And so the torch is passed.

Hello Francesca,

Sorry for the delay in this response. My schedule has been really hectic and I wanted to give this some proper attention. It's wonderful to hear that someone from South is considering MIT. Indeed I am a freshman here and I absolutely love it. I would love to give you any advice and information you need in order to succeed.

So, I learned of MIT's existence when Dr. Culpepper handed me the application for the MITES program. I applied, and I was at first wait-listed and then accepted. That summer was the most meaningful and extraordinarily challenging of my entire life, but through it, I realized that I could never be happy anywhere else. Thus, I applied to MIT early action and was deferred to the regular action round. I was accepted March 14th, 2009, and from there, the rest is history. I am currently a freshman hoping to major in Course 20 (everything is a number here), biological engineering. My current classes represent what the Institute considers a survey of the topics needed for all majors at MIT. I am currently taking biology, physics, multivariable calculus, globalization, and Chinese. In the spring, I hope to be taking physics II, chemistry, Chinese II, and differential equations. Between classes and homework, I am a member of the sport taekwondo team, marching band, and MedLinks.

So I guess I'll start with the questions you presented me with.

As far as the admissions process, you are already way ahead of the game. You're doing research, which is good. I urge you to make a list of things you want from your college and to not be swayed by the flashy propaganda that many institutions will throw at you. The admissions process can be stressful, so just keep a level head and be yourself as much as possible. Make your voice jump from the page and don't be afraid to write of all that I am sure you have done. Find your passion (which I believe to be theater) and don't be afraid to let that be who you are. I was active in the marching band for all four years in high school, and while I did other clubs off and on throughout that time, the thing I think that made my application strong was my consistent dedication to music. It's not the amount of clubs you join, but how committed you are to those that you have already joined. Bottom line: Whatever you do, do it with all your heart and write about it in your application.

That advice is pretty much universal for whichever college you apply to.

In regards to the MITES summer program, yes, it is true that it is mainly for minorities, but it is also geared towards people who might not have had a great background in subjects fundamental to engineering. There are white people who have gone and done well in the program. I encourage you to apply. For more information regarding MITES, visit http://web.mit.edu/mites/. Also, keep in mind that MITES isn't the only program available for high school students. There is also the Women's Technology program, which meets at teh same time as MITES and teaches curricula in mechanical and electrical engineering. To find out more, visit wtp.mit.edu. There is also the Research Science Institute, in which participants work closely with MIT faculty to research a particular topic of interest and write a paper to present at the end of the program. For more information, visit http://www.cee.org/programs/rsi.

MIT isn't the only university that offers such summer programs. I am aware that UF hosts a short one over the summer. Other schools like Cornell and Harvard also have very well known and similar programs in engineering and the sciences. I encourage you to continue your research as I am sure you have been.

For more information on what MIT is like from a variety of perspectives, visit www.mitadmissions.org. There you can view blogs maintained by current students of day-to-day happenings that are conveniently categorized. They range from advice on the application to research opportunities at MIT. Also, older blogs from MIT alumni dating back to 2004 are available in the archives.

I know that this is a lot of information to process, but this is only the beginning of a long process of finding colleges and deciding where you be happy come graduation. I am honored that you chose MIT, and I wish you the best of luck in your applications process next year. Check out the websites I gave you! They have more information than I could ever give.

If you have any more questions, please feel free to contact me at (954) 319-0038 and consult the bevy of websites that I gave you. It would be so awesome to have another Paladin join the MIT ranks.

Again, best of luck.

Kristina Lozoya
MIT 2013
klozoya@mit.edu
(954) 319-0038