What does it take to get into MIT?

Can anyone shed light on the difficulty of getting into MIT? Like what kind of stats, extracurriculars, and essays do MIT applicants usually have? I'm really passionate about STEM and hoping to get some insight!

Getting into MIT is highly competitive due to its prestige and reputation in the STEM field. While there are no guarantees for admission, I can provide a general overview of what successful applicants might have in terms of stats, extracurriculars, and essays.

Stats: MIT receives applications from numerous high-achieving students, so you can expect successful applicants to have very strong academic records. It's common for accepted students to have high GPAs (usually above 4.0 weighted) and competitive test scores. For the SAT, scores are typically above 1500, and for the ACT, above 34. Keep in mind that these are just general benchmarks; MIT practices holistic admissions, so no single aspect of your application will guarantee or disqualify you from admission.

Extracurriculars: MIT values students who demonstrate a strong passion for STEM and have excelled in this area. Their extracurriculars often include involvement in research, science Olympiads, math competitions, robotics clubs, programming projects, or other activities showcasing their interest and expertise in STEM. Tier 1 and Tier 2 extracurricular activities (e.g., international/national awards, leadership positions) are especially impressive. However, don't sacrifice genuine interests for the sake of creating a STEM-only profile—unrelated achievements and involvements can also be very valuable if they demonstrate your passion, dedication, or unique perspective.

Essays: MIT's essays give you an opportunity to showcase your personality, values, aspirations, and what sets you apart from other applicants. Successful essays usually avoid cliché topics and instead tell stories that reflect the applicant's authentic experiences, character, and growth. For STEM-focused students, discussing a meaningful research project, an innovative solution to a complex problem, or your collaboration in a team project can be effective in illustrating your passion and skills.

Additionally, don't forget to mention aspects that demonstrate you're a good fit for MIT's culture and values, such as curiosity, innovation, collaboration, and drive. Demonstrating those qualities in your application can resonate with the admissions officers and increase your chances of standing out.

In summary, for your best shot at MIT, it's essential to have excellent academics, display passion and talent for STEM through your extracurriculars, and write engaging, authentic essays that set you apart from the competition.