Where do people like Chirag Falor and Sahil Akhtar fit into this conversation?
For most studious minds in India, Chirag Falor and Sahil Akhtar have become household names.
To us (and our parents of course) their relevance lies in the fact that they both scored extremely well in the mind-numbing hurdle of JEE examinations (AIR 1 and 99 respectively) AND got into the premier international technological institute – MIT (Massachusetts). But are these two monumental achievements actually related? Let’s find out!
MIT is an Ivy League University in Massachusetts, USA – which has produced a whopping 101 Nobel Laureates, 26 Turing Award winners, and 8 Fields medalists (For comparison, the Indian IITs have produced none (BRUHHHHHHH)). It’s any student’s dream college, but should it be? Read ahead to quench all your information needs on the following:
Table Of Contents:
Does a High rank in JEE guarantee MIT?
How did Chirag Falor use his JEE ranking for MIT admission?
What did Sahil Akhtar do differently?
Factors that affect MIT admissions except JEE
How can students improve their MIT applications?
Are Olympiads more important than JEE for MIT?
How can students strategically prepare for MIT?
What lessons do we learn from Chirag Falor and Sahil Akhtar’s journeys?
How can parents support their children’s MIT journey?
FAQ
Does a High Ranking in JEE Guarantee Admission to MIT?
Overview of JEE and its importance in India.
It’s nothing new, for the past few decades, the JEE examinations have been THE deciding factor in any Indian kid’s success. Based on your rank (among ~9,00,000 yearly participants) you may get into almost all Indian S.T.E.M colleges, from the IITs, and NITs – to IISc and IIST.
Indian society views a student’s grade on this exam as reflecting not only their academic capacity but also their overall ability to excel in life. It is a matter of tremendous pressure for most students, who dedicate almost all their time to this one exam for two straight years. But this does more harm than good because :
MIT's holistic admission process.
Contrary to popular belief: MIT does NOT care about one’s score in the JEE examination. Their admission process is more ‘holistic’, meaning they require extra-curriculars (we will elaborate on this in a bit), and evidence (recognition) for your academic abilities – in the form of national or international competitions, internships, research and of course – the Olympiads.
Case study: Chirag Falor’s journey from JEE to MIT
What most people don’t know is that Chirag Falor actually got admitted to MIT before he sat for the JEE exam. Starting from class 9, this man went on a rampage – preparing for and clearing any major national events and competitions that came up.
The KVPY, SOF Olympiads, NSE exams, NSTSE, VVM, and LIMIT – are all achievements that he wears comfortably on his ever-expanding belt. For more details on the specific exams and scholarships he opted for – Chirag Falor’s own website is the best resource bar none. But are these exams what secured him a seat at MIT?
How Did Chirag Falor Leverage His JEE Ranking for MIT Admission?
Chirag Falor recently graduated from MIT with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Physics and AI and a minor in Mathematics. He’s done some real work and even published two research papers on quantum computation. But has it always been this way?
Well yes! Born in his grandparent’s home in Kolkata, his mother motivated him to study for two grades beyond his current class. His childhood was marked by enthusiasm for astronomy, as he joined a space observatory as soon as he shifted to Pune. His passion for these subjects was what pushed him into competition – it was not about the prize, it was about it being a crucial learning experience.
His achievements and JEE ranking.
His biggest achievement perhaps is winning India a gold medal in the IOAA (International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics). But he frequently mentions, that beyond the international recognition and being granted the highest civilian award for someone under the age of 18 – the best week of his life was attending the Olympiad camp, where he collaborated with brilliant minds from all over the world.
But even while preparing for these exams, he had dedicated time to his JEE exam preparation. He didn’t need to give the JEE after being accepted into MIT, but he still did!
This is because, despite the pressure, the syllabus of the JEE is perfect for aspiring researchers. It is his preparation for this exam that boosted all his knowledge of Physics, Chemistry, and Math to such an extent that building further knowledge became fun, rather than blind memorization.
The role of extracurricular activities in his MIT application.
Regardless of the general understanding of the term in India, ‘extra-curricular’ essentially only means your experiences beyond the curriculum (not only sports, music and dance). Chirag Falor’s impressive Olympiad medal and various other passion projects and achievements were crucial to satisfying MIT’s ‘holistic’ needs. And yes, the JEE exams can be a part of this to a lesser extent (it wasn’t the case for Chirag Falor)
What Did Sahil Akhtar Do Differently to Get Into MIT?
