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Founded in 1861, MIT has achieved remarkable innovation and progress through academic and research excellence over the past 150+ years. MIT ranks 2nd among U.S. comprehensive universities and 1st in engineering. 

MIT’s major engineering programs, including Chemical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Computer Science, and Electrical Engineering, all rank first in the United States.

Notable MIT alumni include Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin, former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, and former Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke. Additionally, MIT has produced 73 Nobel laureates.


MIT Admissions
 

Admissions Information

   - Incoming Freshmen: Approximately 1,000

   - Total Undergraduates: Around 4,200

   - Acceptance Rate: 4-7%

   - Minimum English Proficiency for International Students: TOEFL 90+, IELTS 7.0+

   - Scholarship Support: 75% of students

   - Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 3:1

   - Asian Student Percentage: 41%


Standardized Tests

   - SAT: A score of 750+ in both Reading/Writing and Math sections, with a total score between 1510-1580

   - SAT Subject Tests: Scores of 750+ in Math and Science

   - ACT: A composite score of 34+
(※ Click here for more detailed admissions statistics.)

MIT does not officially release specific cutoff scores for standardized tests, but analysis of past applicants’ scores provides a rough guideline. The admissions committee at MIT considers various factors beyond test scores, including application essays, recommendation letters, school grades, extracurricular activities, and the applicant's personal background.

 

Characteristics of MIT Admits

Beyond test scores, here are some key qualities that successful MIT applicants possess.
 

1. Factual, Not Flowery, Essays

Every year, MIT provides students with specific essay prompts. Successful MIT applicants fill their essays with precise, compelling facts rather than unnecessary embellishments.
 

Admissions officers review thousands of essays annually, so generic quotes do not impress them. Instead, applicants should ensure that even quotes are relevant and genuinely connected to their experiences. A persuasive essay shows who you are rather than explaining how great you are. Admissions officers should be the ones to conclude your excellence.
 

Example:

"Last summer, I worked at an Asian clinic in Oakland, California. Throughout the summer, I realized the difficulties immigrants face in accessing healthcare services. This is because they cannot communicate their symptoms to doctors or fill out forms in English."
 

2. Honesty Over Perfection

The second notable feature of successful applicants is their authenticity in essays. They prefer genuine portrayals over creating an artificial, flawless persona.
 

For example, when answering the essay prompt, "Describe something you do simply for the pleasure of it (200-250 words)," many students might opt for standard answers like programming or robotics. However, successful applicants often use casual language to convey their true selves.
 

Example:

"I worked various shifts as a waitress at a nursing home, earning the nickname 'Smiley Judy' among the community. I took charge of the Sunday brunches, juggling tables and sharing small jokes with the residents, which became my ultimate source of joy."
 

3. Unique Creative Portfolios

Another standout feature is the submission of a unique research or project portfolio. While optional, MIT allows applicants to submit creative portfolios, which can be categorized into research, music and theater arts, visual arts and architecture, and maker portfolios.
 

Students with a strong background in the arts can submit music, theater, or visual arts portfolios. However, those focusing on engineering might find it challenging to submit a visual arts portfolio. In such cases, a research portfolio highlighting distinct experiences can be very effective.
 

For more details on submitting portfolios, visit MIT Creative Portfolios.
(※ Click here for more information: MIT Creative Portfolios)
 

If you are preparing for MIT, it is beneficial to document and explain your research experiences in detail. It is essential to describe not only the research content but also how you solved problems or derived results and the significance of these processes in your life. Including the tools or techniques used, collaborations with mentors or colleagues, and any other relevant aspects can also enhance your portfolio.

 

Why MIT Values Research Experience

MIT places high importance on research experience because it emphasizes practical, problem-solving academic pursuits. Many research projects at MIT begin with students' curiosity and persistence in solving small yet significant questions.

Approximately 85% of MIT undergraduates engage in professional research opportunities, a testament to their well-preparedness from high school. The research portfolio reflects the process of identifying and solving problems, essential qualities MIT seeks in its students.
(※ Click here for more information: Youtube video 'This is MIT')
 

In conclusion, successful MIT applicants demonstrate factual clarity in their essays, authenticity over perfection, and significant research or project experience, often showcased through a creative portfolio. If you aspire to join MIT, focusing on these characteristics can enhance your application.