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Writer's pictureSayak Moulic

How did Chirag Falor get into MIT - A Journey from Pune to Prestige

Updated: 22 hours ago

Table of Contents (TOC):


  1. Introduction: Unveiling the Secrets of How Chirag Falor Get Into MIT

  2. Early Life and Education

  3. Family Background

  4. Academic Achievements

  5. Extracurricular Activities

  6. Olympiad Success

  7. Essays and Personal Statements

  8. What Made MIT Choose Chirag Falor

  9. How Can YOU Get Into MIT?

  10. Achievements After Going Into MIT

  11. Conclusion: Chirag Falor's Inspirational Journey to MIT

  12. FAQ



And in this blog post, we would be uncovering the secrets on HOW CHIRAG FALOR GET INTO MIT. Like I know that's the crazy question and you might think that just by ranking in JEE Advanced, you can easily get into MIT.



Revealing secrets of Chirag Falor
Stick till the end to learn if getting into MIT is actually possible for you :)


BUT THAT'S A MYTH.

Ranking in JEE doesn't guarantee a spot in MIT.

For getting into MIT, you need to separately apply for MIT admissions during the application period.


And yes, he had an amazing portfolio as well.


So, in this blogpost, we would be going over brief aspects on him, his early life, his achievements and yes, how he actually got into MIT (and so can you)


Let's start where things began :)


1.Early Life and Education



Born on August 26, 2002, in Pune, Maharashtra, Chirag Falor’s journey is one of academic excellence and unwavering dedication. He attended St. Arnold’s Central School in Pune & also DPS (Delhi Public School), where his passion for science and mathematics began to take shape.


Chirag Falor had a challenging childhood characterized by financial struggles and academic stress. Regardless of the difficulties, his resolve to achieve his goals never wavered. He faced adversity with firmness and used each chance to advance his academic pursuits.


His early life shows how, with effort determination, even severe difficulties can be overcome. These initial challenges acted as drivers for him, pushing him towards academic success and laying the foundation for his future achievements.


2.Family Background



Chirag’s father, Pawan Falor, works as a Software Development Manager at DecisivEdge Technology Services India Pvt Ltd, and his mother, Pooja Falor, has been a pillar of support throughout his educational journey. The family’s middle-class background did not deter Chirag’s aspirations; instead, it fueled his drive to excel.


We will keep these lesser important parts short :)


3. Academic Achievements



To keep his academic achievements short & simple:


  • Achieved a remarkable 98.4% in his 12th standard from the CBSE Board.

  • Secured first rank in the JEE Advanced 2020 with an impressive score of 352 out of 396 marks.

  • Demonstrated unwavering commitment through daily study routines, including attending online classes for MIT and rigorous preparation for JEE papers.


4.Extracurricular Activities



Chirag’s extracurricular activities were diverse and impressive.


  • He played chess,

  • Engaged in stargazing, and

  • Conducted experiments in a chemistry lab during his middle school years.


These activities showcased his curiosity and passion for science outside the classroom. His achievements in the field of science and mathematics have been recognized with the prestigious Bal Shakti Puraskar awarded by the President of India.


5. Olympiad Success



Chirag represented India at the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA), where he secured a gold medal, showcasing his remarkable problem-solving abilities and profound grasp of scientific principles. His participation in these Olympiads not only highlighted his academic excellence but also underscored his passion for astronomy and astrophysics.


Through rigorous training and dedication, Chirag excelled on the international stage, earning recognition for himself and his country. His success at the IOAA further solidified his reputation as a standout student with a keen intellect and a thirst for knowledge, setting the stage for his future achievements at institutions like MIT.



6. Essays and Personal Statements



While Chirag felt his essays were not the strongest part of his application, they played a crucial role in presenting his achievements and personality to the admissions committee.


Essays are a critical component of the MIT application, providing a subjective outlook on the applicant’s objective details. They offer insight into the applicant’s character, passions, and potential beyond grades and test scores.


For Chirag, the essays helped convey his story, showcasing his dedication to science and innovation. Despite his reservations, these personal narratives were essential in demonstrating how he embodies the MIT motto, "Mens et Manus" (Mind and Hand).


7.What made MIT Choose Chirag Falor



The motto of MIT, "Mens et Manus," translates from Latin to "Mind and Hand." This phrase encapsulates the institute's philosophy of combining theoretical knowledge with practical application. It emphasizes the importance of not only understanding concepts intellectually (mind) but also being able to implement and experiment with these ideas in real-world scenarios (hand).


