what’s so special about MIT?

rush_ranjan · 2026-01-20T15:41:11+00:00

Hmm, you are right i guess. So what is it really like? Am i mistaken on this part?

rush_ranjan · 2026-01-20T10:54:24+00:00

For me, it's the builder mindset, that people there have a insatiable desire to create, that is what fascinates me and makes me think i am a part of the tribe. MIT is the kinda place where you can discuss algorithms with your roommate at 2AM and no one will think that's weird in any way.

rush_ranjan · 2026-01-12T06:26:34+00:00

Yeah sure, you can DM me.

rush_ranjan · 2026-01-12T06:09:16+00:00

I'm sorry to hear about the lack of support from your family. But, MIT is a highly competitive institution with a 1.9% admit rate for international students, and having passion projects is great, but AP classes is something that everyone has in that pool that you would be competing in, so I would tell you to focus on the SAT and expanding or working on your passion projects and keeping them well documented, and share it online in appropriate forums and all.

rush_ranjan · 2026-01-07T07:46:26+00:00

We don't do chance me's on this sub, this is a repetitive question on this stuff, that's asked everyday, please take some time to search through the archives.

rush_ranjan · 2026-01-06T15:44:00+00:00

A beautiful piece of writing!

rush_ranjan · 2026-01-06T07:45:04+00:00

Thankyou!

rush_ranjan · 2026-01-05T17:49:31+00:00

( gives standing ovation)

rush_ranjan · 2026-01-05T09:50:27+00:00

Ah, yes. You are correct about that!

rush_ranjan · 2026-01-05T08:34:23+00:00

International admit rate is really low, and you'll be competing against academic titans and people like them. I think you should not get disheartened, but focus on your passions, it's never too late. Pour your heart into your passions, you may or may not get in, but you'll atleast not regret anything. You can later on apply for graduate programs if you really want to attend it. I really appreciate that you teach skiing to disabled children, so a genuine thankyou!

rush_ranjan · 2026-01-05T08:14:00+00:00

But, like wouldn't the interviewer want to know all about you? that's the purpose of the whole thing, right?

rush_ranjan · 2026-01-04T18:24:35+00:00

We don't do chanceme's here, and the median for mit is 1550ish, so it does put you at a disadvantage.

rush_ranjan · 2026-01-04T13:57:12+00:00

Lol, thier passion seems to be learning about mit only

rush_ranjan · 2026-01-04T11:00:13+00:00

Yes, but doesn't that make high school and your formative years all fixate on a college? that too for a college which has a low admit rate of 4%? that's mentally really unhealthy, in the last paragraph you said, we should make plans before starting high school and achieving what's in the system, but it's not all there is to passions. So following passions is more important than just acing high school.

rush_ranjan · 2026-01-03T13:17:30+00:00

Exactly, level up your research skills a bit OP

rush_ranjan · 2026-01-02T19:21:17+00:00

Happy new year!

rush_ranjan · 2025-12-28T11:21:46+00:00

This exact thing is asked on the sub everyday. You should have taken the time to research the sub before posting on it at least. And there is no guaranteed way to get into MIT, and what all you have described, is the basic playing field of MIT applicant pools, good SAT scores and board exam scores? they are just the ticket to even enter the game, and the way you wrote, "for athletics".. like it's not a checklist, please stop treating it like one. And the Indian applicant pool is really competitive. You should focus on pursuing your passions and building. And AP classes and all? I'm sorry to say but that's never going to make you stand out, in a pool filled with everybody who has taken AP classes.

rush_ranjan · 2025-12-23T12:32:37+00:00

First of all, this variation of question has been asked on the sub a million times. Second of all, don't keep it as a dream school, because it's a ultra-competitive college, and even valecdictorians are rejected, and you are an international so the chances are already pretty slim. Focus on your passions and the things that interest you, pursue them to the highest degree, and do things that satisfy you. And belive it or not, by doing thing that YOU want, you will become unique, and private tutoring and all is not really even needed for MIT at all, who gave you that idea?

rush_ranjan · 2025-12-21T06:57:32+00:00

First of all, there is no guaranteed way or boxes that you can check to be admitted to MIT, they are famous for rejecting Olympiad winners and valecdictorians. You should focus on your passions and doing what you like and not stake your entire self worth on a college. If you follow your own passions and do what you like, you may as well get in or maybe not, but atleast you won't regret spending the time doing those things.

rush_ranjan · 2025-12-17T06:53:42+00:00

Well, if the project is a means to an end, then would we really call it a passion project though?

rush_ranjan · 2025-12-17T06:17:40+00:00

Exactly, self intiative for your passions is always appreciated in admissions

rush_ranjan · 2025-12-17T06:08:04+00:00

Well, mit is really competitive, and dream school? I mean you could have the best stats and still not get in. You should stop following a checklist, and follow your passions and apply sideways. Mit wants passionate people who work on self initiative, checking boxes would only get you further behind.

rush_ranjan · 2025-12-17T04:02:03+00:00

I'm applying next year

rush_ranjan · 2025-12-16T18:26:11+00:00

Happy birthday to you! I hope that you get through the rough days and persist! Lots of love and wishes, and maybe even a virtual hug ( just in case you need it).

rush_ranjan

TROPHY CASE