ThePrepGirl

(Don't ask me about my schooling, because it is really complex )

My Academic Information:
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I do exceptionally well in school. Currently a Freshman. I already took AP Chem and AP Bio last year. I am the top student in my various physic/technology focused courses (not the class or grade, but every student taking the course. It is actually kind of pitiful). I do extremely well in almost all other science subjects. I am flying through AP social studies.

I hate English classes (I am actually really skilled at all "English" subjects. Although, this post is horribly written; I'm extremely tired), but that is because I find it illogical to have to stop reading science books in order to read Twilight.

I am above average in math, but I'm not any genius when it comes to it. I keep wrestling through it. Should finish pre-cal by start of 10th grade.
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I am not involved in any arts, but I play piano, write and sketch for fun. I sometimes enter drawing contest, which I tend to do well in. Overall though, I'm not notably involved. No clubs or anything.

My current goal is compete in the Olympiads and various academic bowls by forming a club with that focus.

No sports; I am quite bad at them.

(Now to the point of the post)
However, I'm EXTREMELY passionate about zoology! My life revolves around animals. Cows, snakes, tigers, dogs, tarantulas, ANYTHING - I'm involved. I'm not going to get to detailed for anonymity reasons, but I have like 20 species of newts in my room right now and I am surrounded by animal biology charts, science books, dog kennels, etc. (My room is very clean, by the way).

On the other hand, I also love physics, engineering and the non-biological/non-environmental sciences! I find it fascinating and really fun! I'm really good at it! But I have no time for more clubs or activities that prove this, besides wanting to start one club focused on winning academic competitions (if anyone will join).

Anyways, I on the right path for MIT despite my animal crazed schedule? My application to MIT right now would just be a list of copious notable (some say impressive) animal activities combined with great academic background. My course load is not as considered by admission committees (hard to explain), so that puts a damper on things.

Thanks!

Murphy600

What do you do besides take care of your menagerie? If the interest is applied .... Great.
Sounds interesting.

ThePrepGirl

Yes, good question: does my animal experience apply to my desired major? Sort of, but not really. Unless you count the fact that for my career I want to do a multitude of fields, and I'm a knowledge monster; I like knowing everything scientific and historical by memory.

The major(s) I aim in perusing would be (I think aerospace or biomedical) engineering.

The list of activities I do with animals is literally 12 pages long and very distinct, which is why I feel worried about posting to much information. I work, research, intern, document, shadow, mentor, volunteer, compete, raise, rescue and experience everything animals.
My aunt and uncle are both in a high position with animals, so that helps me find the opportunities.
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Overall though, I am crazy about engineering and physics too. I find it fun and they are my favorite classes. Also, I would rather than just become the crazy, poor animal lady of some random town be actually making a difference through building and inventing new things; change the world for the better if I'm lucky for both man and animals.

For me, animals are what the arts are to many other people. Something that I love dearly and keeps me hooked onto sanity between hours of memorizing.

I just don't want to waste time with high school physics clubs and silly little things like it, besides the one I'm thinking of starting that will be for academics. I'd rather read the textbook on the subject.

LBowie

When do you plan to apply to MIT if you are a high school freshman? They will care most about how you do in school and how challenging are the classes you take. I am sure they will be happy and interested in someone with a passion and focus, even if it does not relate directly to their intended career. They will not want to read 12 additional pages appended to your application, I am guessing. That would look a little crazy and self-absorbed. (are you really expected to read Twilight for English class?)

ThePrepGirl

I plan applying for MIT when I graduate college in four years (might as well use the given time to prepare for the material for undergrad), I'm just planning in advance. Time goes really quickly for me.

I take very challenging classes, but as previously stated, it is complicated to explain. All I will have are test scores from APs and SATS I & II. Besides that, the colleges can either trust my course transcript or not.

I was not very explicit about the "12 pages" thing, which I was not talking about in reference to a school application, but more as a reply to the person who wanted to know more, ha ha. I don't think MIT would appreciate a little booklet saying, "Yes, I Am Awesome." My actual resume that I used is 12 pages long, and therefore, it would take a lot of time to shorten it, which is why I said I didn't want to write it out nor do I want my identity out.

About the English Class (this was at a good private school too, you should see the local public schools. Yikes!), yes, they made me read Twilight (EVERY. SINGLE. BOOK), and I'm sad to say that it was one of the better titles circulating our homework assignments, which is really hard to say. In fact, there were so many useless assignments and books that I literally had to stop my extra studying just to keep up (I am an "-A" student in her class, but she makes it extra challenging for me). My first week in her class, she told me that it was because I did science that I could not properly read fiction. She hated the fact I did well in science and treated me like a delinquent, which is weird considering I'm usually always number one for respect and politeness towards teachers.

molliebatmit

If you're planning to apply for graduate school, then, no, your extracurricular activities (now or in college) will have no impact whatsoever on your application. Master's/PhD admission at MIT, and at all other schools, is based solely on your academic work in college in the field in which you're applying.

If you're planning to apply to MIT when you're a senior in high school, for undergraduate work, then your extracurriculars will matter. There's no need to join clubs or do specific activities -- you should do what you find interesting, which for you is what you're already doing.

Mikalye

We regularly see questions on this board that ask "Will MIT care about my interest in [insert interest here]?"

And the answer is always YES. MIT wants to get to know you. If you have are passionate about [x] then MIT is always interested in that. And MIT is interested to see how that interest has driven your behaviors. MIT is interested in the choices that the applicants make, particularly in how to fill the hours outside of school, and if your interest in [x] is integral to that, then that is extremely relevant to an undergraduate MIT application.