If you are applying to MIT this year, here's an update on what you might want to be thinking about:
- If you haven't yet done so, set up a MyMIT application portal account.
- Schedule your interview now. The deadline (December 10) to schedule your interview is fast approaching! You can find the contact information for your interviewer (Educational Counselor) on the MyMIT website. [If your interview has been waived, don't worry about it, we understand that we can't be everywhere!]
Even if you are applying elsewhere via an early decision or single choice early action program, you should still schedule your interview now, since the interview scheduling deadline falls before most schools notify. Having an interview with MIT does not violate early agreements.
- If you qualify for a fee waiver, please request one. Requesting a fee waiver does not negatively impact your application. And if you qualify for a fee waiver, your family needs the $65 more than we do.
- If you are interested in our music community or our arts community, consider sending in some of your work. If you are interested in playing on a varsity sports team at MIT, please contact the appropriate coach or fill out the form. And if you're interested in ROTC, please contact the appropriate branch (Army Navy Air Force).
- Be sure your standardized test scores have been sent to MIT. Our College Board Code (for SAT and TOEFL) is 3514 and our ACT Code is 1858.
And if you haven't yet completed your standardized testing (especially SAT Subject Tests), now is a great time to register for the January administration of the tests, which is the last acceptable testing date for MIT. Be sure to designate MIT (3514) as a recipient of the scores.
- If you haven't yet given your teachers their MIT recommendation forms, what are you waiting for? Teachers get very busy this time of year, respect their time!
- Try to get your application components to us in advance of the January 1 deadline, if you can. It will save you and us some angst in the long run. [For example, submitting your Part 1 now isn't a bad idea...]
- As the year draws to a close, start talking with your parents about financial aid applications. For more information about this, check out the Financial Aid website and also Daniel's blog.
I hope you're having a great senior year so far!
Comments (Closed after 30 days to reduce spam)
Is there a checklist for transfers internationals? And how much transfer internationals usually get admitted?
Posted by: Vytautas on December 1, 2008
Matt do you know when admissions will allow emails?
Posted by: stacy on December 1, 2008
Posted by: 0 on December 1, 2008
Things to do on a visit: Fall in love with the Boston skyline.
a-la- http://flickr.com/photos/cjtenny/3067595072/
Posted by: Cam on December 1, 2008
I know you're probably busy, but like the anonymous poster a couple comments above, do you have any updates regarding Early Action applicants? Thanks!
Sam
Posted by: Sam on December 1, 2008
Posted by: Claire on December 1, 2008
Posted by: Amber on December 1, 2008
Posted by: Molly H. on December 1, 2008
I have a question about essay A. I'm really not sure what you guys expect of the applicants. I mean, I'm only 17 years old and haven't really encountered any personal tragedy. This isn't really my 'fault.' It's a little frustrating; What kinds of things do kids talk about when they choose that essay?
Thank you!
Posted by: Hey. on December 1, 2008
I am having alot of problems with the short answers questions its like I just dont know where to start from with the whole what do you do on your spare time or what programs appeals the most to you.What should I do about that?
Thanks alot
Posted by: Du on December 1, 2008
Posted by: anon on December 1, 2008
I chose Essay A for my Early Action application, and I did not speak about a tragedy. It's possible to feel like something is the end of the world without it being a traumatic experience. In many high-schoolers' lives there have been moments of frustration, disappointment, embarrassment, or inaction that eventually led to a different outlook on life.
Hope that helps.
Posted by: Claire on December 1, 2008
Thanks.
Posted by: XYZ on December 1, 2008
log into http://decisions.mit.edu with your MyMIT username and password.
the site isn't up yet, but it will be for decision day.
Posted by: 0 on December 1, 2008
Posted by: Colton on December 1, 2008
@stacy: Hopefully tomorrow... I'll check on it when I get to the office.
@Anonymous, Sam, Claire, Molly H, XYZ: I'm sorry, but I don't have any more information now beyond what I've previously posted. When I have news, I promise I'll post.
@Amber: You can reach us at admissions at mit dot edu.
