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Undergraduate Academic Standards

The Committee on Academic Performance (CAP) ensures that the minimum academic standards proposed by the individual departments for undergraduate students are consistent throughout the Institute and conform to the rules and regulations approved by the Faculty. In view of the individual nature of student academic performance, the CAP does not establish rigid standards of academic performance to be used throughout the Institute. The Institute generally expects undergraduate students to complete the requirements for an SB degree in four years; passing an average of 48 units per term for eight terms will accomplish this goal. Normally, however, the CAP accepts a minimum academic record of at least 36 units of credit with a term rating above 3.0 (on a 5.0 scale) at the end of any regular term, unless the Committee has specifically notified an individual student that a higher level of performance is required. (The latter would only occur as a result of previously poor performance.)

When these criteria are not met, the CAP considers each student's academic performance on an individual basis. Consideration is given not only to the grades received in the subjects for which the student is registered, but also to the total number of subject units, the nature of the subjects themselves, progress toward the degree, and personal or medical factors that may have affected academic performance in a given term. The CAP website gives more detailed information concerning end-of-term review procedures . For further information, contact the CAP administrator , Room 7-104, 617-253-4164.

Undergraduate Academic Standards for Federal Student Financial Assistance

Per federal regulations, an undergraduate student is eligible to receive federal student financial assistance if the student is enrolled at least half time per term and maintains satisfactory academic progress in their course of study.

Federal student financial assistance for undergraduates includes: Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants, Federal Direct Subsidized Loans, Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Federal Direct PLUS Loans for Parents, and Federal Work-Study.

An MIT undergraduate must achieve all of the following academic standards to qualify and maintain federal student financial assistance:

• Have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least a C (3.0 on MIT’s 5.0 scale)
• Pass 67% of cumulative units attempted (defined as “pace”)
• Not exceed 150% of the published length of the program

Dropped subjects are not included in the GPA or pace calculations. Transfer credits, which carry no grade, are not included in the GPA calculation, but the number of transfer units a student has is included in the pace calculation. Grades from incomplete units are not included in the GPA calculation, but incomplete units are included in the pace calculation. Grades for repeated units are included in the GPA calculation, but repeated units can only be counted once in the pace calculation.

If a student’s performance falls below any one of the above academic standards, and that student is eligible for federal student financial assistance, the Committee on Academic Performance (CAP) will review the student’s progress at the end of the term. After taking special circumstances into account, the CAP will decide on the appropriate action.

Students on, or eligible for, federal student financial assistance who are placed on academic warning by the CAP are concurrently placed on federal financial aid warning or federal financial aid probation by Student Financial Services (SFS) .

• Students are put on federal financial aid warning if they were not on academic warning in the prior term, but have been placed on academic warning by the CAP. Students on federal financial aid warning may continue to receive federal student financial assistance for the following term. Federal financial aid warning status has no effect on the amount of financial aid a student is eligible to receive from MIT, the federal government, or any other source during the federal financial aid warning term.
• Students are put on federal financial aid probation if they were on academic warning in the prior term and continue to be placed on academic warning by the CAP. Being on federal financial aid probation allows students to retain eligibility for federal financial aid, however, students may only be placed on federal financial aid probation following a successful appeal. At MIT, the CAP review of a student’s academic progress constitutes the required appeal process. Any decision by the CAP other than requiring the student to take an academic leave from MIT constitutes approval of the appeal. Federal financial aid probation status has no effect on the amount of financial aid the student is eligible to receive from MIT, the federal government, or any other source during the federal financial aid probation term.

A student under CAP review will be considered to be making satisfactory academic progress for federal student financial assistance purposes unless the CAP requires the student to take a required academic leave from MIT.

Graduate Academic Standards

It is the responsibility of the Graduate Academic Performance Group (GAPG), operating with the authority of the Committee on Graduate Programs (CGP), to monitor minimum academic standards for graduate students and special students in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Faculty. The GAPG reviews the academic records of all graduate students at the end of each term (including the summer session), giving particular attention to students with cumulative ratings below 3.5 to 4.0. Consideration is given to low grades and factors affecting a student's ability to meet the requirements for the degree program in which they are enrolled.

Students should consult with their specific graduate degree program regarding grade expectations for remaining in good standing. These expectations differ among graduate programs and in general are different from those for undergraduate degree programs. A passing grade in a particular class or classes may be one of many factors a program considers in evaluating whether a student is making adequate progress in the program. Note that in most departments and graduate programs, grades consistently below B are not normally considered an acceptable measure of progress towards degree objectives. It is each department’s responsibility to inform students about academic performance requirements and expectations.

Recommendations for action by the GAPG are made by departmental graduate committees. Unless extenuating circumstances are found, students who are not making satisfactory progress towards a degree may be denied permission to continue or may be warned that without substantial improvement the following term, they may be refused further registration. In addition, departmental graduate committees may recommend to the GAPG that a student be allowed to register only for a less advanced degree.

More detailed information concerning procedures followed by this standing faculty committee may be found in the online publication, Graduate Policies and Procedures .

Graduate Academic Standards for Federal Student Financial Assistance

Per federal regulations, a graduate student is eligible to receive federal student financial assistance if the student is enrolled at least half-time per term and maintains satisfactory academic progress in their course of study.

Federal student financial assistance for graduate students includes: Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grants, Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Federal Direct PLUS Loans for Graduate and Professional Degree Students, and Federal Work-Study.

An MIT graduate student must achieve all of the following academic standards to qualify and maintain federal student financial assistance:

• Have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) exceeding 4.0 on MIT’s 5.0 scale
• Pass 67% of cumulative credit units attempted (defined as “pace”)
• Make satisfactory progress in their academic milestones, as evaluated by their graduate program; and
• Not exceed five terms of enrollment for a Master’s candidate and 13 for a PhD or ScD candidate

At the end of each term, the Graduate Academic Performance Group (GAPG) considers the academic performance of all enrolled graduate students and decides on the appropriate action for students not making satisfactory academic performance (e.g. academic warning or denial of further registration).

If a student is placed on academic warning, a set of requirements (academic plan) is set forth and communicated to the student so that they may continue to be eligible for enrollment.

Students on, or eligible for, federal student financial assistance who are placed on academic warning by the GAPG are concurrently placed on federal financial aid warning or federal financial aid probation by Student Financial Services (SFS).

• Students are put on federal financial aid warning if they were not on academic warning in the prior term, but have been placed on academic warning by the GAPG. Students on federal financial aid warning may continue to receive federal student financial assistance for the following term. Federal financial aid warning status has no effect on the amount of financial aid a student is eligible to receive from MIT, the federal government, or any other source during the federal financial aid warning term.
• Students are put on federal financial aid probation if they were on academic warning in the prior term and continue to be placed on academic warning by the GAPG. Being on federal financial aid probation allows students to retain eligibility for federal financial aid; however, students may only be placed on federal financial aid probation after a successful appeal. At MIT, the GAPG review of a graduate student’s academic progress constitutes the required appeal process. Graduate students are encouraged to engage with and provide relevant information to their academic programs during the GAPG review. Any decision by the GAPG other than requiring the student to withdraw from MIT constitutes a continuation of the student’s academic plan and enables students to be placed on federal financial aid probation. Federal financial aid probation status has no effect on the amount of financial aid a student is eligible to receive from MIT, the federal government, or any other source during the federal financial aid probation term.

The grade for each student shall be determined independently of other students in the class, and shall be related to the student's mastery of the material based on the grade descriptions below. Grades may not be awarded according to a predetermined distribution of letter grades. For example, grades in a subject may not be allocated according to set proportions of A, B, C, D, etc.

Passing Grades . Undergraduate and graduate students who satisfactorily complete the work of a subject by the end of the term receive one of the following grades:

Note that the MIT internal grading system includes plus (+) and minus (-) modifiers for use with the letter grades A, B, and C for all academic subjects (except advanced standing exams). These modifiers appear only on internal grade reports. They do not appear on transcripts and are not used in calculating term or cumulative grade-point averages. The MIT grading system for external purposes does not include modifiers.

Non-Passing Grades. The grades and notations used for subjects not passed or not completed by the end of the term are as follows.

Note that the MIT internal grading system includes the minus (-) modifier for use with the J grade for all academic subjects that use this grade. This modifier appears only on internal grade reports. It does not appear on transcripts and is not used in calculating term or cumulative grade-point averages. The MIT grading system for external purposes does not include modifiers.

Other Notations. The following notations are also used on the academic record.

Alternate Grades. When a significant disruption of academic activities is declared, as described in the Rules and Regulations of the Faculty , the use of the grades below may be authorized. These grades are not included in the calculations of grade point averages.

Additional information regarding first-year grading, hidden grades, and the flexible P/NR grading option is available in the Undergraduate Education section.

Grade Reports and Transcripts

Students may view their internal grade reports on WebSIS. Transcripts are available in an unofficial version free of charge or in an official version at a cost currently set at $8 per copy. Students may request a copy of their academic record by following the steps on the Registrar's Office website.

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Admissions Information for Prospective Graduate Students

Thank you for considering the PhD program in Physics at MIT. Information regarding our graduate program and our application process can be found below and through the following webpages and other links on this page. If your questions are not answered after reviewing this information, please contact us at [email protected] .

Here are some links to pages relevant to prospective students:

• Material Required for a Complete Application , and information about When/How to Apply can be found below on this page.
• We have an FAQ which should help to answer many questions, and we provide Application Assistance from staff and students if you don’t find what you need in the FAQ.
• Additional Guidance about the application itself, along with examples, can be found on a separate page. The graduate application is available at https://apply.mit.edu/apply/ .
• General information about the graduate program and research areas in the physics department may also be of use.
• MSRP (MIT Summer Research Program) is designed to give underrepresented and underserved students access to an MIT research experience, pairing each student with a faculty member who will oversee the student conducting a research project at MIT.

