MIT FAQ for application year 2008-2009

Colleges and Universities A-Z Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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<p>Welcome to the MIT forum on College Confidential! Several current MIT students, MIT alums (including alumni interviewers), and MIT parents post on this forum, and we're happy to answer any questions that we can. Some questions are asked very often, and I'll try to cover them in this FAQ.</p>

<p>When can I apply to MIT?
MIT has both an early action (EA) and a regular decision (RD) round of applications. </p>

<p>MIT's EA program is non-restrictive (you can apply to other schools, as long as those schools allow applicants to apply early to other places) and non-binding (after you are admitted, you can choose whether or not to attend). The EA deadline is November 1, and decisions are usually available online around December 10-15. EA admits get financial aid information with RD admits in late March, and are required to reply to MIT by May 1. MIT is committed to admitting no more than 30% of the class EA, so the EA admit rate is usually the same as or lower than the RD admit rate. About 70% of EA applicants are deferred to the RD round, and are given the opportunity to send in supplemental materials before RD consideration begins. International students are not allowed to apply EA.</p>

<p>MIT's RD deadline is January 1, and decisions are usually available online around March 15-20.</p>

<p>For more information, see MIT's webpage [here[/url</a>].</p>

<p>MIT does not require a high school diploma for admission, so qualified students younger than traditional college age can definitely apply. Check out more information [url=<a href="http://www.mitadmissions.org/topics/apply/homeschooled_applicants_helpful_tips/doogie_howser_et_al.shtml%5Dhere%5B/url"&gt;http://www.mitadmissions.org/topics/apply/homeschooled_applicants_helpful_tips/doogie_howser_et_al.shtml]here[/url&lt;/a&gt;].&lt;/p>

<p>What standardized tests do I need to take to apply to MIT?
For native English speakers, MIT requires either the SAT I with writing or the ACT with writing. MIT additionally requires 2 SAT II subject tests, one in math (either Math Ic or Math IIc) and one in science.</p>

<p>For non-native English speakers, MIT requires either the SAT I with writing, the ACT with writing, or the TOEFL. MIT additionally requires 2 SAT II subject tests, one in math and one in science.</p>

<p>MIT superscores the SAT and ACT, so only the highest scores from each section will be considered for your evaluation. This is also true of the SAT IIs -- if you take more tests than are necessary, MIT will consider only the best scores that fit their criteria. If you take both the SAT and the ACT, MIT will only use the better set of scores in your evaluation. There are no preferred SAT II subject tests, and there is no preference as to whether you take the SAT or the ACT.</p>

<p>If you have taken AP tests prior to applying to MIT, you do not need to send MIT an official score report. Self-reporting your scores on the application will be sufficient.</p>

<p>The latest test date for EA applicants is the November date (no rush report required), and the latest test date for RD applicants is the December date, although January tests will be accepted at MIT's discretion.</p>

<p>For more information on MIT's testing requirements, see the standardized test requirements [url=<a href="http://www.mitadmissions.org/topics/apply/standardized_test_requirements/index.shtml%5Dhere%5B/url"&gt;http://www.mitadmissions.org/topics/apply/standardized_test_requirements/index.shtml]here[/url&lt;/a&gt;].&lt;/p>

<p>What's this about an interview?
MIT alumni known as Educational Counselors (ECs) try to interview all applicants to MIT, though students who do not live within a reasonable distance of an EC have the interview waived. In late summer or early fall, the contact information for the EC assigned to each applicant will be visible in the MyMIT portal; each applicant is responsible for contacting his or her EC to schedule the interview. You must contact your EC before October 20 (EA) or December 10 (RD) in order to secure an interview. Every year on CC, we see several students who neglected to contact their ECs prior to the deadline but who still want an interview. The deadlines can be waived in exceptional circumstances, but you shouldn't rely on that happening to you, so contact your EC early!</p>

<p>The interview is a relatively informal conversation about you, and an opportunity for you to ask the EC questions about MIT. You should dress in a way that makes you feel comfortable -- there's no prescribed dress code.</p>

<p>For more information on the interview, see the MIT site [url=<a href="http://www.mitadmissions.org/topics/apply/interviews_educational_counselors_ecs/index.shtml%5Dhere%5B/url"&gt;http://www.mitadmissions.org/topics/apply/interviews_educational_counselors_ecs/index.shtml]here[/url&lt;/a&gt;], blog entries on the interview [url=<a href="http://www.mitadmissions.org/topics/apply/interviews_educational_counselors_ecs/completearchive.shtml%5Dhere%5B/url"&gt;http://www.mitadmissions.org/topics/apply/interviews_educational_counselors_ecs/completearchive.shtml]here[/url&lt;/a&gt;], or look for posts on this forum by Mikalye, our resident EC.</p>

