MIT reinstates ACT/SAT test requirement

Data10
Sun, 03 Apr 2022 19:20:41 +0000

theloniusmonk:

They do if the applicants can provide them, it’s just not available to everyone so it’s an additional barrier and can’t be used broadly as mentioned above. The kids in the bay area I know that get into MIT have taken Calc in 10th or 11th and Stats as well so they have those AP scores (hint -they’re 5s), the AMC or AIME as well. These are public schools btw, that being said you can’t assume the bay area is representative, it’s an outlier.

I meant that I’d expect math classes at MIT to generally emphasize longer and more complex calculus+ questions, and generally not emphasize answering simple, multiple choice algebra/geometry questions at a rapid pace.

I agree that showing evidence of good preparation for success in this type of complex calculus+ class is not equally available to everyone; and I’m sure MIT considers the context of the student’s background and options available to the student when evaluating the applicant.

For example, I was accepted to MIT many years ago from a basic, public HS. My family wasn’t wealthy and my school wasn’t highly resourced. I believe it was a typical public HS, from a typical SES type of family.

Like most HSs, my HS did not offer a large number of AP classes. It offered calculus, computer science, and English. I took the first 2 prior to my senior year. Like most public HSs, mine did not have a standard math path that led to calculus before senior year. Instead I was accelerated enough to take calculus before senior year due to a unique situation suggested by a HS math teacher and discussed with GC that involved independent study instead of taking pre-calculus HS math classes . After finishing the math offered at my HS, I was a half-time student at a nearby college while in HS. I took post-calculus math, as well as other courses, and received A’s. My ECs were mostly math-related, including Math League and math competitions. My HS and I achieved some regional recognition in math competitions, but nothing beyond regional.

So in this example, non SAT/ACT evidence of being adequately prepared for post-calculus math classes includes contributions from the following, as well as contributions from nearly every component of the application. Many components of the application can contribute information, but I also realize that most of the things I did will not be possible/available to the typical HS student.

Took post-calculus math classes at university and received A’s

Transcript showing pattern of success in math and math-related fields, and taking highest available level or beyond highest available level of classes

Strong LOR from math professor in post-calculus math class

Positive comments from GC discussing unique math background and experiences

Success in math related ECs and math competitions

Personal comments with additional information about motivations, interests, experiences, future plans, … in essays, statements, and interview