Please, tell me how I should be preparing!

LambdaPrime
Sun, 07 Sep 2008 12:44:48 +0000

As an alum, the best advice I could give is that is demonstrate a clear passion for something, be it sports, building robots, community service, etc. Having top scores and top grades is a foregone conclusion, of course. Recommendations:

1. If you’re tapping out of AP classes at 16 as well as homeschooled, then it’s time to move up and start taking classes at the local state or community college. Don’t do it expecting it to take out MIT requirement, but it should hopefully demonstrate that you’re going the extra mile to pursue the topics you’re passionate about. Don’t rest on your laurels.

2. If you liked building your fusion reactor, find a scientist or researcher at a local college to help you out with how to improve it. Intern in their lab, if possible to get hands-on research experience. Look into applying for the Intel Science Talent Search and similar competitions.

3. Volunteer at a YMCA or other youth organization and teach kids how to build fun stuff too if this is what drives you.

The idea is to have a compelling narrative about what drives you and what you’re passionate about and being able to demonstrate that you can adapt and apply this passion to a variety of fields and topics.