Statement regarding admissions process during COVID Pandemic (Updated Summer 2023)

MIT has adopted the following principle: MIT’s admissions committees and offices for graduate and professional schools will take the significant disruptions of the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 into account when reviewing students’ transcripts and other admissions materials as part of their regular practice of performing individualized, holistic reviews of each applicant.

In particular, as we review applications now and in the future, we will respect decisions regarding the adoption of Pass/No Record (or Credit/No Credit or Pass/Fail) and other grading options during the unprecedented period of COVID-19 disruptions, whether those decisions were made by institutions or by individual students. We also expect that the individual experiences of applicants will richly inform applications and, as such, they will be considered with the entirety of a student’s record.

Ultimately, even in these challenging times, our goal remains to form graduate student cohorts that are collectively excellent and composed of outstanding individuals who will challenge and support one another.

Questions or concerns about this statement should be directed to the Physics Department ( [email protected] ).

Applying to the MIT Department of Physics

We know that the application process can be time-consuming, stressful, and costly. We are committed to reducing these barriers and to helping all applicants receive a full and fair assessment by our faculty reviewers. Help is available from the Physics Graduate Admissions Office at [email protected] and additional assistance from current students is offered during the admissions season. Further details are described at the end of this page in our Assistance for Prospective Applicants section.

The list below describes the important elements of a complete application. Please reach out to us at [email protected] if you have a concern or logistical difficulty that could prevent you from providing your strongest application.

Required for a Complete Application

1. online application and application fee.

• MIT Graduate Admissions Online Graduate Application
• Application Fee: $90 NOTE: Applicants who feel that this fee may prevent them from applying should send a short email to [email protected] to describe their general reasons for requesting a waiver. We will follow up with information about how to apply for a formal ‘application fee waiver’. Additional documents may be required, so additional time will be necessary to process requests. Either the fee or a formal fee waiver is required with a submitted application.

2. University Transcript(s)

Unofficial transcripts are sufficient for our initial review, with final transcripts required as a condition of matriculation for successful applicants. Applicants should include a scan of their transcript(s) and, if a degree is in progress, should include a list of the class subjects being taken in the current semester. The GradApply portal will allow applicants to log back into the application after the deadline to add their Fall term grades when they are available.

Note: We will respect decisions regarding the adoption of Pass/No Record (or Credit/No Credit or Pass/Fail) and other grading options during the unprecedented period of COVID-19 disruptions, whether those decisions were made by institutions or by individual students.

3. Standardized Test Results

• GRE Tests : The Physics GRE (PGRE) is recommended but not required for graduate applications. All applications will be given full consideration with or without GRE scores.
• TOEFL or IELTS Test or a waiver is required for non-native English speakers. MIT’s TOEFL school code is 3514; the code for the Department of Physics is 76. IELTS does not require a code. Eligibility for TOEFL/IELTS waivers is in our FAQ section .
• Self-reported scores are sufficient for our initial application screening, with official scores required for admitted students as a condition of their offer. Applicants should attach a scanned copy of their test score report.

4. Letters of Recommendation

Letters should include any individual work applicants have done and/or areas where they have special strengths. It is possible to submit up to 6 total letters, but 3 are sufficient for a complete application and committee members may evaluate applications based on the first three letters that they read.

5. Statement of Objectives

Research is central to graduate study in physics. The Statement of Objectives/Purpose should include descriptions of research projects, aptitude and achievements as completely as possible. This important part of the application provides an opportunity to describe any interests, skills, and background relative to the research areas selected on the application form. Applicants should share anything that prepares them for graduate studies and describe their proudest achievements.

Additional Application Materials

• Research, Teaching, and Community Engagement – Any special background or achievement that prepares the applicant for Physics graduate studies at MIT. This may include research at their undergraduate school as part of their Bachelor or Master degree, or summer research at another program or school.  We also value our student’s contributions to their community on a variety of scales (from institutional to societal) and we encourage applicants to tell us about their teaching and community engagement activities.  The “experience” questions are intended to provide a CV-like listing of achievements, some of which may be elaborated on in the “Statement of Objectives” and/or the optional “Personal Statement”.
• Publications, Talks, and Merit Based Recognition – Recognition of success in research, academics, and outreach can take many forms, including publications, talks, honors, prizes, awards, fellowships, etc.  This may include current nominations for scholarships or papers submitted for publication.
• Optional Personal Statement – Members of our community come from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. We welcome any personal information that will help us to evaluate applications holistically and will provide context for the applicant’s academic achievements. This statement may include extenuating circumstances, significant challenges that were overcome, a non-traditional educational background, description of any advocacy or values work, or other information that may be relevant.
• Detailed instructions for each application section, and many examples , can be found on the “ Additional Guidance ” page.  The detailed instructions are lengthy, and are intended to be read only “as needed” while you work on your application (i.e., you don’t need to go read the whole thing before you start).

When/How to Apply

When : Applications can be submitted between September 15 and December 15 by 11:59pm EST for the following year.

How : The application is online at https://apply.mit.edu/apply/

Application Assistance

Faculty, students, and staff have collaborated to provide extensive guidance to prospective applicants to our graduate degree program. Resources include several department webpages to inform prospective applicants about our PhD degree requirements and to help applicants as they assemble and submit their materials. In addition to staff responses to emails, current graduate students will answer specific individual questions, give one admissions-related webinar, and provide a mentorship program for selected prospective applicants.

During the application season, prospective students may request additional information from current students about the admissions process, graduate student life, or department culture, either as a response to a specific individual email question or for more in-depth assistance. Applicants will benefit most from contacting us early in the process, when current students and staff will be available to respond to questions and mentor selected applicants. After mid-November, department staff will continue to field questions through the admission process.

Here are some resources for prospective applicants:

• Our website provides answers to many frequently-asked admissions questions .
• Admissions staff are available for questions at [email protected] .
• Current students collaborate with staff to answer specific questions emailed to [email protected] .
• PhysGAAP Webinars are designed to provide student perspectives on the application and admissions processes in an interactive format. This year’s webinar will take place on Wednesday, Nov 1st, 2023 from 10am to 12pm EDT. Sign up here: https://mit.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ah13eCcEh0cKW7I
• PhysGAAP Mentoring provides in-depth guidance through the application process.

Student-led Q&A Service

A team of our current graduate students is available to share their experience and perspectives in response to individual questions which may fall under any of the following categories:

• Coursework/research (e.g., How do I choose between two research areas and how do I find a potential research advisor?)
• Culture (e.g., What is it like to be a student of a particular identity at MIT?)
• Student life (e.g., What clubs or extracurriculars do graduate students at MIT take part in?)

To request a response from the current students, please send an email to [email protected] and indicate clearly in the subject line or first sentence that you would like your email forwarded to the PhysGAAP student team. Depending on the scope of your question, department staff will send your email to current students.

We encourage you to reach out as early as you can to maximize the benefit that this help can provide to you. While the admissions office staff will continue to field your questions throughout the admissions season, current students may not be available to respond to questions sent after November 15.

This student email resource is designed for individual basic questions. More in-depth guidance, especially about the application itself, will be available through the PhysGAAP Webinars and/or PhysGAAP Mentorship Program described below.

Student-led Webinar

A panel of our graduate students hosted a 2-hour long Zoom webinar in late October of 2022 to present information about the application and admissions processes, and to respond to questions on these topics. The webinar addressed general questions about preparing, completing, and submitting the application; what the Admissions Committee is looking for; and the general timeline for the admissions process.

Below is video from our latest webinar that took place on Wednesday, Nov 1st, 2023. Check back here in Fall 2024 for information on our next webinar.

Note: We have  compiled a document  containing supplementary material for previous PhysGAAP webinars.

Webinar Recordings

Past PhysGAAP Webinars

Please note that the two webinars below are from prior years and may contain outdated information about some topics, such as GRE requirements.

• October 2022
• December 2021
• September 2021

Mentorship for Prospective Applicants

In addition to the materials available through this website, answers to emails sent to the department, or from our graduate student webinars, we also offer one-on-one mentoring for students who desire more in-depth individual assistance. Prospective applicants may apply to the PhysGAAP Mentoring program,, which pairs prospective graduate school applicants with current graduate students who can assist them through the application process, provide feedback on their application materials and insight into graduate school and the MIT Physics Department.

We welcome interest in the PhysGAAP Mentorship program and mentorship applications are open to any prospective applicant. However, our capacity is limited, so we will give preferential consideration to PhysGAAP Mentorship applicants who would most benefit from the program and can demonstrate that they are a good fit.

PhysGAAP Mentoring may a good fit for you if you

• feel like you lack other resources to help you navigate the graduate school application process,
• find the other forms of assistance (online webinars, email at [email protected] ) insufficient to address your needs, and
• think you could benefit from one-on-one application mentorship.

PhysGAAP Mentoring may not be a good fit for you if you

• only have one or two questions that could be answered elsewhere (online webinars, email at [email protected] , or online FAQs), or
• feel like you already have sufficient resources to complete your application (e.g., the PhysGAAP webinars, access to other mentoring services or workshops)

Please note that:

• PhysGAAP Mentoring is only open to students who are planning to apply to graduate schools in Fall 2024 .
• Participation in PhysGAAP is not considered during admissions review. It helps applicants put forward their strongest materials, but does not guarantee admission into our graduate program.
• Any information you submit in the PhysGAAP Mentoring application will only be seen by the PhysGAAP team and your matched mentor.

Admissions/Application FAQs

Our Frequently Asked Questions provide further information about degree requirements, funding, educational background, application deadlines, English language proficiency, program duration, start dates and deferrals, and fee waiver requests.

The MOST Frequently Asked Question…

What is included in a strong graduate application for physics at mit.

Applications are assessed holistically and many variables are considered in the application review process. The following four main factors are required for a complete application.

• the applicant’s statement of objectives or purpose,
• transcripts of past grades,
• score reports of any required standardized tests,
• three letters of reference.

