MIT = near Perfect math scores on SAT?

Question

I'm a senior in Pennsylvania and I'm thinking about applying for MIT
My friend once told me that if i can get a high math score on the SAT and do well in math and science classes at school...i have a better chance of getting into MIT. is that true? So all u need is a 780+ in math section and high Bs and As in science and math classes? Or does MIT look at the reading section (equally with the Math section)?
My math section score was a 780 but my reading section score was low. I do have lots of As and high Bs in my classes at school (GPA: 3.6 out of 4.0), and i have lots of activites,clubs & work experience to my name. My SAT II scores are Math II: 750 and Chemistry: 800.
my mother tongue is not English but I'm not taking English as Second language. I can speak fluently in 3 languages: English, French & Indian Lang(Mother tongue)
I'm not a citizen of US nor a permanent resident-expecting green card in about 3-4 weeks-is this an advantage
What are my chances of getting into to MIT?

Do i have a good chance for Penn State, Corneige mellon...etc?

Answer 1

You should have BOTH excellent math and verbal scores.

Answer 2

No.... not being a permanent resident is not an advantage at all. International students get worse financial aid and face more competition for admissions. Fortunately for you, you will still be treated as a green card holder. Indians and Asians in generally won't get any benefits at college admissions... especially at MIT where Asians are already overrepresented and where the dean of admissions there commented on a rejected Asian who she never met that he "looked like a thousand other Koreans kids… yet another textureless math grind.”

Your friend is simply stating the obvious- good records in science and math would obviously be good for a math and science school. But, MIT sees PLENTY of applicants with perfect math and science scores and grades so don't expect any guarantees. I think your high school GPA is a bit low for MIT. Of course, if you really do have a "low" score in reading, you would obviously be looked at less favorably than someone who had the same math score and a better reading score than you.

MIT is a reach school for anyone.

Answer 3

Bad news - a 780 is certainly nothing special for MIT. Nearly half the students there got an 800 in math as well as in the 700s in Critical Reading.
I'd say your chances are not very high, since your GPA is only pretty good, but it does help that you speak different languages.

Answer 4

Well, make sure you're doing everything you can. They will DEFINITELY look at your math and science scores. If you've taken APs in these areas, they will take this into account, and will be even more impressed if you have passed these exams. I actually know a few people that have gotten into MIT, but they were pretty near perfect in every area possible. They also took at least 8 APs and passed every single one of them.

However, I wouldn't go to MIT. I've heard it's really really tough (even for people from my school, and it's pretty competitive already). Also, if you actually want to have a social life, you need to remember these kids study like crazy!

And take into consideration cost. Not just tuition, but also the living costs of living near Boston. This place isn't cheap if you plan to live off campus.

Also, if you're applying this year, you should have already gotten your application in. They may not give you financial aid right now due to your status, but you can still apply later on. As for your status, they may not consider this, unless you're the first generation going to college. In the interview, you can always point this out, which may or may not make a difference.

Answer 5

For future reference, MIT doesn't take into consideration the major that students apply for. In other words, it is just as hard to get in for English as it is for Computer Science(side note, MIT english is actually really good). Therefore, you should be strong in every aspect, not just math and science(although high achievements in those categories definitely help.)

Answer 6

75% of admitted students at MIT have a 720 or better on the math portion of their SAT exams.

75% of admitted students at MIT have a 660 or better on the verbal portion of their SAT exams.

97% finished in the top 10% of their High School classes.

Answer 7

well math is great, but they also look about equal to reading, and overall score, if your overall score is bad then your chances are diminished.

I don't know about your foreign student position....