The Records Office has processed all application components received for EA applicants. This is a good time for you to check your application tracking on MyMIT. It will show what materials we have processed for you. We should have the following: Application Part 1, Application Part 2, Secondary School Report and Transcript, Evaluation A, Evaluation B, Testing Requirements, and, if applicable, Interview Report.
What happens if the tracking system is missing something?
First, do not worry. We do not assign blame on why we don't have it, we just know that we have not processed it. We will not look at your application unfavorably because it is missing an application component at this time. We will wait a while longer before having it evaluated to give you time to send along another copy. There are still more weeks of reading to be done, so as long as you get us the copies in a timely manner, there will be no impact.
The best way to get us a missing piece is by fax. Our Records Office fax number is (617) 258-8304. Be sure that all documents include your name and date of birth on each page. At this time, only EA applicants missing documents should use the fax machine; RA applicants should use the mail, and EA applicants should not fax resumes or other non-required materials.
If we are missing an evaluation, the teacher may fax a copy to us. If they need another copy of the evaluation form, you can get a PDF from the tracking system.
If we are missing a transcript, please fax it to us, but be sure to also mail us another official copy.
If you had an interview more than two weeks ago and we haven't yet processed it, you should fill out the Conducted Interview form on the MyMIT Application Tracking Detail page. We will follow up with your Educational Counselor.
I know that the MId-Year Grade Report box is sitting there, unchecked. Don't worry about this unless you are deferred from EA to RA.
If we have not processed standardized test scores that that you had the testing agency send us, then you may fax us a copy of an official score report. We will follow up with the testing agency. If we are missing your TOEFL scores, make sure the name on your application is exactly the same as it is on your TOEFL registration. If it is not, please send us an email with your TOEFL registration name.
Bottom line: do not stress if we are missing pieces. It happens every year for reasons usually beyond your control. No worries.
Comments (Closed after 30 days to reduce spam)
Posted by: Oasis '11 on November 21, 2008
Nearly 5,000 early applications received this year, up from last year's 3,937.
See the article in Tuesday's Tech:
http://tech.mit.edu/V128/N56/admissions.html
Posted by: anonymous on November 21, 2008
I can only imagine how many applications there will be for MIT two years from now x___X
Posted by: wendi on November 21, 2008
*whimper* oh no, now there will be more people to compete against in the early action (and they are all good at writing essays! x.x;;). I know it's a good thing for the low income families, but I still can't help but worry.
@matt (or anybody who can answer)
Do you know if MIT has decided when they will release their EA decisions yet? I remember from one of the blogs they were considering the 13th or the 20th.
Posted by: Gale on November 21, 2008
Posted by: Justin on November 21, 2008
Posted by: KarenJ on November 21, 2008
With 5000 applicants, that's an admission rate of 6%! Only 1-in-16 people will be admitted, and the rate is lower than Harvard and Yale (last time I checked their regular rates).
Definitely work on those regular apps to other schools...
Posted by: Timur on November 21, 2008
so one 1 student in 10 would be offered admission this year during the EA round, that is really really really scary, probability of acceptance in the Early Action round would be ~0.1
GOOD LUCK TO THOSE 4999 EA APPLICANTS (me being the 5000th one)
Posted by: Navdeep ('13?) on November 21, 2008
I love how MIT always keeps us updated with these blogposts. My friends are all waiting in darkness from other colleges with almost no idea of what's happening to their apps!
Anyways, yea this is going to be a tough year..
GOOD LUCK GUYS!
Posted by: Eddie on November 21, 2008
I'm sure everyone will be considered fairly and equally, though =^.^=
Posted by: Narce on November 21, 2008
Last year about 550 were admitted EA, and the number is likely to be the same or a little higher this year, because of continued uncertainty over yield (usually about 60-70%, less than HYP). Also, the admission rate is skewed by the large number of international applicants relative to other schools.
Posted by: 0 on November 21, 2008
Posted by: Anna on November 21, 2008
Posted by: 0 on November 21, 2008
Posted by: Ben on November 21, 2008
Oh -- good news then!
Posted by: Timur on November 21, 2008
Chances are, the date when the results are announced will be December 20th at least with this added number of applications. You can sit and look at the calendar and say "Wow, only 29 days left!" It seems like it is close until you realize it has only been 20 days since the Early Action deadline.
