What do I need to improve?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>If it's everything... let me know :)</p>

<p>I'd like to get into MIT. If that doesn't quite work out I was thinking Georgetown. If all else fails University of Chicago looks my style. I'm wondering what my chances are... or what everyone thinks they are. I'm also looking for tips as far as what to improve... I'm going into my senior year this year.</p>

<p>On the older SAT I got a 1330 - 710 in verbal 620 in mathematics.
ACT composite of 31 - 33 in english, 27 in math, 34 in reading, 29 science.</p>

<p>I did terribly on the SAT II's becauseI was late and stressed - scoring a 610 in biology, a 530 in math level 1, and a 580 in writing. (Hey, I said horribly.)</p>

<p>I've only taken one AP test (English grammar and composition) on which I scored a 4.</p>

<p>I have an unweighted 3.7 gpa.</p>

<p>I could have graduated in 3 years, but decided to stay my last year. I will have something like 7.5 extra credits.</p>

<p>I have taken all gifted and honors courses where applicable.</p>

<p>I ran out of courses to take at my school and so took on line courses through a few different institutions for credit.</p>

<p>I don't have too many extra activities. I interned at the school helping the teachers with technology. I've helped a few no profits build and design websites. I helped the yearbook staff with digital image manipulation and some digital video. I have written a few computer programs for the school.</p>

<p>I started my ow computer business at the age of 16 and worked with that all the way up until - now. I have a good client base and it takes up all my spare time.</p>

<p>I've won a few scholarships - nothing really big.</p>

<p>That's about it. I live in Louisiana and am a white male - if that matters at all. Thanks for the advice, tips, and critiques.</p>

<p>Andrew D. Anderson</p>

2

<p>All three of the schools on your list are reaches. Your GPA is acceptable, but it is not perfect. Hence, you would need really strong SAT scores to make yourself a strong applicant (2100+ for Georgetown & Chicago; 2200+ at MIT). Your SAT II's will hurt much more than your SAT I -- you should be shooting for 650 minimum & ideally 700+.</p>

<p>What are you looking for in a college? MIT, Georgetown, & Chicago appear to me to have few similarities (other than they are prestigious colleges in big cities). If you were able to provide this info I could suggest some more schools.</p>

<p>If you are set on these schools, go ahead and apply. But you need another row of schools that are a few notches down in terms of selectivity as well.</p>

3

<p>Well, I'm really just looking or a college with an atmosphere I can relate strongly with. Georgetown has the belief that knowledge it sought to improve the lives of others, rather than for personal good. It also hosts one of the largest run student businesses in the U.S. I love business and agree with their idea of knowledge and its purpose. University of Chicago has the idea that things should be a bit different - an idea which I strongly relate to - and live by. MIT is one of the largest tech schools in the country - yet it has a strong liberal arts program as well. Creativity and ingenuity abound - I love that. If there are any other schools out there like those above - please do tell. I'm sure there are some. My "major" passions are technology and business. My more "minor" passions are photography, cooking, writing, reading nonfiction, and arguing (oops...debating).</p>

<p>Thanks for the super-quick reply!</p>

4

<p>I was thinking about applying to UTD at Dallas - they have the McDermont Scholars program which seems great. I was also looking into Hillsdale College in MI - but I'm not so sure about MI in general - and the college seems - maybe a little too - rebellious.</p>

<p>Thanks Again!</p>

5

<p>Anyone with possible alternative colleges that sounds as though I may be interested.</p>

<p>Thanks! I appreciate everyone's time.</p>

6

<p>Your biggest problem right now is test scores. Most people who apply to MIT have 750+ SAT 1 math, and 750+ SAT II math IIC. Your EC's are very technology-focused, which MIT likes, so if you could get the SAT's and SAT II's in the 700+ range at least i'd say you'd have a good shot. However, since such a huge jump in scores is unusual, you should probably look at other less selective schools. Here's a few suggestions:</p>

<p>Lehigh - bit of an emphasis on engineering, but pretty well-rounded
Bucknell - very good in several areas, both management and economics are popular majors if you want to go into business
Syracuse - pretty sure it has a business major
RIT - very technology-focused, might be more of a match/safety for you
St. John's (Maryland) - really really small, but if you're looking for people who are not selfish or competitive, this is it... they don't even have grades! very unusual system, i guess you'd either love it or hate it
Penn State - huge, has business major</p>

<p>hope that helps...</p>

7

<p>Thanks for your suggestions and time! I'll be sure to look into the schools you suggested. Thanks Again!</p>

