MIT Undergraduate Admissions Requirements?

I'm a high school junior and my dream school is the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). What should I be doing in terms of academics, extracurriculars, and testing to give myself the best chance at getting accepted? Any advice is welcome!

To maximize your chances of getting accepted into MIT, you'll need to focus on academics, extracurriculars, and standardized testing. Here's a breakdown of each area:

1. Academics: MIT is known for its rigorous academic standards, so strong academic performance is crucial for your application. Aim for a high GPA and take the most challenging courses available to you, such as AP, IB, or honors classes. Try to excel in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) since MIT is particularly strong in these fields.

2. Extracurriculars: MIT seeks students who are well-rounded with demonstrated passion and excellence in their extracurricular activities. Aim to participate in 8-10 extracurriculars throughout high school, but focus on achieving depth in a few key areas that genuinely interest you. Strive for leadership positions and significant accomplishments in these activities. Consider participating in relevant competitions like math or science olympiads, coding contests, or robotics tournaments.

3. Standardized Testing: As of the 2024-2025 application cycle, MIT requires submission of either the SAT or ACT. To give you a competitive edge, aim for scores in the 75th percentile or higher for MIT admitted students: around 1530 – 1600 for the SAT and 35 – 36 for the ACT. If you're more STEM-focused, you might consider the ACT because of its math and science sections. Remember to start preparing early and consider multiple attempts to achieve your desired score.

4. Subject Tests: While MIT no longer requires submission of SAT Subject Tests, strong scores in relevant subjects like Math Level 2 and Physics or Chemistry can help demonstrate your academic prowess in STEM fields.

5. Letters of Recommendation: Request letters of recommendation from teachers, mentors, or coaches who know you well and can speak to your strengths, achievements, and character. MIT requires two teacher recommendations, preferably from STEM subject teachers, and one recommendation from a school counselor or principal.

6. Essays: Invest time and effort in crafting your essays for the MIT application. The prompts allow you to showcase your personality, interests, and passions, so be authentic and reflective. Make sure your essays tell a cohesive story about who you are and how you would contribute to the MIT community.

7. Interview and Demonstrated Interest: MIT values demonstrated interest, and an interview with an MIT Educational Counselor (usually an alumni) is a great way to show your commitment to the school. Prepare thoroughly for the interview and be ready to articulate your reasons for wanting to attend MIT, your goals, and your experiences that relate to those goals.

Remember that MIT's admissions process is highly competitive – in 2021, the acceptance rate was only 4%. So while it's important to work hard and prepare optimally, also consider applying to a range of other schools to ensure that you have options when it comes to enrollment.

Good luck on your journey to MIT!