<p>Can I send supplemental materials with my MIT application?
You can send anything your heart desires as a supplement to your MIT application: an extra recommendation, a research abstract, a music tape, an art portfolio -- anything that will tell the MIT admissions officers more about who you are. Just make sure your name and birthdate are in an obvious place on the supplement. (Note: MIT will accept as much supplemental material as you choose to send, but choose judiciously -- multiple recommendations that say the same thing, for example, won't help your case. Send supplemental material only when it says something different about you.)</p>

<p>For RD, supplemental materials should get to MIT no later than February 1 in order for them to be considered. Selection starts around Valentine's Day, so in order for your supplemental material to be seen, it should be sent in January.</p>

<p>There is also a section on the application which asks for anything else you'd like to add. Not everyone utilizes this space, but you might consider using it as a space for another essay (either a "why MIT" essay or an essay you've written for another application), for an explanation of any unusual academic circumstances you encountered, or for a list of self-studied classes or APs you've taken. Anything goes, though -- if you'd like to write a sonnet declaring your love for quantum physics, that's perfectly acceptable, too. This space emphatically does not "have" to be used as a space for another essay -- be creative!</p>

<p>More information on supplemental material can be found at Matt McGann's blog [url=<a href="http://www.mitadmissions.org/topics/apply/the_freshman_application/supplemental_materials.shtml%5Dhere%5B/url"&gt;http://www.mitadmissions.org/topics/apply/the_freshman_application/supplemental_materials.shtml]here[/url&lt;/a&gt;].&lt;/p>

<p>I want to submit supplemental material, but I don't want the admissions officers to think I'm annoying. Should I send it or not?
I don't think fear of being "annoying" should be a factor at all in your decision to submit or not to submit supplemental materials. The people reading your application are professional admissions officers, and their job is to read the application that you craft and submit. They do not get annoyed when you follow their stated policy of allowing any supplemental materials that you'd like to send -- if it were a problem, they'd place a limit on the amount of supplemental material accepted.</p>

<p>I think it should be totally up to you as the applicant: do you think these additional materials will provide a better picture of who you are as a person? If they're redundant, I don't think they should be sent -- not because the admissions officers would be angry or annoyed, because they won't be, but because it's not helpful to keep repeating the same points in the application.</p>

<p>Scientists have a term called "grantsmanship" -- the skills that you need to craft a strong, pithy, on-point, fundable grant application. I think that undergraduate applicants need to have a dose of grantsmanship themselves to make an application that highlights their strengths and makes a strong argument for admission. Remember that the admissions officers have never met you, and they're relying only on your application to get a sense of who you are and why you should be admitted to MIT. If your extra material helps make that case, then send it. If it doesn't, then don't.</p>

<p>Does MIT only admit geniuses and 2400 scorers? Can I still get in if I didn't participate in science fairs or olympiads or math contests?
Although there are a lot of really smart students at MIT, most students are garden-variety smart and hard-working. You definitely have to be smart to get into MIT, but you don't need to be some sort of otherworldly genius.</p>

<p>Most admitted students did not participate in top science and math contests. It's okay if you don't know what the AIME is, or if you didn't do particularly well on the AMC12. It's great if you've participated in or done well in these contests, but most applicants and admits have not.</p>

<p>I'm going to major in English. Will it be easier for me to get into MIT?
MIT does not admit according to major -- students do not declare a major until the end of freshman year, so all applicants are considered officially undecided. It is no easier to be admitted as a prospective English or management major than as a prospective chemistry or electrical engineering major.</p>

<p>Although MIT has excellent programs in many humanities and social science disciplines, prospective students in these fields should be aware that MIT's General Institute Requirements (GIRs) require all students to take two semesters of physics, two semesters of calculus, one semester of chemistry, one semester of biology, one lab course, and two science/technology electives in order to graduate.</p>

<p>For more information, see the GIRs on the admissions webpage [url=<a href="http://www.mitadmissions.org/topics/learning/general_institute_requirements/index.shtml%5Dhere%5B/url"&gt;http://www.mitadmissions.org/topics/learning/general_institute_requirements/index.shtml]here[/url&lt;/a&gt;].&lt;/p>

<p>I got a B/4 on the AP test/700 on the SAT! Did I ruin my chances to get into MIT?
Probably not. MIT's admissions process is holistic, meaning that all factors relevant to your application are considered when deciding whether or not to admit you.</p>

<p>Still, MIT's applicant pool is very competitive -- check out the admissions statistics url=<a href="http://www.mitadmissions.org/topics/apply/admissions_statistics/index.shtml%5B/url%5Dhere%5B/url%5D">http://www.mitadmissions.org/topics/apply/admissions_statistics/index.shtmlhere</a> for the last admitted class. Also be sure to check out last year's MIT results thread [here[/url</a>].</p>