Chirag Falor is a beacon of excellence, embodying the MIT motto, "Mens et Manus" (Mind and Hand). His top rank in the JEE Advanced and perfect score in the JEE Main highlight his intellectual prowess. Additionally, his hands-on experiments in chemistry and passion for stargazing showcase his practical application of knowledge.


Academic Milestones:


Chirag Falor served as a role model for future engineers by achieving the highest rank in the JEE exam. This success shows his extraordinary knowledge and skill in difficult subjects. Demonstrating his command further, Chirag scored an ideal 100 percentile in the JEE Main. This result confirmed his proficient grasp of the subject content and his capability to excel in one of the most challenging competitive exams.



The recognition for Chirag's academic brilliance and considerable contributions to science wasn't overlooked. The President of India awarded him with the Pradhantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar. This esteemed award acknowledges Chirag's commitment to scientific experiments and his creative way to solve problems. His accomplishments act as a motivator for students nationwide, proving that with dedication, fervour, and hard work, impressive feats are achievable.


Extracurricular Ventures:


Chirag Falor's journey to MIT is a great example of how passion and dedication can open doors. He sharpened his strategic thinking by playing chess, which helped him develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These skills were crucial for his success in tough exams like JEE Advanced.


His love for the cosmos had him spending countless nights stargazing. This wasn't just a hobby; it showed his curiosity and eagerness to learn about the universe, going beyond what he learned in school.



chirag falor getting the ioaa prize.png
This guy made India proud :) Some day, we hope to have a online meeting with him and share how amazing he is :)



In middle school, Chirag dived into chemistry with hands-on experiments. He loved seeing how chemical reactions worked in real life, which made learning fun and practical. This approach helped him build a strong foundation in science.


Chirag's ability to excel in different areas and his genuine passion for learning played a big part in getting into MIT. His story shows that being well-rounded and truly interested in what you’re learning can make a huge difference when applying to top universities like MIT.


MIT Engagement:


Actively involved in various MIT clubs, including Chess, Archery, Pistol, Poker, and cultural associations:


As a member of the Chess Club, Chirag engaged in strategic gameplay, honing his analytical skills and competing in tournaments that promote mental agility and concentration.


In the Archery Club, Chirag demonstrated precision and focus, essential qualities in both archery and academic pursuits. His participation here also indicates a balance between intellectual and physical activities.


The Pistol Club likely provided Chirag with an opportunity to practice discipline and control, as shooting sports require a calm demeanor and steady hand, which can be beneficial in high-pressure academic environments.


By participating in the Poker Club, Chirag would have engaged in critical thinking and probability assessment, skills that are valuable in many fields, including his major areas of Physics and AI.


This club represents the South Asian community at MIT, and Chirag’s involvement signifies his interest in cultural activities and his desire to connect with his heritage and fellow students from similar backgrounds.


MIT South Asian Association of Students (SAAS):

Similar to MIT Sangam, SAAS focuses on the South Asian student body, providing a platform for cultural exchange, support, and showcasing the rich traditions of South Asia.


Educational Studies Program (ESP):

As a teacher at ESP, Chirag contributed to the educational enrichment of his peers by sharing his knowledge and expertise, demonstrating leadership and a commitment to the MIT community.


In addition to these clubs, Chirag's achievements in physical education, such as being the Top Gun in Air Pistol, securing 2nd Place in Archery and Rifle, and participating in ice skating and badminton, reflect his dedication to maintaining a well-rounded lifestyle.


Chirag’s multifaceted profile aligns with MIT’s ethos of nurturing individuals who are not only academically gifted but also demonstrate a well-rounded character.


8. So, how can YOU get into MIT?



Make sure you Essays and Extra Curricular activities aligns with MIT mission statement.

MIT’s admissions process is holistic and does not prioritize standardized test scores over extracurricular activities or vice versa. Instead, they consider all aspects of an applicant’s profile to understand their potential to contribute to and benefit from the MIT community.


🤫 Here’s how MIT views various components of the application:


Standardized Tests (SAT, ACT): While MIT requires the SAT or ACT for admission, they do not have cutoff or recommended scores. They consider the highest score achieved in each section (superscore) and evaluate scores within the context of the applicant’s background.


