What does it take for an international to get accepted?

fiona_1
Thu, 21 May 2009 02:03:26 +0000

You sound like a very level-headed student and I commend you for that enthusiasm. As a current college pre-frosh who was rejected by MIT, I would like to bring up (as you already know) the extremely low acceptance rates internationally–like 4%. I was the national champion for physics (as a female) in my country with 1600 M+CR scores and was rejected. An ISEF First winner + IPhO bronze medalist from my country was also rejected. Furthermore, Korean is the most competitive nationality for US admissions with rigorous privates like Minjok pumping out amazing students. I think it’s great you’re psyched but international admissions to MIT are indeed tough and I want to give you realism (some may say, pessimism ;))

That said, there are plenty of ways to express interest in science. First and foremost, taking rigorous science/math courses in your HS, doing well and hence impressing your teachers. AP courses or IB courses. Secondly, participating in math/science related ECs, from the more fun to the more intellectual. Fun could be doing education outreach to elementary students, demonstrations etc. Intellectual could include peer tutoring or taking the national Olympiad exams or AMC.