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Massachusetts Institute of Technology, also known as MIT, is considered one of the premiere learning institutions for math, science, and technology in the world. An MIT education will prepare you to take on some of the most challenging jobs in science, math, and engineering. Admission to MIT is highly competitive, with only a small percentage of applicants admitted annually. This page will help you learn about how to get into MIT.
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Introduction
- The Princeton Review has listed MIT as the hardest school to get into in the country, based on its survey of college students. Competition for the 1,000 spots in MIT's freshman class is tough. MIT's admissions office maintains that the best preparation for MIT involves making sure you're ready for the work you'll encounter at the school, while taking the time to explore the things that interest you.
Step 1: Prepare in High School
- MIT requires a strong academic foundation, with a demonstrated record of success in challenging courses.
- The following curriculum is recommended:
- One year of high school physics
- One year of high school chemistry
- One year of high school biology
- Math, through calculus
- Two years of a foreign language
- Four years of English
- Two years of history and/or social sciences
- If your high school does not have an Advanced Placement program, you may want to take courses at a local college, to show that you can handle college level work.
- Utilize the resources that MIT provides online to prepare for the Advanced Placement exams.
Step 2: Beyond the Classroom
- Successful academic experiences outside the classroom will strengthen your application.
- Consider assisting a community college professor with research.
- Participate in a program such as FIRST, Destination Imagination, or Odyssey of the Mind.
- Get a taste of MIT by taking a course through their High School Studies Program or attend one of the Residential Summer Programs.
Step 3: Differentiate Yourself
- MIT is not just looking for math and science students who never leave the classroom. Their accepted students pool will include musicians, athletes, poets, journalists, and actors as well. Select a few extracurriculars tat you are passionate about, and excel in them. Depth is more important than breadth, as it shows you're ability to commit to something you are interested. Take the opportunity to develop leadership skills, by starting a club, participating in student government, or captaining a sports team.
Conclusion
- If you are hoping to attend school at MIT, plan to take an aggressive course of study in high school, focusing on high level math and science. Expand your academic pursuits beyond the classroom, and pursue extracurricular activities that will allow you to demonstrate you unique skills and talents.
Step 4: Interview with a MIT Educational Counselors
MIT alumniwho have volunteered as educational counselors (or ECs) participate in the admissions process as by interviewing prospective students. Although these interviews are not required, they are "strongly encouraged."http://www.mitadmissions.org/topics/apply/interviews_educational_counselors_ecs/index.shtml 15% of those who have an interview are admitted, compared to 5% of those students who choose not to interview. The interviewer prepares a report that is able to add details about you that don't come out on paper, helping the admissions committee get a better sense of who you are as person, and whether you would be a good fit for MIT.