In addition, any past research experience, publications, awards, and honors are extremely helpful, particularly if they are in the area(s) of the applicant’s interest(s). Applicants may also include a personal statement in their application to provide context as the materials are assessed.

Applications are routed to admission committee members and other faculty readers using the “areas of interest” and any faculty names selected from the menu as well as based on the research interests included in the statement of objectives. Please select the areas of interest that best reflect your goals.

Instructions are available in the application itself , with further guidance on our Additional Guidance page. The Physics Admissions Office will respond to questions sent to [email protected] .

General Questions Regarding the PhD Program in Physics

Must i have a degree in physics in order to apply to this graduate program.

Our successful applicants generally hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics, or have taken many Physics classes if they have majored in another discipline. The most common other majors are astronomy, engineering, mathematics, and chemistry. Bachelor of Science degrees may be 3-year or 4-year degrees, depending on the education structure of the country in which they are earned.

What are the requirements to complete a PhD?

The requirements for a PhD in Physics at MIT are the doctoral examination, a few required subject classes, and a research-based thesis. The doctoral examination consists of a written and an oral examination. The written component may be satisfied either by passing the 4 subject exams or by passing designated classes related to each topic with a qualifying grade; the oral exam will be given in a student’s chosen research area. The Physics Department also requires that each student take two classes in the field of specialization and two physics-related courses in fields outside the specialty. Research for the thesis is conducted throughout the student’s time in the program, culminating in a thesis defense and submission of the final thesis.

Can I take courses at other schools nearby?

Yes. Cross-registration is available at Harvard University and Wellesley College.

How many years does it take to complete the PhD requirements?

From 3 to 7 years, averaging 5.6 years.

How will I pay for my studies?

Our students are fully supported financially throughout the duration of their program, provided that they make satisfactory progress. Funding is provided from Fellowships (internal and external) and/or Assistantships (research and teaching) and covers tuition, health insurance, and a living stipend. Read more about funding .

Note: For more detailed information regarding the cost of attendance, including specific costs for tuition and fees, books and supplies, housing and food as well as transportation, please visit the Student Financial Services (SFS) website .

How many applications are submitted each year? How many students are accepted?

Although the number varies each year, the Department of Physics usually welcomes approximately 45 incoming graduate students each year. Last year we received more than 1,700 applications and extended fewer than 90 offers of admission.

What are the minimum grades and exam scores for admitted applicants?

There are no minimum standards for overall grade point averages/GPAs. Grades from physics and other related classes will be carefully assessed. Under a special COVID-19 policy, MIT will accept transcripts with a variety of grading conventions, including any special grading given during the COVID-19 pandemic. PGREs (Physics subject GRE) is not required for graduate applications but is recommended.

Our program is conducted in English and all applicants must demonstrate their English language proficiency. Non-native English speakers should review our policy carefully before waiving the TOEFL/IELTS requirements. We do not set a minimum requirement on TOEFL/IELTS scores; however, students who are admitted to our program typically score above the following values:

• IELTS – 7
• TOEFL (computer based) – 200
• TOEFL (iBT) – 100
• TOEFL (standard) – 600

The Application Process

When is the deadline for applying to the phd program in physics.

Applications for enrollment in the fall are due each year by 11:59pm EST on December 15 of the preceding year. There is no admission cycle for spring-term enrollment.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult for me to take tests in person. Can I still apply?

PGRE (Physics subject GRE) is not required for graduate applications but is recommended. Non-native English speakers who are not eligible for a test waiver should include their results from either an in-person or online version of the TOEFL or IELTS test.

Does the Department of Physics provide waivers for the English language exam (TOEFL/IELTS)?

An English language exam (IELTS, TOEFL, TOEFL iBT, or the C2 Cambridge English Proficiency exam) is required of all applicants who are from a country in which English is not the primary language. Exceptions to this policy will be considered for candidates who, at the start of their graduate studies in 2025, will have been in the US or in a country whose official language is English for three years or longer and who will have received a degree from a college or university in a country where the language of education instruction is English. An interview via telephone, Zoom, or Skype may be arranged at the discretion of the Admissions Committee. More information on a possible English Language Waiver Decision (PDF).

Does the Department of Physics provide application fee waivers?

Although we do not want the MIT application fee to be a barrier to admission, we cannot provide application fee waivers to all who request one.  Under-resourced applicants, and applicants who have participated in the MIT Summer Research Program (MSRP), Converge, or another MIT program or an official MIT recruiting visit are eligible for a fee waiver from the MIT Office of Graduate Education (OGE). Please check MIT Graduate Diversity Programs for further details.  Departmentally, we have allotted a small number of waivers for applicants who have completed an application (including transcript uploads, and requests for letters of recommendation), but do not qualify for a waiver from the OGE. Fee waiver requests will be considered on a first-come-first-served basis, and not after December 1. Furthermore, applications lacking the paid fee or a fee waiver by 11:59pm EST on December 15 will not be reviewed or considered for admission. Please complete the  MIT Physics Departmental Fee Waiver Application Form  when you are ready to apply for a departmental waiver. Waivers are not awarded until the application is complete.

Can I arrange a visit to the Physics Department or a specific research area?

We are not currently hosting or meeting with outside visitors in person, nor are we facilitating visits to our classrooms. Current graduate students and prospective applicants should direct any questions by email to [email protected] .

Applicants are invited to send specific questions to the Physics Admissions Office and some questions may be forwarded to current students for further information. Admitted students will be invited to attend an in-person open house.

Can I receive an update on the status of my application?

Candidates can check on the status of their application at apply.mit.edu/apply at any time. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all items are sent.

When will I be notified of a final decision?

Applicants will be notified via email of decisions by the end of February. If you have not heard from us by March 1, please send email to [email protected] .

We do not provide results by phone.

Can admitted students start in a term other than the next Fall semester?

Applications submitted between September 15 and December 15 by 11:59pm EST are assessed for the following Fall semester. We do not provide a separate admission review cycle for the Spring semester. Individual research supervisors may invite incoming students to start their research during the summer term a few months earlier than their studies would normally begin. All other incoming students start their studies in late August for the Fall term.

Once admitted, applicants may request a one-year deferral to attend a specific academic program or for another approved reason, with single semester deferrals for the following Spring term granted only rarely.

Have questions about applying? Please check our FAQ page  before emailing us at [email protected] . We partner with Harvard Economics to connect prospective students from underrepresented groups with graduate student mentors. Details of this Application Assistance and Mentoring Program are available below.

Application requirements

The application to our doctoral program is open annually from September 15-December 15 for admission the following September. The application for September 2024 admission is now closed.

Your application is considered complete when you have successfully submitted the following requirements by the December 15 application deadline:

• Online application
• $90 application fee
• Scanned copy of college transcripts
• Three letters of recommendation
• TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge English Qualification (C1 & C2) test score (any one) for international students whose native language is not English
• The GRE is required as part of applications for the 2025-2026 cycle (for September 2025 admission)

To request a fee waiver, please complete MIT's application fee waiver form . You should carefully review the eligibility criteria prior to applying. A representative from MIT’s Office of Graduate Education will be in touch about the outcome of your request.

Transcripts

Please upload one copy of each transcript from all universities you have attended. If you're admitted to the program, we'll require you to have an official copy of your transcript(s) sent to us from the university's registrar. Your transcript will be verified upon receipt and any discrepancy between the transcript you uploaded and the official transcript will result in a withdrawal of our offer of admission.

Letters of recommendation

Letters must be submitted/uploaded by the letter writers by December 15. Please send the email request to your letter writers via the 'Letter Status' section in your application.

TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge English Qualification scores

International students whose first language is not English are required to submit   English language proficiency test scores unless they are a US citizen or permanent resident. The department will also waive the requirement for international non-native speakers of English who have spent three or more years studying in an accredited school or university where English is the language of instruction.  (Please note: verification of the institution’s language of instruction may be requested.)

We accept the following test scores:

• Cambridge English C1 Advanced
• Cambridge English C2 Proficiency

If you meet the criteria for a waiver, you can make a request to waive the English proficiency exam requirement on the online application, under the "test scores" section.

TOEFL, IELTS, and Cambridge English Qualification scores are valid or accepted for two years. Scores that expire while an application is under review will be considered valid.

Submitting your scores

Your online application will prompt you to attach a scanned copy of your test scores. Your scores must also be sent directly to MIT from ETS, IELTS, or Cambridge. MIT's school code for the TOEFL is 3514. The TOEFL code for the Department of Economics is 84. IELTS and Cambridge do not require a code. Please enter "Massachusetts Institute of Technology- Graduate Admissions."

Official scores must be received from ETS, IELTS, or Cambridge by December 15. Please take your proficiency exam of choice by November 30 to allow for proper reporting time. If your score report arrives shortly after the deadline, it will be accepted, but your application may not be reviewed until your scores are received.

Minimum score requirements

The minimum requirement for the TOEFL is PBT: 600, iBT: 100. The minimum requirement for the IELTS is 7.  The minimum requirement for the Cambridge English Qualifications is a CEFR score of 185.

Your online application will give you the option to attach a scanned copy of your test scores or a screenshot of the scores from the ETS website. You can also send a score report directly to MIT from ETS. MIT's school code for the GRE is 3514. The code for the Department of Economics is 1801.

To allow for your scores to arrive by the application deadline, you should take the GRE by November 30 to allow for reporting time.

Personal statement (optional)

We encourage applicants to include a statement of objectives/personal statement with their application, though it is not required. The statement is an opportunity to explain what makes you a good candidate for the program. You should describe why you wish to attend graduate school, what you would like to study, and any research experience. Describe one or more accomplishments you are particularly proud of that suggest that you will succeed in your chosen area of research. You can also share any unique perspective or life experience that would contribute to the program.   Statements are typically two single-spaced pages.

