<p>I plan on applying to the MIT EECS PhD Program. (The reason I'm choosing to pursue a PhD is because I plan on inventing or discovering something big. It's a VERY difficult goal, but aiming high never hurt anyone.) Recently, I have done some research on the program and have looked through the forums but I have found little information relating to graduate admissions. The more I know about what MIT likes to see in applicants, the more likely I'll get in. Your help is greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>Currently,
UCSB EE Undergrad (2nd year), GPA 3.7 (Expecting ~3.85 by graduation)
Working on Research Experience (Currently helping out research labs. A graduate student offered a more 'research' like position during the summer if I complete some side projects. Publications possibly on the way)
Working on getting a research internship through an NSF funded lab.
Member of IEEE, Tau Beta Pi
Tutor for Math, Physics, Engineering</p>
<p>Any advice as to what kinds of internships, what kinds of jobs, etc, etc. are MUCH appreciated! The reason I'm so fixated on MIT is because it probably has the most competetive admissions for EECS graduate. </p>
<p>(I posted a thread in the Graduate admissions section and got a few responses. I am just looking for any more opinions esp. from adcoms)</p>
<p>You're fixated on coming to MIT just because it has the most competitive EECS admissions? I don't think that's a very good reason to choose a particularl PhD program. You should choose a particular PhD program because it is very strong in the area of research that interests you greatly, it has profs whose work you respect, that you like the resources that the program has, and so forth. Choosing a program just because it has highly competitive admissions is not by itself a good reason. </p>
<p>Having said that, I would say that you are on the right track, but you have to strongly emphasize research as much as possible. MIT gets plenty of applications from people with top grades and top scores. What will distinguish you is your work on interesting research, coupled with strong rec's from prominent profs.</p>
<p>First, there are a number of different areas within EECS, which is the largest department at MIT. You have to decide which you are applying for. Second, MIT no longer requires GRE for this program, largely due to unreliability of GRE scores from students overseas. So standardized test scores are not a factor. Third, it's hard to underestimate the importance of direct contact and recommendation between teachers you have as an undergrad and MIT professors in department. Almost more than anything else, they look for a network of professors they know and trust to suggest the specific students they think are the cream of the crop and would do best at MIT in EECS. So question becomes, do you have a professor/s at your undergrad institution that (ideally) are MIT trained or have strong contacts with MIT who would go to bat for you and would honestly say that you are one of the top students in the country/world and that you would have a high probability of being an outstanding researcher and scholar? Fourth, given above, they assume that such students will have been exceptional students at undergraduate level. Your college transcript will be looked over carefully on a course by course basis to see what you took and to find the (expected) top grades in all relevant courses. Fifth, you are being evaluated as a future researcher and scholar, so of critical importance will be all evidence of what research you conducted/research programs you were involved in as an undergraduate. MIT EECS is looking for brilliant researchers, and they will scrutinize your undergraduate record looking for evidence that you are that.</p>
<p>Sorry, what do you mean by the unreliabilty of GRE from foreign students? I'm an international and I would like a clearer explanation. Do you mean that there have been cases of examination malpractice?!!! Thanks.</p>
<p>Sakky, I don't think I stated my first post correctly. I want to be able to impress the MIT admissions committee. Being the best in the world, if I were to give off a favorable impression to them, I'm sure all other schools I apply to will also be impressed.</p>
<p>parentalexpert, thanks for the great advice! I will surely try what you have suggested. It looks like a steep uphill climb for me!</p>