MIT FAQ for application year 2011-2012 (with answers by MITChris)

Colleges and Universities A-Z Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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<p>Welcome to the MIT forum on College Confidential! </p>

<p>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. Two current MIT admissions officers, Chris Peterson (MITChris</a>) and McGreggor Crowley (mcgmit</a>), also post here, so be on the lookout for their expertise. </p>

<p>Some questions are asked here very often, and I'll try to cover them in this FAQ.</p>

<p>When will the application be released?
MIT is not a Common App school, and the application for the upcoming year is usually released in approximately late August or early September. We can tell you what the essay questions and word limits were last year, but there is no guarantee that the questions will remain the same. But never fear: the application will be released in plenty of time for you to complete it.</p>

<p>What are the application deadlines?
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. </p>

<p>Applying to MIT EA is not automatically an advantage for your application -- the EA admit rate is usually the same as or lower than the RD admit rate. A sizable percentage 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>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 (with no option preferred over the others). 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 (and there is no need to use Score Choice to select which test administrations you would like MIT to see). 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>Who can write my letters of recommendation?
MIT requires two letters of recommendation, one from a math or science teacher and one from a humanities teacher. Matt McGann has confirmed for me that a teacher of any subject that, if it were taught at MIT, would be taught within the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences ([url=<a href="http://shass.mit.edu/%5DSHASS%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://shass.mit.edu/]SHASS](&lt;a href="http://www.mitadmissions.org/topics/apply/deadlines/index.shtml%5Dhere%5B/url"&gt;http://www.mitadmissions.org/topics/apply/deadlines/index.shtml)&lt;/a&gt;), is fine for the humanities letter of rec. This includes foreign languages, history, writing, literature, theatre, music, and others.</p>

<p>MIT does not require that the letter be from a teacher you've had in any particular school year, although you should carefully consider whether a teacher you had as a freshman or sophomore will remember you vividly enough to write a good letter for you.</p>

<p>See more information at Matt McGann's blog [here[/url</a>].</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. </p>

<p>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. 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 (awesome) resident EC.</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%5Dhere%5B/url"&gt;http://www.mitadmissions.org/topics/apply/admissions_statistics/index.shtml]here[/url&lt;/a&gt;] for the last admitted class, and the CC results thread for the [url=<a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/massachusetts-institute-technology/1157956-consolidated-ea-rd-2015-results-thread.html%5Dclass"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/massachusetts-institute-technology/1157956-consolidated-ea-rd-2015-results-thread.html]class&lt;/a> of 2015](<a href="http://www.mitadmissions.org/topics/apply/the_freshman_application/some_recommendations_about_rec.shtml%5Dhere%5B/url"&gt;http://www.mitadmissions.org/topics/apply/the_freshman_application/some_recommendations_about_rec.shtml). Also be sure to check out the CC results thread for the class</a> of 2012, class</a> of 2013, and class</a> of 2014.</p>

<p>What are some useful websites for finding more information about MIT?
MIT</a> Admissions homepage
MIT</a> Blogs
Common</a> Data Set</p>

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

<p>-Mollie, MIT class of 2006 (brain and cognitive sciences/biology, MacGregor resident, cheerleader)</p>

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<p>BOOM BABY</p>

<p>Thanks Mollie! I was just about to PM you to ask when we should do another one of these for the coming year. </p>

<p>Hi folks, I’m MITChris, aka Chris Peterson, an Admissions Officer at MIT. I run [MIT</a> Admissions](<a href=“http://mitadmissions.org%5DMIT”>http://mitadmissions.org) and basically the web stuff for the office, including hanging out here answering questions on CC. I try to be here as much as I can, but in reality there are a lot of regulars who hang out here who can answer questions as well as I can. </p>

<p>Here are a few links I would encourage anyone interested in MIT (or interested in becoming interested in MIT) to read: </p>

<p>[MIT</a> Admissions: The Selection Process: Application Reading, Committee, And Decisions](<a href=“http://www.mitadmissions.org/topics/apply/the_selection_process_application_reading_committee_and_decisions/index.shtml]MIT”>http://www.mitadmissions.org/topics/apply/the_selection_process_application_reading_committee_and_decisions/index.shtml)</p>

<p>[MIT</a> Admissions: The Match Between You And MIT](<a href=“http://www.mitadmissions.org/topics/pulse/the_match_between_you_and_mit/index.shtml]MIT”>http://www.mitadmissions.org/topics/pulse/the_match_between_you_and_mit/index.shtml)</p>

<p>[MIT</a> Admissions | Blog Entry: “Applying Sideways”](<a href=“http://www.mitadmissions.org/topics/apply/the_selection_process_application_reading_committee_and_decisions/applying_sideways.shtml]MIT”>http://www.mitadmissions.org/topics/apply/the_selection_process_application_reading_committee_and_decisions/applying_sideways.shtml)</p>

<p>[MIT</a> Admissions | Blog Entry: “It’s More Than A Job”](<a href=“http://www.mitadmissions.org/topics/apply/the_selection_process_application_reading_committee_and_decisions/its_more_than_a_job.shtml]MIT”>http://www.mitadmissions.org/topics/apply/the_selection_process_application_reading_committee_and_decisions/its_more_than_a_job.shtml)</p>

