<p>I’m a junior and I plan to apply to MIT next year. The opportunity for me to do a research internship in NYC for the first semester of my senior year has come up and I’m a little apprehensive. Should I do this or should I use the opportunities available to me here? (DFW).</p>
<p>I wouldn’t think of it as a “which is preferable to MIT” thing. MIT wants to see that you’re doing what you’re passionate about–so if this internship is what you’re into, go for it. However, don’t do the internship just because you think it’ll look better for MIT; you don’t want to spend the whole time thinking about how badly you want to be back at high school (though that emotion is something completely incomprehensible to me :P). I personally would jump at the internship because I’m big into diving at whatever crazy opportunities life throws at me, but this sort of thing is an individual decision–there’s nothing wrong with wanting to stay at home.</p>
<p>I have the same opinion as the above fella. Should you try to enjoy every available opportunity? Yes, but don’t get stressed on this. First of all, pursue your passions. Do what you really want to without thinking whether a university or someone would like you to do it.</p>