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Would independent study (study particular subject with faculty member at my high school not offered in school curriculum) dramatically* increase my chances of getting admitted into MIT? I am already taking a very demanding science/math coarseload next year and dont know whether it would be worth it- id probably take it for one semester only, the semester after I apply to MIT.

*By dramatic, I mean somewhere around doubling my chances. btw, I dont have any research ECs, so would this come close? Thanks in advance for the help.

By Mitwannabe (Mitwannabe) on Monday, July 19, 2004 - 09:12 pm: Edit

ummm, if i understand what you mean correctly, i dont think it will, since a lotta people applying to mit self-study stuff anyways, with or without a teacher helping out. and even if you do, it certainly won't double your chances, in fact, id be hesitant to say that it would increase your chances at all. u might mention it somewhere to show some initiative. everybody shows some kind of initiative in some way or another, htis might just be your way of showing it.

By Bubbloy_Two (Bubbloy_Two) on Tuesday, July 20, 2004 - 08:51 am: Edit

you shouldn't study extra to get into a college, you should because you enjoy it.

By Bmckn (Bmckn) on Tuesday, July 20, 2004 - 09:45 am: Edit

I second Bubbloy.

Plus, double your chances? The admissions process is not nearly that cut-and-dry. About the only thing that can even come close to "doubling" ones chances at MIT is RSI.