Established in 1861, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), located in Cambridge, is one of the most prestigious universities that plays a significant role in the advancement of modern technology. With an acceptance rate of 6.7%, MIT undergraduate admissions are highly competitive, making it a dream place for many international students, especially those from India.
If you're wondering about the Massachusetts Institute of Technology admissions process and how to get into MIT as an international student, you've come to the right place.
To begin with, the mission or goal of MIT is to develop students in the field of science and technology through education, research and innovation, which will help in the advancement of the country and the entire world.
What Does the University Look for in an International Undergraduate Student?
Getting into MIT takes months of preparation. Apart from your MIT exam scores, you must have the personality and mindset that the institution seeks in its applicants.
- To meet MIT requirements for international students, all applicants must study four years of English, Mathematics, two or more years of history, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
- The university is looking for undergraduate candidates who are not only brilliant but also think uniquely. So, stop following everyone else and start to forge your own!
- MIT seeks high achievers. You should have a solid strategy and be focused on scoring well on the SAT/ACT . Also, contribute positively to your community to convince the university that you wish to change the world with your education, especially in STEM fields.
- As an MIT aspirant, you should be genuinely enthusiastic about learning and innovating. You must look for different projects and seize the opportunities coming your way.
- Innovation is risky, so no one likes to get their hand dirty. But as an MIT prospective student, you must try new things and learn to accept failure. At MIT, they believe that failure is part of life, and you must learn from it and stay focused on your goal.
If you have any of these qualities in you, you are one step closer to getting admission to MIT.
How Will You Get into MIT?
Admission Requirements
Except for language requirements, the MIT admission process is the same for all students, including international students. Unlike the usual application form, MIT has formed its own admission requirements. Here's what our study abroad consultants need you to know:
- You need to submit your SAT/ACT scores, which serve as the entrance exam for MIT USA. Additionally, IELTS/TOEFL scores or other English proficiency exams are part of the MIT eligibility criteria. The MIT IELTS requirement and MIT TOEFL requirement ensure that international students have adequate language skills. (Note: This criterion was eliminated for students enrolling during the 2020-2021 application period due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although MIT has extended test-optional policy for 2022 admission cycles, it is generally recommended to plan, prepare, take, and score high in standardized tests, especially since academic achievement is very high in India.)
- You must submit one personal essay, five supplemental essays, high school academic transcripts and two letters of recommendation as a requirement in your application.
- Having a deeper and meaningful contribution to extracurricular activities is a definitive must to show your uniqueness and leadership skills. Either has unique contribution in common activities or get involved in uncommon activities. Remember the rule: PC – LC (Passion; Commitment – Leadership; Codification).
- An application fee is required when submitting your application. However, fee waivers are available for eligible students.
The regular admission deadline is January 1, and applicants get notified in mid-March. But you also have an option to apply early action. In that case, the deadline is November 1, and applicants get notified in mid-December. Pay close attention to the application timeline and deadlines.
How Much GPA Score Do You Need?
The average GPA for MIT is 4.17, making the university extremely competitive to get in. You need to be at the top of your class in school and take up AP or IB courses to compete with other applicants. If your GPA score is below the average requirements, you need to improve your SAT score, take relevant and requisite rigorous courses like AP and score well in those.
How Much SAT Score Do You Need?
The SAT requirements are an average SAT score of 1535. About 75% of candidates score more than 1535 on a 1600 SAT scale. Therefore, you need to have high SAT scores to be in a good position. MIT has the Highest Section Score Choice policy, also known as super scoring, which allows you to select which SAT score to send to the institution. Out of all of your scores to date, the reviewer will consider the one with the highest score. So, if your last SAT score super score is less than 1570, we suggest you prepare for the next SAT. With a higher score, your chances of admission increase substantially. Aim for competitive scores in the top score percentiles.
How Much ACT Score Do You Need?
The average ACT score at MIT is 35. About 75% selected applicants to score more than 34, so if you score lower than that, we suggest you work hard and retake the exam. Luckily, MIT offers an ACT super score policy, which allows you to take the entrance exam as many times as you want, and the reviewer will consider the highest score you have achieved.
MIT Application Essays
Apart from having high scores, you need to submit five short essays (100 to 250 words) as a requirement by the university to help them get to know you. In the essays, you need to be authentic and write about different aspects of your life. Your essays are the best way to show off your abilities. Therefore, we advise you to take your time and write your essays and try to be quirky and distinctive since the institution seeks applicants who are intriguing as individuals.
Here are the short answer essay prompts for 2021-22:
- Summarise your background: your family, clubs, school, community, city, or town. How has that world influenced your dreams? (Between 200 and 250 words)
- Choose the field of study that interests you at MIT and why. (100 words)
- In your busy life, full of activities, write about some activities you like to do. (200-250 words)
- At MIT, students work together to improve their communities in different ways. Describe one way you have contributed to your community via your family, classroom, or your neighbourhood. (200–250 words)
- Tell us about the most significant challenge you've faced or something important that didn't go according to plan. How did you manage the situation? (200-250 words)
Activities
Lastly, Part 2 of your MIT application includes an activities list and self-reported coursework (the coursework form is only for students in the U.S.) form that you need to fill up regardless of whether you are an early action or a regular action applicant.
Final Words
For international students looking to study abroad, MIT is the ideal option. First, it's one of the only five colleges in the US that is need-blind for all their undergraduate students, domestic and international. 6 out of every 10 students receive MIT need based financial aid.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology entrance exam, which includes standardized tests like the SAT or ACT, is a crucial component of the MIT admission process. For graduate admission, including MBA admission at the prestigious MIT Sloan Business School, tests like the GRE or GMAT may be required, depending on the program.
To get a detailed insight into what do Ivy League colleges look for in applicants, connect with the best international education consultants at UniVisory today! They can guide you through the entire MIT USA admission process, from understanding the entry requirements to meeting application deadlines and navigating visa requirements for MIT international students.
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