What MIT looks for in an applicant?

Okay, so don’t get me wrong. I am not going to write my essays like someone else just to make myself “fit in” to MIT. I will be honest and genuine. But I really have no idea what type of student fits into MIT. What type of students does MIT look for? What are some specific qualities that are unique to MIT students?

Google the very famous blog post from an MIT AO, “Applying Sideways.” That will tell you all you need to know.

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Some of the smartest people I know have been rejected from top-tier universities, and some that I never expected got admitted. Just believe in yourself and be who you are.

What they’re looking for can be very different depending on several factors that you can’t control, such as demographics. For example, if you’re an Asian male, you probably need to be an IMO winner or cure cancer unless you have other hooks.