The Massachusetts Institute of Technology 5th University of the world 2016

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is an independent, coeducational, private research university based in the city of Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Established in 1861, MIT aims to ‘further knowledge and prepare students in science, technology and other fields of study that will best benefit the nation and the world today’. Its motto is Mens et Manus, which translates as “Mind and Hand”.

The university lays claim to 85 Nobel Laureates, 58 National Medal of Science winners, 29 National Medal of Technology and Innovation winners and 45 MacArthur Fellows. Among its impressive alumni is Kofi Annan, former secretary-general of the United Nations.

Scientific discoveries and technological advances accredited to MIT include the first chemical synthesis of penicillin, the development of radar, the discovery of quarks, and the invention of magnetic core memory, which enabled the development of digital computers.

MIT is currently organised into five different schools: architecture and planning, engineering, humanities, arts and social sciences, management and science.

It is home to around 1,000 faculty members and over 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students. MIT’s current areas of research include digital learning, sustainable energy, Big Data, human health and much more.

In addition to its emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship, MIT also boasts a diverse and vibrant campus environment with a wide array of student groups. The campus is arranged over 168 acres within Cambridge, and features 18 student residences, 26 acres of playing fields, 20 gardens and green-space areas, as well as over 100 public works of art.

MIT estimates that all its living alumni have between them launched more than 30,000 active companies, created 4.6 million jobs and generated roughly $1.9 trillion in annual revenue.

Taken together, this ‘MIT Nation’ is equivalent, they say, to the 10th-largest economy in the world.

Requirements

Standardized tests are required for any student applying as a freshman to MIT. However, they are not the onlyfactor, or even the most important factor. 

When we receive your application, we review all of your academic information - grades, scores, classes, etc. - to ensure that you are prepared for MIT. In part because of the strength of our applicant pool, the majority of our applicants are very well prepared to succeed at MIT.

You shouldn't stress out too much about your scores, because we admit people, not numbers. With that said, tests are certainly important, and you should prepare for them as best you can. 

For native English speakers:

We require the SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT. We do not prefer one over the other. In addition, we require two SAT Subject Tests: one in math (level 1 or 2), and one in science (physics, chemistry, or biology e/m). We do not have a preference as to which science test you take or which math level you take.

For non-native English speakers:

You have two options: 1) take the tests required for native English speakers (see above), or 2) take the TOEFL and two SAT Subject Tests, one in math (level 1 or 2) and one in science (physics, chemistry, or biology e/m). If you have been using English for less than 5 years or do not speak English at home or at school, we strongly suggest that you take the TOEFL, although it is not required for you to do so. 

On Writing

While MIT will not require either the ACT or SAT optional writing section, MIT does value writing and communication highly.

The MIT curriculum is organized around the belief that the development of effective writing and speaking is an integral part of undergraduate education at the Institute. Students in any field should learn to write prose that is clear, organized, and eloquent, and to convincingly present facts, data, and ideas. As such, all MIT students must fulfill a communication requirement that integrates substantial instruction and practice in writing and speaking into all four years and across all parts of MIT's undergraduate program.

If you take the same test (SAT, ACT, or an SAT Subject Test) multiple times, we will consider the highest score achieved in each section. This superscoring also applies to students who submit scores from both the "old" and "new" SAT. We do this in order to consider all applicants in their best light.

For example, if you take the SAT Reasoning Test in 11th grade and score 750 in math, 700 in critical reading and 650 in writing, and then take the SAT again in 12th grade and score 700 in math, 650 in critical reading and 700 in writing, only your best scores from each sitting (i.e. 750 in math, 700 in critical reading and 700 in writing) are used in our admissions evaluations. Students are free to use the College Board's Score Choice option and the ACT's option to submit the scores of your choice as well.

Testing Deadlines and Reporting Scores

In order to apply for freshman admission, you must take the required tests on or before the November test date for Early Action or the January test date for Regular Action. These are the latest scores that will reach the Admissions Committee in time for review. 

Your scores must be reported to us officially from the testing agency; scores you list on your application and scores appearing on your school transcript will not be considered official.

Please allow plenty of time for your scores to arrive at MIT. Keep in mind that it takes at least 4 to 6 weeks for us to receive SAT scores. We recommend that you list MIT as a school to receive your scores when you take the test. If you are an Early Action applicant, and you take the November test, or if you take the January test, you must list MIT as a school to receive your scores or we will not receive them in time for our review.

It is important that you register for tests with the same name as you have indicated on your application or MyMIT account. Your record and test scores will not be linked in our system if the names do not match.