taught me various lessons, but primarily this; The only way to learn is not to believe that you are the best, but rather to realize that there is always someone smarter than you and hang out with those who have knowledge to share. </p>
<p>I am a Hispanic girl and will be the first in my family to attend university. Neither of my parents completed high school. The school I attended before transferring to the academy was not very good so I am at a disadvantage compared to my classmates. I know nothing about college or higher learning. I do not want to burden my parents financially, but college is a lifelong investment so I want to take advantage of scholarships to help with the costs. Please, any advice on scholarship opportunities or criticism on my application would be greatly appreciated! </p>
<p>Thank you again for taking time to read through all of this! :)</p>
<p>It’s a reach for everyone but you definitely have a better shot than many who apply.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t retake the SAT or the ACT but if you feel you must, retake only 1. There’s definitely no reason to take both. Why are you taking math in the summer? What will you take Jr and Sr year? </p>
<p>Thank you for the feedback! I need to take BC I so I can catch up with my classmates (my school offers 24 different math electives to take following the completion of BC III). </p>
<p>Sounds like you are going to IMSA. You are definitely on track to get into MIT. Figure out what type of engineering or technology interests you and focus more narrowly. Also consider CalTech, Olin and Georgia Tech</p>
<p>I would say there’s nothing keeping you out of MIT! Your tests scores alone are stellar, and the fact that you go to a STEM focused school will draw the attention of a school like MIT. Since you’re a sophomore you have time to get lots more good extra curriculars too! </p>
<p>I don’t think you need to retake the SAT. 2300 is already in the top range. You need to concentrate on leadership. Also, you are a URM so your chances will be a lot better than most.</p>
<p>Hispanic girl + 2300 SAT + those extracurricular activities would probably make you more attractive than even students who make it to camp for one of the Olympiads. I will diverge from the opinions of other replies and say that MIT is a match for you.</p>
<p>I would strongly advise against retaking the SAT. Even if you’re confident that you will get pretty close to a 2400 I think after a point, standardized test scores dont really matter. I like how you seem very focused on STEM oriented ecs and makes me feel like you would be a very good fit for MIT. Your school also sounds very cool and your hooks (i.e. URM and first generation college student) will certainly be very helpful. MIT is a crapshoot for everyone but I think you have a significantly better chance than most. Good luck!</p>
<p>You are a sophomore, so your scores will obviously go up. It is interesting your SAT is higher than your ACT, it is usually the other way around. Keep taking hard courses and retaking tests, I’m sure you will get close to a perfect score before you graduate</p>
Wow - your stats are really strong and I don’t really think you need to retake the SATs. I think you have a really strong chance and I think your application makes you stand out already.
Don’t waste your time taking your schools “math electives”. If you actually want an impressive mathematics resume, take the standard undergraduate University math curriculum. This will serve you better than these arbitrary math electives without any real purpose.
You seem much more qualified than many senior applicants and you’re just a sophomore. Imagine how much you will have accomplished by the time you’re a senior. You are definitely on path to get in and I agree with the other commenter who is calling MIT a match for you.
But since there’s always that chance that you won’t get in, you should consider the other top engineering programs as well. I think you have a heck of a chance at the ivies or places like caltech.