Colleges in USA

Hi Raguram,
There is no specific answer to this because MIT looks for students who can contribute to the university and the society as a whole. You must not only be an academically bright student you must also have high values, display ethics and passion to contribute to the society. Extracurricular activities, project work, sports, arts, voluntary work are very important. Just remember this - You need not be a bookworm but you are required to be an all-rounder and demonstrate your extraordinary side to the university. Ask yourself why they should admit you and prepare yourself accordingly. Read this carefully:
http://mitadmissions.org/apply/process/selection

Lot of things matter. IIM admits even a fresh graduate and world believes them to be a management expert. IIMs current reputation is due to being oldest institutes and their alumni. After hard work of more than 3 decades, they have reached in top positions in the corporate and naturally without applying mind corporate started shouting chalo IIM chalo IIM and so on. in IIM even a fresh graduate without any prior work experience gets admission. can you imagine, a fresh grads without prior work experience who even does not know how business functions beyond case study and presentation suddenly expecting to be in decision making position. To apply in Stanford, Harvard and any Ivy League beside of at least a 4 years degree or Masters from India and GMAT score of 725+, you must have at least 3+ years work experience so you can relate what you are learning. IIMs more focus is on CAT percentile and academic profile and worst part SC ST OBC reservation rather than quality of the education whereas Ivy League focus is on truly deserving candidates from diverse background, no reservation applies. Harvard, Stanford are much focussed on research whereas IIMs do not qualify there it is still academic institute . worst part is, I tried to contact them.several time including their research scholars for clarity on research program, they were never respondents whereas Harvard, Stanford allow finalised students to talk to their alumni and take a call you won't find it in the case of IIM.
professors in IIMs are all those academicians without any credential except teaching the same subjects for years whereas in Harvard and Stanford, they are extensive research oriented, noble laureates, senior most people from important institutions and even guests lecturers are eminent personalities definitely IIMs don't stands here. despite this IIMA still has 4th highest salary in the world which is not bad but need to work a lot in education system to achieve global standard and coming out the shit academic performance mentality and admission to MBA to fresh graduate as beginning.