响应GPU的号召，做一个好事者： MIT Admissions Preparation Summary

官网链接：
https://mitadmissions.org/apply/prepare/be-yourself/

申请M关键诚如网站所说：

"we use all the information you share with us—your coursework, your essays, what your recommenders write—to better understand you and your achievements in the context of your life. "

"It’s important to think of any college application as a chance to share your personal context: what has shaped you into who you are today, who you’d like to become, and why MIT is the right place for your next step. "

 

MIT Admissions Preparation Summary

MIT’s approach to preparation is rooted in a philosophy of authenticity and intellectual curiosity. Instead of providing a checklist for "getting in," they focus on how students can build a strong foundation for success at the Institute and beyond.

1. The Core Philosophy: "Be Yourself" & "Applying Sideways"

The most critical advice from MIT is to avoid "curating" a persona for the application.

• Be Yourself: College is an opportunity to become more of who you are, not to pretend to be someone else. The admissions team looks for a diverse "team" to climb the mountain of MIT together—they don't want identical, "perfect" candidates.

• Applying Sideways: This famous MIT mantra suggests that you should do things because you love them, not because you think they will help you get into college. If you build a life you are proud of, you will be a great applicant to MIT as a side effect of being a great person and student.

2. Academic Foundations

MIT expects students to have a broad and rigorous high school education. While they do not have a strict list of required classes, they highly recommend:

• Science: One year each of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

• Mathematics: Math through Calculus is strongly recommended.

• English & Humanities: Four years of English and at least two years of History/Social Sciences.

• Foreign Language: Two years of a foreign language.

3. Accessing Advanced Coursework

If your high school doesn't offer advanced classes (like AP or IB), MIT does not penalize you. They look at your achievements in context. However, they suggest ways to challenge yourself if you've exhausted your school's curriculum:

• MOOCs: Using platforms like EdX, Coursera, or Khan Academy to explore subjects like Computer Science or Advanced Math.

• Dual Enrollment: Taking classes at a local community college or university.

• Self-Study: Pursuing independent research or advanced topics on your own initiative.

4. Extracurricular Activities: Quality Over Quantity

The MIT application only provides space for four activities. This is a deliberate choice to signal that they value depth over a "laundry list" of clubs.

• Passion vs. Resume-Building: They want to see what you do simply for the pleasure of it.

• Impact: Whether it's a job, family responsibilities, or a personal project, they look for commitment and the impact you’ve had on your community.

• Balance: MIT students work hard, but they also find joy in "play." Showing that you can prioritize balance is seen as a sign of maturity.

5. STEM & Summer Programs

While not required, participating in specialized programs can help prepare you for the rigor of MIT:

• MIT-Affiliated Programs: Highly competitive programs like MITES (Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science), RSI (Research Science Institute), and WTP (Women’s Technology Program) offer deep dives into STEM.

• Competitions: Fairs and Olympiads (Math, Physics, Robotics) are great ways to challenge yourself, but they are not the only path to admission.

6. Standardized Testing

• Requirements: MIT requires either the SAT or the ACT.

• Contextual Review: Scores are evaluated within the context of your background and opportunities. They do not have "cutoff" scores, though the pool is extremely competitive.

• English Proficiency: For non-native speakers, exams like TOEFL or IELTS are strongly recommended if you have been using English for fewer than five years.

7. Collaborative Spirit

Collaboration is the "DNA" of MIT. They look for students who:

• Work well in groups (essential for MIT "psets").

• Are willing to take risks and fail.

• Have a "Mind and Hand" (Mens et Manus) approach—not just thinking about problems, but trying to solve them.

Key Takeaway: The best way to prepare for MIT is to pursue your interests with intensity, challenge yourself academically whenever possible, and remain an authentic, community-oriented individual.