Posted by: Colton on November 21, 2008
Posted by: 0 on November 22, 2008
Posted by: Nigerian girl** on November 22, 2008
But a 6% admit rate!! OMG!!
Oh well...there's still about a month... Better just sit tight and hope for the best!!
GOOD„ÄÄLUCK EVERYONE!!
Posted by: Cathy on November 22, 2008
Posted by: 0 on November 22, 2008
I'm good at math and science and my IQ is about 166 and I have a full GPA and #1 in the whole school and I study American Books and I do some good projects
Do you think that I can be accepted by MIT??
I'm an international student
Posted by: Hassan '15 on November 22, 2008
Our opinions are not important. I'm guessing that when mostly everybody was applying to MIT they knew it was a long shot but they did it anyways.
We cant say if you will get accepted. You can guess by looking at your test marks and comparing them with the stats. But still MIT doesn't look for the "perfect" student.
Posted by: Ehsan (also '15 hopeful) on November 22, 2008
@ehsan : MIT doesn't look for the perfect student ? Then what kind of students does MIT look for ? (Not that I'm one of the former, its exciting being one of the latter !)
Posted by: Dhvanit on November 22, 2008
@Dhvanit
I think she mean also manners which something I respect in MIT and its good if she explains also
Posted by: 0 on November 22, 2008
although I haven't been admitted to MIT, I have read tons of posts(applied last year). They look for strong people academically, but what matters more (if you just have >700 on your SAT subjects) is your personality. To quote someone: "MIT looks for the best fit". If you're passionate about something and are able to express that passion, and that passion fits MIT - you're gonna be it. Too bad I'm not a good essay writer, and I'm passionate about everything. So, good luck from a 13' hopeful
Posted by: Vytautas on November 22, 2008
It also says I'm missing evaluation B but I can get that faxed by around Tuesday probably.
Posted by: Nicholas N. on November 22, 2008
@Anon/10:23AM
Sorry -- admission rate is HIGHER than 6%. Someone said that last year about 522 applicants were admitted for 300 spots because of uncertainty over yield. With 5000 applicants thats about 10%, not 6%.
Posted by: 0 on November 22, 2008
One question: Does this mean we don't have to send in a mid-year grade report if we're accepted EA?
Posted by: Matt A. on November 22, 2008
I don't think you can get in....You need an IQ of 167....
Posted by: Monkey King on November 22, 2008
Hassan, I don't mean to offend you by what I'm about to say!
Monkey King, I've seen plenty of international students that are extremely, extremely intelligent that have trouble picking up on American/English sarcasm for a long time. One of my Chinese (yes, I mean moved from China) friends took three years around my entire group of friends to be able to tell for sure when we're just joking with her, and that was verbally. Jokes over the internet come out even less clear, especially to someone who might not have perfected their English yet!!
but my IQ is 172 and I'm worried out of my mind about acceptance....
Posted by: Narce on November 22, 2008
Posted by: Vytautas on November 22, 2008
And Monkey King - thanks for adding some humor. I got a chuckle out of your comment.
Posted by: James on November 22, 2008
I'm so nervous because Dec. 20th is my Birthday- EA acceptance from MIT would be the best birthday present ever.
The odds are pretty low, but I'm from an all girl school who hasn't someone apply to MIT is at least 30 years my science teacher told me. She was so happy; she told all the science honors students in the school. And after that I had girls coming up to me- they were excited, they wanted to know about the SAT science subject tests, and the interviews, if this might start a trend, and what I think about women in science today. Even if I am rejected, by applying I feel like I have made an achievement. I hope that some day my school can say that it had 49 people applying to MIT.
Posted by: Rachel on November 22, 2008
May I ask what you're interested in majoring in?
Posted by: James on November 22, 2008
Posted by: Rachel on November 22, 2008
Posted by: Alec on November 22, 2008
Posted by: 0 on November 22, 2008
oh, and when 50 of these EA spots go to questbridge students who, given previous stats, will contain around 30 applicants who are below average as far as testing and gpa go, just wait to see how pissed off guidance counselors at upper-class schools will be. and their highly qualified students.
Posted by: anon on November 22, 2008
Posted by: Jimmy Dong on November 22, 2008
Posted by: snowball on November 22, 2008
Frankly, my area is a little bit on the redneck side. Once one tries a turkey with buckshot strewn through it, it just doesn't seem as good anymore.
