<p>The basic rule of thumb is that MIT students tend to challenge themselves, and push themselves a little bit. As a result, MIT admissions is broadly looking for kids who have taken the most stimulating curriculum offered by their secondary school. This then determines what sort of AP preparation is appropriate. </p>
<p>If your school offers a huge number of AP courses, and most college-bound seniors take a half dozen or more AP’s then applying to MIT with 3 AP exams may seem paltry. Similarly if your school offers no AP courses, then applying to MIT with those self-same 3 AP exams may seem very impressive. As with everything with MIT admissions, what matters is not what the objective number is, but what that number means IN CONTEXT.</p>