Chance a Prospective Political Science Major!

Colleges & Universities Massachusetts Institute of Technology
1

<p>Hey everyone! I’m thinking about applying to MIT for EA. I realize that it’s probably a very long reach for me, but I wanted to see if I’m even in the ‘ballpark’ and whether or not an app would even be worth it (it would entail me taking the physics SAT II test just for MIT). My rank, in particular, is wholly unimpressive. Thanks!</p>

<p>Gender: Male
Race: Korean
Location: very competitive public high school in Texas
Intended Major: Political Science</p>

<p>GPA: 3.92 unweighted, rank 44/581 (top 10%) [bad grades freshman year]
SAT I:
1st sitting: 680R 650M 780W (2110)
2nd sitting: 790R 740M 700W (2230)
SUPERSCORED: 790R 740M 780W (2310)</p>

<p>SAT IIs: World History: 790 US History: 770 Korean: 800 (taking Math II and Physics in Oct- hopefully will get over 700 on both :/)</p>

<p>Awards:
-2nd place in Academic WorldQuest San Antionio Regionals (2009)
-UIL district finalist for extemporaneous speaking (2009)
-UIL Division I Band Soloist (2007, 2008)
-qualified for UIL State Band Solo Contest (2008)
-Finalist in University of Texas Spanish Poetry Declamation Contest (2009)
-A winner of the Austin International Poetry Festival Youth Contest & published poet (2008)</p>

<p>Extra Curriculars:
-STAND Anti-Genocide Coalition (President: 2009)
-World Affairs Club (Co-President: 2008-2009, Academic WorldQuest Team Captain: 2009)
-Politics, Economics, and Philosophy Club (Secretary: 2008-2009 & C0-Vice President: 2009)
-Varsity Extemporaenous Speaking/Debate (2007-2009)
-Citizen Journalist writing about politics and IR (2008-2009)
-Marching/Concert Band (Band Librarian: 2008-2009)
-volunteer counselor at a camp for children with disabilities (1089 hours, 2008-2009)</p>

<p>College Programs:
Attended the 2008 Georgetown University International Relations Summer Program for High School Students</p>

<p>AP Scores:
Spanish Language: 5
World History: 5
US History: 5
English Literature: 4</p>

<p>Recs: hopefully both will be good but obviously there’s no way to really tell. 1st rec: from a math teacher who probably has more or less a neutral opinion of me. 2nd rec: from a Spanish teacher who loves me.</p>

<p>Essays: hopefully will be good</p>

2

<p>Why do you want to go to MIT to study political science? Your stats are fine, of course (and you knew that), but why MIT, and do you really want to do all that core science on the side?</p>

<p>I don’t think it is a crazy idea, by the way - years ago I went to MIT and my humanities concentration was political science and that part of my MIT education was wonderful.</p>

3

<p>You look good, stat wise.</p>

<p>Political Science at MIT? It’s a strong department (top 10 in the nation in my opinion and USNEWS).</p>

<p>Just be aware that there’s a lot of science/math requirements for any political science major at MIT. I’m not dissuading you to apply, but just be aware of that. The extra requirements might hamper your ability to take more advanced courses in related subjects like Economics, Philosophy, Sociology, which would increase your fund. of knowledge for polisci graduate work.</p>

<p>For other top PoliSci schools, I recommend the graduate school ranking on USNEWS. In my opinion, good graduate departments lead to good undergrads because they have better known faculty and more resources. I am hesitant to put too much weight into the undergraduate rankings.
[Rankings</a> - Political Science - Graduate Schools - Education - US News and World Report](<a href=“http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-political-science-schools/rankings]Rankings”>http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-political-science-schools/rankings)</p>

4

<p>Thanks for the responses!</p>

<p>I don’t know… There’s something that’s always attracted me about studying polisci at a school like MIT. It seems so unorthodox and unique, while still studying at one of the top polisci programs in the nation. I wouldn’t mind the extra math/science stuff that everyone needs to take. </p>

<p>Are you sure my stats are good enough? Everyone keeps telling me that my low rank (barely top 10%) hampers my chances significantly at all top 20ish schools.</p>

5

<p>They want you to show that you can handle a workload. With a 3.9GPA and superscores all in the 700s, you’ve done that. The rest will make or break your application.</p>