<p>Andrew D. Anderson</p>

8

<p>Improve your math scores and take one or more sat II subject tests in the science area. mit is obviously hardcore math and science, and you will be competing with people who are the best and the brightest (in terms of those two fields). good luck</p>

9

<p>Um...I don't know why you would want to go into technology since you are obviously struggling with math. You did worse on math than verbal on all your tests</p>

10

<p>I have two passions - one is technology and the other is business. I've owned my own computer repair/website design company since I was 16. I have taught myself seven different programming languages. I am at mastery level in Linux, Solaris, and Windows - all in desktop and server environments. I have interned in a few technology programs - I have applied my knowledge everyday working in the technology field.</p>

<p>I don't test all that well in math because I think about things conceptually rather than memorizing formulas. The time on the tests kill me. I have been in gifted math for 4 courses now - and will be taking AP calculus next year - I've always maintained a high "B" average.</p>

<p>I want a technology school (like MIT) because I love technology. I like to see how it can help people. I like to master the new challenges it presents to me.</p>

<p>Don't you think, you should still follow your dreams even if a test says your not quite quick enough in a certain area? I'll be trying to raise that math score - I'll be pushing for MIT. If I don't make it for undergraduate - there is always my masters :). Either way - I'll still be WANTING to go into technology - because its what I love.</p>

11

<p>Most of us on here are not shooting down your dreams, although there are a few not-so-nice people on here. The suggestions everyone is giving you is to help you improve your chances at MIT, as well as find a suitable replacement in case that doesn't work out.</p>

<p>MIT's 25th-75th percentiles for math are 730-800. This means that only 375/9,000 (4%) are accepted w/ math scores below 730. I'm sure you can imagine the percentages for a score of 620. This is what people are trying to show you...if you are serious about MIT, you should be working like crazy to get that score above 700 & preferably above 750.</p>

<p>In the meantime, MIT is a reach for everyone, so you should certainly have some other schools in mind that you will like.</p>

<p>Koala pointed out some good choices. I am going to throw in a few more:</p>

<p>-Carnegie Mellon (reasonable reach)
-Michigan (reasonable reach)
-Georgia Tech: high match
-Rensselaear: match
-UIUC: match
-Purdue: match/ safe match</p>

<p>If you really want to go to MIT, certainly apply. Your chances are 0% if you don't. But if you want to go to MIT you also have to do everything you can to get in...and high Math SAT I & II scores are part of that. Get studying!</p>

<p>Good luck to you.</p>

12

<p>Thank you for your reply and college suggestions. I'll be working hard to get that math score up, and I'll also be sure to check out the list of colleges you gave me.</p>

<p>Thanks for your reply and your time.</p>

<p>Andrew D. Anderson</p>

13

<p>You are obviously very passionate about technology and i think if you convey the enthusiasm, the passion, etc. that absolutely radiates from your post (#10) through your essays, then you have a good shot at getting into mit.</p>

14

<p>I we supposed to be nice or honest? He has absolutely no chance at MIT. Honestly, I don't think anyone even applies there with these math scores, much less anyone who took the IC. Sorry, but I think it's better that you deal with that now and apply to schools you have a hope at.</p>

<p>In all honesty, with your math scores and Bs in high school math, you would get slaughtered at MIT. Absolutely everyone there is a math whiz. There are many schools where you can study technology and business where you will be much happier.</p>

15

<p>suze, you are supposed to be nice AND honest. there are better ways to get your message across than bashing others (as you can see thru some of the posts above).</p>

16

<p>I am looking for suggestions for other schools...so if you're one of the people who KNOWS MIT won't admit me - please recommend some other schools I may be interested in...</p>

<p>I appreciate it!</p>

<p>Andrew D. Anderson</p>

17

<p>What about Rose Hulman? Just be sure you want to major in something technology or engineering related if you apply to any of the "technology" types of schools. If you decide to switch majors, you might feel limited in your choices. What about WPI (Worcester Polytechnic Institute)? I think that would not be a huge leap.</p>

18

<p>Andrew, the question really is whether you will have a major battle to get through engineering math. The 530 SATII suggests that math is not your strong suit. It would be very unusual for an engeering major to have higher verbal scores. Perhaps your best bet is the business major where you won't have to tackle as much high level math. You have fine scores for many business programs.</p>

19

<p>MIT's 25th-75th percentiles for math are 730-800. This means that only 375/9,000 (4%) are accepted w/ math scores below 730</p>

<p>How does that work stambliark?</p>

20

<p>everything</p>