<p>jessiehl’s post is linked from the main MIT forum page. Definitely read it!</p>
<p>In addition to essays, your recommendations are important in painting that picture of you, so try to pick teachers who know you pretty well, if you can. And if your MyMIT portal shows an Educational Counselor (EC == alumni interviewer) in your area, do not fail to contact that person and set up an interview. I don’t have the stats handy, but of students who are offered an interview, a significantly higher percentage of those who have that interview are accepted. Mikalye’s recent post #67 in the “Mit Interview Secrets!” thread is a good glimpse at what an interviewer is looking for. These views from others are also important in helping the Admissions folks learn more about who you are, what you would bring to MIT, and what you would get from it. Good luck!</p>