@Hey: No worries; there are two essay options. It sounds like we might learn more about you from the other option. (Claire's advice above is pretty good, too)
@Du: I don't know what to tell you. We honestly want to know about what you do for fun and what you're interested in at MIT. For the first, your friends or family may be able to help you; for the latter, I hope there's something about MIT that excites you!
@anon: If you are an EA applicant, you should get those to us ASAP. If you are an RA applicant, you can give it a little more time.
@All: After commenting under "madmatt" (my MIT Kerberos ID) for many years, starting with this post I'll be commenting as Matt '00. Just so you know.
Posted by: Matt '00 on December 1, 2008
What? Decisions
When? (almost?) Always on a weekend, middle of December-ish. That means you're probably looking at either 12/13 or 12/20. As for exact time of day, usually noon eastern time, but they tend to be posted about 13 minutes early so probably around 11:47 AM eastern time.
Where? http://decisions.mit.edu. That site won't be active until later in December though.
Why? Duh.
I'd tell you guys to relax and forget about your decisions for a while because it'll make time go slower, but I know for me that would have been impossible, so don't worry about it. Freak out as much as you want, but don't hurt yourselves!
Posted by: Snively on December 1, 2008
Oh great, now you tell me!
Posted by: Colton on December 1, 2008
Sam
Posted by: Sam on December 1, 2008
anyone?
i bet for the 13th
Posted by: anon on December 1, 2008
ρ
Posted by: LHCollider on December 1, 2008
Posted by: lilyrobin on December 1, 2008
i'd bet the 20th. there are a lot of applicants, and i don't know about anyone else, but some pieces of my application haven't been processed yet (although they have been resent).
Posted by: 0 on December 1, 2008
I have to agree with Anonymous. In 2006, when decisions were released on December 9 (lucky ducks!), Ben was writing about the admissions decisions being on the 9th on November 22. He wasn't even announcing it, so someone else (probably Matt) announced it even before then. The fact that it's already December and we don't even know when the decisions will be released suggests to me that it will be December 20 at the earliest. I'm thinking that due to the huge number of applications, though, it might be even later. Matt did say that it could be any day in December... for all we know, they could release decisions on the 31st and be completely within their rights to do so.
Posted by: Lexy on December 1, 2008
Posted by: fellow_anon on December 1, 2008
Stay strong, my people!
Posted by: Claire on December 1, 2008
Posted by: centimeters on December 1, 2008
11:47. got it.
Posted by: 0 on December 1, 2008
Posted by: Brandon on December 1, 2008
Posted by: rachel on December 1, 2008
Posted by: rachel on December 1, 2008
Posted by: Tiffany on December 1, 2008
Posted by: 0 on December 1, 2008
Good luck EA and RA applicants!
Posted by: Seamus '12 on December 2, 2008
I am a regular applicant and I sent all my school forms by mail about two weeks ago. How long does it take for it to appear on my MyMIT online application tracking?
Posted by: aMIT on December 2, 2008
You've given us the best, rational advice in the history of MIT. That's why you are awesome. Just saying...
Posted by: 0 on December 2, 2008
Posted by: Alayibo on December 2, 2008
need to knwo soem basic details which have been quite confusing n all
Want to know whether i am supoosed to send the evaluation form by post or email it you guys or fax it-what is the accepted step.
also about the secondory school report.Is it to be sent by teh school to you guys or can i put in with teh evaluation forms n all n than send it to u guys
well thanks in adavance, guide me through n hopefully someday might just thank you personnaly there-Kepping my fingers crossed
Posted by: Ruhban on December 2, 2008
Posted by: Ruhban on December 2, 2008
Posted by: Ruhban on December 2, 2008
Posted by: Molly H. on December 2, 2008
I am from Egypt and am applying this year. I was wondering whether you recommend that I take the TOEFL if I got a 600 in CR and a 640 in W. I did way better on my SAT II's than on my SAT I's, do you think I should take the option of applying with two SAT II's and the TOEFL only? Thanks for your help in advanced
AK
Posted by: Abdel-karim Moharram on December 2, 2008
Haha. Here's to hoping. Thanks anyway, Matt. Love your blog.
