Advice about transferring to MIT

fusioneer
Sat, 24 Sep 2016 01:15:22 +0000

I am currently attending UC Santa Cruz as a freshman majoring in electrical engineering. I want to transfer to MIT to major in nuclear engineering (UCSC like most schools doesn’t offer nuclear engineering).

During high school, I spent most of my time building various devices such as Tesla coils (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDeaeiavnBE) and other high voltage things (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MB2NQSOdLvw). During my senior year, I finished the construction and successful operation of my fusion reactor (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92M5qcjDkaU). These projects took much of my time (occasionally three hours or more each day), which meant my grades suffered. I ended high school with a 3.4 GPA, and my college adviser told me that MIT, my dream college, was out of the question. I didn’t apply, which is a decision I now regret.

I ran the first experimental tests with my fusion reactor in April (after college applications were finished) and decided to get professional opinions regarding the results. From my personal email, I contacted the head of nuclear science and engineering at MIT and kindly asked him to verify my data. To my surprise, he responded. After many emails and additional experimental testing, he agreed that I had observed fusion neutrons. He also cc’d the director of undergraduate nuclear science and engineering. If I decide to submit a transfer application to MIT, both professors are willing to write me supplemental evaluations. I am also in communication with the chair of nuclear engineering at UC Berkeley and the chair of electrical engineering and the chair of physics here at UCSC.

While MIT accepts junior transfers, they only accept students as sophomores. To not lose a year, I must apply to transfer this year as a freshman. I will have to take courses outside of my major at UCSC to qualify for the transfer. If I don’t get into MIT, I will be behind in my current major. I will also have to study for some standardized tests, but these are of little concern.

I want to transfer because my passion is in nuclear science and the facilities at MIT are amazing. I want to become a fusion scientist as I believe fusion is the key to reducing human suffering. As it stands, the transfer acceptance rate is low (less than 5%). I am telling myself that because I built a fusion reactor and will be receiving two recommendation letters from directors of the department I will be applying to, I will have a better chance than 5%, but I know there are applicants with far greater credentials than myself. I am motivated to put in the work, but I thought I would post here before I make any irreversible decisions. I understand that this choice is mine to make, but I would appreciate some advice regarding it.

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