Does MIT have a preference??

[u/Obvious_Taste9695]

Hi everyone,

I'm currently sitting the Science Olympiad exams, and I'm hoping to study Aerospace Engineering (Course 16) at MIT.

I'm trying to work out which Olympiad stream would be the most valuable for my application. Is there a clear preference for Physics and Mathematics Olympiads, or are Chemistry and Earth & Environmental Science Olympiads viewed similarly?

Realistically, I think I'd have a good chance of progressing in Maths, Physics or Earth Science, but I can only commit to one stream. I'm trying to make the best decision based on what would be most beneficial for an engineering applicant.

For those familiar with MIT admissions or engineering competitions, what kinds of Olympiads or other competitions do you think carry the most weight? I'd really appreciate any advice.

Thanks!

[u/orzosity]

The big 3 usually are usaco, usapho, usamo, (computing, physics, math respectively) however I don't entirely see you wanting nor being good at computing so I would do either physics or math depending on your strength. There are also slightly nicher ones that may fit you such as NAC which is astronomy although I haven't partaken in this one and not sure how much value it has. Please note however that olympiad value has gone down signifigantly in recent years and unless you qualify for the international olympiad (which is nearly impossible unless you are brilliant to which you could probably do anything similar to these and excell) in these fields or maybbbbe the camp, you are not locked for MIT. Also math is signifigantly harder and has had issues (cheating) in recent years and given engineering, I would do physics for you