Posted by: Colton on November 22, 2008
I see nothing wrong with the whole Questbridge thing (I am upper-middle class btw). The whole point of it was to introduce qualified lower-class applicants to the idea of attending MIT, instead of being scared away by the idea of 40k tuition fees.
Also, as acceptance isn't stratified based on source of application or income status, I see no reason why 50 of the EA spots would go to Questbridge students if 30 of them were underqualified. That is, only 20 of the spots would go to those students if the rest were unqualified. This goes back to my earlier point, which is the whole thing is geared toward qualified disadvantaged students.
Posted by: Another Anon on November 22, 2008
Posted by: Another Anon on November 22, 2008
Don't say that the "30 applicants who are below average as far as testing and gpa go" have had the same opportunities as their more privileged peers.
And don't even think about saying that the SAT doesn't linearly track along the socioeconomic ladder. Fancy schools like MIT and HSYP have always been reserved to the upper class, so please don't be upset when equally deserving economically disadvantaged applicants have an opportunity to get the same education as the silver-spoon kids.
Fighting for an education when it's not offered to you on a gleaming platter shows an extraordinarily strong character. Foreign exchange in France and volunteering on a golf course? Might just be an extraordinarily strong pocketbook.
Above a certain point, that 1,500$ SAT preparation course that gives students who can afford it "above-average" SAT scores doesn't show the rigour of their education. The majority of QuestBridge applicants would thrive at MIT.
But we wouldn't want to make the "guidance counselors at upper-class schools" angry. They might advise their "highly qualified" students with their parent's highly qualified bank accounts to pay full tuition elsewhere.
Posted by: 0 on November 22, 2008
@ Anonymous above: I agree about the $1500 SAT prep classes, but we are in the same boat. We want to learn, and I guess that's why we are all concerned about the admissions process.
Basically, I think I just want to say is to stay positive? If we all maintain our passion for learning, anything can happen in our favor, even though we might not be accepted.
Posted by: 0 on November 22, 2008
I agree with your last point, even if MIT isn't for us, we can and still will learn elsewhere
and don't bash questbridge, its not saying o you're low income, we want you in our school, its saying if you can get in, we'll pay for it. admissions is still admissions, no matter how you put it.
Posted by: Justin on November 22, 2008
"QuestBridge applicants fill out an application separate from MIT’s but which is at least as rigorous, Schmill said. “It has all of the data and questions we otherwise ask,” along with “significantly more questions and essays than any other university’s application,” Schmill said."
So they get a different application from the rest of us. I would gladly fill out more essays and information because, as MIT admissions says over and over, they want to get to know us. If there's a different application for people who apply through Questbridge, I'm not sure how fair that is.
Posted by: 0 on November 23, 2008
Posted by: Hiral on November 23, 2008
"Admissions officers at our partner colleges often tell us that they are able to get to know students much better through the QuestBridge application than they would through their own application or the Common Application."
I find that highlighted section to be a sign that questbridge applicants can gain an advantage over other applicants. Now, don't get me wrong. I find it admirable that this organization is connecting students to colleges, but by providing a different and "much better" application to low income students ONLY, financial situations of particular students have become a factor in admissions decisions.
Admissions decisions are supposed to be made with every applicant getting the EXACT SAME opportunity. The QB application gives certain students a better opportunity and therefore it cannot be used as a fair comparison to rest of the applicant pool that uses the regular MIT application.
Posted by: 0 on November 23, 2008
Posted by: 0 on November 23, 2008
Oh well. We're all competitive people, right?
Not sure how I feel about this Questbridge situation, but we'll all just have to hold our breaths and cross our fingers (yes, for the next howsoever many weeks!)
Posted by: Tiffany Saw on November 23, 2008
Posted by: 0 on November 23, 2008
So in that regards, the admissions office probably doesn't get to know these students any better than applicants who use the MIT application and have an interview with an EC. I can't imagine that the Questbridge application can offer any more information about a student than a 1-2 hour personal interview would offer.
Just because their application might allow for more information to be given by the student, it doesn't mean that the student will meet the qualifications and "fit" with MIT and therefore receive an offer of admission. Considering the fact that each student will answer essay prompts differently on the MIT application, I don't see that completing a different application would really offer any advantage when you can answer the essays in your own manor.
