What are my chances of getting into MIT?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>I’m a white male from a small town in Oklahoma. My high school is fairly competitive and has about 1200 students. I’ve been so involved in music that I’ve never really had time for extra academic programs (science fairs, math teams, etc.), and have never gone out of my way to hunt down extra academic honors, but I took advantage of my musical ability and submitted portfolios on both violin and trumpet. Thanks in advance!</p>

<p>GPA:
4.000/4.000 (UW)
4.570/4.000 (W)
Ranking 8/278 (Top 3%)
ACT: Comp: 34 (English 34 Math 35 Reading 35 Science 31 Writing/English 31)
SAT II:
Math Level 2: 780
Chemistry: 730
Literature: 730</p>

<p>AP's: AP Calc BC, AP Physics, AP English Lit, AP English Language, AP World History, AP Chemistry, AP Government</p>

<p>EC: High School Band –
– Marching: Section Leader, Soloist
– Wind Ensemble: First Chair, Outstanding Freshman and Sophomore Male Musician, Regional Honor Band 3 Years, District Honor Band 4 Years
– Jazz Band: Lead Trumpet, Member of Official High School Jazz Combo
– Brass Quintet: 4 Superior Ratings at District and State Level
– Brass Trio: 6 Superior Ratings at District and State Level</p>

<pre><code> High School Orchestra –
</code></pre>

<p>– Symphony Orchestra: Principle First Violinist, Outstanding Junior Male Musician, Seven Superior Ratings at State Solo and Ensembles Contest, All-Region Honor Orchestra 2 Years, Performed at Renowned Midwest Clinic for Bands and Orchestras
- Member of String Quartet (first violinist), Chamber Ensemble, and Violin Choir, all of which have received superior ratings at the state level.
– Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute: Auditioned and Accepted to Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute on Violin, studied under a Conductor of the New York Philharmonic.</p>

<p>Community Service –
– Have put my musical talent to use around the community in the following performances: Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence Academic Awards Banquet (Academic All State), Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet, County Fairs, Nursing Homes, Parades, over 35 performances for various churches and religious organizations, in all 700+ hours throughout high school.
– Member of National Honor Society and have participated in various service events through that organization.</p>

<p>Leadership –
– Section leader for marching band 3 years (and attended leadership camp as a result) and assistant violin section leader in symphony orchestra.</p>

<p>Work Experience: Have worked 1600+ Hours as a Law Clerk at a local law firm</p>

<p>Awards/Honors –
– Attend a Regional Center of the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics
– Duke University Talent Identification Program
– Bronze Medal in University of Oklahoma’s Engineering Open House Physics Competition
– 4 Year Academic Letterman
– National Honor Society
– Superintendent’s Honor Rolls every trimester through high school.</p>

<p>Essays:
– First was very creative, about trying to fly as a child and falling on my face. I said it taught me the value of determination and perseverance (trust me it worked lol).
– Second was about helping create a science fair at a local junior high school.
– Third was about an archaeological excavation I participated in and how it left me with a desire to have an impact on the world.
Recommendations/Interview:
– The first two I’m sure were excellent
– The third (from my guidance counselor) probably wasn’t very insightful because I haven't talked to him very much, but I'm sure he wrote a good one.
– The interview went really well; the first thing I presented my EC was a music resume and she just happened to have a degree in music performance from MIT, so we talked about music for about 30 minutes and she seemed rather impressed lol.</p>

<p>Thank you for reading this far! I really apologize for the length and greatly appreciate any comments/advice anyone may have!</p>

2

<p>Let me ask you, if you’re so dedicated to music, why MIT?</p>

<p>You have an excellent music profile, but you demonstrate considerably less passion for math/science/technology in your awards and activities. Great GPA and standardized scores though.</p>

<p>I’d say MIT is a low reach for you, given the fact that you don’t seem to be an extremely strong math/science student (have you ever taken the AMCs?) but it’s balanced out by the fact that you’re white (as opposed to Asian). Good luck.</p>

3

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

<p>“Let me ask you, if you’re so dedicated to music, why MIT?”</p>

<p>That’s a very good question; let me provide a little more background. I’ve always been dedicated to math and science, but no one at my high school has ever even mentioned AMC’s or any other outside academic opportunities, and it never occurred to me to seek them out. I’m not trying to make excuses as I realize this is entirely my responsibility, but it is an explanation nonetheless. The music department, however, is very involved in the community and has provided ample opportunity to excel outside the school building. </p>

<p>One of my recommendations was from my AP physics professor who explained my science/math qualifications, curiosity and passion superbly.</p>

<p>Basically, if I had had the same opportunities academically as I did musically, I would have most likely had more accomplishments for my resume. The question is, will an excellent recommendation help offset a lack of awards?</p>

4

<p>Anyone else? :)</p>

5

<p>Anyone else have any thoughts?</p>

6

<p>Don’t worry about not having done AMCs. MIT appreciates musicians too. </p>

<p>One of my family’s favorite musicians:
[Greg</a> Liszt, banjo](<a href=“http://www.crookedstill.com/CS/2/greg.html]Greg”>http://www.crookedstill.com/CS/2/greg.html)</p>

<p>Good luck with your applications!</p>