Economics Mentoring Program

Many students interested in an economics PhD experience disparate degrees of support in the application process. The Economics Mentoring Program (EMP, formerly known as AAMP) aims to mitigate these gaps by helping students from underrepresented groups connect with graduate student mentors in the economics PhD programs at Duke, Harvard, MIT, and Stanford. These mentors can provide:

• Advice on graduate school and fellowship applications, including questions about the application process and feedback on application materials.
• Information about economics research, life as a PhD student or in an academic career, for students who are deciding whether a PhD in economics is the right choice for them.

The EMP aims to increase the pipeline of diverse talent in economics PhD programs and welcomes participation from all groups underrepresented in economics, including but not limited to: Black, Hispanic-Latin, Native American, low-income, and LGBTQ+ students, women, students with disabilities, and students who are the first in their families to go to college. The EMP welcomes participation among students at various stages of their economics studies, including undergraduates and college graduates. The EMP is open to students who are curious about the academic economics experience and interested in figuring out if it’s right for them. 

Interested participants should fill out the application linked below. We will accept applications until July 22, 2024. Mentorship will begin over the summer and continue through Fall 2024. Mentees who prefer to meet for a single “coffee chat” may indicate their preference on the form. We will do our best to match all interested applicants with a mentor; however, demand may exceed the availability of mentors.

Please note that the EMP is a volunteer-based, student-run program. This program is not considered part of the admissions process for the economics PhD at Duke, Harvard, MIT, or Stanford nor will any student's participation in the EMP be considered by the graduate admissions committee at any school.

Please direct any questions to [email protected]  

To join the program, please click the link below to fill out the form. For more information, please visit our website. 

EMP application form:  https://forms.gle/tWvNRXRJQWEHhFn16 We will accept applications until July 22, 2024

Website:  www.economicsmentoringprogram.com  

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PhD Program Requirements

The Chemistry Department offers a flexible program that allows students to select courses tailored to their individual background and research interests. Students also teach for two semesters.

As part of the requirement for a PhD degree, MIT requires a General Examination, with both an oral and written part. The Oral Examination for the PhD in Chemistry must be passed by the end of the fourth semester of graduate study. No other general written examinations are required. In particular, no qualifying (or entrance) examinations are given.

A final oral presentation of doctoral research is scheduled after the thesis has been submitted and evaluated by a committee of faculty.

Program Requirements

Coursework and teaching.

All chemistry graduate students are required to register for the appropriate chemistry seminar subject (5.913, 5.921, 5.931, or 5.941 depending on research area) each term. This registration carries with it the expectation of seminar attendance whenever possible. These seminars provide an important component to your graduate education and professional development

All students are required to teach for two semesters in their first year. During those semesters, students are required to enroll in a class to support their teaching (5.91 Teaching Experience in the Chemical Sciences).  

2nd Year Oral & Written Exams

MIT requires that all Ph.D. candidates pass general oral and written examinations in their field of study. For chemistry students, these exams occur in the spring of the second year. The faculty committee will (i) assess whether the student has progressed sufficiently to be on-track for obtaining a Ph.D. degree in Chemistry and (ii) provide constructive feedback to help the student reach their full potential during the period of study at MIT. Thus, the overarching purpose of the examination includes fulfilling Institutional requirements for Ph.D. students and evaluating:

1. Progress towards the PhD degree (coursework, research) indicating that the student is on track to receive a doctoral degree in Chemistry 2. General knowledge and understanding in the broad field of study and specific sub-area 3. Critical thinking, including the ability to use core principles to think through unfamiliar topics 4. Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms, think logically and independently, and defend a point of view 5. Ability to formulate upcoming research plans and present a feasible timeline for progress towards completion of research goals 6. Overall scholarship

Thesis Committees

As the first step, second-year students meet with their research advisors to discuss which faculty might be appropriate as members of their Thesis Committee.  Thesis Committees must be composed of at least two other MIT faculty besides your advisor. Your Thesis Committee chair must be from the department of chemistry and in your area of chemistry (chemical biology, inorganic, organic, or physical). Please see the notes below if you are working in a research group outside the department and/or are co-advised. You are required to propose at least four faculty members as candidates for your committee in addition to your advisor, though you may propose up to six faculty members.  Students should fill out the online Thesis Committee Nomination Form by Friday, September 15, 2023 . Submitted forms are then reviewed by the Graduate Officer and a faculty advisory group who assign final Thesis Committees.  They will also choose one of these faculty members to be your Thesis Committee Chair.  This process is necessary to avoid the past problem of some faculty being assigned to an inordinately large number of committees. If you are listing any faculty outside the department, please contact them before submitting your form to confirm that they are willing to serve on your Thesis Committee and attend all relevant examinations and meetings. You do not need to reach out to any faculty within the department about serving on your thesis committee.

Students wishing subsequently to change their Thesis Committee, for reasons including significant changes in the direction of their research topic, should email Jennifer Weisman with the reason for requesting a change. Students must receive a positive response from the Chemistry Education Office in order for the change in committee to take effect.  Since changes in Thesis Committee membership can only be granted in unusual circumstances, students should contact the members of their committee to schedule the date for their oral defense well in advance of when they expect to complete their dissertation.

In the second year, each student’s research progress and intellectual development is evaluated through the Oral Examination. If a division requires an examination after the second year, Thesis Committee members also meet then. The thesis committee also meets for the Plan to Finish Meeting described below. Students (and research advisors) may arrange an additional meeting of the Thesis Committee in special circumstances by contacting the chair of the committee. Additionally, beginning in the second year of graduate study, each student meets with the Chair of their Thesis Committee at least once during the fall semester.

*Please note that if you are conducting research outside the department your Thesis Committee must be composed of at least two other MIT faculty besides your advisor and both must be from the Department of Chemistry. As noted above, your Thesis Committee chair must be in your area of chemistry (chemical biology, inorganic, organic, or physical).

Annual Meeting with Research Advisor

Under this system, research advisors are required to meet with each graduate student in their group who is in their second or later year to discuss the student’s intellectual and professional development over the past year and progress toward the degree. Prior to this meeting, students should complete Parts I-II of the required form on their own. Send the file to your Advisor the night before the meeting . At the meeting, students discuss their progress, future plans, and concerns with their advisor. The completed Graduate Student Annual Research Advisor Meeting form must be signed by both the student and their research advisor. Note that this is only a suggested format for the meeting. You and your advisor may choose a different format for the discussion as long as there is some written summary.

Annual Meeting with Thesis Committee Chair

Beginning in the second year of graduate student, each student meets annually with the Chair of their Thesis Committee. At these meetings, students update the Thesis Committee (TC) Chair on their on their research progress and general intellectual development in an informal and relaxed setting. The time, place, and format for this discussion is arranged between the student and Thesis Committee Chair. These meetings aim to encourage productive and stimulating discussions of science and to facilitate the development of further interactions between students and other members of the faculty besides research advisors. Students should keep in mind that these meetings are intended to focus primarily on academic and scientific matters, and that Thesis Committee Chairs are not bound by the same obligations with respect to privacy as are the Chemistry Department Mediators.

Plan to Finish Meeting

Updated October 2022

By June 1 st (and preferably before April 15 th ) of the 4 th year , each PhD student will participate in the Plan to Finish (PTF) meeting with their thesis committee. The purpose of the PTF meeting is for the student to discuss their timeline and plans for finishing a PhD.

In the 5 th year and beyond, if the student is not defending the PhD thesis by August 31 st of the 5 th year, the student will have another PTF meeting before June 1 st (and preferably before April 15 th ) of that calendar year, and the PTF meeting will be repeated annually until the year the student defends their thesis. Thus, a student who graduates in year five will have one PTF meeting, one who graduates in year six will have two, and so forth.

Before the meeting:  The student will prepare and share slides containing a summary of their research progress and their plans for research and completing the PhD thesis.

• Projects that will be wrapped up and/or relinquished
• Papers that will be written and/or submitted
• Opportunities for professional development
• Plans for after graduation
• The presentation should be succinct, not more than 8–10 slides total. These slides should include: (1) 1–2 introductory slides, one of which must display a proposed table of contents for the PhD thesis. The TOC includes the title for each proposed chapter and state of each chapter (e.g. “Experiments complete and manuscript published”, “Experiments nearly completed and manuscript writing in progress”, “Experiments ongoing”). (2) 1–3 slides per thesis chapter and associated future work linked to each chapter. (3) 1 slide summarizing future plans with a realistic timeline for completion of all the proposed activities (the PTF timeline).  Be sure to include the status of plans for after graduation. The student should consult with their research advisor in preparing the PTF timeline.
• The slides must be sent to the committee at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting.
• Meetings will be scheduled at the student’s direction and be organized by the research supervisor’s administrative assistant. These meetings are intended to be in-person, but teleconference can be used in special circumstances.

During the meeting: The meeting will follow the format below.

First, the student will provide a short (10-20 minute) presentation of their research progress and future plans based on their slides. Faculty will participate in discussion of the research and plans during this presentation.

Next, the research supervisor will be asked to leave the room so that the thesis committee can confer privately with the student.

Subsequently, the student will be asked to leave the room for a short period so that the committee can confer privately with the research supervisor.

The thesis committee will offer constructive feedback during and after the presentation and following the private discussions. The committee may request changes and/or revisions to the PTF outline as part of the discussion.

The plan to finish meeting will last ~1 hour altogether.

After the meeting:  The student will write-up a brief summary of the meeting, and submit it along with the PTF timeline and a signed PTF Form to the Chemistry Education Office as proof of completion. These items can be submitted as hard copies to the Chemistry Education Office or emailed to Dr. Jennifer Weisman .

• While the deadline to hold the PTF meeting is June 1 st , students are strongly encouraged to complete their PTF Meeting by April 15 th to avoid scheduling issues later in the spring. As a reminder, the research supervisor’s administrative assistant will schedule the meeting upon the student’s request.
• There is no possibility of failing the PTF meeting. The purpose of the meeting is fulfilled by the process of having it.
• Annual meetings with the research advisor are required every year, including the fourth year.

