How can I get into MIT Answered
So currently I am a sophomore in high school and I’m worried about my GPA. So my freshman year I got 1 B and right know I have 1 B and 1 C( This class is not relevant to my major). Is there still a chance that I can get into MIT? I have been worrying the past couple of months and I’m stressing a lot because MIT has been my dream school since I was a kid and I really need help.
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3 answers
Yep, as others have said, your GPA (and standardized test scores) is just one thing MIT is going to consider. 2 Bs and 1 C definitely won't rule you out of MIT yet, but you are really going to need to crack down and focus these next two years. This website (https://mitadmissions.org/apply/process/stats/) does a great job of understanding just how tough the competition is. It focuses more on SAT/ACT scores but it should give you an idea of just how smart everyone is that's applying. Only ONE student in the class of 2023 got accepted with a Math SAT score under 700. I'm not trying to scare you off from applying or anything, just trying to make it clear that even with a perfect 4.0 and a 1600 SAT you're just a face in the crowd.
So, let's assume you get straight As and crush your SAT (and you will!), now what? Now you need to be able to separate yourself from the rest of the applicants. This is where your ECs come in. Look for internships, clubs, shadowing opportunities, volunteer opportunities, clubs (bonus points if you can get leadership positions), ideally related to your major if possible. Not EVERYTHING has to be related to want you want to study but colleges like to see that you're passionate about your intended field.
High school is hard enough already so seriously, try not to stress about this now. The application process is long, it's hard, it's stressful, but you need to remember that it doesn't define you. I really hope you can get into MIT but even if you don't, that's OK! There are plenty of amazing schools out there and you'll get into one of them.
Yes, I'd say there is still a chance... IF from here on out you can get A's for the rest of high school with a very rigorous course load (take as many AP's/Honors classes as your schedule allows). You can't go back in time and change your grades, but you CAN determine your future grades. Remember: you'll need an EXTREMELY high SAT/ACT score as well in order to be competitive for MIT. You need to be aiming for a 1500 or a 33 AT THE VERY LEAST. Lastly, focus on building up your extracurricular activities. Applicants to these types of schools already have insanely high GPA's and test scores... you need to separate yourself through your extracurriculars. I can't speak on specific activities as I don't know what you enjoy (I can infer its STEM related based on MIT), but I'd just say to find an activity you like, and become the best at it. Develop a spike in that field; achieve amazing things in that field. Show the admissions officers that you hold the potential to become the best in that field, and that you hold the potential to change the world.
TL;DR: Get straight A's the rest of high school with rigorous coursework, get AT LEAST a 1500/33 on the SAT/ACT, and become really, really good at something... if you do those things, you'll be competitive for MIT come your senior year.
Good luck!!
Well, the GPA is just the basic thing you need. I'd say at least 3.95/4.00 weighted. However, as you're probably aware, MIT has a really strong focus on STEM and research. That is really different from the Ivies, which have a more balanced environment. The focus of MIT means that you need to put a lot of efforts in competitions. If you could get ISEF's grand award or be listed as the top 100 in either USAMO, USAPhO, USACO, USABO, nobody would care even if you only have a 3.0 GPA(which would probably due to ignoring study in literature or social sciences). Nevertheless, even if you could manage to get a 4.0 GPA and a 1600 SAT, you would probably not get in MIT's STEM major if you don't have major accomplishments in such competitions or having great research experience( having paper published in a recognized scientific journal).
Anyway, schools like MIT, Caltech and Georgia Tech want students that have great passion in STEM, and GPA or SAT ACT couldn't show that.(They're just basic requirements!) Put your worries on the right place.
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Wait do they count semester grades? Like let’s say you got a B in a class the first semester but you get another B the next semester. Is that two B’s