<p>Would it look odd on my transcript to see that I have higher grades in my humanities classes and not my maths and sciences, even though I like them better? It’s only because our english and history classes are jokes, but the science and math classes are actually very challenging.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t say odd, BUT…
Unfortunately it would appear that you either didn’t like the math/science classes or weren’t as good at them as the humanities.</p>
<p>I disagree with OhioMom. Admissions knows that high school classes can be wildly different. Having higher grades in humanities, as a whole, wont be detrimental if you also kept high grades (and rigor) in quantitative classes. It certainly wont be a problem if you also had high standardized test scores.</p>
<p>If you or one of your recommendation writers mentioned the difficulty of your school’s science/math classes, it should be a non-issue. Assuming you were still pulling mostly As.</p>
<p>Yea. I was on the accelerated track for the sciences and maths. </p>
<p>Freshman year bio: Getting acclimated to high school, and also forgetting two assignments affected me greatly overall. Would it look better if I got A’s (which I plan on doing) in AP Bio senior year? It also was very close to an A (89).</p>
<p>Sophmore year chem: Teacher was very intimidating in her techniques. I am taking AP Chem this year and doing much better. Even my chem teacher this year says I’ll get at least a 4 on the AP exam. Also, it was a high B (88).</p>
<p>Sophmore year algebra: I just didn’t like the way she taught, and I had a very bad term grade (78), but the next term I rallied back with a 93, bringing me to an overall 85 for the year. This year though, I’m getting an A in pre-cal.</p>
<p>Everything else is an A.</p>
<p>Sorry, tmanneopen. I’d agree with OhioMom2.</p>
<p>Heh. I thought you were talking about getting a C in Linear Algebra or something.</p>
<p>An 85 in algebra wont mean a damn thing in the grand scheme of an application. Get yourself some perspective.</p>
<p>Algebra, as taught at a level before analysis, is not rigorous. You probably aren’t doing any real sorts of proofs, and the other topics covered just aren’t very difficult. I can’t imagine admissions counselors would care very much about a grade in algebra if you had grades available in higher math classes.</p>
<p>If you had a C, they might think you were a bit lazy when you weren’t being challenged. That can be bad, but if it’s a lone C, it certainly wont tank your application. Getting nervous about a B or three is pretty neurotic. Especially in classes that, all things considered, don’t mean a whole lot to admissions.</p>
<p>Don’t sweat the small stuff.</p>
<p>Ok, cool. And yea, definitely the only C. Yea, I just always thought about it, and thought it was kinda odd. But yea, I think I just in general hit a sophomore slump and now I am rallying back junior year.</p>
<p>Your SAT math subject test and future math grades will be important to show that you’re capable of the work. I can’t imagine they’ll hold a B in algebra against you if you got a 700+ on the SAT Math II or an A in your precalc class.</p>
<p>They’re really more interested in (to use an overdone cliche) passion and talent in a specific area than perfect (but otherwise unexceptional) performance in all areas. Plenty of high scoring valedictorians are turned down in favor of applicants with more interesting and focused backgrounds.</p>
<p>You should read up on the MIT admissions website and blogs. They have several pages and posts dedicated to discussing the match between MIT and applicants. If you want in, your best bet is to demonstrate that you fit one of the many profiles they are interested in.</p>
<p>I say demonstrate because you probably already fit one or more profiles - you just need to show it better than the other applicants you’ll be competing with.</p>
<p>(Disclaimer: I’m just an applicant. Take everything I say with a few grains of salt and do your own research.)</p>
<p>Yea, I agree.</p>
<p>Well, I think I’m a somewhat unique person, as I am a person who loves swimming, science, and musicals. I’ve started a Science Olympiad team at my high school this year, been the head programmer on a yearly winning robotics team, and a few science fair awards (hopefully from states this year). I’ve been on the varsity swim team for all 3 years so far and will hopefully become captain next year. And although I haven’t quite shown my musical side in any extra-curriculars, I’m seeing if I can take music lessons this summer and also join choir next year because I really want to. I know senior is a little late, but I’m doing it simply because I love it. I just hope that they like me for who I am.</p>
<p>For example: I’m downloading the Sound of Music soundtrack right now while discussing building bridges, haha.</p>
<p>Ever check out the West Point bridge builder competition?</p>
<p>Well, I know of West Point Bridge Design, but I’ve never heard that they had a competition for it. That’s interesting.</p>
<p>[West</a> Point Bridge Design Contest](<a href=“http://bridgecontest.usma.edu/]West”>http://bridgecontest.usma.edu/)</p>
<p>It started a few days ago. Get ready to optimize your building designs… or whatever.</p>
<p>Huh, that’s cool. Thanks for that!</p>
<p>Sorry kenhungkk and OhioMom2, I’m on cgarcia’s side.</p>
<p>@tmanneopen: That sounds great! And don’t worry, the important thing is what’s in your brain, not your transcript; MIT is not that silly.</p>
<p>@tmanneopen - I am in the same situation as you, my humanities classes are all grade-inflated. :D</p>
<p>I have/had almost straight B’s in math classes and no sciences my junior year, and was accepted. A few B’s aren’t really that bog of a deal overall, and can be overshadowed by (successful) participation in competitions, high math SAT I/SAT II scores, a strong rec, etc. that shows ability in math that an A-level student would have.
Few people get into MIT purely because of their academics. In general, MIT seems to be checking that students are capable of the work, and a few B’s are no problem. After they know you’re capable, they’re looking for reasons to admit, and considering that MIT most highly values character/personal qualities, those reasons are often not found on your transcript.</p>
<p>^^out of curiosity, what else did you have? Phrases like “successful participation” and “high scores” is pretty vague and could mean anything.</p>
<p>And what did you write about that the admissions officer told you they liked?</p>
<p>Yea, I’ve participated in a bunch of science and math related competitons (FIRST robotics, Science Olympiad, Math Team, AMC test, Science Fair awards, etc.) so hopefully that will make up for it. Thanks everybody! :D</p>
<p>I told my interviewer that I was more interested in the sciences but strangely I always did better in the humanities. He said it was OK. You should be fine too. Besides, there’s nothing you can do to worry about it now. ^^ Best of luck.</p>
<p>Haha, thanks!</p>