basicspace

Well, if you apply and you get in, you're not exactly stealing a spot from anyone. They know what they're looking for, and if you fit the bill, you're in. You could say the same for affirmative action. Is it fair for a black student to get in when 5 other asian kids are more qualified? Most colleges believe, yes, it is. Same logic applies here.

However, being a week behind is never a good thing at all. Looks like I'll have to find another one then.

carebear9

@BasicSpace
I'm a MITES 2012 alum, and during MITES you aren't allowed to leave for a break like that. We were allowed to go out if we had time, but they even discouraged visiting people that we knew outside of MITES if they were in the city. They definitely wouldn't let you leave for a whole week for any reason other than an emergency. So if you get in, you'll have to decide which one you want more! (And I'd say pick MITES - it was hands down one of the best experiences of my life)

carebear9

Oh, and what DangItDang said about having no lives is not true! We were allowed to go out whenever we wanted to, but there was so much work to do all of the time that we didn't take advantage of that liberty very often. Either way, we all managed to squeeze in some time to have fun.

emekablue

@basicspace The problem is not that at all. MITES is a program for a certain purpose. May I remind you, it is the Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science. The admissions people are looking to serve that purpose with a bright, motivated group of students who are ready to take on challenges. There isn't this any type of qualification standard and none of the 80 students who get in are more qualified than the next. It becomes a strong community of support which propels all its students toward success. The ones who get in, too, are the ones they believe will benefit from the program the most. It's not just a race or a numbers game.

basicspace

Actually I was referring to actual college admissions. Of course a minority focused program would accept more minorities. It only makes sense in this context. It makes a lot less when you apply that to a college that demands nothing but the most from everyone imo.

pentupenguin

@MobiusUno

January SAT scores should be just fine, those were the ones I sent in last year and that was the only time I had taken the test as of then. Just make sure you send them your scores as soon as you get them and maybe shoot them an email letting them know you plan on sending those scores before you take the test.

NewHavenCTmom

@basicspace(post #16)

WHOOOAAA!~ Pump your breaks... you went WAY TOO DEEP on that one my friend.. LOL wow... the point I was making is... if you know you can't/won't be dedicated to the program, then don't apply! It won't be fair to someone who may be waitlisted b/c that spot is taken by an instrument playing/orchestra member who will leave mid program! Not everything is Afirm Act. or black/white

Dangitdang

@NewHavenCTmom

My last comment wasn't justified. I was only joking with Rowzay.
MITES is not definitely a 6 weeks summer field trip at MIT. It is much more than that. From my experience, the amount of free time is up to your daughter. MITES is very flexible in term of what you're allowed to do. Classes, and organized events are required of course. Classes start at 9am and ends at 5pm. There's time in between. From that point on you are free to do what your heart content you stay up all night doing nothing or work until the sunrise on p-set. MITES won't hold your hand but they'll guide you in the right direction. I think MITES emulates much of what MIT is during the school year. Also the classes determine the workload; some are better than the other but they are all equally hard. For example, if you have Bio-Chem then you will find yourself memorizing amino acids for the first week!

NewHavenCTmom

@Dang

I kind of sensed the sarcasm in your post... so I figured I should disregard it. LOL Thanks for the update! I appreciate it. Do you guys feel it helped with your senior year academics?

And for those of you who are NOW in college,(you probably are long gone from CC by now) , do you feel that it helped you in the college admissions process?

Dangitdang

I think the really unintented consequence of MITES is that senior year becomes really really easy. I'm ahead of everyone in my class.

As far as college applications are concerned MITES looks great on them. It's a prestigious program with 4.5% acceptance rate. Most MITES alumni go to prestigious colleges, Harvard, MIT, etc. This has to do with correlation than with causation. With that being said 50 out of 7x from MITES 2011 were accepted into MIT and 39 attend. There are sessions on the college application process lead by MIT admission committee. They helped tremendously.

NewHavenCTmom

Thanks dangit for expounding! Much appreciated.. This last summer before senior year is so important. I guess you are the only MITES alumni on these boards these days huh? I'm surprised... I'm also surprised that this thread is so quiet... last years was much busier!!!

What do you know about LEDA? No one seems to be posting about their experiences here on CC. Do you know of anyone who went? You really don't hear much about that program after the students are through. Its like they enter... and never come back out!

prototyped

I'm applying! Good luck everyone & Study hard

jehseecuhh

I'm applying too! Good luck everyone! (:

Quick question though; is it just me, or are most (prestigious) summer programs aimed towards juniors? 'Cause it kinda sucks that you only have one summer to really get the ball rolling. . ..

jehseecuhh

Hey does anyone know about any programs that one could do during the fall semester of senior year?

OzzyArmas

Soon, soon!!!! I'm extremely excited to apply (most likely won't get in, but I REALLY want to lol). It's the first week of November already, essays are out, all left is the actual application.