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cellardweller · 03-22-2008, 12:31 PM

There are lots of ways of standing out in your MIT application beyond participating and doing well on the AMC/AIME/USAMO. Many admitted students never participated in the AMC even when their school offered the test. Many students show passion for science or engineering by working on research (supervised or not), participating in science fairs or even tinkering in their garages. You would be surprised to find how many applicants to MIT did not take part in any official competitions of any kind and were admitted.

Beyond strong academics some demonstrated interest in the sciences obviously helps: MIT is after all the Massachusetts Institute of "Technology". With so many strong applicants MIT is especially looking at applicants who can contribute to the culture of innovation at MIT. That is a very broad mission. An increasing number of MIT students are interested in the life sciences, both in research and clinical medicine. Less than half now major in enginering, and only 40% of women. Others are interested in economics and business. Focus on standing out in your own area of interest, not on some model of the "typical" MIT applicant who doesn't really exist. As Mollie had suggested, in your application, through your essays and list of ECs try to answer the question "Why should MIT pick me?"

03-22-2008, 12:31 PM	#21
cellardweller Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: CT Threads: 1 Posts: 562	There are lots of ways of standing out in your MIT application beyond participating and doing well on the AMC/AIME/USAMO. Many admitted students never participated in the AMC even when their school offered the test. Many students show passion for science or engineering by working on research (supervised or not), participating in science fairs or even tinkering in their garages. You would be surprised to find how many applicants to MIT did not take part in any official competitions of any kind and were admitted. Beyond strong academics some demonstrated interest in the sciences obviously helps: MIT is after all the Massachusetts Institute of "Technology". With so many strong applicants MIT is especially looking at applicants who can contribute to the culture of innovation at MIT. That is a very broad mission. An increasing number of MIT students are interested in the life sciences, both in research and clinical medicine. Less than half now major in enginering, and only 40% of women. Others are interested in economics and business. Focus on standing out in your own area of interest, not on some model of the "typical" MIT applicant who doesn't really exist. As Mollie had suggested, in your application, through your essays and list of ECs try to answer the question "Why should MIT pick me?" Last edited by cellardweller : 03-22-2008 at 12:38 PM.