<p>Hello.
I know that when it comes to places like MIT, determining whether a student will be admitted is hard, better yet - impossible – to predict. Never the less, insight would be quite nice.
To be candid, like most, I would die for the chance to go to MIT; unlike most, my desire stems from my interest in the comparative media studies program. Quite simply, I have a passion for film and would love to major in film/media studies and study physics (another giant interest) on the side. It’s hard to find a school that offers a film/video/media program that excites me and seems interesting, but still offers a wide array of opportunities to study in science. All the schools with a strong physics program, have a film/media program that serves no interest to me or vice versa – all schools except MIT.
Obviously, the science and tech programs and opportunities are awesome, which is awesome, because I love science. The comparative media studies major is even more awesome, I want to do pretty much every course.
Besides that, I love the MIT ‘culture’– thinkers and doers. People who think of awesome ideas and then just do them. People who will work hard, who get excited by questions – me. </p>
<p>Now about me: </p>
<p>My film portfolio is exceptional (I will now use the following seconds to clarify that generally, I am quite a perfectionist and what some may claim ‘debbie downer’ when it comes to judging my level of work). In this case, I say exceptional because I spend hours on storyboards, and my knowledge of proper – industry standard – lighting is shown, as well as my story telling skills. I’ve been studying film production for the last two years as I’ve been enrolled in video production classes working with a mentor who has been in industry for 25+ years. </p>
<p>What I’m most worried about, is the fact that a) I have ADHD (not sure why people think it’s not a ‘real’ thing – before i was diagnosed my doctor though it was some serious neurological disorder because my symptoms were so severe)
b) my marks were awful in grade 9 and 10. </p>
<p>My marks were awful because I was constantly being pulled in and out of school because of other mental health issues. Though my marks have increased, they aren’t the 100% MIT probably wants.
MY average the end of this year will be 95%. </p>
<p>I have 2 interesting leadership position extracurricular that aren’t teh traditional ‘president of the school’, ‘president of the math club’ type ordeals. I haven’t been in any science fairs, or competitions, though. </p>
<p>Oh yeah, Here’s the most depressing thing: I’m an international student – Canadian. Which makes the competition ten times harder (i’ve heard?). </p>
<p>Honestly, besides my triumphs, I think i’m probably the weakest link in the competition. Though, upon talking to my teacher, he said my passion for film, along with struggling (and eventually, coping with) with adhd and other mental health issues could serve as more of a hook then a “no chance.”. </p>
<p>I just want insight. I love film, and I love science. I love the idea of MIT. Be candid, should i forget about it? do i have even a tiny chance? no chance? </p>
<p>Oh yeah, i’m african american – hook? Or am i to lame for a hook to do me any good? </p>
<p>Sorry if my grammar, language, sentence structure is atrocious. lack of sleep = lack of edit.</p>