Posted by: Love These Blogs on December 2, 2008
yeah, now that I think about it, I have exams the 15th through the 20th, so maybe it would be better if the decisions were on the 20th. I bet they will be, because if they haven't told us yet, they probably have so many more applications that they can't even determine when they will finish reading.
good luck!!!
Posted by: Laura on December 2, 2008
Posted by: The Best Mom in the World on December 2, 2008
@Snively: Best Advice I have heard ever!
Also starting december 13th at 11:47 I'll be checking decisions.mit.edu at least 10 times a day.
Posted by: 0 on December 2, 2008
I've read some of the entries on interviews and I'm still kind of confused about what to bring. I know that some interviews for other colleges can be really formal, and people should bring resumes and stuff. But I always thought MIT interviews would be more much more laidback (and amazing.) So do most people bring supplementary materials to their interview? Is it recommended? I can understand why it would be a good idea, but I don't want to talk about "the me on paper."
Advice is much appreciated.
Posted by: Emily on December 2, 2008
I didn't bring anything to my interview, and I thought it went well enough. My EC didn't ask me for anything and didn't ask about anything that I could have brought on paper... so I guess unless you have something you want MIT to see but you don't want to make the admissions officers read (family photos? artwork of yours?) it could be a good idea, but it definitely isn't expected or required.
Good luck!
Posted by: Lexy on December 2, 2008
Posted by: The earlier the better on December 2, 2008
I didn't bring anything special to my interview either - I never even thought to - and it seemed to go fine. Colton (see up about 30 posts) apparently had to print out a half completed application while there, but my EC didn't seem to expect me to have anything other than myself. My EC was a financial executive so I feel my interview was on the formal side, even. So I wouldn't stress about it - just be relaxed and natural.
Posted by: Chris on December 2, 2008
Posted by: Kat on December 2, 2008
ECs are amazing and very interesting to talk to. Most ECs won't ask you to get anything to the interview, but may ask for info beforehand, like my EC did. And that's because they just want to get a brief idea of what kind of a person you are , your interests and so on.
@Kat,
No can mess up an interview; its not a test! At worst, you might have spilled your drink on the EC's clothes or mispronounced their name, or slipped in their office, or something like that. Don't worry, they're not assuming, judgmental people at all!
Hope that helps!
Posted by: Ahana on December 3, 2008
In retrospect, I thought the hype of waiting for the decisions made actually getting the decision anticlimactic.
Just throwing that out there
Posted by: Oasis '11 on December 3, 2008
@Emily: I didn't have a resume in high school, but I did throw together a list of activities I participated in and leadership positions I held to bring to my MIT interview. (One page, double-sided.) This was helpful for my EC to get a quick overview of some of the various things I was interested and involved in, but it became irrelevant after we'd been talking for a while and he got to know me better.
Helpful tip - come with a question or two about MIT, such as something about the academics or the culture. ECs generally reserve time at the end of the interview precisely for this sort of thing. "What dorm did you live in?" and "What sort of activities did you do?" are two great starter questions if you're not sure what else to talk about.
@Matt '00: Long live madmatt!
Posted by: Paul on December 3, 2008
lol-gues iw ill answer my questions myself.might just be useful for someone else.do correct me if i go wrong somewhere
1)courier the evaluation forms, secondory report and financila aid form if u have to--togetehr to teh admission office
2)interviws cannot be held toward steh ed of janauary atmost in the first week of jan.
that would be it na
thanks
Posted by: Ruhban on December 3, 2008
I am an international student. I contacted my EC a few days ago (after I submitted Part 1 of the application). He has replied to me saying that he can schedule an interview only after I submit Part 2 of my application. Is that OK as I have contacted him before the December 10 deadline though we have not actually scheduled an interview as yet (part 2 of my application will not be ready for submission before December 10).
Posted by: Abhi on December 3, 2008
you should be able to schedule the interview before submitting part 2. i know i didn't submit my part 2 until after my interview...
