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MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) is a world-renowned university known for its outstanding education and research in science and technology. MIT is famous for its passionate and creative academic environment, which can significantly shape your future. However, this path is not easy. It requires excellent academic performance, strong leadership, and creative aspirations. Thus, gaining admission to MIT is a dream for many students. Throughout this journey, we will introduce the preparation process and tips for getting into MIT.

The Journey to MIT
 

Step 1. About MIT
MIT, founded in 1861, is a private university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It competes in NCAA Division III athletics and its teams are known as the Engineers. MIT boasts an impressive list of alumni and faculty, including 96 Nobel laureates, 8 Fields medalists, and 26 Turing Award winners. Companies founded by MIT alumni generate an annual revenue of over $1.9 trillion as of 2014. The institute's motto, "Mens et Manus" (Mind and Hand), reflects its emphasis on the practical application of knowledge.

In the 2024 rankings, MIT holds impressive positions:

   - QS World University Rankings: MIT is ranked #1 globally.

   - US News & World Report Best US Colleges: MIT is ranked #2 in the United States.

   - Times Higher Education World University Rankings: MIT is ranked #3 worldwide.

MIT's undergraduate programs also receive high rankings in specific fields according to US News 2024:

   - 1st Place (Tied): Aerospace/Aeronautical/Astronautical, Bioinformatics/Biotechnology, and Business Analytics.

   - 2nd Place (Tied): Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics/Science, and Mobile/Web Applications.

Step 2. Admission Requirements

* MIT's Acceptance Rate
   - Regular Admission Acceptance Rate (2024): 7.14%
   - Average Acceptance Rate (Source: College Board): 4%

1. Standardized Test Scores

   - SAT: 1520-1570

   - ACT: 35-36
 

2. English Language Proficiency

   - TOEFL IBT: Minimum 90 (ideal: 100)

   - TOEFL Paper-based: Minimum 577 (ideal: 600)

   - IELTS: Minimum 7 (ideal: 7.5)
 

3. High GPA

   - Average GPA for MIT admissions is 4.0, indicating mostly A grades.
   - IB students should aim for at least 42 points, with 7s in most subjects.
 

4. Course Selection

   - High GPA alone is not enough.
   - You must take the highest level of math and science courses offered at your school, including honors or AP classes.
 

5. Extracurricular Activities and Leadership

   - Participate in activities such as community service, sports, music, theater, or other passions.
   - Stand out with STEM or computer science projects, internships, or research experiences.
 

6. Essays

​   - MIT uses its own application system MyMIT instead of the Common Application.
   - Write strong MyMIT essays and additional supplemental essays.
 

7. Recommendations

​   - Submit two teacher recommendations and one counselor recommendation.
   - These provide insights into your strengths, character, and achievements.

 

Step 3. Becoming an MIT Student


※ Click here to watch a video.
 

1. Project Culture
MIT promotes creativity through various projects. Students gain practical experience outside the classroom.
 

2. Harvard-MIT University Connection
Proximity to Harvard allows MIT students to interact and collaborate with Harvard students through various programs and events.
 

3. Research Opportunities
Undergraduate students at MIT have the chance to engage in high-level research alongside master's and Ph.D. students.
 

4. Hitchhiking Robot Competition
An annual event where students interested in robotics and AI program robots to hitchhike from other robots.
 

5. Fusion of Engineering and Art
MIT offers programs that integrate engineering and art, encouraging students to tackle problems from diverse perspectives.
 

6. HackMIT
A large hackathon hosted by MIT, where students develop creative and innovative projects in 24 hours, gaining hands-on experience with industry tools and technologies.