Why did I get rejected? Are there anyone like me?

linting2012
Sun, 13 May 2012 13:15:19 +0000

To tell you the truth I am really frustrated.

I am an Taiwanese international student from El Salvador. I was rejected by MIT and several other colleges (Stanford and Princeton), but I really don’t know why. I have very good scores and good recommendations, I even have several very good ECs but I still got rejected, not even wait listed, can anyone tell me why?

I got
111 in my TOEFL
800 in Math 2 SAT
800 in Chem SAT
800 in Physics SAT

*MIT only requires subject test and TOEFL for internationals

I also have predicted grade of 7 in IB Math HL, Physics HL and Chemistry HL. I was predicted a 42 in my IB diploma. I am ranked 2nd or 3rd of the school.

For my ECs:

I won national Knowledgebowl competition of El Salvador
I am a national ranked archer
I played trumpet in the National Youth symphony and performed in front of the presidents during the Ibeamerican Conference (not solo, just with the orchestra).
Me and my friends formed a group that raised around $5000 to renew a children’s hospital in San Salvador
I like to make papercraft and have designed some really cool papercraft
I was the part of the Science Club and Leader of the Engineering Club
I also raised funds to help a school in rural area of El Salvador

My Essays

I wrote about how moving from Taiwan to El Salvador changed me (it should be pretty good).
I also wrote about how I realized what is passion. (Before a very important archery competition my Bow broke so I couldn’t participate in the competition and it was my last year)