For example, if a student has excellent grades, excellent ECs in non-STEM ECs. Will this student have a chance with MIT?
He will definitely have a chance.
If he’s serious about MIT, he should apply - while cognizant about the realities of any applicant’s chances, but he should still apply.
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It seems like they would have better chance if they are not pursuing a STEM major…
Here’s what they’re looking for in an applicant:
Absolutely! My son is a freshman and was accepted with no STEM ECs. All of his ECs were centered around music. Marching band (drumline), jazz band and audio engineering. He did build his own guitar and submitted that as a maker project. You are accepted in to the university and can study any major, so he can even do engineering without STEM ECs. I think if admissions sees you are devoting time to your own interests, it helps. The best thing you can do is apply to a number of colleges that interest you. My son had no expectation of getting accepted to MIT, so it made it that much more exciting when the acceptance came in. Make sure you reflect who you really are in your application and good luck!