_Technology_Review_, Sept-Oct 1999 (v102n5p-MIT-14)

Finding the Best of the Best
(by Abigail Mieko Vargus MIT '97)

 	MIT received 9,146 applications from young men and women
hoping to join the class of 2003.  From this exceptional number, MIT
accepted 1,752 students of whom 1,059 chose to enroll this fall.  The
new class is 43 percent female and includes 18 percent non-Asian
minorities.  THe mean SAT score for these students was 752 math, 702
verbal.  The rest of the pool? "They're all really dam good," Dean of
Admissions Marilee Jones said.  Yes the incoming thousand applicatns
stand out.
	Most applicants are unsure what made teir applications---just
a few simple pieces of paper--unique.  After all, MIT recruits high
school sophmores, using telltale markers such as PSAT scores, math
competition scores and science fair placements.  But those
paper-clipped applications are the key that opens the doors to MIT.
	Applications arrives from September until Jan. 1.  A complete
application consists of biographical information, an essay and other
applicant-specific information about activites, two letters of
recommendation, school reports and the report from an educational
counselor---volunteer alumni who interview each applicant.  Each piece
of information is entered into the Admissions Office's databse.
	This packet of informatin is read by Admissions Office staff,
along with volunteer faculty, administration and staff members.  By
the end of the process, each admissions staff member has read about
1,000 applications.  Volunteers read a smaller number, but are
integral to the process.
	"There are two aspects to this protocol,"  said Jones, who
reads about 500 cases each year.  "First, we look at them
subjectively, which is the personal rating, and the second way is
objectively, and we use an algorithm for that.  This is a way to
evaluate their academic peformance."  By the end o fthis process, each
applicant has two numers (the personal and academic rating).
	These numbers come from more than a straight-A average and a
nice essay.  According to Jones, "What we're really looking for is
self-initiative.  This is what makes a perfect match for MIT.  Not all
students with good grades have initiative."  Readers look for
willingness to risk, for extraordinary drive in cocurricular and
extracurricular activies, and for interpersonal skills. "Do they
connect with people, do they read out?" Jones asked.
	The educaitonal counselor (EC) interview is crucial to this
determination.  "Only an MIT grad knows best the kind of person who
will do well (at MIT," according to Jones.  The EC report can therefor
make or break a case.  
	And yes, MIT does have an affirmative action policy.  "We
admit every qualified minority applicant.  Of course, that means
`qualified' is the key word," Jones said.  "That doesn't mean we admit
all of them by any means.  They're still in the top admit group."  MIT
lowers its standards for no one:  The mean SAT scores for admitted
minorities here are the second highest in the nation.
	In mid-March, letters--some an inviations, most words of
regret--are mailed.  By May 1, all accepted applicants have notified
MIT whether they will enroll, and the incoming class has been
conceived.  THen the process starts all over again.
	But Jones doesn't plan to do it alone. "I want alumni to know
that recruitment is an institutional obligation--it should not just
come out of our office--which means they're part of recruitment too.
So if they see someone who is perfect for MIT, they should let us
know."  Alumni also are encrouaged to volunteer their time as an EC,
whether as an interviewer, recruiter, or resource person.
	She's sure you'll enjoy it.  After all, she said without
hestiation, "I have the best job at MIT".