top of page

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): University Insights

About the University


Massachusetts Institute of Technology was founded on 10 April 1861, after an official charter was granted by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Its campus spans a 166-acre area along the north of Charles River. As the school’s name implies, the institution is renowned for its STEM offerings, including top-tier science and mathematics programs.


It is known for being at the forefront of scientific research and discovery. In 2021 alone, MIT’s most popular research stories included a promising new approach to cancer immunotherapy, the confirmation of a 50-year-old theorem, and a major fusion breakthrough.


Overview

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States

Type: Private Land-Grant Research University

Founded: 1861

Tuition: $79,850

fun facts

  1. MIT was founded on April 10, 1861, two days before the start of the Civil War.

  2. The Infinite Corridor lines up with the plane of the ecliptic twice a year, filling the 0.16-mile hallway with sunlight.

  3. The first human cancer gene discovery took place at MIT. Weinberg found the ras oncogene.

  4. A Pirate's License can be granted to MIT students who complete pistol, archery, fencing, and sailing classes. While the license existed for 20 years unofficially, it was made official in 2012.

  5. MIT Invented the first computer in Cambridge in 1928. You can view Whirlwind I at the MIT Museum.

  6. MIT has earned 203 Academic All-America citations, the most for any Division 3 program nationwide.


Academics

Graduation Rate: 95%

Retention Rate: 99%

Student-to-faculty ratio: 3:1


Admissions

Average SAT


1510-1570

Average ACT


34-36

College Board Code

3514

Average IELTS

7

Average TOEFL

90

Application Deadline

January


Application Requirements

High School GPA – Recommended

High School Rank – Considered but not required

College Prep Courses – Recommended

SAT/ACT Scores – Required

Recommendations – Recommended


rankings


Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is one of the top private universities in Cambridge, United States. It is ranked #1 in QS World University Rankings 2023 and #2 in National Universities by US News.


essay prompts breakdown


Prompt 1: We know you lead a busy life, full of activities, many of which are required of you. Tell us about something you do simply for the pleasure of it.


This prompt requires you to write about something you do outside of your obligations, just for pleasure. Try to write about things you haven't already written in your application elsewhere, and try to make it fun. The admissions want to know something about you that they can't already find on your application outside your academic and extracurricular responsibilities.


One way to approach this prompt is to construct an anecdote that illustrates your passions. Think of something that showcases something new about your personality and try to illustrate it through specific examples that can back your claim. You can share details about how you became interested in that activity, how it influences your connection to other aspects of your life, etc.


Prompt 2: Describe the world you come from (for example, your family, school, community, city, or town). How has that world shaped your dreams and aspirations?


This prompt is the most open-ended; therefore, the possibilities are pretty vast in terms of potential topics. The admission committee is asking this question to see how you have adapted to your environment and how it has shaped you as an individual.


One way to approach this prompt could be to start brainstorming about your dreams and aspirations; what do you hope to achieve in your lifetime? Next, you can reflect on your surroundings, upbringing, neighborhood, school, etc. How has your environment fueled your desire and aspirations?


While you're writing this essay, make sure you highlight what makes your place in this world unique. There is a chance that many other students also come from the same "world" as you. So, your goal here should be to show the reader how your place in it differs from others.


Prompt 3: MIT brings people with diverse backgrounds and experiences together to better the lives of others. Our students work to improve their communities in different ways, from tackling the world's biggest challenges to being a good friend. Describe one way you have collaborated with people who are different from you to contribute to your community.


Through this prompt, admissions want to see your selfless side by looking at the strategies you take to help the people around you. However, this prompt doesn't require you to have saved hundreds of lives or discovered a cure for some disease! As the prompt suggests, helping your community can be as simple as being a good friend.


To write your essay, think of a time when you positively impacted anyone. No matter the cause, make sure you highlight your generosity and willingness to make a difference in the community through this essay. Try to come up with contributions that involve collaborating with others or working with people different from you.


Prompt 4: Tell us about a significant challenge you've faced (that you feel comfortable sharing) or something that didn't go according to plan. How did you manage the situation?


Through this prompt, the admissions committee essentially wants to see how you tackle and solve problems. Brainstorm a list of challenges you have overcome and times when things didn't go according to plan. Whether it is a personal struggle or a challenge you faced at school, admission officers want to know how you handled it and what you learned from the experience.


To address this essay effectively, you should construct an anecdote that goes through a challenging situation while highlighting your thought process. Before crafting your essay, ask yourself, "What was so significant about this challenge?" Next, you can go into the details about the steps you took to tackle the situation and the process of it. Finally, ensure you're discussing the situation's outcome and discuss how you've matured from this experience. Do not get fixated on the challenge; instead, talk about your thought process, emotions, and growth.


Majors Available

A

Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering, General

Anthropology

Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology

Architecture

Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, General

B

C

D

E


F


G

H

L

M

N

O

P

R

S

T


Famous Alumni

  1. Raghuram Rajan: 23rd Governor of Reserve Bank of India

  2. Suhas Pandurang Sukhatme: Former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board of India

  3. Vaughn Beals: CEO of Harley-Davidson

  4. Alan Mulally: President and CEO of Ford Motor Company

  5. Aditya Birla: Industrialist

  6. Rajesh Mehta: Hybrid trumpeter, composer, educational technology consultant

  7. William R. Hewlett: Co-founder of HP

  8. Drew Houston: Co-founder and CEO of Dropbox

  9. George W. Santos: Pioneer in bone marrow transplantation

  10. Ann M. Valentine: Chemist, professor at Yale and Temple University


The headmaster student experience


"Getting admitted into MIT was a dream come true. It is every bit as amazing as you've heard, right from its campus to its culture. It is the best place for you to challenge yourself academically and explore opportunities. Being here at MIT is an experience of a lifetime."


Headmaster Student

Class of 2024

sources


"Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Profile, Rankings and Data | US ..." Web. 24 Nov. 2022.

"Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)." Top Universities. Web. 24 Nov. 2022.

"The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)." Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 24 Nov. 2022. Web. 24 Nov. 2022.

 

If you’re looking to apply to international universities or exploring overseas higher education options, The Headmaster

Consulting can help you narrow your selection and provide you with insights about universities. For more information about universities, you can check out our University Insights. If you’re unsure of your profile, book a free consulting session with one of our consultants to help you build a standout profile.

61 views0 comments

Комментарии


bottom of page