As only a sophomore, should I simply take MIT off my interest list? Please Read!

<p>I am a native american sophomore from oklahoma. I know it is too early to determine my chances at college but not being an absolute math/science genius, I am wondering if I should just drop the idea of MIT and their earth science (can’t remember the exact name) program. </p>

<li><p>Will I immediately be cut out of the running if I can’t take math through Calculus? (Just to pre-calc) </p></li>
<li><p>There is a scheduling conflict and I cannot take AP Physics. It is only offered one hour which is the same hour as my favorite class that I will have each year. Will no AP Physics eliminate me? </p></li>
<li><p>If I have no math/science awards will I be rejected? </p></li>
</ol>

<p>I’m sure I will score pretty well on tests. I am already studying for my standardized tests and am hoping to get a 34 and a 2250 by senior year. I should be able to achieve national merit coming from a non-competitive state. </p>

<p>I am not going to give my full profile but to put it simply: say I have a competitive profile to Harvard, Yale, Stanford etc… Will I still be competitive when I am lacking these qualities (Questions Above) ? </p>

<p>Edit- If you feel you cant get an answer based on this alone, here is a link to my stats </p>

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=406551[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=406551&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<ol>
<li>no</li>
<li>no</li>
<li>no</li>
</ol>

<p>MIT looks at everyone in their context - if your school doesn’t offer calculus, they won’t penalize you. Also, I know of quite a few people who didn’t take any physics at all in high school, so no worries about #2.</p>

<p>That being said, going out and seeking opportunities is always a good boost on your app.</p>

<p>yeah, I would suggest pursuing self-study, a long-distance class or two, or summer classes at a college or something.</p>

<p>MIT won’t penalize you for your school’s course offerings.</p>

<p>I took a summer school class in calculus I at a community college so I would have time to take the more advanced course offerings at my high school.</p>

<p>You seem pretty competitive as a Sophomore.
I don’t know.
How were standard MIT students (award-wise and academic-wise) when they WERE Sophomores in hs? Anyone know? Thanks.</p>

<p>^^well, clearly nate has the EC/leadership activities covered. I think he is just apprehensive about the fact that the available course offerings at his school will put him at a disadvantage.</p>

<p>My guess is that by sophomore year most MIT students sill be involved in math team and/or science team. By junior year, they would probably be the best on their team unless they go to some super-competitive school.</p>

<p>to the OP: take a look at Stanford’s EPGY program. It’s a long-distance program for gifted youth.</p>

<p><a href=“http://epgy.stanford.edu/[/url]”>http://epgy.stanford.edu/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>MIT definitely doesn’t automatically reject students if they don’t have calculus and physics in high school, but not many people are admitted each year without having taken those classes. </p>

<p>It is really, really hard to come into MIT without that basic foundational knowledge and not be completely overwhelmed as a freshman. Granted, people do it – I mean, I personally didn’t take any physics in high school – but it’s pretty unpleasant.</p>

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<p>I was told that 5% of the frosh each year have never had physics. That’s what they have 8.01L for. :)</p>

<p>But yeah, the answers to the OPs questions are no, no, and no.</p>

<p>Exactly how does EPGY work? Do you just apply, send need test scores and tuition, and then just do the homework/tests at your own pace? I mean, theoretically could you sign up for a course and complete everything in one day or a year depending on how long you wanted to drag it out, or do you have to follow some sort of schedule? I think it said you could work at your own pace for math physics and maybe one or two more subjects, but does this literallly mean “work at your own pace?”</p>

<p>so what do you think? say i get a 3.8 from now on and continue my extra cirriculars and achieve those tests scores- Can I get in?</p>

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<p>You CAN. It doesn’t mean, of course, that you WILL.</p>

<p>If you’re willing to take a dream school off your list just because some people from the internets suggested it, then that really says something…</p>

<p>Can’t say until you, at the very least, take the PSAT. What is your basis for hoping that you will score a 34 on the ACT or a 2250 on the SAT? Native American status is the best hook possible, short of a Nobel prize, so even a 31 ACT or 2000 SAT will make you competitive for admission.</p>