I trust the admissions office will use exactly the same criteria in evaluating all students, regardless of the source of their application.
Posted by: anonymous on November 23, 2008
Posted by: anonymous on November 23, 2008
Posted by: 0 on November 23, 2008
I applied early action and sent the Secondary School transcript, Evaluation A and Evaluation B forms sealed together in one courier package. The tracking system acknowledges that they received Evaluation A, but not the transcript or Evaluation B. So MIT definitely got the package, but it's not showing up on MyMIT.
What should I do?
Thanks in advance.
Posted by: Vinay Kola on November 23, 2008
In response to the Questbridge topic, has anyone considered the possibility that admissions officers, when reading a Questbridge application, most likely assume that such a student needs financial aid?
Is such a process therefore truly need blind?
Posted by: anonymous on November 23, 2008
There's no reason to worry that QB and non-QB applicants are being held to any different standard, or that one is advantaged over the other. QB applicants are given the same opportunities for an interview and must submit the same documentation. Don't worry.
-- Matt
Posted by: madmatt on November 23, 2008
Of course not -- MIT gives everyone the same opportunity for an education. This is good. What's not good is the educational stratification for 17 years prior to MIT. The silver-spoon kids have had opportunities that the economically unprivileged applicants could only dream of.
AP classes? Science research programs? Amazing teachers? Guidance counselors? SAT prep programs? No, sorry -- we just don't have the funding or the interest! Good luck applying to MIT, though!
Posted by: 0 on November 23, 2008
I just want to thank you for your posts. They are very incisive to me as an applying freshman.You do a great job of answering all the questions that worry me. I also really appreciate that you come back to check your blog comments to address any other concerns that may have arisen.
@ questbridge discussion
I was involved in the questbridge process. I filled out most of the application when I realized that it was supposed to be in lieu of the standard application, which I had already paid for, so finishing it (i.e. writing the essays) was pointless.
The questbridge application is specially set up for low-income, special circumstances families. Imagine if you grew up in a divorced home, moved two or three times during high school, lived on food stamps, or even had to drop out of high school to work. How do you put any of that on a standard, fill-in-the-blank college application? The questbridge app is designed especially for those extenuating circumstances. They also have three full essays to write. So yes, admissions will get a better look at who they are, because there is more information; but if admissions needed to know anymore about you, they would have asked for it.
I realize the wait for this life-changing decision is excruciating, but nit-picking over miniscule "advantages" like children is a shameful way to vent your spleen. Go help your Mom cook for thanksgiving. She's probably just as stressed as you are, what with worrying about you AND cooking a feast for your family.
Happy Thanksgiving
Posted by: 0 on November 23, 2008
For me, there is quite a bit of worry. First off, I have been wanting to go to MIT for a while as it feels to be the college for me. I would finally be with others that I can speak to on the same level as me. I would finally be offered a challenge that I have been wishing to obtain for years.
But, a new worry has been added onto this application process. With a 25% increase in applications, the fear of failure has taken over my mind. I fear failing the expectations of my school by being rejected, especially after putting my teachers and counselors through the stress of the evaluations.
I guess that's kind of why I can't help but feel stressed over this situation.
Posted by: Colton on November 23, 2008
Posted by: Narce on November 23, 2008
But practically anything anyone says on here shouldn't be held against them unless it's a lie, because unless you're either a) inhuman or b) a well-rounded person who would be happy with many other top-tier colleges than the two godlike Engineering ones, being on this website should tend to remind you that "Oh my... I've really applied to MIT...!" putting you (me) in an extremely nervous condition that prevents me from saying everything coherently AND from avoiding careless remarks.
Posted by: Narce on November 23, 2008
You can't see this, but I've also been accidentally switching between my normal and casual email address in the box for it T.T
Posted by: Narce on November 23, 2008
Posted by: Ehsan on November 23, 2008
Posted by: Colton on November 23, 2008
I also applied early, sending my transcript in the same envelope as one recommendation. The transcript was received, but not the recommendation. Should I send it again?
Thanks!