Graduate Student Exit Interviews

• Graduating students will be sent a list of interview questions by the Chemistry Education Office when the student joins the degree list. Instructions about scheduling a time for the in-person or virtual discussion will be included with other informational correspondence from the Chemistry Education Office regarding degree completion. Graduating students will perform their exit interview after the thesis defense so as to avoid making the interview an additional burden.
• For students departing the program without a degree, the interview questions and instructions for scheduling an in-person discussion will be sent by the Chemistry Education Office at the point in time that a date for termination of their appointment in Chemistry is determined.
• For the majority of departing students, this interview coincides with the end of the semester, but a rolling schedule of surveys is anticipated.

Guide for Graduate Students

For md-phd students in the hst program.

PhD Admissions FAQ

If you have questions, not answered here or elsewhere on our web pages, send an email to  hst-phd-admissions [at] mit.edu (HST PhD Admissions staff) .

What is the MEMP PhD program?

The Medical Engineering and Medical Physics (MEMP) PhD program trains students to advance human health. The MEMP program is a unique combination of curriculum, practice and community that integrates:

• A thorough graduate education in a classical discipline of engineering or physical science
• In depth training in the biomedical sciences and the practice of medicine through preclinical coursework alongside medical students and clinical experiences in hospital wards
• Access to research opportunities in labs at Harvard, MIT and Harvard teaching hospitals
• A community of peers with career paths in medicine, science, engineering, business, and government
• Original research in the form of a doctoral thesis

What makes MEMP unique?

The MEMP program differs significantly from many biomedical engineering (BME) doctoral programs because of its breadth and its depth in multiple dimensions. It not only emphasizes grounding in a classical discipline but also provides much more exposure to the medical sciences than most BME programs. This exposure comes in many forms, including biomedical sciences coursework in which MD students are peers, as well as through multiple clinical experiences. The MEMP program also provides an open environment that allows students to follow their interests even when they cross the conventional barriers between disciplines, professions and institutions.

Alumni tell us that the HST Introduction to Clinical Medicine (ICM), which is the capstone experience differentiating MEMP from traditional BME programs, is transformative and has a major impact on their careers.

• The clinical experience is priceless.  Provides months of real-world exposure to the challenges - and rewards - of medicine, from diagnosis to treatment
• Doing ICM also made my coursework relevant - I saw myriad applications for engineering expertise and abundant problems needing to be tackled. ICM brought these to life in a way lectures or textbooks never would have.
• The types of students who are drawn to MEMP because of Intro to Clinical Medicine (ICM) are those who want to understand problems from many different angles, not just their engineering discipline, and builds the interdisciplinary culture that HST strives for right from the beginning .
• From direct observation from my peers and colleagues, HST alumni, that have entered both academia and industry, the ICM experience has prepared them in ways that may have otherwise taken years to learn in order to interact with physicians and advance translation of ideas and products... Medicine is a culture and knowledge base that needs to be experienced in the clinic, learning with patients, and cannot be appreciated solely in the classroom.

Is my background appropriate for MEMP?

MEMP applicants should have an undergraduate (bachelors/baccalaureate) degree in an engineering discipline or a physical/quantitative science field (for example, chemistry, physics, computer science, computational neuroscience). A masters degree is not required. Successful candidates will have demonstrated a sustained interest in applications of engineering and physical science principles to biology or medicine through courses, research, and/or industrial experience.

When members of the admissions committee review submitted applications, they are assessing whether applicants are prepared to succeed in graduate courses in engineering or physical sciences at MIT. To determine if your background provides sufficient preparation for our program, you can review the program’s requirements for a concentration area here and here . Materials for many of the classes listed on the TQE form are available on MIT Open Courseware , which allows you to see the level at which the material is covered.

Does HST offer fee waivers?

Applying to graduate school can present a financial obstacle for many qualified applicants. Application fee waivers are available for US citizens and permanent residents who meet eligibility requirements set by the  MIT Office of Graduate Education . All requests are made through the MIT Office of Graduate Education process. 

How do I apply to MEMP?

All MEMP candidates are required to apply through MIT, using the MIT online Application for Graduate Admission. Note that MEMP students enrolled through MIT can work in the labs of any Harvard or MIT faculty member, including those at Harvard-affiliated hospitals and research institutes .

Can I apply to MEMP through via Harvard?

Candidates who have applied to MEMP via MIT and are simultaneously applying for graduate study with one of our partner units at Harvard – the Harvard Biophysics Graduate Program or the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) – may optionally follow these instructions to apply to participate in the MEMP curriculum in conjunction with their PhD at Harvard. This path is appropriate if:

• you have a particular interest in the curriculum of Harvard's interdepartmental Biophysics Program; or
• you are interested in joining the lab of a Harvard SEAS faculty member to work on a SEAS-based project. 

Successful applicants to MEMP through Harvard must be accepted by both their Harvard program and HST. If you are accepted to MEMP through both MIT and Harvard, you can choose which offer to accept.

Can I apply to multiple PhD programs in the same year?

Yes, you may apply to multiple MIT graduate degree programs in the same admissions cycle. HST encourages applicants to consider the suitability of programs at different institutions and in other MIT departments. Each application to MIT is considered separately, and MIT will charge a separate application fee for each program that you apply to.

How do MEMP students select their research advisors and thesis project?

MEMP PhD students admitted through MIT work in a wide variety of research areas and can work in the labs of any MIT or Harvard faculty member. This includes research labs located at many institutions affiliated  with Harvard  and  with MIT .   Faculty formally affiliated with the HST program are listed at http://hst.mit.edu/faculty-research/faculty , but MEMP students are not restricted to working with these individuals.

As part of the admissions process, promising applicants are invited for interviews. After offers of admission have been extended, admitted candidates will have opportunities to interact with faculty and current students as part of MEMP Open House in early March. Due to the large number of applications, we do not encourage candidates to contact potential research mentors prior to being invited to interview.

When can I begin an application?

The application website opens each year on August 1 for admission in fall of the following year.

What is the deadline to apply?

Application deadlines  are typically in early December preceding the fall term in which you intend to enroll.

We appreciate receiving all letters of recommendation by the application deadline, as that will expedite the processing of your application. We will accept letters of recommendation received up to 7 days after the application deadline. Applications will be considered incomplete and may not receive full consideration if the required three letters are not received by that extended deadline.

It is not possible to make changes to your application after the deadline, even if new information becomes available regarding publications, awards, grades, etc. If you are invited to interview, you can share those updates with members of the admissions committee at that time.

Is the GRE required?

No, GRE test scores are not required or accepted.

I'm an international student. Is an English proficiency exam required, and how do I submit exam scores?

HST places a high premium on both written and spoken communication skills. International students applying to HST should select one of the following options.

Option 1 : Submit IELTS, Cambridge English, or TOEFL exam scores. You must schedule your test so official results will be sent and received by our application deadline.

• HST requires a minimum score of 7 on the IELTS test. IELTS does not use a code system; please designate Health Sciences and Technology (HST) as the MIT department for sending your scores. 
• HST requires a minimum score of 185 for the Cambridge English C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency assessments.
• HST accepts all versions of the TOEFL iBT test and requires a minimum score of 100. Please have your official TOEFL test scores sent to MIT using institution code 3514 . A department code is not necessary. All scores received by MIT are matched to submitted applications. 

Option 2 : If you meet one of the following criteria, you are not required to submit IELTS, Cambridge English, or TOEFL scores:

• English is your first (native) language;
• You have received a degree from a high school, college, or university where English is the primary language of instruction;
• You are currently enrolled in a degree program where English is the primary language of instruction

Please provide these answers in the  Personal Background  and Academic History  section of your MIT MEMP application. 

Option 3 : If you do not meet the criteria in Option 2 , but you believe that you have sufficient English proficiency for graduate study (for example, many years of professional activities reading, writing, and speaking English), you may choose not to submit test scores. In this case, you should do both of the following:

• Describe your experience and skill levels in writing, reading, and speaking English in the Test Scores  section on your application. 
• Ask one or more recommenders whose native language is English to include their subjective evaluation of your English language preparation for graduate study as part of their letter of recommendation.

If you cannot provide current IELTS, Cambridge English, or TOEFL scores and do not meet the criteria in Options 2 or 3 , you may apply to HST, but we cannot guarantee that your application will receive full consideration.

How do I convert international or letter grades to GPA?

Please include the cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) as reported on your transcript. You should not convert international or letter grades to a GPA. If there is no cumulative grade available, enter n/a for not applicable or 0 (zero).  

What supporting documents are required, and how do I submit them?

Specific instructions for submitting resumes/CVs,  transcripts,  and letters of recommendation  follow. Please do not send copies of journal articles, certificates, photographs, or any other materials; they will not be reviewed.

Test score reports: We do not accept GRE or MCAT scores. Detailed instructions for international applicants submitting TOEFL or IELTS scores can be found here .

Resumes/CVs:  The online application will prompt you to upload a resume or CV.

Transcripts: As part of the online application, you will upload grade reports or unofficial transcripts from each college or university where a degree has or will be earned.  Candidates who are offered admission and choose to enroll  will be asked to arrange for an official transcript to be sent directly from each school where a degree has been awarded.

Please do not send official transcripts until you are prompted to do so. We accept both paper and electronic transcripts. Transcripts that do not already include an English version must be accompanied by a certified English translation.

Letters of recommendation:  Three letters are required, and one or two additional letters (up to a total of five) will be accepted. At least two letters should be from people well acquainted with your academic work and research abilities. 

Each letter should be on institutional letterhead and include a legible signature. Letters should be received by the application deadline, but no later than December 9 .

Whenever possible, letters should be submitted online. We do not accept letters of recommendation by email or fax. If your recommender encounters difficulties, instruct them to  hst-phd-admissions [at] mit.edu (contact us) for assistance.

May I include a publication that has been submitted or is currently under review, in revision, accepted for publication or in press?

