Frequently Asked Questions: First-year application

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• FAQ / First-year application

  What if I don’t have letter grades for some of my coursework or have chosen to take a class pass/fail?

  At MIT Admissions, we understand that there have been many disruptions over the past few years. Some of these may have impacted your grading systems. We want you to know…
• FAQ / First-year application

  How can I explain the context of my grades/scores, and/or provide additional information?

  On the application, there are designated spaces to provide additional context on how the pandemic or other circumstances may have disrupted your coursework, access to testing, and extracurricular activities. If you feel it…
• FAQ / First-year application

  Can I request that my scores not be considered after submitting my application?

  Scores cannot be redacted from applications after they have been submitted. We encourage you to look at this blog post to better understand the rationale and details of our testing requirement.
• FAQ / First-year application

  How does MIT use my test scores?

  MIT uses a holistic admissions process, so test scores are just one factor among many for evaluating your preparedness for MIT. Test scores are evaluated alongside other components of the…
• FAQ / First-year application

  Does my transcript count as official?

  Transcripts must be sent in by your school counselor or another school representative to fulfill our requirements for an official transcript. This applies for high school and college transcripts. If…
• FAQ / First-year application

  How do I send in my transcript?

  All transcripts must be submitted by a school counselor or another school representative to be considered official. This applies for high school and college transcripts. If your school does not…
• FAQ / First-year application

  Do letters of recommendation have to be submitted in the MIT application portal?

  Our preference is for recommenders to use our application portal to submit documents. However, they do have the option to submit their additional documents via Naviance, SOCIR, or other methods.…
• FAQ / First-year application

  What if I’m having a hard time completing the recommendation requirement?

  We require letters of recommendation for our application. We strongly recommend having one letter from a math/science teacher, and one from a humanities, social science, or language teacher. Additionally, a…
• FAQ / First-year application

  What if my application is disrupted by a major event beyond my control?

  If your ability to apply to MIT has been affected by disasters or other serious disruptions—severe weather, military conflicts, humanitarian emergencies, infrastructure failures, civil unrest, or other crises—please know that…
• FAQ / First-year application

  May I include supplementary materials with my application?

  Our admissions process is designed to be completed online. Creative portfolios in SlideRoom are available for researchers, performing artists, visual artists, and makers to submit supplemental materials. If you must mail…
• FAQ / First-year application

  I’m a high school student taking college classes. Do I apply for transfer admission?

  If you are still in high school, you are considered a first-year applicant regardless of how many classes you have taken at the university level. The transfer application is intended…
• FAQ / First-year application

  How much is the application fee?

  The first-year application fee is $75, payable online with a credit card when you submit your application. We understand that paying college application fees presents a hardship for some families.…
• FAQ / First-year application

  Can a family member contact MIT Admissions on my behalf, or ask questions about the content or status of my application?

  No, it is MIT policy to communicate directly with applicants about their applications, rather than with their family members. If you have a question, please email us from the email…
• FAQ / First-year application

  Does MIT have any age limits?

  We don’t have any age limits or restrictions. If you’ve been away from high school for a while, we would expect to see the results of your standardized tests, Secondary…
• FAQ / First-year application

  Do I have to submit my final grades?

  Most students apply to college at the beginning of their last year of high school, so final grades aren’t available. Only admitted students are required to submit their final grades.…
• FAQ / First-year application

  Does MIT consider legacy?

  MIT doesn’t consider legacy or alumni relations in our admissions process. If you’d like to read more about this policy, check out the blog Just to Be Clear: We Don’t Do…
• FAQ / First-year application

  How does MIT select students for admission?

  The selection process at MIT is holistic and student centered: each application is evaluated within its unique context. No school, state, or regional quotas are applied; neither is preference given…
• FAQ / First-year application

  Where can I find info on Graduate Admissions/Masters/PhD?

  The Office of Undergraduate Admissions handles first-year and transfer admissions. To pursue graduate study at MIT, you need to apply to one of our departmental programs(opens in new window). Each…
• FAQ / First-year application

  Does MIT offer a foundation year?

  MIT does not offer a foundation year program. Students currently enrolled in a foundation year program may apply for first-year admission if their foundation year is not considered the first…
• FAQ / First-year application

  Do I have to submit a school profile?

  Your school counselor (or equivalent) should submit the Secondary School Report and transcript. Most counselors also attach a letter of recommendation and a School Profile, describing your school’s curriculum and…