<p>I am a freshman in high school and was wondering what I need to do to have a good chance of getting into MIT. I am currently taking AP Physics, AP Calculus AB, Honors English, Honors Government, Spanish II, Computer Applications, gym and orchestra. I'm participating in bio/med futures club, NJ math league and Isaac Newton club (science olympiad & other contests). What GPA and SAT score would increase the chances of getting in? Does unweighted GPA count? Next year I am planning on taking AP physics C, AP calculus BC or MCLA (I have not decided yet) Honors/AP US history, honors english, honors spanish 2, honors chamber orchestra and gym.I might not take spanish in 11th grade, but would it be better to? I am planning on having 4-5 AP science courses completed by the end of high school. I would like to know any input or advice on how to get into MIT for engineering.</p>
<p>It’s really not that simple. There is absolutely no way to guarantee admission into MIT.</p>
<p>You may want to see this thread:</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/massachusetts-institute-technology/1411582-getting-into-mit.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/massachusetts-institute-technology/1411582-getting-into-mit.html</a></p>
<p>Also, check out the MITAdmissions.org blogs.</p>
<p>These things will make you academically qualified. However, as WiseGuy said, it does not guarantee admission. </p>
<p>A lot it seems, depends on other factors in your app and the particular qualities adcoms will be looking for in members of the MIT team in that particular year. The one person they probably do not want is someone who pretends to have qualities they are looking for and is fixed on getting into just one school.</p>
<p>My question was how to increase my chances of getting in. Are there any ideas for what classes to take and what extracurriculars/volunteering to do? What does MIT specifically look for in applicants?</p>
<p>The best things for you to do would be those that you are genuinely interested in.</p>
<p>If you like chess, for example, there are a ton of extracurriculars that would let you pursue that. If your passion is high order differential equations of several variables, you can do research in that field because you enjoy it, etc.</p>
<p>You should, however, be sure that you are taking a variety rigorous courses in school to show academic preparedness, but you seem to be on the right track there already with your APs. Other than that, it’s really up to doing things you love.</p>
<p>I smell a ■■■■■.</p>
<p>I think that taking those rigorous classes will prepare you academically for college, and MIT wants to see those types of classes on student’s transcripts since people are primarily going to college for the academics. However, one single “bad” grade will not hurt you, and there is no required GPA to get in. I think that the best thing to focus on that your stage of high school is your passion and that you do clubs and activities that you really enjoy. </p>
<p>By the way, in the admissions process, officers also look at teacher recommendations, so you would want to have a good relationship with at least two teachers, preferably if he or she teaches a subject that is related to your intended major. You also may want to work on your personal qualities, since for most recommendation sheets, teachers have to evaluate students based on “motivation,” “interaction with other students,” and “integrity.”</p>
<p>thanks tz2013 i will keep that in mind.</p>
<p>I don’t think it’s about which classes to take, which competitions to do, or which extracurriculars are the “right” ones. If you want to “improve your chances”, here’s my advice:</p>
<p>Be. Passionate.</p>
<p>That’s my take on things. But I’m still in high school, so I don’t have all the answers.</p>
<p>First of all: I can assure you that you should keep going with Spanish
Second of all: you’re asking the wrong question. What you should be doing is turning inwards, and asking yourself how to make the most of your next four years, and what classes YOU would enjoy taking (don’t get me wrong though, you definitely seem like MIT material if you’re being serious about the AB Calc as a freshman). And THIS would be the best way for you to get into MIT, and still leave you open to go to school for the things you WANT to do, and make you enjoy your four years. You’ll be surprised how much in high school your career aspirations and ideas can change.</p>