Posted by: Anna on November 23, 2008
Posted by: cc on November 23, 2008
Posted by: Robert on November 23, 2008
cc: My family is also upper-middle class, but my school is comprised of lower class. This means that I don't take SAT classes, get tutors, or any of those benefits. I don't even receive notification about many events in computer science, robotics, science, and etc. because of how my school district is organized (I'm on the lesser side). The benefit that I have, however, is that I have teachers who care deeply about teaching. They care about their students although many are only going to the local college while a good portion of the others are either skipping college or trying for something a little larger (PITT, PennState, CMU). I'm probably one of very few to try for MIT, so my school is definitely excited (although they never want to go through the application again...a little too specific for their tastes).
Posted by: Colton on November 23, 2008
I'm done now. Sorry this comment was so long and ranting. Good luck to everyone - I wish the best for all of you in the college admissions process.
Posted by: James on November 23, 2008
Anyways, we may have six AP classes available, but it is tough to remain on top of your class when you only have 66 students in your class and thus have a top 10% that is less than 10 students.
Even though my family may be upper middle class, that does not mean that I have the money for MIT. My family only gets about $50,000 to $75,000 per year with the rest going back into machinery for my father to complete jobs with. Besides, my parents have a simple deal with me and my siblings: we have to pay for college. This goes to show that even those from the upper class aren't actually basking in the money.
We don't get the benefits many of you say we do. Only very few do, but those are just plain spoiled.
Posted by: Colton on November 23, 2008
Posted by: Zak on November 24, 2008
Do you mean special abilities?
Posted by: 0 on November 24, 2008
Will people please, please stop bragging about their achievements and IQ on here? You're destroying the point of these blogs.
Thanks.
Posted by: James on November 24, 2008
can you guys stop acting scary? did you guys have any confidence when submitted your application?
Just by submitted the app. you are the top 1% in the United States, so why don't give yourself some confidence.
Reject by MIT isn't mean you are not qualify, it just mean someone else is more qualify than you, so don't blame socioeconomic, don't blame QB(because I am one of them), and don't blame anything, because you are who you are, will different applications make a different version of you?
Posted by: ming on November 24, 2008
Yup. Here's the chart(the higher the ability, the better chances to get in, rated by the usefulness to MIT):
1. Laser vision (useful in quantum electronics research)
2. Control of magnetic field (mechanics)
3. Mind control (cognitive science)
4. Super speed(qualifies only if you can reach 0,1c, under that it's not a special ability)
5. Super strength (move stuff around MIT, especially useful for hacks).
6. Flight (useful for photographing hacks and blogging about them).
7. Other (not listed above - need a special approval by the admission officer).
Posted by: Vytautas on November 24, 2008
Hi, nice list,
I think I have something for the "Other"
section.
Posted by: ming on November 24, 2008
1. show my name when post comment
2. think before I post
3. have confidence at any moment
4. don't blame anything when I fail
5. solving equation when I post.
6. etc. (too many to list)
Posted by: ming on November 24, 2008
I applied EA and my Evaluation A still isn't processed. It was sent last Monday because the teacher who I initially contacted disappeared from town (she's retired; I'm guessing she's on vacation) and I have been unable to contact her since late October. When I finally realized I would have to find a replacement, it was already a week or so into November. So my Evaluation A was sent a week ago. Should I wait for it to be processed or try to fax another one?
Thank you,
Kristen
Posted by: KristenH on November 24, 2008
Mom of hopeful '13 is really trying to not to freak, but is bummed, because her son submitted on Oct 18 and application is still not ready to go!!!
Posted by: Hopeful '13 mom on November 24, 2008
Posted by: anxiouslywaiting on November 24, 2008
For this, however, I was extremely confident when I submitted my application. But with small problems coming up with school and this new bit of news pertaining to the extra 1,000 applications, I find my confidence starting to lack and being replaced with fear instead. I'm still confident, just not as confident as I was originally. If I mess up and miss out on MIT, this would be something many people would notice. You can't be rejected from MIT without an entire school district finding out, apparently. I just don't want to disappoint those that have been pushing me all these years, so I'm guessing that I really am scared of failure. This is why I am worried about this topic.
Posted by: Colton on November 24, 2008
Posted by: Mariya on November 24, 2008
Hi, Colton
Personally, I do care about this topic. and I was scare at the beginning too. But had you think this before "will worry increase your chance to get in MIT?" rather than stare at this blog and freak out, I perfer to do something meanningful.
The decision will finally come out, and be pround of yourself, you are applied to MIT.