Publication information should be listed in the applicant's CV.

Applicants may refer to submitted manuscripts - such as journal articles or conference proceedings - at any stage of the publication process. Please clarify the current state of the review process. If you are invited to interview, you may be asked to provide an update on the current status of a manuscript. 

May I send additional supporting materials?

No, please do not send additional supporting materials. They will not be reviewed.

What happens after HST receives my application?

Once your application is complete, you will receive an email confirmation. Due to the high volume of activity near the deadline, it may take a few days to receive this confirmation. We appreciate your patience and understanding. If your application is incomplete (for example, due to missing letters of recommendation), you will receive status updates via email until the application is complete or through December 20, whichever comes first. 

Applications are reviewed by multiple members of the HST PhD admissions committee, and selected candidates are invited to participate in virtual interviews that occur in late January. Offers of admission are sent by mid-February and admitted candidates are invited to visit Cambridge for a series of Open House events in late February or early March. Admitted candidates must accept or decline their offer of admission by April 15.

Can I send an updated material after I submit my application?

Unfortunately, due to a large number of applications, we are not able to replace material within a submitted application unless there is an egregious error (i.e. wrong letter of recommendation, a file will not open, etc.)

It is not possible to make changes to your application after the deadline, even if new information becomes available regarding publications, awards, grades, etc. If you are invited to interview, you can share those updates with members of the admissions committee at that time. 

When will I know if I have been selected for an interview? When are the interviews?

In mid-January, promising candidates will receive an email invitation to partcipate in video conference interviews. Candidates who are not selected to interview will receive formal notification of their status as soon as possible.

The remote interviews will be scheduled to take place in late January. Interviews will be offered at a variety of times throughout the day, Monday thru Friday. The specific time slots will be shared with candidates when they are invited to interview, and each interviewing candidate will ultimately be assigned to a single two-hour block. As part of that process, we will make every effort to accommodate scheduling constraints and preferences. 

How will I know whether or not I have been accepted?

Applicants invited to interview will be notified by mid-February of HST's decision. All notifications are sent via email.

Candidates offered admission will be asked to let us know their decision as soon as possible, but no later than April 15th. 

What are my chances of being accepted to MEMP?

The admissions committee reviews applications holistically, considering all aspects of an applicant’s life experiences in addition to academic achievements, research experience, and letters of recommendation. Successful candidates typically have a grade point average of 3.6 or higher on a 4.0 scale, strong letters of recommendation from faculty or others with whom they have worked closely, and relevant prior research experience. We understand that not all applicants have had the same access to undergraduate research experiences. 

Admission to MEMP is competitive, with approximately 10% of applicants invited to interview and offers of admission extended to roughly half of the interviewed candidates.

What types of financial support are available?

HST MEMP is a fully-funded program. Students in good academic standing receive full financial support – consisting of living expenses, tuition, and health insurance - for the duration of their graduate studies.  Almost all incoming students receive departmental fellowship support for the first academic year. In subsequent years, students receive full financial support from a combination of  research assistantships (RAs) , teaching assistantships (TAs) , and fellowships . HST is proud that more than 1/3 of our students are supported by external fellowships. More information is available here: https://hst.mit.edu/academic-programs/financial-support/MEMPs . 

Where can I learn more about MIT’s tuition, fees, and estimated cost of living?

As described above, all students in good academic standing receive full financial support – consisting of stipend, tuition, and health insurance - for the duration of their graduate studies. For more detailed information regarding the cost of attendance, including specific costs for tuition and fees, books and supplies, housing and food as well as transportation, please visit the MIT Student Financial Services website at  https://sfs.mit.edu/graduate-students/guide/grad-cost-of-attendance/ .  

I'm an international student. How does that effect my chances of being admitted and receiving first-year funding?

All applications are evaluated without consideration of nationality or citizenship. Similarly, funding offers to admitted candidates are typically the same for domestic and international candidates.  International students comprise approximately 25% of currently enrolled MEMP students.

If I'm accepted, can I defer my admission until the following year?

You should apply to MEMP by the application deadline that immediately precedes the fall term in which you intend to enroll. HST does not grant deferrals for students to pursue business ventures, work experience, public service opportunities, travel or educational programs unrelated to medical engineering. HST will consider requests for deferrals in cases where applicants receive opportunities for international study via the Churchill Scholarship, Whitaker International Fellowship, Rhodes Scholarship and other similar programs.

Can I apply to MEMP if my undergraduate major is in the life sciences?

A traditional life sciences curriculum is generally not adequate preparation for MEMP.  However, some successful applicants have an undergraduate (bachelors/baccalureate) degree in life sciences augmented by extensive coursework in mathematics, physics, engineering, and/or computer science. This may take the form of a formal minor program or a less-formal collection of courses that provide a similar level of expertise in a quantitative field.

When the admissions committee reviews submitted applications, they are assessing whether applicants are prepared to succeed in the relevant graduate courses at MIT. To determine if your background provides sufficient preparation, you can review the program’s requirements for a concentration area and the classes that fulfill that requirement . Materials for many of the concentration area classes are available here , which allows you to see the level at which the material is covered and to assess your preparation.

Can I apply to MEMP if I already have a medical degree or if I am currently enrolled in medical school?

The MEMP curriculum combines training in engineering or a physical/quantitative science discipline with classes in biomedical sciences and clinical experiences. The admissions process generally favors candidates who would benefit from both elements of the training over those candidates who already hold a medical degree or are enrolled in medical school. If you choose to apply, your statement of purpose should specifically address the rationale for your proposed training in MEMP, as opposed to a more traditional science or engineering PhD program. How will the MEMP curriculum enhance your career path, given that you have already obtained biomedical sciences training and deep clinical perspectives?

Additionally, if you have not studied an engineering or physical/quantitative science discipline in addition to medicine, you should consult the FAQ here .

Can I apply if...

... I'm a first year grad student at MIT in Mechanical Engineering (or another engineering or physical/quantitative science discipline)? I didn't know about HST when I applied to graduate school, but now I'm really interested in MEMP.

Yes, you may. If admitted, you would transfer from Mechanical Engineering to MEMP. It's very likely that the coursework and research that you are doing in your first year of graduate school can be used to satisfy requirements towards your MEMP degree.

Will I have to take MEMP Quals if...

... I'm a first year grad student at MIT in Chemical Engineering ( or another engineering or physical/quantitative   science discipline ), I've already passed my quals in my department, and I've been accepted to MEMP for next year?

If you've already passed doctoral qualifying exams in another department at MIT, then you can submit a petition requesting to substitute that qualifying exam for your MEMP quals. The faculty committee that oversees MEMP quals will decide on your petition by reviewing your academic performance and comparing the ChemE quals to the MEMP quals.

Do MEMP students get a master's degree on the way to their PhD?

Master's degrees are not required in MEMP, and HST does not typically grant master's degrees to MEMP students. It is possible for MEMP students to earn a master's degree in a related field (for example, electrical engineering or mechanical engineering). If you are interested in this option, you must apply directly to the appropriate department for their master's program and notify HST if admitted.

In most cases, the coursework and research required for the master's degree can also be used to satisfy requirements towards your MEMP degree. Students will be assigned an Academic Advisor from both graduate departments and will complete master's degree requirements first.

Who do I contact for other questions?

We're happy to help. Just email us at  hst-phd-admissions [at] mit.edu (subject: MEMP%20Admissions%20question) (hst-phd-admissions[at]mit[dot]edu)

MIT Admissions Blog

Learn more directly from HST students via  MIT's Admissions Blog .

HST distinguished scholars, on a boat cruise 2022

At MIT, a regular graduate student is one who is registered for a program of advanced study and research leading to a post-baccalaureate degree.

A regular graduate student may concurrently hold an appointment as a research assistant, a teaching assistant, or an instructor.

All graduate-level applicants must apply through the online application portal. Each department has its own application website and its own detailed set of requirements. Further department information can be found in the  Programs  section.

To begin the application process, select one of the 46 departmental programs, and click the link to Apply.

Eligibility

Departments may have specific eligibility requirements related to the applicant’s major, coursework, degrees, or academic performance. These limitations will be listed on the department or program website.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in education and employment. MIT’s Nondiscrimination Policy can be found online at  referencepubs.mit.edu .

Requirements

To be admitted as a regular graduate student, an applicant must have earned a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a college, university, or technical school of acceptable standing. Students in their final year of undergraduate study may be admitted on the condition that their bachelor’s degree is awarded before they enroll at MIT.

The application process can vary significantly between departments, but in general the following list of application requirements holds true:

• Submission of the online application. Qualified applicants interested in more than one department must submit separate applications to each department of interest.
• For more details regarding application fee waivers and eligibility, please see our  Application Fee Waiver  page.
• Letters of recommendation. 
• A statement of objectives.
• Official GRE test scores.
• Official TOEFL or IELTS English proficiency exam test scores.
• Transcripts.
• CV or resume.

Specific admission requirements vary by department; please visit the  Programs  page for the requirements of individual departments. In general, most departments require significant work in mathematics and the physical sciences in addition to preparation in a specific field of interest; however, some departments admit students with as little as one year each of college-level mathematics and physical science.

Qualified applicants interested in more than one department must submit separate applications to each department of interest. This will require filling out a completely new application and submitting an additional application fee. Applicants who applied in previous years cannot use the same login user name and must create a new application with a new user name.

Applicants are evaluated by the individual department in which they intend to register on the basis of their prior performance and professional promise, as evidenced by their academic records, letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with their capabilities, and any other pertinent information they submit. While high academic achievement does not guarantee admission, MIT expects students to be able to meet the rigorous academic demands of graduate education.

Admission notifications are communicated directly by the department usually in the form of email or through the online application portal.

Terms of Admission

Admission to graduate study is contingent upon meeting Institute expectations of appropriate conduct.* Any offer of admission you may receive is based on the premise that you have conducted and will continue to conduct yourself, academically and otherwise, in accordance with MIT’s community values, policies, and standards of behavior.

