How does MIT calculate high school GPA?

dosoon
Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:32:10 +0000

Keep in mind I am nowhere near an expert in this subject but I will offer my two-cents.
As far as MIT calculating GPA, I am sure they understand every school has a different system so they look more at the rigor of courses taken and the grades you received in them, which are all recorded in your transcripts.
I don’t think one bad grade every stopped anyone from getting into HYPSM. If someone is truly a great fit for the school, and keep in mind only those who are a great fit get in, I think there is more to that student than just his/her grades that got them into the school. I can’t imagine any school expecting every student to be perfect in everything, that would be mundane and quite ineffective. Focus on your positives, not your negatives.
Your transcript is what it is, and there is nothing you can do about that now. However, brush it out of your mind and think “What do I have to offer to these schools that will appeal to them?” instead of “What have I all done wrong to make myself ‘ineligible’ from being considered at these schools?”
Not only do I believe being optimistic will certainly influence you to complete better applications, it’s just much more enjoyable that way.