<p>What are some useful websites for finding more information about MIT?
[url=<a href="http://www.mitadmissions.org%5DMIT"&gt;http://www.mitadmissions.org]MIT&lt;/a> Admissions homepage](<a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/massachusetts-institute-technology/546625-consolidated-ea-rd-2012-results-thread.html%5Dhere%5B/url"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/massachusetts-institute-technology/546625-consolidated-ea-rd-2012-results-thread.html)
MIT</a> Blogs
Common</a> Data Set</p>

<p>Best wishes, and again, welcome to MIT CC!</p>

<p>-Mollie, MIT class of 2006
Forum moderator</p>

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<p>Molly,
My daughter wants to apply EA to MIT (she's probably a long shot but loves science) and is planning to apply ED to an even greater long shot school. If I understand the above, this is not against the rules??</p>

<p>Thank you, Mike</p>

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<p>Does the research abstract have to be sent online?</p>

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<p>

This is not against MIT's rules, so long as the ED school allows simultaneous EA applications. (As I understand it, most ED schools do, on the condition that the EA applications are withdrawn if the student is admitted ED, though of course you will want to check with the other school to be sure.)</p>

<p>

No, and most people mail a hard copy or fax their supplemental materials.</p>

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<p>Thanks!!!!</p>

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<p>I had an interesting idea the other day and I was wondering if this would be acceptable. A friend of mine and myself wrote, composed for, produced, and starred in our own 60 minute musical titled Chemistry the Musical and put it on for our entire school. I was thinking about burning a copy of the recording we made onto a DVD to send in as a supplement for EA to showcase a slice of my passion for Chemistry and music/performing arts, as well as to provide a bit of entertainment in the midst of what I'm assuming is a hectic time for the Admissions officers . Would this be acceptable or a bit of an admissions "faux pas" to send in something like this?</p>

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<p>It's definitely acceptable (the admissions officers do have a sense of humor!), but I think it would be good to also write a short summary of the musical, maybe including a few selected lyrics, and including it along with the DVD. It's true that the admissions team may not have time to watch the whole DVD, and it would be great to summarize it so they'll get the sense of what happened without necessarily having to see it.</p>

<p>This is also true of things like research papers -- it's more useful to send an abstract or a description of what you learned from the research than to send a whole research paper, which the admissions officers may or may not have the time and expertise to read.</p>

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<p>@Jashper - DO IT. That's a quite interesting/unique extracurricular to have done =D.</p>

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<p>I think supplements are very important, if they show an aspect of the applicant not otherwise evident in the application. My son is a musician and composer; he sent in a CD of piano and bassoon pieces, and was soon contacted by a couple of the Music professors (well before the 12/15 EA notification date). He learned from the professors about MITSO (Symphony Orchestra) and other opportunities to pursue his musical interests (even a music composition course), solidifying MIT as his first choice.</p>

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<p>MITSO = love.</p>

<p>That is all.</p>

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<p>Is a separate resume frowned upon(after fillin' up that place for 5 ECs) coz I feel like explaining my activities, they are not common stuff! And do independant scientific research and community service fall under ECs (my guess - they do!)?</p>

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<p>If you want to explain your activities, the "Additional Info" section would be the place to do it. There's a reason they give limited space for ECs; they want to know what you're most passionate about, not every last thing you've ever spent any time on. If you are going to use the "Additional Info" section, don't use it to "override" the EC section by listing other ECs you've done in additional to those original 5. Use it only to elaborate on the 5 ECs you are given space to write about.</p>

<p>And yes, scientific research and community service fall under ECs.</p>

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<p>I have only 5 ECs!!! How much can we write in the addtional info sections? My ECs need some talking about ... so here's what I'll do .. I'll let my Principal talk about my school ECs(2) in her reco. And I'll talk about the scientific research and comm service in the add. info, but those are still two great parts of my life ... OK wait ... why don't I write about my research in the What You Created thing?? And I'll let my comm service go in the add info! Yepp!!
Is their any portion where I can explain what I am doing in my gap year??</p>

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<p>My AGP is 2,7... this is very low for MIT? :(</p>

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<p>

The average GPA of MIT admitted students is usually very high, but class rank is definitely important. If you are in the top 10% of your high school class, the actual value of your GPA is somewhat irrelevant.</p>

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<p>Excuse the grammar and spellings of the previous post .... Thanks!!</p>

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<p>Is the application available yet? When will it become available? What is the essay question usually like?</p>

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<p>August 1!! Just 2 days left!</p>

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<p>Last year there was a choice of two prompts for the essay question, something like:</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Describe a situation where you feel like it was the "end of the world", and how you grew from that situation.</p></li>
<li><p>Describe where you come from and how it has influenced you.</p></li>
</ol>

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<p>August 1st? Oh my goodness that's so soon! Well there goes the rest of my summer... I'm excited to start working on it!</p>

<p>I came on here because I had a question, but that just distracted me and now I don't remember. Oh well. August 1st!</p>