Posted by: possible MIT '13 on December 3, 2008
So do most people bring supplementary materials to their interview? Is it recommended? I can understand why it would be a good idea, but I don't want to talk about "the me on paper."
Some advice from an EC: We're not here to talk to you about "the me on paper." The admissions committee already sees that. What we're looking for is something in your personality and/or background that will distinguish you from the other applicants, preferably in a good way. There is absolutely no need to bring supplemental materials to the interview.
@Abhi:
From your name it sounds like you might be from India. The admissions people have told us ECs that they are being stricter about applicants from India (as well as China) scheduling interviews, due to the large numbers of applicants from those two countries. The official word is that applicants from India and China need to have submitted part 1 before scheduling the interview. If you are from anywhere else, it is recommended but not strictly required that you submit part 1 before you schedule the interview (some ECs may insist on it, but I usually don't). Submitting part 2 is absolutely not required; your EC is misinformed if he tells you otherwise. You might also want to get in touch with the EC office at MIT (via the address Paul gave above) if your assigned EC is stubborn about part 2.
Posted by: Eric '89 on December 3, 2008
Posted by: Andrew on December 3, 2008
I heard my uncle Vic told you about me. I'm the nephew from Ottawa heh. Just a quick question: My guidance counsellor said she sent in my midterm reports awhile back. How long do they usually take to get into the system? Cuz I have everything else checked in. Also do you have an email address I can contact you with?
Posted by: Phil Park on December 3, 2008
Posted by: Tree on December 4, 2008
1. My school fedexed my documents two weeks ago, but they have not been checked on my application status page. How long does it normally take to acknowledge receipt of documents?
2. I am self-studying for some advanced physics/mathematics courses. May I report them in the self-reported courses section?
Thanks!
Posted by: muhammad on December 4, 2008
How can you know if MIT has processed any supplementary information? I had a non-mandatory rec letter sent about 2 weeks ago...and I just wanted to make sure it was received.
Posted by: Brandon Dillow on December 4, 2008
For instance, I sent in 2 from math and science, one from orchestra. Am I auto DQ'ed ??? hahahhaa that would be wonderful
Posted by: Łĭvĕŗpőőł on December 4, 2008
yes I realize that...but...I blanked when the EC asked why I want to go to MIT 0_0 how can that not be bad? I planned what I was going to say but I just completely forgot it the moment he asked
Posted by: kat on December 5, 2008
Haha, don't worry...I guess he might have understood that you were nervous. If it makes you feel any better, read my blog about my interview. I thought it was a disaster until everyone told me it was not. Doesn't make sense, eh?
Posted by: Ahana on December 5, 2008
Posted by: saad(bahawlpur pakistan) on December 5, 2008
Posted by: saad(bahawlpur pakistan) on December 5, 2008
--Amy
Posted by: Amy on December 5, 2008
Thanks!!!
Posted by: worriedEAapplicant on December 5, 2008
thanks for clarifying that
Posted by: Abhi on December 5, 2008
Last year they announced the decision date on the 10th, so I wouldn't get took worked up until then.
Don't despair! There are thousands of people feeling very similar things as you. Decisions will come soon.
Posted by: 0 on December 5, 2008
Posted by: worried college applicant on December 5, 2008
Posted by: Ruhban on December 5, 2008
Posted by: Mikey on December 5, 2008
got my toefl tommorow--maybe thats y
wish me luck guys
n a party is due to u oin my arrival there-lol
Posted by: Ruhban on December 5, 2008
In addition to my online MIT application, I also want to send my RESUME via DHL. Does the admissions office allow students to send their RESUMES?
I will appreciate your quick reply!!!
Thanks.
Posted by: Tae on December 5, 2008
I was wondering:
I haven't scheduled my interview yet... :S do you just have to schedule your interview before then, or do you have to also have it conducted by then?