Sahil Akhtar had one of the most impressive portfolios an Indian can boast – with an IOAA gold medal (yes, the astronomy Olympiad), being a KVPY, Atlas and NTSE fellow. He had participated in various STEM-based extracurriculars and had various other interests which give his portfolio personality
Comparison with Chirag Falor’s journey.
You can see several parallels between the two of them – both being International Gold medalists and having numerous national-level competition successes. The key takeaway for you, reader, is to be open to any and all opportunities – participate in that silly debate competition, or stand for class captain. It’s a snowball effect, and with time, these small achievements skyrocket into massive success.
Unique strategies Sahil used in his application.
Sahil Akhtar very efficiently put his profile together, highlighting both his academic achievements and other side projects.
For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he personally tutored the math club in his school, spreading awareness and preparing them for the Olympiads. He created booklets and study courses for them, and in his college essays, incorporated these experiences.
What Other Factors Matter in MIT Applications Besides JEE Rankings?
Importance of a holistic profile.
We have said this repeatedly, but what does it actually mean? Apart from standardized test scores on the SAT and ACT (check out our free guide here!) or even International acclaim, you need to show that your interest in the field is something that MIT can invest in.
The only way to show this is through your extra-curriculars, whereas the JEE by definition is the curriculum. By exploring S.T.E.M internships and competitions, you build proof of the fact that you truly do have something to give to the subject!
Extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and personal projects.
If you want to get started, the easiest place is from school. Engage in leadership roles by running for prefect, starting a new club or arranging debates and competitions.
From there, explore everything. Find out what you’re interested in, not just what you’re good at.
In this day and age of unlimited free information, scavenge the net for cool concepts, or new ideas. It may seem daunting at first, to pull out of a monotonous yet simple life, but this is CRUCIAL.
Then begin working on projects, like hydraulic pressure, simple circuits, insect breeding, chemical experiments - whatever gives YOU awake at night with wonder. Attend local competitions and eventually – you’ll find that studying stops feeling like such a chore!
Letters of recommendation and personal statements.
This is why having a mentor is so important. You can only self-study so far, you need to find people (teachers or guides) who will invest in your journey. After years of working together, they’ll be able to give you the most personalized recommendations you can ask for. Check out our free guide on letters of recommendation!
These are absolutely essential for any international University. Even if it is a JEE tutor, let them highlight your skills you didn’t know you had. And get working on those application essays ASAP!
That is where you set yourself apart from the thousands of students who have done as much if not more academically, and so is the most important part of college admissions.
Are Olympiad Ranks More Important Than JEE Rankings for MIT Admissions?
Comparison of the weightage of Olympiad and JEE ranks.
It is not that a gold in the Olympiad guarantees you a spot in MIT, but it does matter. Any decent placing counts, whereas frankly, even if you’re AIR 1, it truly is of little to no significance to MIT. You need a completely different approach to applying to MIT, which we have highlighted in the sections above.
Examples of students who got into MIT with Olympiad achievements.
Chirag Falor, Sahil Akhtar, Ayush Sharma, Subhangi Saraf, Asilata Bapat and Anand Deopurkar – are only a few of the ~5 students MIT takes every year from India, all with major Olympiad achievements!
How Can Indian Students Strategically Prepare for MIT Applications?
Planning and preparation from an early stage
The importance of starting early CANNOT be overstated. It’s not worth the pressure of having to sit for a million exams in a single year, miss deadlines and have your body go into lockdown mode. Take it slow, but start NOW to build a portfolio that is truly impressive (don’t do it for MIT, do it for yourself 😊)
Balancing academics with extracurricular activities
If you’ve unfortunately pushed it to the last minute, the matter of balance between academics and extracurriculars takes center stage. But not to worry! The first step to applying to colleges abroad is to have realistic expectations. You can aim for MIT, but if that seems too far away, we have great alternatives for you here!
Otherwise, it’s truly a no-brainer. Extra-curriculars are “extra” for a reason. By no means are they a substitute for your academics. So focus first on truly understanding concepts, and then opt for opportunities only as they present themselves (don’t let exam prep for these stress you out, build a foundation strong enough that it starts feeling easier).
