Q: How long have you wanted to go to MIT?

A: I applied to a week-long summer program at MIT last year, and I think that’s when I wanted to get into that school.

Q: How have you prepared yourself prior to applying to MIT?

A: [I prepared myself] by taking the summer program at MIT last summer. Over the summer, they gave us a choice of classes to take, and I took a class on underwater robotics. I don’t think it’s something I will pursue, but it was helpful for making my decision on going to the school.

Q: What did you study at the summer program at MIT?
A: There were classes like electronics, which dealt with coding and other things like aero and astro engineering, but I chose to do robotics where we created the robots underwater in the MIT pool. I just wanted to try it because I had no idea about robotics prior to the program.

Q: How did you react when you got accepted into MIT?

A: I was really excited. I was very shocked because I didn’t think I would make it.

Q: Is applying early to college the way to go?

A: I’m glad I applied early because I found out in December, so I didn’t have to apply to any other colleges after that. Early action is November 1, and I found out December 13, so that was nice.

Q: What are your plans when you get to college?

A: I’m thinking about [majoring in] chemical engineering. I’m taking computer science right now in high school and that has helped decide that I don’t want to major in that at MIT. High school classes are helping me make my decision.

Q: What requirements were in place to get accepted into MIT?

A: Every applicant has to take the ACT and SAT, two SAT subject tests, along with two essays I had to turn in. I also turned in a 3D Art portfolio, and that wasn’t mandatory, but I wanted to submit that to MIT.