Posted by: Tara on December 5, 2008
MIT will look at your resume if you send one. it's just not required
Posted by: deng on December 5, 2008
I had a quick question. I submitted my application and requested a fee waiver. However, I am unable to get this waiver from my school since my Free/Reduced lunch privileges expired. Should I just mail $65 to the admissions office for the application fee or is there some way I can turn the fee in online?
Posted by: Arnav on December 5, 2008
Thanks for the info. I am a student from India. Is it absolutel necessary to get 800 in all the tests to get into MIT ? A question regarding the teacher evaluations forms: Can they be written by teachers who taught me in Grade 9 or 10, or does it have to be only Grade 11 and 12? Does MIT have any preference?
Posted by: akhila on December 6, 2008
really sorry for the naming mistake. I was trying to send a question to chris' question and answer blog. But the question was not posted. So, I thought I'll post it to you and directly copied the matter along with the name from yhay blog. Sorry.
Posted by: akhila on December 6, 2008
Posted by: BHO on December 6, 2008
Posted by: Lexy on December 6, 2008
My school does not give GPA as promotion is based upon externally administered examinations like o- level and AS level?So should my guidance conselor leave the GPA thing blank?
please reply soon!
thanks
Posted by: saad(bahawlpur pakistan) on December 6, 2008
Hey, I know this one!
You cannot rewrite your application for RA, but you CAN send in new supplemental materials like an updated resume, etc. They will be placed in your file for review during the regular admissions process along with your app.
Posted by: Narce on December 6, 2008
you can pay with a credit card online when you submit the first part of your application electronically.
Posted by: deng on December 6, 2008
I sent an e-mail to admissions[at]mit[dot]edu about my questions but reply mail wasn't enough for me.
I am attending a high school as Guest student for two years and I will graduate in June 2009. I have question about secondary school report and teacher recommendation forms.
# Secondary school report and evaluation forms must be completed by principal/teachers of first school or that can be completed by principal/teachers of other school which I am attending as guest student ?
Posted by: Ugur on December 6, 2008
Posted by: 0 on December 6, 2008
Posted by: 0 on December 6, 2008
@tara : Just schedule it for then, i.e. 10th dec. An in case you can even schedule it after. It's usually flexible. The EC's have got a date of 7th jan or so to submit their responses. So just get your interview done before it. all the best..
@akhila : MIT tries to make a combination of your scores, activities, interests, ambitions, academics; in fact everything and then considers yours admission. 800's will surely set you a little apart but students even without these have been accepted at MIT. This might be useful : http://www.mitadmissions.org/topics/apply/admissions_statistics/index.shtml
Posted by: Dhvanit on December 7, 2008
please.
Posted by: don't want to study for midterms...NEED mit decisi on December 7, 2008
I am from India and I graduated from my 12th in June 2008 and have already joined a college,but I wish to restart at MIT as a freshman by giving TOEFL and 2 SAT2s in Jan2009.Is it alright.
Reply soon!
Posted by: ak on December 8, 2008
I am from India.I recently came to know that I've to go to Japan in a cultural exchange programme in few days.However my teacher evaluation forms and school reports are not yet done with.Since I'll return after 10days,I don't think my forms will reach MIT in time.Is there any faster way to send the forms.Can I fax it(or scan and mail) and then send the original by mail??? Please help.
Posted by: Abhilash on December 8, 2008
i know you are busy, but i have a little question: it is ok if i send in a CD that contains the wesite i designed, since it is not online anymore? or i can email to you?
Thank you very much!!!!
Posted by: victoria on December 8, 2008
1.i am applying from Iran and as you may know Iran has not any financial cooperation between the us so i can't pay my admission fee, please can it be waived.(don't say that principal letter or form because they won't do it)
2. because of the same reason above i can't report you my toefl score through ets. and i have already sent my docs through dhl, and i can not afford another one. may i e-mail my scanned toefl report.
Posted by: sepideh on December 8, 2008
I've contacted my EC and have already received a response from him. But the interview hasn't yet been set up. And apparently, he hasn't answered the recent mail I've sent him. So what to do about it? What if it gets too late to set up the interview? The deadline, I guess is 10. Dec. But with the Eid-ul-Adha coming up, is there any other way for the interview timings to be set before the given deadline? Please, I want to have the interview done with.
