Frequently Asked Questions: First-year application

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• FAQ / First-year application

  Where can my school counselor find helpful information?

  Thank you for all of the good work you do for our awesome applicants! We understand what a daunting task it is for school counselors to meet all of the…
• FAQ / First-year application

  What should I do if I’m deferred?

  If you’re deferred during Early Action consideration, you don’t need to “improve” your application, or redo/edit/modify your application. The only thing you need to do is submit the February Updates…
• FAQ / First-year application

  Can I defer my enrollment?

  If you’re admitted to MIT, you may defer enrollment for one or two years. After confirming your intent to enroll in MIT’s first-year class, you will be asked to submit…
• FAQ / First-year application

  When are decisions announced?

  Decisions will be released mid-December for Early Action and mid-March for Regular Action. We’ll email instructions for accessing the decision letters as soon as the official release date(s) and time(s)…
• FAQ / First-year application

  Can I apply for first-year admission if I already have a degree?

  MIT doesn’t accept applications for first-year admission if you currently hold an undergraduate degree. Students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree may not apply to MIT for a second…
• FAQ / First-year application

  How do I apply to be an Exchange Student, Special Student, or Visiting Student?

  An Exchange Student enrolls at MIT to take classes as a non-degree student. Exchange students are affiliated with a university in which MIT has an established agreement, and both universities…
• FAQ / First-year application

  Do I have to send an official college transcript?

  Applicants who have completed college coursework are asked to submit an official transcript. An official transcript submitted during the application process will be recorded as “College Transcript” in our database.…
• FAQ / First-year application

  Does MIT prefer public school or private school?

  MIT receives diverse and interesting applications from students in every type of school: public, private, religious, charter, and home school. We understand that high schools have different offerings and families…
• FAQ / First-year application

  Do dual enrollment students apply as a first-year or transfer applicant?

  Students participating in dual enrollment programs or taking college-level courses while in high school apply for first-year admission at MIT. If you apply to MIT while you’re still in high…
• FAQ / First-year application

  I’m a non-traditional applicant. How do I apply?

  There are many applicants to MIT from many types of backgrounds, and while we consider them all in their context, we need to know some common information about them. So,…
• FAQ / First-year application

  Does MIT offer conditional admissions?

  MIT doesn’t offer any special or conditional admissions. All first-year applicants fill out the same undergraduate application and meet the same testing requirements.
• FAQ / First-year application

  How can I explain my special circumstances?

  We understand that everyone has a unique story and that we can’t possibly cover every “what if” in an FAQ section. The MIT application allows plenty of room for you…
• FAQ / First-year application

  How does MIT consider extracurriculars?

  We read applications from students interested in everything from apiculture (beekeeping) to building nuclear reactors in their garages. We realize our applicants are very committed to their schoolwork and with…
• FAQ / First-year application

  How does MIT use my name and preferred name?

  You should use your current, legal first and last name when filling out those fields on the application. This is important so that your application matches your financial aid records.…
• FAQ / First-year application

  Who will have access to my application information?

  At MIT, we hope to get to know you better through the application process and want you to be able to express yourself authentically. We understand that some information you…
• FAQ / First-year application

  Do I need a high school diploma to apply?

  MIT doesn’t have any age requirements and doesn’t require high school completion to apply. Each year we receive a small number of applications from younger students who have outgrown their…
• FAQ / First-year application

  Will there be a wait list this year?

  Each year we aim for a class of approximately 1,100 students. Based on our estimates of the percentage of admitted students who will attend (known as the “yield”), we admit about 1,400…
• FAQ / First-year application

  Can I take a gap year?

  We encourage students to take a gap year to explore and grow. Every year we have a number of students apply to MIT after a gap year and more students…
• FAQ / First-year application

  Does MIT recruit athletes?

  MIT is one of the top Division III athletic programs in the country. MIT is always looking for students-athletes. Almost 20 percent of undergraduates play at least one varsity sport.…
• FAQ / First-year application

  Is it ok to go over the essay word count?

  We require applicants to follow the word limits provided on the application. Your information will not be saved if the responses are too long. You may have to “play” with…