By submitting a graduate application, you understand and affirm that all the information you have provided is accurate, complete, and your own work, and you agree that the Institute may verify this information. If there is new information that changes the accuracy of your answers after you submit your application, you are obligated to inform the MIT Graduate Admissions Office immediately. Should we learn of any misrepresentation or omission of the facts on your application––whether at the time of submission or later––we reserve the right to rescind your offer of admission.

Per Institute policy, you must report any conduct that may result, or has resulted, in any disciplinary or other similar negative action against you, including actions that occur after receiving your admissions offer. MIT Graduate Admissions has the right to rescind or defer your offer of admission if your conduct at any time does not meet the high levels of personal and academic integrity that you demonstrated in your application, or if we learn of information that changes the underlying basis for our admissions decision. Some examples include, but are not limited to, changes in your academic performance; a failure to graduate from your current institution; recent disciplinary action or disciplinary action that was not previously disclosed; or engaging in conduct that indicates a serious lack of judgment or integrity.

Readmission

If you would like to resume a program interrupted by an absence of one or more terms please download the Readmission Form. Submit the form directly to your department. Additional information about readmission can be found on the OGE Graduate Policies and Procedures website .

Useful Links

MIT Nondiscrimination Policy

Downloadable Forms

MIT Readmission Form (DOCX)

MIT Readmission Form (PDF)

*Please note that these terms are separate from and unrelated to conditional admissions, a practice at some universities in which an applicant may be permitted to skip select application requirements. MIT Graduate Admissions does not offer conditional admissions .

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How to Get Into MIT: 5 Expert Admissions Tips

College Admissions , College Info

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is one of the best schools in the world. If you want to be one of the few students accepted into MIT every year, you'll need to make sure your application is up to snuff.

In this article, we'll break down exactly how to get into MIT, from the test scores you need to the tips and tricks that'll help your application stand out.

How Hard Is It to Get Into MIT?

MIT is one of the most selective schools in the world. Currently, MIT's acceptance rate is 4.1%, which means it only accepts around 4 applicants for every 100 people that apply.

A 4.1% acceptance rate means that MIT is extremely competitive to get into. You'll need excellent grades, test scores, essays, and letters of recommendation to even be considered.

What Is MIT Looking for in Its Students?

You can learn a lot about what MIT is looking for in its students from the university's website :

"The MIT community is driven by a shared purpose: to make a better world through education, research, and innovation. We are fun and quirky, elite but not elitist, inventive and artistic, obsessed with numbers, and welcoming to talented people regardless of where they come from."

This statement, while not MIT's formal mission statement ( which is worth reading, too ), tells a lot about what MIT is looking for in its applicants.

MIT want students who break molds —they're incredibly intelligent, but they also think outside of the box. Don't follow everyone else's path if you want to get into MIT—create your own.

MIT students are genuinely excited to learn and innovate. They're not interested in accolades (though they certainly earn them)— they're motivated by discovery and intellectual stimulation more than recognition.

MIT students don't fit into any particular profile, except that they're all highly, highly talented.

Can You Apply to MIT Early?

MIT allows students to apply early action. That means that you can apply to MIT and receive notification of your acceptance months before other students, but you don't have to commit to MIT if you're accepted.

MIT's early application deadline is November 1 and students are notified in mid-December.

According to the MIT admissions statistics for the Class of 2026, applicants who applied early action had a fairly significant advantage over students who applied at the regular deadline (a 4.7% acceptance rate for early action applicants vs a 2.2% acceptance rate for regular action applicants + those whose early action applications were deferred). 

MIT Application Deadlines and Requirements

MIT has its own application. It doesn't accept the Common Application, Coalition Application or Universal Application. To complete the MIT application you'll need to submit:

• SAT or ACT scores
• Four short essays
• Two letters of recommendation, one from a math or science teacher and one from a humanities, social science, or language teacher
• Your high school transcript, though are no specific coursework requirements for MIT applicants

The MIT Early Action deadline is November 1 . Applicants are notified of their status in mid-December.

The MIT regular admission deadline is January 5 . Applicants are notified of their status in mid-March.

What GPA Do I Need to Get Into MIT?

MIT has a very low acceptance rate, so it's important that your application is as strong as possible to be considered. One of the most important parts of your MIT application is your high school coursework.

MIT doesn't specify a minimum GPA requirement and doesn't release the average GPA of admitted applicants. (The school does provide other admissions statistics like average test scores .) That being said, due to the caliber of students accepted at MIT, we can assume that the average GPA is quite high . You should look to get mainly As, with a high few Bs on your transcript.

MIT will also be paying attention to your course load—are you challenging yourself, or are you coasting on easy classes? You should take the most rigorous classes your school offers —whether that's honors, AP, or IB courses—or even look into taking courses at the local community college to show that you're not afraid of an academic challenge… and that you can succeed at one, too!

What Test Scores Do I Need to Get Into MIT?

You don't just need great grades to get into MIT—you need great test scores, too. Let's take a closer look at what scores you need to get into MIT.

What SAT Test Scores Do I Need to Get Into MIT?

The middle 50% of MIT applicants earn between a 1510 and a 1580 on a 1600 SAT scale. In other words, 75% of admitted students score above a 1510 on the SAT. Put another way, you'll need get as close to a perfect score as possible to make sure you're putting yourself in a good position to get in (if you choose to submit test scores).

If you do submit test scores, you'll need to have extremely high SAT scores to be able to get into MIT. Fortunately, MIT uses "Highest Section" scoring (also known as " superscoring "). Basically, superscoring means that MIT will consider your highest section scores across all the SAT test dates you submit.

MIT's superscoring policy is good news for applicants—it means that you can prep and retake the score without worrying about hurting your previous scores. If you're wondering how many times you can (or should!) take the SAT, be sure to check out this article .

What ACT Test Scores Do I Need to Get Into MIT?

It's no surprise that admitted students have high ACT scores, too. The top 75% of admitted students score a 34 or above on the ACT. With so many applicants scoring 34 and above, a lower score won't be very impressive.

Fortunately, MIT also superscores ACT scores for applicants. That means that, if you take the ACT multiple times, MIT will consider the highest score achieved in each section. You can learn more about taking the ACT multiple times here.

Do I Need TOEFL Scores to Get Into MIT?

Non-native English speakers are encouraged (but not required) to submit scores from an English proficiency exam . MIT accepts the following tests, with the given minimum and recommended scores.

MIT Application Essays

MIT requires that you answer a few short questions , rather than write one long essay. You'll need to answer four short prompts (each answer should be roughly 200 words ) on various aspects of your life: a description of your background, what department you're interested in at MIT, what you do for fun, a way that you contribute to your community, and a challenge that you have faced in your life.

The MIT essay prompts are designed specifically to get to the heart of what makes you...well, you . Remember, MIT wants applicants that are interesting as people. MIT places a high value on having students with quirks and unique passions, not just high test scores.

You'll submit your MIT application essays along with an activities list and a self-reported coursework form as Part 2 of your MIT application, regardless of whether you're applying for the early action deadline or the regular admission deadline.

Here are the 2022-2023 MIT essay prompts:

• We know you lead a busy life, full of activities, many of which are required of you. Tell us about something you do simply for the pleasure of it.
• Describe the world you come from (for example, your family, school, community, city, or town). How has that world shaped your dreams and aspirations?
• MIT brings people with diverse backgrounds and experiences together to better the lives of others. Our students work to improve their communities in different ways, from tackling the world’s biggest challenges to being a good friend. Describe one way you have collaborated with people who are different from you to contribute to your community.
• Tell us about a significant challenge you’ve faced (that you feel comfortable sharing) or something that didn’t go according to plan. How did you manage the situation?

You can learn more about how to ace your MIT essays in our in-depth article on the topic .

5 Tips for Getting Into MIT

It's very difficult to get into MIT, but it's not impossible. MIT admits around 1,400 students a year, and you can definitely be one of them! Follow these tips for how to get into MIT by making sure your application stands out from the crowd.

#1: Highlight the Unique Aspects of Your Identity

We've said it already and we'll say it again: MIT likes unique applicants. They say so on their website! Your essays are an opportunity to highlight the special facets of your personality. If you built a video game about pickles for fun, this is the time to share it!

The more unique you are, the better! Your application will stand out even more if you take those interests and apply them to academic pursuits. Show that your academic curiosity intersects with your passions.

#2: Put a Lot of Effort Into Your Academics

MIT students are high-achievers. To be accepted, you need to be one, too. You should have a strong plan for studying for the SAT or ACT so that you achieve the best score possible.

If you're still in your freshman, sophomore, or junior year of high school, plan to take some advanced classes to up your GPA. You'll need to be disciplined and work hard to compete with the other applicants.

MIT wants students who will succeed on their campus—you need to demonstrate that you're up to MIT's academic challenge.

#3: Ace Your Essays

Your essays are the best opportunity to show off your skills and your unique interests. You should put a lot of effort into every one of the five MIT essays. Don't wait until the last minute to write your MIT essays—start them with plenty of time so that you can revise and receive feedback.

Keep in mind that while there are no right ways to write an admissions essay, there are definitely some wrong ones! Be sure to check out this article before you get started so you can avoid any pitfalls.

#4: Convince MIT That You'll Do Something Great With Your Education

MIT doesn't want to admit students who will be content to take their expensive diploma and sit at home doing nothing with it. MIT wants to accept students who are going to accomplish world-changing things, who contribute positively to their communities while in college, and who help other students accomplish great things as well.

The best way to convince MIT that you'll do this while there? Contribute positively to your community while you're in high school. Past behavior is a predictor of future behavior. If you show that positive contributions are a part of your modus operandi as a student, MIT will feel confident that you'll bring that attitude to its campus, too.