Tips for writing a compelling personal statement.
Don’t lose the thread with flowery language.
Tell your personal story by piecing together your achievements.
Not in the “I did this, I did that..” manner, but rather...
Try to reflect on how it affected you, your life, and your outlook.
This way of critical thinking allows admissions officers to pick out the right candidates from their essays. Don’t copy off of someone’s templates (we could’ve easily made them for you but we know it’s terrible for your application) and just be yourself! A bit of humour in your essays is always welcome.
Seeking guidance and mentorship for the application process
MIT has one of the most helpful application pages of them all, and you should apply directly instead of through the common app. Read through the guidelines, and submit every single optional bit of information you can.
And to guide you, keep someone knowledgeable close (Chirag Falor had his dad help him fill up application forms!). Or reach out to us! We’re here for you 24/7.
What Lessons Can Be Learned from Chirag Falor and Sahil Akhtar’s Journeys?
Here are the key takeaways from their experiences, as a brief summary to gloss over everything we’ve talked about
Your JEE result won’t get you into MIT, but that’s sort of a good thing. You will learn essential academic skills during your JEE preparation which will help you score well in all other fields, without the pressure of submitting a score where you had to go head-to-head with nearly a million students.
You must not sacrifice your hobbies. Try and find the perfect balance between extracurriculars and academics – and take every opportunity as they present themselves
For young learners – grow a passion for studying till class 9, and after that work really hard. You’ll be eager to learn more the more passionate you are about your field of study.
Never skip leadership roles.
And if all of this seems daunting, fear not.
MIT is not the end-all-be-all. What matters is that you put genuine effort into your ‘holistic education’, and you’ll find that countless opportunities await! If you want to create the perfect college list, be sure to be a part of AFBF by filling up this form.
How Can Parents Support Their Children in the Journey to MIT?
Neither Chirag Falor nor Sahil Akhtar could’ve achieved what they have today without the proper guidance of their parents or mentors. Do not pressure your child, we’re telling you to learn their actual needs, how and where are they HUNGRY for knowledge - and support them indefinitely in that field. You will find that your child grows a much more scientific mind in doing so.
It isn’t always easy for parents to know how to support their child’s curiosity. For them, they can opt for monthly packages from KiwiCo, which develop a child’s STEM capabilities! There is not one definite thing they can do, as every child is different, but encouraging them to join special clubs to foster their interests is a great start!
In the end, it is both the parent’s effort and the child’s effort that will lead them to greatness. So don’t resort to scolding them if they don’t understand something, help them understand better!
FAQs on how does JEE affect your MIT?
1. Does a high JEE rank guarantee admission to MIT?
Ans: No, but the preparation for JEE certainly helps build the right skill set required for colleges like MIT.
2. How important are extracurricular activities in MIT applications?
Ans: MIT stresses on a ‘holistic’ application. Your extracurriculars are just as important as your academic scores. This can be in the form of Internships, personal projects or the Olympiads!
3. Can students with average JEE ranks get into MIT?
Ans: Yes, of course, MIT doesn’t care for your JEE rank. If you bag an IPhO gold but are not great at chemistry, they’ll still take you in. They require a ‘holistic’ application, and as long as you have the right extracurriculars, your JEE rank won’t matter.
4. What role do personal statements play in MIT admissions?
Ans: MIT is an Ivy League University, and like all Ivy Leagues, personal statements and essays play a large part in admissions. Preferably start a year before your admissions to work on and revise your statements and essay, getting them peer-reviewed.
5. Are Olympiad achievements valued more than JEE ranks by MIT?
Ans: Yes. Olympiads give you international acclaim, which is necessary to keep up with the field of bright students who apply. They are not the end-all-be-all, but they certainly give your profile a massive boost.
6. How early should students start preparing for MIT applications?
Ans: As early as possible. You cannot ‘prepare for MIT’ like IIT, because it doesn’t have an entrance test, but you should start working on your extra-curriculars from class 9 itself.
7. What financial aid options are available for Indian students at MIT?
Ans: MIT offers full need-based financial aid for those who demonstrate it on their CSS profile (up to 100%)
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