There also have many people who pushed me these years, but I think they are more likely to see you become success but not just get into MIT.
well, about your concern over the other will notice if you be reject.
Think this way, how many students in your school applied to MIT? How many in your state? Your are the one of few who was daring to have a shot on MIT, be pround, no one will be laugh at you even if be rejected.
P.S. Good Luck to you! Too much stress is bad for you.
Posted by: ming on November 24, 2008
Anyways, good luck to you all! I hope to see you all in the infinite corridor!
Posted by: Colton on November 24, 2008
I didn't mean to be insensitive, I deeply apologize to anyone who was offended. I just have a little trouble expressing myself sometimes without sounding conceited although I try. I'll just keep my mouth shut now, it tends to work wonders when I am misperceived, I did however work my butt off to get where I am and it wasn't easy. What I really wanted to say is that people don't have to spin themselves head over heels wondering if they'll get in or not. It usually tends towards negativity and noone likes that. Again, i deeply apologize to any offense i may and probably have caused, im sorry
Posted by: Zak on November 25, 2008
I think you both are great and have great chances with MIT. The thing that will make a huge difference in admission process is how you dealt with the research/concept/idea essay. If your school offers AP classes it is very important to have at least 1/3 of them.
Good luck!
Posted by: Alex on November 25, 2008
Good luck to you all.
Hope to see you all in the future corridors as well!
Posted by: ming on November 25, 2008
Posted by: Anonymous on November 25, 2008
I know some of the admission officers who had sent e-mail to me at midnight, sometime at 2AM.
they really work hard to read our applications.
So please don't say anything like that.
Posted by: ming on November 25, 2008
I do not mean to be 'negative' to the admission officers. My apologies!
Posted by: Anonymous on November 25, 2008
Sorry, Anonymous I did not mean to be 'negative' to you as well, Please excuse my rudeness.
Posted by: ming on November 25, 2008
Posted by: laura on November 25, 2008
I don't know. I don't really want to receive my decision by email because that'd be really anti-climatic. If they send it by mail, then we'll get them right before Christmas (assuming the Dec. 20 date), and it'll ruin my Christmas if I don't get it. I'm not sure which is the lesser of two evils.
Good luck to you all. I don't like that there are so many more applicants this year, but I'm sure that, if I don't make it, some really brilliant and interesting people will take my place.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Posted by: Brad on November 26, 2008
I'm not upset about it at all. I come from an upper-middle class family, so I don't qualify for the help. I know my chances of getting in are worse with my people applying, but if they get in and I don't, it's not because of QB; it's because they're better than I am. I can't be mad at them for being good, or mad at QB for helping them actualize their goals. I just have to accept that I should have done better. With a 4.20 gpa, 35 act, NMSF, and ky-gsp alum, that'll be hard to accept, but it's not the fault of low-income students who exceeded expectations. And I know that what socio-economic class one comes from has no bearing on admission.
I just wanted to give my view on it.
Posted by: Brad on November 26, 2008
1. Once a student becomes a finalist, then they must comply with each colleges application process. In my case, 3 of the 4 schools I applied to did not use my questbridge application. So in essence I completed a rigorous application, became a finalist, then had to start all over with 3 of the 4 colleges. (Several of the smaller schools ie Rice, do not require a separtate app)
2. The main differnce I saw between the questbridge and Columbia's and Common Application was in the short answer questions. Specifically on the Common Application there are questions about favoirte art/exhibits/theatre/...ect. My experiences to these types of activities stopped after elementary school when school field trips were no longer offered. The QuestBridge application asked questions that were not financially biased to lack of opportunity. (For example: Common application: list periodicals you've read;Questbridge application: From where do you get your sourse of inpiration) These are rephrases, I don't have access right now to my application, but I think you get the idea.
I would never have applied to schools like Columbia, Princeton, U of Chicago if it hadn't been for the support I recieved from QuestBridge. My stats are above average for these schools, (SAT 2300, ACT 34, SUB2 800, 780,700). I took these tests only once and because I also work, there was no time to study and prepare. I am an anomoly my family says.)
Posted by: college Applicant on November 27, 2008
@ brad- thats a good point, i'm kinda conflicted myself.
Posted by: laura on November 28, 2008
Good Question! Simple answer.
