- Private, research university
- Midsized, urban campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts alongside the Charles River – near downtown Boston
- Endowment $27.4 billion (2021)
- Focus on science and technology – for students with ‘a concern for human values and social goals’
- MIT mission – ‘to bring knowledge to bear on the world’s greatest challenges’
- Modelled on German educational model of research and hands on experimentation – learning by doing and thinking outside the box
- 130,000 sq. feet of maker spaces on campus
- Strong entrepreneurial culture. MIT graduates have formed more than 25,000 companies
- Sub 5% admit rate
- 11% international
- Diverse community of students with passion and drive
- 3:1 student – faculty ratio
- Five schools: Science / Engineering / Architecture and Planning / Management / Humanities, Arts and Social Science / + Schwarzman College of Computing
- Learning is extremely fast paced and academically intense – ‘ego busting’
- Extensive undergraduate research opportunities through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme (UROP) – faculty/student research projects. Students can earn course credits or a stipend for doing research.
- Over 90% will participate and many students will take part in 3-4 research projects.
- All students are admitted Undecided. Everyone can study what they want, but they also have to be able to study whatever they want.
- Students are well rounded and MIT takes the arts, humanities and social sciences seriously – if you don’t like the humanities or writing then MIT is probably not the place for you
- Students must take 4 communication intensive subjects to prepare for employment. Highlights the importance of being able to articulate their ideas out in the world.
- All undergrads complete a core curriculum – General Institutional Requirements (GIRs) which includes a Science Requirement, a Laboratory Requirement, a Humanities, Arts and Sciences Requirement, a Communication Requirement, a swimming test and four quarters of PE classes
- Pass / No Record grading system in the 1st year to encourage students to try new things and not be afraid of failing. Everyone will fail at some point and this is actually encouraged!
- Particularly strong in: Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Biology, Physics, Aeronautics and Astronautics, Economics, Political Science and Architecture
- Most popular majors are: Computing Science, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, and Biology
- Students are often more interested in solving a particular problem, rather than a specific major
- 70% of classes have fewer than 20 students
- Vast library system open 24/7
- Sandbox Innovation Fund – students can request funding to launch new ideas
- 91% of students get financial aid. Affordability is not an issue.
- MIT is need blind and also meets demonstrated need for all students, including international.
- Sports are very popular. Largest NCAA Div III programme in the country.
- Extensive facilities.
- Over 500 clubs and organisations
- All students are guaranteed housing for all four years.
- 10 residential halls.
- Students get to choose where they live after considering which community will best suit them. Each hall has a very unique personality, its own traditions, dining facilities and layout. Some even allow students to bring their own pets. Also different price points.
- Apply using the MIT Application – SAT/ACT + 2 recommendations (prefer 1 science/maths and 1 humanities) + transcript + essays/activities/awards + optional interview
- MIT like to see students have taken the most challenging courses available in the areas that interest them and are taking advantage of the opportunities available to them. Also like students who create opportunities for themselves
- Do what you are really interested in, not what you think will get you admitted – authentic interest! They want to know why you do something – this includes if you have a job or have to care for family.
- You will not be penalised for not taking part in what is not available to you through financial limitation or family circumstances.
- MIT makes decisions based on a student’s individual context – what opportunities they have available.
- Holistic process
- Under 10% of applicants will submit the Maker’s Portfolio – if you do, they are looking to be ‘blown away’
- Homeschool applicants – still expect to see evidence of necessary coursework – proof that you are prepared for the rigours of MIT academically. Also interested in how you will fit into the community and interact with others. How will you engage with peers? Why were you homeschooled?
- Extensive student support services through advisors and faculty mentors.
- Students have many chances to connect with someone who is looking out for them – academically and personally. They recognise that MIT is a big adjustment for many students who go from being at the top of their HS class to being ‘average’ at MIT.
MIT does not accept the Common App. Students must apply through the MIT Application Form. SAT or ACT is required.
Visit the MIT website
