The match between you and MIT
Ask any admissions officer at MIT, and they will tell you that while grades and scores are important in understanding your academic preparedness for MIT, it’s really the match between applicant and the Institute that drives our selection process.
Here are the key components:
Alignment with MIT’s mission
MIT’s mission is to use science, technology, and other areas of scholarship to make the world better. Our community values excellence, openness, and fearless curiosity. Remember that there are many ways to make an impact—we’re not looking for applicants to have cured all infectious diseases in the world by the time they’re 15. Tutoring a single kid in math changes the world. Advocating for change when something doesn’t seem fair changes the world. There are thousands of examples. And no matter what you study at MIT, from economics to engineering, all undergraduate students will take foundational classes in math and science.
Collaborative and cooperative spirit
The core of the MIT community is collaboration and cooperation; you can see it all over the Institute. Many of the problem sets (our affectionate term for homework) at MIT are designed to be worked on in groups, and cross-department labs are very common. MIT is known for its interdisciplinary research—passionate people working across their differences to tackle big questions and challenges together. If you enjoy working alone all the time, that’s completely valid, but you might not be particularly happy at MIT.
Initiative
Opportunities are abundant at MIT—from research projects to makerspaces, and seed money to interesting lectures—and it’s up to each student to choose a path that will be the most academically and personally fulfilling to them. If you’re comfortable taking initiative to pursue exciting opportunities around you, take challenging coursework, or contribute to your family or community, you’ll be ready to take advantage of MIT’s unparalleled resources.
Risk-taking
The most creative and successful people—and MIT is loaded with them—know that risk-taking can lead to failure as often as it can lead to success. MIT students take all kinds of thoughtful risks, whether that’s registering for a challenging lab class, starting a company, or joining a club they’ve never tried before. Even when they fail, there are structural supports to catch them, and they learn resilience. We want to admit applicants who are not only planning to succeed but who are also not afraid to fail—and who know how to build a support system to keep them afloat during tough times.
Hands-on creativity
MIT is an active, hands-on place. Innovation is risky and messy! Getting your metaphorical or literal hands dirty and trying something new is often the best way to achieve success. Students apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems here; MIT’s Latin motto means “Mind and Hand.” In other words, you shouldn’t just enjoy thinking about problems, you should be excited about doing something to help solve them.
Intensity, curiosity, and excitement
MIT students are intensely interested in their classes, clubs, and communities. Collectively, their dedication sustains traditions like the MIT Mystery Hunt and wins National Championships; individually, each student learns to make time for the things they care about. We don’t expect applicants to do a million things. Choose quality over quantity. Some applicants may still be exploring their interests and that’s okay! Put your heart into a few things that you truly care about right now (we’re not particularly picky as to what) and share your enthusiasm with us.
The ability to prioritize balance
Despite what you may have heard, MIT is NOT all about work. MIT students find fulfillment, energy, and rest in many different activities outside of their academic pursuits. Finding a balance between work and play is incredibly important at MIT and in life, both to be successful and live well. You might find joy through activities like athletics, the arts, community leadership, personal projects, or caring for others in your family. Our application’s essay question, “Tell us about something you do simply for the pleasure of it.” is not a trick question. Answer it honestly!
The character of the MIT community
Our community is comprised of thoughtful people from a wide variety of backgrounds and worldviews who take care of each other and lift each other up; they inspire each other to work and dream beyond their potential. Students regularly work alongside faculty and staff to shape MIT policies and further our mission to make the world a better place. Applicants who are a good fit for MIT are trailblazers—they challenge themselves and, in the most meaningful cases, forge a new path not only for themselves but for others around them. We’re looking to admit people who feel responsible to the communities they’re a part of and will help sustain the heart of MIT’s.
