MIT FAQ for application year 2009-2010 - Page 4

Puzzle · 07-13-2009, 01:39 PM

So you have to send scores for all three sections of the SAT, but they won't look at writing.

I'm a little confused as to how you'd be able to send just two sections of the SAT anyhow, but thanks for the update!

soadquake981 · 07-13-2009, 01:50 PM

Well, yes, I understand what Mollie meant, but I'm not really sure why that is. It's not terribly important to me, though, so feel free to ignore my ramblings

molliebatmit · 07-13-2009, 08:29 PM

Oh, sorry, I forgot that this class has probably never taken the SAT without writing. Previous applicants might have, if they had taken the SAT early, so those who hadn't taken the SAT plus writing had to re-take.

soadquake981 · 07-13-2009, 09:07 PM

Oh, okay... I get that part now. So why would MIT not consider the writing section, though? Is there something wrong with it?

PiperXP · 07-13-2009, 10:11 PM

The writing section is about three years old. It takes time to figure out how good an indicator a new thing is to a student's success.

GordmanFreeon · 07-19-2009, 04:22 AM

What would be an acceptable video format if I were to submit a video as part of my supplemental material? Also, is there a high chance of it being watched if I were to submit it?

Puzzle · 07-19-2009, 09:39 AM

ooh, good question. I was going to submit a two minute clip of something I designed in use.

molliebatmit · 07-19-2009, 10:23 AM

They'll watch a video if they can, and I think many of them bring their computers with them to read now, but there's no guarantee. I think the best format would be one that's readily readable/available on both Macs and PCs -- maybe Quicktime?

Definitely include a note with the CD/DVD explaining what it's about, how long it is, and what format it's in.

apple192 · 07-19-2009, 11:41 AM

In my child's school, somehow the science and math teacher are not suitable to write the recommendation for him. I think the English and history teacher know him the best. Would it be all right to ask these two teacher to write them ?

PiperXP · 07-19-2009, 01:48 PM

Quote:

In my child's school, somehow the science and math teacher are not suitable to write the recommendation for him. I think the English and history teacher know him the best. Would it be all right to ask these two teacher to write them ?

How are they "not suitable"?

In any case, MIT requires one rec from a science teacher and one rec from a humanities teacher, so it looks like you're stuck. You are, however, free to send in extra recommendations - don't pile them up, but an extra one from a humanities teacher would definitely be fine.

apple192 · 07-19-2009, 02:27 PM

To put it simply, they are burned out, therefore can't be counted on.

frank3193 · 07-20-2009, 05:03 PM

Hello everyone!
My question is sort of related to Firstmate's question. Basically, I understand that the application is viewed as a whole and in some cases low SAT scores might not be harmful to the possibilities of getting admitted. But is it the same for International Students? Furthermore, I often hear that the international pool is quite competitive, but to what extent is it (perhaps in terms of the SAT scores)?
Thank you all for your time!

Star* · 07-20-2009, 05:10 PM

This is true about everyone, domestic and international. The thing with internationals is that it is *VERY* competitive, the acceptance rate last year was ~4%. This means that you really have to give them a reason to admit you. Again, low SAT scores wont necessarily mean you're rejected, but you do need to prove to them somehow that you can handle the GIRs and that you'd do well at a school like MIT.

adamonkey2 · 07-20-2009, 10:26 PM

Quote:

I often hear that the international pool is quite competitive, but to what extent is it (perhaps in terms of the SAT scores)?

For internationals, SAT matter slightly less imho because internationals are usually admitted because of extraordinary achievements outside standardized tests. A few even with 400's in sections of SAT1 get admitted because they excel in other areas.

You can see this post on international students' admission: MIT Admissions | Blog Entry: "International Men & Women of Mystery"

frank3193 · 07-21-2009, 02:11 PM

Thank you all very much for your posts!
BTW according to what was stated above.. is the GPA/IB Predicted Grade viewed in the same way i.e. irregular low grades won't hurt the application. Moreover, could a perfect report card (straight A's) during the first senior year semester, do any good to the application?
Once again thank you all very much!