<p>I think reading those posts will help give you a good sense of what the MIT admissions process feels like. </p>

<p>If you want a better sense of MIT’s culture in general, go to the site and read our student blogs. They’re not like blogs on other school sites, I promise. We just hire a bunch of students and tell them to write about whatever. Mollie herself is a former prolific blogger; reading blogs by her and others is definitely the best way to get a sense of MIT culture without actually being a student already. </p>

<p>Good luck and hope to help!!</p>

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<p>I read that there is no science subject test preferred over another but I’m wondering if the same applies for the math tests? I’m assuming not, but I’d like to know for sure.</p>

<p>Also, great posts from both of you guys. ~Thanks! Looking forward to the many more answers to come over the next few months, haha.</p>

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<p>

</p>

<p>[MIT</a> Admissions: Standardized Test Requirements](<a href=“http://www.mitadmissions.org/topics/apply/standardized_test_requirements/index.shtml]MIT”>http://www.mitadmissions.org/topics/apply/standardized_test_requirements/index.shtml)</p>

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<p>How does MIT treat veterans applying to their school? Do they have to meet all of the same admission criteria as a traditional applicant? (SAT I, SAT II)? Are there any ways to make a veteran with a heavy backround in nuclear operations more competitive?</p>

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<p>Hrm, interesting question. We don’t have a lot of american military vets who apply for whatever reason. They certainly do have to meet the same admissions criteria as a traditional applicant (as do all applicants - athletics, musicians, rocket scientists, whatever). </p>

<p>I think that the best thing you could do would be to get some additional supplements from your former commanders, and perhaps some demonstration of your interest and experience (assuming you’re interesting in pursuing NucEng).</p>

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<p>Oh darn it, my plan was to make a fully functional nuclear reactor in my garage… I guess that won’t get me in? What will? A sustainable fusion reactor core? A stable 32 qubit quantum computer? Recreate IBM’s Watson?</p>

<p>I’m just joking with you…</p>

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<p><a href=“http://guywhotypes.files.■■■■■■■■■■■■■/2011/03/rage-face.jpeg[/url]”>http://guywhotypes.files.■■■■■■■■■■■■■/2011/03/rage-face.jpeg&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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<p>I’m an Asian (Indian) who wants to become an engineer just Luke every other Asian. Do I have to be exceptionally gifted because of my curryness?</p>

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<p>You mentioned previously on CD that you did not do grad school admissions, but do you know what goes on with grad school admissions? Do they have their own set of admin officers? Or is it a decision from the professors and other faculty members like when getting tenured as a professor?</p>

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<p>@addymithas - </p>

<p>i know you’re joking but honestly i’m not going to dignify that with further response. </p>

<p>@david - </p>

<p>yes, each department does their own thing, completely decentralized and apart from our process.</p>

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<p>Ok now for a serious question:
Is it true MIT flags down kids as special if they’ve won intel or siemens?</p>

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<p>

I do know some things about grad school admissions, just as a result of having been through the grad school admissions process at MIT and other similar programs in my field. If you have any specific questions, I can’t guarantee that I can answer them, but I might be able to shed some light.</p>

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<p>addy - </p>

<p>We take note, in our process, of all sorts of different special talents / abilities / accomplishments people have. Intel & Siemens are two great STEM competitions, and students who have performed well in those often possess traits that would make them good matches for MIT. I don’t know that I’d describe it precisely as you do, but we do certainly take notice with Intel & Siemens, as we do with other high-flying programs as well.</p>

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<p>Now, I’ll worry about Grad school later. now, I essentially have a 0% chance at MIT right out of HS. How is transferring? Does MIT have an exam on physics and calculus like Caltech does? Hoe does MIT utilize the highschool transcript?</p>

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<p>What’re other programs you take notice of? It’d be great if you could provide specifics. </p>

<p>Also, Thanks for doing this</p>

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<p>Does MIT have a preference to girls?</p>

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<p>A couple of questions:

  1. When will the MIT application form be available? Will I need a MyMIT account to access it?
  2. Is there space in the application to include a longish (4000 word) essay I wrote or should I only include an abstract?
    P.S. This forum is great. Thanks for all the help you are providing.</p>
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<p>Thank you for your response Chris.</p>

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<p>

I actually addressed this in the first post – the application is generally available sometime in August, and always before Labor Day. You will need a MyMIT account to access the application. </p>

<p>

There’s a space in the application for “anything else you’d like to include”, which is a catch-all for other information or essays that don’t fit elsewhere in the application. </p>

<p>MIT is generally quite happy for you to include supplemental information that you think will strengthen your application. I think including the abstract would probably be useful, though – anything you can do to increase the digestability and readability of your application is good.</p>

<p>

Not really, although MIT is committed to admitting qualified women (and, similarly, qualified minorities, and qualified people from Wyoming, etc.). But it’s not as simple as saying there’s a “preference” for women.</p>