Olympiads: Success in Olympiads can demonstrate a student’s advanced knowledge and problem-solving skills in specific subject areas, which are highly regarded at MIT.


JEE (Joint Entrance Examination): Although JEE is a significant exam for engineering aspirants in India, MIT does not specifically mention it in their admissions criteria. However, the skills and knowledge demonstrated by high JEE scores could be a positive factor in an application.


NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test): NEET is primarily for medical school admissions in India and may not be as relevant for MIT, which focuses on technology and engineering.


AP (Advanced Placement) Exams: MIT considers AP scores and recommends that students self-report all exam scores. They consider the super-score in their review process.


Extracurricular Activities: MIT values students who bring a diverse set of experiences and interests to their community. Extracurricular activities can showcase an applicant’s leadership, creativity, teamwork, and other personal qualities.


Essays: Write compelling essays that reflect your personality, experiences, and aspirations. Your essays should convey why you are a good fit for MIT and how you will contribute to their community.


Recommendations: Obtain strong letters of recommendation from teachers who can speak to your academic abilities and personal qualities.


Interview: If offered, take part in the MIT interview, which gives you a chance to discuss your interests and experiences in person.


Application: Ensure that your application is complete, accurate, and submitted by the deadline. MIT has its own application process and does not accept the Common Application, Coalition Application, or Universal Application.


In summary, MIT looks for students who excel academically and also show promise through their extracurricular activities, personal projects, and contributions to their communities. They seek individuals who will thrive in their rigorous academic environment and also enrich the campus life with their unique talents and perspectives.


9. Achievements After going into MIT



As of now, Chirag Falor is a senior at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he is planning to major in Physics and AI, along with a minor in Mathematics. While he is still exploring his specific interests within physics, Chirag has been involved in various activities and achievements during his time at MIT:


iQuHACK: Secured 2nd rank teaming with Hieu Dinh, Lauren Li, Linh Nguyen, Shu Ge in January 2022.


MIT Integration Bee: Achieved 2nd runner up in January 2022.


Physics Brawl: Teamed with Leo Yao, Nishant Abhangi, Vincent Bian, Sanjay Raman to secure 2nd rank in November 2021.


Decoherence: Along with Tung Tran, he achieved 2nd rank in July 2021.


GeCAA (IOAA 2020): Received an Honorable Mention in team competition in September 2020.


Chirag has also been active in various clubs at MIT, including the Chess Club, Archery Club, Pistol Club, Poker Club, and cultural associations like MIT Sangam and MIT South Asian Association of Students (SAAS). He has also contributed as a teacher at the Educational Studies Program (ESP).


In physical education, he has earned distinctions such as Top Gun in Air Pistol, 2nd Place in Archery, and 2nd Place in Rifle. He has also pursued intermediate levels in Ice Skating and Badminton.

Chirag’s current activities reflect his diverse interests and his continuous pursuit of excellence in both academic and extracurricular spheres.


Chirag Falor’s admission to MIT was a result of his exceptional academic record, his success in international competitions, and his well-rounded profile, which included a variety of extracurricular activities and personal achievements. His story is an inspiration to students aiming for excellence in their educational pursuits.



Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About How Chirag Falor Get Into MIT:


What sets Chirag Falor apart in his journey to MIT?

  • Chirag's admission to MIT wasn't solely based on his academic achievements like JEE rankings. He showcased a diverse portfolio and excelled in international competitions, demonstrating his well-rounded profile.


How did Chirag Falor overcome obstacles in his early life?

  • Despite financial struggles and academic pressures, Chirag remained resilient. His unwavering determination and effective utilization of opportunities propelled him towards academic success.


What role did Chirag's family play in his journey?

  • Chirag's parents provided unwavering support, despite their middle-class background. Their encouragement fueled his drive to excel and pursue his aspirations.


How did Chirag excel in academics and extracurricular activities simultaneously?

  • Chirag's commitment to academics was evident through his remarkable achievements, including top ranks in competitive exams. He also actively participated in extracurricular activities, showcasing his well-rounded personality.


What advice can aspiring students take from Chirag's journey to MIT?

  • Chirag's journey emphasizes the importance of resilience, dedication, and pursuing diverse interests. Aspiring students should focus on building a strong academic foundation while actively engaging in extracurricular activities that reflect their passions and interests.



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