MIT’s Mission Statement:

Sara embodied this mission long before she set foot on campus. Her interest in mechanical engineering was never just academic—it was grounded in a desire to solve tangible problems, especially those tied to healthcare and manufacturing. As a high school student, she experimented constantly—baking with precision, tinkering with machines, and pushing herself in and out of the pool. By the time she applied to MIT, she wasn’t just curious—she was practiced in the art of turning curiosity into action.

Sara is a genuine article archetype. Sara didn't try to be the perfect applicant—she tried to be Sara, someone deeply driven by intellectual exploration, physical discipline, and fearless creativity. Looking back, she believes what helped her stand out with MIT specifically was the fact that her supplemental essays were less polished than her Common App. She cautions students not to over-edit their essays to the extent that their personality has been washed out of it.

Her standout piece? A reflection on trapeze, using falling and re-trying as a metaphor for how she sees failure—not as loss, but as propulsion. It was raw and true to her passion and her personal story, without being edited to personality-less perfection.

Applications may feel daunting if you haven’t had a significant loss or struggle like other applicants have had, but you can create an essay just as compelling by capturing the essence of who you are and what you love. It shows your dream university the kind of student that will take advantage of all they have to offer. At the same time, Sara notes that schools have different “personalities” and that your essay should reflect your fit with their personality.

Colleges likely won’t admit someone who didn’t take the time to understand and align with their values. They want to find a good match and admit people who will attend if they are accepted. If they don’t think you care enough or understand their “personality” as a university, they might suspect you would rather attend another school, so they won’t give out what limited acceptances they have to someone who isn’t 100% interested in attending.

Sara doesn’t just describe failure—she romanticizes it. Her use of imagery turns a physical sensation into a philosophical conviction.

In classic MIT fashion, Sara treats life like a design challenge—every mistake is data, every obstacle a new variable.

Sara’s intellectual life wasn’t confined to the classroom. She played with ideas the way engineers play with materials: twisting, testing, and reimagining. Her interests spanned: Baking and kitchen chemistry, where precision met improvisation and creativity. Research and healthcare, where she later tackled real-world problems in pharmaceuticals and prosthetic 3D printing. Athletics, where she explored the limits of her endurance, discipline, and physical mechanics. What set her apart was her ability to connect the dots—between physical experiences, academic interests, and personal values.

MIT looks for students who are creative, collaborative, and relentless in the pursuit of knowledge. Sara hit all three: Resilience Framed as Iteration – Her essays didn’t glamorize success. They explained her mindset when she missed the mark—and how that shaped her. Applied Curiosity – Whether it was in the lab or the kitchen, Sara asked questions and followed them to physical, measurable outcomes. Fearless Experimentation – From trying a new sport to writing a uniquely risky essay, she wasn’t afraid to take a bold swing.

Sara also notes that when she applied, she thought MIT was a reach! Don’t be afraid to apply to a school you identify with even if it seems impossible to get in–you might be what they’re looking for!

Sara also recommends looking up previous questions for in-person interviews online just to have an idea of how you’d like to answer and be prepared.

Sara’s story didn’t end with an admit letter. She went on to: Earn her Master’s in Manufacturing & Design at MIT. Work in pharma consulting, tackling systemic issues in healthcare delivery. Join a 3D printing startup, bridging innovation and manufacturing. Return to consulting, now applying everything she’s learned to complex operational challenges.