Most student /athletes interested in track and field / cross country at MIT have very similar questions and concerns. What does it take to get admitted to MIT? Is MIT only about math and science? How can I afford the cost of an MIT education? Doesn't MIT just have a bunch of nerds? What does it take to make the team? Will I have enough time to compete and take care of my academic responsibilities? What does MIT offer that is so unique? Why should I go to MIT?
What does it take to get admitted to MIT?
Many questions can be answered by the admissions web page and by the data collected by the Office of the Provost on the classes that entered from 2003 through 2009. 40% of MIT admits are valedictorians. The average SAT I math score is over 760, but lower scores do get admitted. A well rounded, successful and driven student will stand a reasonable chance of getting admitted
Is MIT only about math and science?
In addition to the core of science and technology, MIT boasts majors in 35 fields, including management, economics, humanities, history, literature, music and theater arts and many more. MIT is ranked first in the country in more fields within engineering and undergraduate business than any other school in the country, and is ranked #1 yet again among graduate schools. Special Reports and a backgound of MIT can be found at http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/reports.html.
How can I afford the cost of an MIT education?
Tuition for 2009-2010 is set at $52,000, with the full cost of tuition, fees, room and board costing $39,900. MIT's admission is need blind. In addition to an excellent financial aid program, MIT offers ROTC on campus. Other means of offsetting the cost of an MIT education can be found in the numerous jobs and research opportunities. The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), which gives students the opportunity for excellent research while getting paid for it, and summer internships, where many track and cross country participants find excellent employment in their fields for up to $30,000 and more, sometimes including a stipend for housing. In addition, the starting salaries of MIT graduates often makes the cost of the MIT education a bargain in the long run. Additional information can be found at the Career Services Office. MIT also has a financial aid calculator that can accessed here.
Doesn't MIT just have a bunch of nerds?
The reason the track and field team has a 90% yield for admitted student/athletes is that those who visit see that the rumors of thick glasses held together with tape, and pocket protectors in sight are not at all accurate. Visitors see student/athletes excelling academically as well as in track and field, and having ample time for an active social life in a city that has a great deal to offer to MIT and the many other colleges in the area. MIT students are driven to succeed and do so in every part of their lives. The best education / athletic experience possible is difficult to turn down.
What does it take to make the team?
In order to make the cross country or track teams at MIT, the coaching staff needs to see the desire, dedication and ability necessary to contribute to the team's success. Generally, that translates to 20-24 individuals for cross country and 45-50 for track and field. If the athletes do the off season work that is asked of them, they will make the team.
Will I have enough time to compete and take care of my academic responsibilities?
Every season, MIT track and cross country qualifies as one of the Academic All America teams, usually in the top 10. The student/athletes at MIT not only do well with athletics and academics, but many take part in other activities as well. Most MIT admits have demonstrated the ability and organizational skills to handle challenging work loads in high school. In fact, athletics helps budget time better, such that those who occasionally take a semester off, oftten do no better academically. Annually, the GPAs for the cross country and track teams are as good or better than that of the average student at MIT.
What does MIT offer that is so unique?
In addition to the cutting edge research opportunities with some of the brightest minds in the world, the academic challenges that will prepare graduates to be leaders of research and technology in their respective fields, the most athletic opportunities for any college in the country, the single, most unique piece of MIT is the networking and collaboration available with a collection of the brightest minds in the world. Many start up companies are formed through the friendships and connections established at MIT
Why should I go to MIT?
Why not? Educational, athletic and cultural opportunities are more plentiful at MIT and in Boston than anywhere else. Contact Coach Halston Taylor for a visit and you will undoubtedly be convinced MIT will be the best choice to continue your education and athletics career.