Studying biology at MIT has been a lifelong dream of mine. Now that I’m a junior in high school, the pressure to make the most of myself to impress colleges is on; as I research what MIT looks for in students, though, I can’t help but feel like I’m facing impossible odds.
I guess I should give some background: as previously mentioned, I’m a junior in public high school. I have a weighted GPA of about 4.5, and an ACT score of 31(I have not yet taken the SAT). I’m currently in all honors classes, save for three AP classes(Biology, U.S. History, and Language) and a Dual Enrollment coding class. Besides the AP classes I’m taking this year, I’ve also taken two others(European History and Human Geography), and passed both AP tests with a 3 and a 4, respectively. I’m also currently working on my second year of Latin, and I plan to continue next year. As for extracurricular activities, I am an active member of my school’s Medical Association and Mu Alpha Theta. I also compete in archery tournaments(not school-sponsored).
Though I certainly can’t say I’m doing terrible in school, I still feel like I don’t live up to what MIT is asking for. I feel like I have to be some sort of child prodigy juggling a million different classes and extracurriculars to even hope that they would even bat an eye in my direction.
Is there anything else I can do to improve the likelihood of getting in, or should I just start looking for a different college? Thank you in advance!
MIT is a great college and getting accepted is quite an achievement in itself. But going to MIT is just a step in trying to accomplish what you want to do in life.
Keeping doing what you are doing and challenge yourself. Whether you get into MIT or not you will have put yourself in the best position to get there and if not, get where you want to go in life.
Go to MIT’s website and look up Chris Peterson’s “applying sideways” discussion.
MIT’s admit rate is extremely low and it should be considered a reach by everybody. There are many other great colleges where you can accomplish what you want out there.
Good luck to you.
What have you researched about MIT? It may not be enough when a poster’s thread focuses on stats and mentions on two ECs, one of which (med assn) may not be doing much, offering challenges.
Thank you for the kind words; the article you suggested definitely helps to relieve some of my stress.
Your grades are good, but MIT has an acceptance rate of 4%. Be sure to apply to some good colleges you can afford just in case. College admissions is the only place where it’s your job to make up excuses.