These schools were not part of my vocabulary. I live in a culture where Ivy League schools are prejudiced against (again lack of knowledge fuels their prejudice). I always thought that you had to be rich or have a strong legacy to attend. Or that I had to have attended some elite private high school. Another reason why I would never have applied is the cost to apply. Through QuestBridge, I could have applied to 8 schools without paying the $60+ application fee for each school. Travel even to just show up on the first day of school would put a huge burden on my family. I just always assumed I would go to a local or nearby college. Questbridge Scholars are also granted a small travel stipend as part of their scholarship. There are lots of other reasons why I wouldn't have applied...it being just a huge long shot and expense being primary reasons. QuestBridge made the long shot seem more like a possibility. QuestBridge recognized that low income/gifted kids main obstacle to getting into top tier schools is just getting them to apply. They got me to apply!
Posted by: college applicant on November 28, 2008
thanks for your insight- as a non-Questbridge early applicant, I think some of the above posters are just a little miffed by the fact that there are 1000 more early applications, and therefore an even slimmer chance of getting accepted. If the extra applications were coming from Hawaii for example, I'm pretty sure that they would be protesting Hawaii applicants instead.
that being said, this entire process is a very stressful and scary thing, especially with acceptance rates of 9-12%. I don't think that people should get too angry at others for blowing off some steam--its only natural for people to be mad at things that make their personal situations more difficult. Unfortunately for all of us, the college process is just simply a zero-sum game.
Good luck- hope we both get in
Laura
Posted by: laura on November 28, 2008
Good luck to you too. And happy day after Thanksgiving.
Posted by: college applicant on November 28, 2008
How do i send my teacher's evaluation form if I apply online. please do explain the procedure, I will be very grateful!
Thanking You
Yours Sincerely
Samarth
Posted by: Samarth on November 29, 2008
Print out the evaluation forms from your my.mit page. When you give your teachers the evaluation forms, also give them each a stamped envelope addressed to:
Office of Admissions
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Room 3-108
77 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
and ask them to drop the letters in the mail once they're done.
good luck!
Posted by: Angela on November 29, 2008
For those who think Questbridge is unfair, you might be right. But did you ever stop and think about how you get to be in the Questbridge program? It's not as hard as making it into MIT, I must say. But it is much more stressful to finish the application. Not only is it much longer and due much much earlier, but not many people make it either. If I'm not mistaken, about 1000 made it in the country last year. And even though not everyone applies to MIT, think that if, say, 500 apply, and only 10 are accepted, that's a 1:50. And it's also true that we can reapply to EA after that, but without any scholarship money to back us up even if we get in. And on top of THAT, most of the colleges in Questbridge are binding, meaning that when you sign the Questbridge Contract you are agreeing not to apply through EA anywhere (except for a couple that are non-binding). So don't think that Questbridge is as easy as it looks. If you ask me, EA applicants are luckier than Questbridge applicants...they get a pretty tube in the mail if you get in! We just get an email
Other than that, good luck to everyone applying :D
PS: only two days left until we're told :O
Posted by: Zeke on November 29, 2008
Posted by: anon on November 29, 2008
Posted by: same_anon_as_before on November 29, 2008
I don't think it is unfair, since our QB applicants had start our applications on September, we actually wait longer than non-QB applicant.
Posted by: ming on November 29, 2008
maybe so, but the subtle distinction is that the QuestBridge program discriminates based on financial status. If it was possible for me to send in an application in September, and receive a decision via email this Monday, i would gladly have done so. However, that is not an option due to my families economic class. Hence lies the unfairness.
again, I do not disagree with the importance of the QuestBridge program, however I lose sleep every night with my applications dancing about in space, waiting god-knows-how-many more days for a decision. Its slightly frustrating that there are options that are not open to me based on my economic class.
Posted by: anon on November 29, 2008
Out of curiosity, what is this tube people keep referring to?
Posted by: Daniel on November 29, 2008
Gosh, Caltech early letters are supposed to come in mid December too, and I'm expecting my backup college (UT Austin) to respond around the same time- STRESS!
You'd think other schools would have caught up with this great idea of student blogging, but no, they just have plain admissions sites. Speaking of blogs, I recommend Yan'12 's latest blog. Spectacular.
Posted by: Daniel on November 29, 2008
There is a reason for that, the 20 day earlier decision.
