Hey everyone, I am going into my junior year of high school and I want to know if you guys have any suggestions for things I should do to help my chances of getting in to MIT. I want to ask now because I know that I still have a year to pad my resume before I apply next fall. MIT is my absolute dream school and it would mean the world to me if I was able to attend. I was very motivated and on track my freshman year, I love computers and have built three (I want to major in Course 6, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science) and love programming as well, and I also have a passion for
music and have written a piece for my high school’s drumline, which I am a member of. Unfortunately in November of my sophomore year I fell into a depressive episode that I still haven’t recovered from. It has killed my motivation and energy and I haven’t accomplished anything related to my hobbies or my school work. I can feel my chances at MIT slipping away as months pass and my resume stays the same. I know that I can’t expect the motivation I had my freshman year to cover for my lack of it during my sophomore year and maybe even junior year. Right now, my resume consists of 3 APs (two 4s, one 5), I am taking 5 APs this coming year, participation in the National Honor Society (10, 11), 100.something GPA (weighted), marching band (9, 10, 11), band leadership (11), peer mediator (11), working at a nursing home (10, 11). What else can I do to help my chances? My birthday is late summer and many summer internships and programs had an age restriction that I was just shy of, so I plan to do one next year when I am old enough. I haven’t taken my SATs or my ACT yet but I know that those scores are important. MIT is my light at the end if the tunnel and I would really appreciate help on being the best applicant I can be. Thanks!
Work on getting your health under control. Getting into MIT is a long shot for every single applicant regardless of how exceptional. Happiness comes from within. Don’t base yours on any college. That’s not a measure of self worth.
There are hundreds and hundreds of schools in the US where you can study EECS, where you will be challenged, get a great education, and be highly employable.
Thank you so much for your help, I really do appreciate it.