MIT 2020/2021 essays

What is the difference between the ‘‘Please tell us more about your cultural background and identity in the space below’’ and the ‘‘Describe the world you come from; for example, your family, school, community, city, or town. How has that world shaped your dreams and aspirations?’’ essays ?

I think the “how has the world shaped your dreams and aspirations” part is more important. definitely seems like MIT wants us to place greater emphasis on the product of our cultural background rather than what it actually is.

The cultural background essay is optional. My daughter who graduated MIT 2 years ago, left it out. MIT admissions really wants to get to know each applicant. That space is for students whose cultural background is significant to their identity and feel that without a place to write about it the committee will be lacking important context to understand who they are. Also, MIT is looking for a diverse class. Culture is one way that some students could stand out as unique.
But leave this question blank unless you think it will make your application a better one.

mhljngr , interesting point.

Thank you so much!