Posted by: faizaafatima on December 8, 2008
hi. i m an Indian aspiring for MIT presently im in 11th and ill try next year.I have a very good academic performance and have a lot of co-curriculars. i have participted in Model United Nations, Quizzes , workshops, eco-tour, member of the editorial board of english and hindi magazines. i have got a creditable performance in an ASSET test, secured good ranks in many olympiads and got best handwriting and essay writing awards ..so what are the other things thta i need to focus so that i get admision in MIT.Please help me out
Posted by: Sarthak on December 8, 2008
Posted by: Connie on December 8, 2008
@Connie : Yeah, I share the same thoughts! Great app, transparent process!
Posted by: Suril on December 8, 2008
Posted by: 0 on December 8, 2008
Posted by: 0 on December 8, 2008
Also,I completed my 12th grade in 2008(June) and have joined a college but I really wish to restart at MIT as a freshman in 2009(fall).Is it alright if I apply as a freshman?
Posted by: AK on December 8, 2008
Posted by: Suril on December 9, 2008
Yes you can do that..
Posted by: Dhvanit on December 9, 2008
Posted by: Suril on December 9, 2008
http://www.DidIGetIntoMIT.com/
Posted by: Brandon on December 9, 2008
Question:
How does a man sitting in a deluxe car, which is parked in the middle of the desert, have a much needed bath ?
Answer:
He integrates - : ‚à´ d (lux) = lux + c . Now he can use the soap ‘lux’ and get water from the sea (c ) for his bath.
Lux – A brand of soap marketed in India
c- constant
Hope that brings a smile to everyone's face.....
Posted by: Utkarsh on December 9, 2008
(international student from India, if it helps)
Posted by: Gaurav Ragtah on December 9, 2008
i m an international student and want to send my music portfolio. is it alright if i send my music portfolio after 1st jan, i.e. in separate package?? this is because of some technical problems. pls reply me asap. i m really worried
Posted by: Rohana on December 10, 2008
Posted by: Arpan Shah on December 14, 2008
I just want to congrats you.
You all are really lucky that you are applying for MIT.
May God bless you with success!
MIT was my dream too. Everytime I just used to think about MIT till yesterday. I even started prep. for my SAT & TOEFL. But unfortunately I couldn't be able to pay for these tests. I tried to earn money by doing jobs but couldn't make much of it. I even made a page for donation but couldn't get a single penny. However, my test deadline is coming near and near i.e. January 1st.
Now I can't do anything just pray for you all.
Do work Hard and acheive your goal. You CAN make it!
What I can do is that I can try next year if I will be having enough money ( I hope I'll make ).
Just pray for me!
Best Of luck!
Posted by: Younus on December 15, 2008
If one of two teachers who is writing a letter of recommendation left my current school, can she send in a recommendation letter in a form of her choice?
Posted by: Gyu on December 17, 2008
Posted by: 0 on December 17, 2008
i have submitted my part 2 by paper but now i came to know that it would be reaching MIT by 2nd or 3rd jan. i don't have any backup of part 2.
will my part 2 be considered ...its really important..
Posted by: Mohit Sindhu on December 21, 2008
Posted by: Iain on December 21, 2008
can we send the second part after 1st Jan....??
Posted by: Anon on December 24, 2008
Thanks.
Posted by: There is no SAT exam in January for international on December 28, 2008
I am applying for a fee waiver request but due to various circumstances I have only been able to get in contact with my guidance counselor very recently regarding my fee waiver document. Simultaneously there was also a mix up with my teacher evaluation forms- hence only recently has he sent, via post, the forms+fee waiver document. The special post assures us that it will all arrive on the 31st of December. In case it doesn't I have also emailed a copy of the fee waiver document to MIT admissions (however I do not have copies of the evaluation forms). In the event that the post does not arrive in time- will the emailed version be accepted/read?
Thanks a lot,
Thomas
Posted by: Thomas on December 30, 2008
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