As QuestBridge finalists, we have to ask QB to forward our applications to other college for regular decision before Dec. 15th. So it is reasonable for us to know the college decision on Dec. 1st.
Posted by: 0 on November 29, 2008
Sorry, forget put my name...
Posted by: ming on November 29, 2008
Nice simile.
When did you apply for UT? Since they do rolling admissions, you might end up getting your letter earlier than you thought...I submitted mine less than two weeks ago and was surprised by an acceptance letter today.
I'm trying to forget about dates - if I start counting down, it'll stress me out to no end.
Posted by: Angela on November 30, 2008
many of the non- questbridge applicants like myself are strongly suggested/required by their college counselors to submit applications before they hear back from early action/decision schools. This is because its just not possible to apply to 10+ schools in the 10 days after the early admission decisions are mailed out. The fact that QB makes you apply before Dec. 15th should not be a concern of MIT's--thousands of people are applying at the same time, unaware of their admission decisions. Personally, I will apply to five schools within the next week, completely in the dark about my acceptance/defferal/rejection from MIT.
Anyways, Thats all I have to say about QB, I know you guys hear back tomorrow, so good luck.
-hope to see you at MIT
Posted by: anon on November 30, 2008
Thanks.
I sent off my application the 26, which means that a two week turnaround would put it at Dec 10. Thats technically not mid December, but mail isn't always dependable. I would really like to get my acceptance letter before I hear from MIT or Caltech, so I have some tangible object to remind me that life does continue even if I receive a deferral from MIT or Caltech. Also, it would make me feel better about doing the stupid separate honors application (I swear, UT applications including the main, the scholarships (of which only three applied to me), and the honors have put me through more time and essays than my other two universities combined)
Yay, nested parenthesis!
I love checking the admissions blogs because they allow me to stay informed while keeping me entertained so I don't agonize over dates.
Posted by: Daniel on November 30, 2008
Thanks to you. and good luck to you as well!
Posted by: ming on November 30, 2008
And here I was thinking there were not enough smart people in the world - now there is too many!
Off to continue twitching and freaking over the coming letters...Good luck to you all!
Posted by: Erin on December 1, 2008
Posted by: 0 on December 1, 2008
Posted by: Peter on December 2, 2008
it says that the decision deadline is december 15th...
does that mean that i'll get a reply by mail by that time or that they will make the decision by that time and begin mailing them out then?
im pretty anxious....so if anyone has any info about this matter...
please and thank you!
Posted by: MITES '08 on December 3, 2008
were you in the MITES program last summer? I was at WTP...
anyways, where does it say that the deadline is dec. 15th? on the website??
i also applied early and am waiting on a decision. good luck!!!
Posted by: WTP 08' on December 3, 2008
Well it says so on the school profiles
And I thnk that's the general early action date cuz thats for caltech too
Thanks!!!
Good luck to you too!!!
Posted by: MITES '08 on December 4, 2008
Posted by: anonymous on December 4, 2008
monday?
thats so soon!
haha
so u mean that our decision is announced on our mymit account?
or do u mean by mail?
Posted by: MITES '08 on December 4, 2008
The UT application is pretty lame for anyone who isn't applying to more than one Texas public school. It (along with the scholarship/honors stuff) definitely took me more time than any of my other apps.
@WTP '08
as far as I can tell, MIT's official response date for EA is "mid-December." some other colleges (e.g. Stanford) say December 15th specifically, so there might have been some confusion there.
and I was at WTP this summer too!
Posted by: Angela on December 5, 2008
I know one person who applied through Questbridge and was subsequently accepted. He certainly deserved it.
@ MITES'08:
DIAMONDS!
@ the blog-commenting-population-at-large:
Good luck to all the '13 hopefuls. This decision is perhaps one of the biggest bouts of anxiety I have ever had in my entire life, much bigger than the one I had when awaiting my MITES 2008 decision. Again, good luck.
@Anon Dec 4th:
Thanks for the advice. I will definitely be checking my inbox on the 8th.
Posted by: Kristina on December 5, 2008
when you say posted online, does that mean they will send an email? or will they post it on our mymit accounts? or will they not put it online and just send something in the mail?
Posted by: 0 on December 6, 2008
Posted by: Anna on November 21, 2008 10:29 PM"
WOW. I think I'm the only one from our school
Posted by: anon on December 7, 2008
Posted by: nyc on December 7, 2008
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