How to Get Into MIT

Summary

This video offers an in-depth guide to applying for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), one of the top universities globally. It covers MIT's application process, including the unique 'My MIT' system, essay tips, teacher recommendations, and extracurricular activities that align with MIT's culture. The video also discusses the importance of interviews and provides insights into the holistic admissions process, emphasizing the need for academic excellence and cultural fit.

Takeaways

• 🎓 Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is consistently ranked among the top universities worldwide, renowned for its STEM programs.
• 📈 The acceptance rate at MIT is highly competitive, with only 6.74% of applicants admitted in the class of 2022, making it as selective as Ivy League institutions.
• 💻 MIT uses its own application system called 'My MIT' instead of common application platforms, requiring detailed biographical information, essays, activities, and academic evaluations.
• 🔍 MIT encourages interviews with the MIT Educational Council, which, while not required, are highly recommended to give applicants a chance to discuss their unique qualifications.
• 📝 Standardized test scores are a critical part of the application, with MIT considering the highest scores from SAT and ACT sections, as well as SAT Subject Tests in math and science.
• 📚 Strong high school coursework is expected, with MIT recommending specific subjects including calculus, foreign languages, and social sciences to prepare for the rigorous academic environment.
• 📉 The average GPA for incoming students is exceptionally high, suggesting that applicants should aim for top grades in a challenging curriculum.
• 📝 Essays play a crucial role in the application, allowing applicants to express their voice and highlight aspects of their experiences and interests that align with MIT's culture.
• 👩‍🏫 Teacher recommendations are important, with one required from a math or science teacher and the other from a humanities or social science teacher, emphasizing the importance of a well-rounded education.
• 🌐 Extracurricular activities should demonstrate deep academic inquiry and self-motivated initiative, aligning with MIT's culture of innovation and research.
• 🔗 Utilizing MIT's admissions resources and understanding their evaluation process can significantly aid applicants in strengthening their application.

Q & A

What is the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) known for ranking among?

MIT is known for ranking among the top five universities in the country and the world across various ranking systems.

What was MIT's ranking in the US News and World Report in 2019?

In 2019, MIT took the number three spot for national universities in the US News and World Report.

What is the acceptance rate for MIT's class of 2022?

The acceptance rate for MIT's class of 2022 was 6.74%.

What is the application system used by MIT?

MIT uses its own online application system called My MIT, instead of the Common Application or any other general application systems.

What are the standardized test requirements for applying to MIT?

Applicants to MIT need to submit scores on the SAT or ACT and two SAT Subject Tests, one of which must be math and the other physics, chemistry, or biology.

What is the mid-50% range for the verbal section of the SAT for accepted students at MIT?

The mid-50% range for the verbal section of the SAT for accepted students at MIT is 730 to 780.

What is the recommended high school course load for students interested in MIT?

MIT recommends having courses such as one year of high school physics, chemistry, biology, math through calculus, two years of foreign language, four years of English instruction, and two years of history and/or social sciences.

How many essays does MIT require for its application?

MIT requires five essays as part of its application process.

What are the unique requirements for teacher recommendations at MIT?

MIT requires one recommendation from a math or science teacher and another from a humanities, social sciences, or language teacher.

What is the role of extracurricular activities in the MIT application process?

Extracurricular activities showcase a student's personal skills and qualities, alignment with MIT's culture, and demonstrate self-motivated initiative and deep academic inquiry.

What are some tips for applicants to maximize their chances of acceptance at MIT?

Tips include using all available resources, not relying solely on early action for higher acceptance rates, and performing well in the alumni interview.