#5: Hyper-Focus

You don't need to be captain of the football team, the co-chair of the debate team, and the first chair violinist in the school orchestra to get into MIT. Don't try to be great at every—pick one (or two) activities and pursue it relentlessly.

This is called having a spike and helps you stand out more. Don't aim to be generically good at a lot of things—be hugely, amazingly good at one thing.

Instead of trying to lead twenty different committees, pick the one that's the most special to you and give it everything you have. Put down the football and the debate notecards and focus on violin if that's what you love. Audition for world-class ensembles, enter competitions, basically just stand out.

Don't strive for above average at a lot of things—be excellent at one.

What's Next?

Starting your MIT application? Check out our in-depth guide on how to apply to MIT .

Your MIT essays will help your application stand out. Read our in-depth guide on these five short answer questions to know exactly what to do .

Wondering what your chances of getting into an Ivy Leave or Ivy League caliber school is? Check out our complete guide to Ivy League acceptance rates.

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Hayley Milliman is a former teacher turned writer who blogs about education, history, and technology. When she was a teacher, Hayley's students regularly scored in the 99th percentile thanks to her passion for making topics digestible and accessible. In addition to her work for PrepScholar, Hayley is the author of Museum Hack's Guide to History's Fiercest Females.

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The Fall 2024 admissions cycle is currently closed. The application will reopen in September 2024 for Fall 2025. The graduate application completion deadline of December 1st at 11:59 PM (Eastern Time, US) for admission the following fall semester (we do not offer spring admission). We offer on line applications only , do not email the department with attachments for us to review. If you have questions regarding AeroAstro graduate admissions that are not answered below, or the Covid-19 and GRE statements below, please email  [email protected] .

As of June 1, 2020, AeroAstro no longer requires or accepts the GRE as part of the admissions process for our SM and PhD programs. If you are applying to the LGO Program , please refer to their application process.

Statement on Graduate Admissions with regard to Covid-19

Each year, we receive a large number of excellent applications from prospective students, and we strive to be as fair as possible when evaluating them for admission into our graduate program. We understand that the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic has caused many schools —including MIT — to implement some version of pass/no record or pass/fail academic grading at this time. Admission to our graduate program is done on a holistic basis, and in accordance with our values and mission. We want to assure you that we will take into account the circumstances surrounding the pandemic as we evaluate your candidacy in our graduate program — we will not hold this unprecedented situation against you when considering your application.

Graduate Program Information Sessions

During the open graduate application cycle, AeroAstro hosts graduate information sessions for prospective students to learn more about our faculty, research, program offerings, and our graduate school application process! The current 2024 cycle has closed. Information sessions will be next offered during the Fall 2024 term.

Admissions Criteria

All graduate applicants to MIT apply to their individual departments , rather than to the Institute as a whole. AeroAstro uses a department-specific online graduate application . For more information on graduate admissions in general, please visit the central MIT Graduate Admissions website . There’s no special formula or secret that guarantees an offer of admission from MIT AeroAstro. The selection process is competitive and follows a holistic approach. Below are some of the metrics used in evaluating graduate admission applications specifically within our department.

Prior Degrees

Students applying with a bachelor’s degree are eligible for admission to our Master’s program. Once accepted to our Master’s program, students can undergo in their second year the Field Evaluations. These evaluations serve as admission to our Ph.D. program. Having passed the Field Evaluations, the students can commence their doctoral studies once their Master’s is completed. Students who already hold a Master’s degree may apply for direct acceptance to our Ph.D. program but still must pass the Field Evaluation to become doctoral candidates. Your undergraduate and graduate degrees need not be in aeronautics or astronautics.

Preparation

Applicants are expected to have a strong background in mathematical and physical sciences and/or engineering. If you are changing fields, you should address your reasons and preparedness for doing so in your Statement of Objectives, a very important part of your graduate application. We ask that you upload your transcripts from each institution from which you have received or will receive a degree. We examine these documents for academic and research/project performance and general grade trends following a holistic approach.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

You are required to submit three letters of recommendation as part of your application. We recommend that all or at least two of these come from faculty members with whom you’ve worked closely, especially in a research capacity. Your research and/or project experience plays an important role in the overall assessment. If you’ve recently completed an internship or have been out of school and working for over one year, you may wish to include an industry recommendation. You may not submit more than three letters, and these letters must be submitted using our online application system.

English as a Foreign Language Testing Requirements

Applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit official TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge English Qualification scores with their application. Please note that AeroAstro will accept the TOEFL “at-home” IBT. Unofficial or self-reported scores are required for submission of the application however official scores must be received by MIT for your application to be evaluated. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure official score reports are sent to MIT Graduate Admissions. On the TOEFL, you must score a minimum of 100 on the internet-based exam. On the IELTS you must score a minimum of 7.0 total. On the Cambridge English Qualification, you must score a minimum of 185. Applicants who do not meet or exceed these minimums are not eligible for admission. To be eligible for Fall admission, this exam must be taken on or by November 15, so that your score report will reach us by the application completion deadline of December 1 . You can request a waiver in the application if you meet one of the following criteria: 1) Applicant’s main language of instruction was English in their primary and secondary schools (i.e., from age 6 through age 18). 2) Applicant has been residing in the U.S. (or country where English is an official language) for a minimum of three years  and  has earned a degree from an accredited institution where English is the main language of instruction. For further details about  applying as an international student , please visit the Graduate Admissions website.  

Objective Statements

The objective statements are broken up into three main sections: Research & Technical, Professional Experience & Objectives, and Personal Background. Please give your reasons for wishing to do graduate work in the field you have chosen. Prepare your statements and goals in whatever form clearly presents your views. Include as far as you can, your particular interests, be they experimental, theoretical, or issue-oriented. We are interested in your vision of how you want to contribute to the future of aerospace engineering and how your background and MIT’s programs support your perspectives. The statements could be much like a proposal for graduate studies, in the more specific context of your professional objectives. You should set forth the issues and problems you wish to address. Explain your long-term professional goals. The Admissions Committee will welcome any factors you wish to bring to its attention concerning your academic and work experience to date.

ADVISOR AVAILABILITY

Even if you have an outstanding record, vitae, recommendations, and the potential to excel in AeroAstro, we may not be able to offer you admission. We will not admit more students than our faculty can effectively advise. This number varies term-to-term, and specialty-to-specialty, depending on the composition of our applicant pool and our current graduate student population. Learn more about our principal investigators and their research interests.

Admissions Checklist

To apply to the AeroAstro graduate program all of the following items must be received no later than December 1, our application completion deadline.

• Online graduate application and admissions fee
• Required Objective Statements addressing your past research and academic experience, your areas of interest in our department and how they can help you realize your goals
• Transcripts for each school from which you received or will receive a degree, scanned and uploaded to our electronic application where asked – official transcripts preferred, but unofficial are acceptable. (Admitted students will be required to submit hard copies in the spring)
• Three recommendation letters, submitted via the online application

Additional Item for International students:

• TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge English Qualification official score report, sent directly from ETS or IELTS (unless all schooling since primary school has been completed in English – see Admissions Criteria policy above) *Please note that AeroAstro will accept the TOEFL “at-home” IBT and the IELTS Indicator Test.

Graduate Application Assistance Program (GAAP)

The AeroAstro Graduate Application Assistance Program (GAAP) aims to increase the representation of underrepresented students pursuing graduate study in engineering. Specifically, GAAP strives to increase the diversity of the applicant pool by providing support and mentorship to applicants from underrepresented backgrounds as they navigate the graduate school application process. GAAP mentors, who are current graduate students in AeroAstro, will work with assigned mentees to provide synchronous (e.g., going through an outline of the mentee’s Statement of Objectives) as well as asynchronous (e.g., reading mentee’s drafts off-line) feedback on their application materials. No matter what stage of the application process you’re in, if you think you could benefit from talking through your application with a current grad student at MIT, please submit an application! GAAP applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, and our aim is to accept as many eligible applicants as we have mentors for (we’ll assign mentors periodically throughout the fall term, so there’s still a chance of getting a match if you apply by the November deadline). Our application form is mainly to give us an idea of how we can best help your application, so don’t worry about polishing your responses. Please send any questions to the GAAP student executive team at [email protected] . The application form will open in September 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. when is my application due may i submit it late where can i access the application what other materials are due.

A. The graduate application deadline for September admission is  December 1 a t 11:59 PM (Eastern Time, US). Late applications will not be accepted, nor will late application materials. You must complete your graduate admissions application online. Please note that once you create a login and password for your electronic application, it must be completed for  that  admissions cycle – it will not be accessible during subsequent cycles (e.g. If you start your application in September 2021, it would  only  be usable for the Fall 2022 application cycle, not the Fall 2023 cycle). All supplemental materials, such as transcripts, test scores, and recommendations must also be received by  December 1 at 11:59 PM (Eastern Time, US)  – application materials will not be accepted beyond that date, and our committee is not obligated to review incomplete or late applications. To find out exactly what is needed to apply, please review our Graduate Admissions Checklist above. Please be sure that your recommenders are aware of this hard deadline. If you cannot get your materials in by this date, you are not eligible for admission review. We do not make exceptions to this deadline.

Q. What advice would you give prospective applicants?

A. There are several pieces of advice that we give prospective applicants to our graduate program. 1. Be organized. The admissions cycle starts again fresh every year and things may have changed since you last looked into the application requirements and admission checklist. This also includes knowing when the deadline is and communicating that deadline to your recommenders as this is often the last thing to come in with your application. 2. Do not wait until the last minute to ask questions or start your application. Our application is open for three months. This gives you time to collect the information you need and get started on your application. It is best to make sure your application is where you want it well before the deadline so you do not run into any issues upon submission. 3. Read instructions carefully. There is no reason to rush through your application. We provide resources and clear instructions at every stage, is it important that you read these and follow them carefully to avoid irreversible mistakes in your application.

Q. The status of my English Language Exam says “waived” or “awaiting” but I sent my score report to MIT. Did you receive it?

A. The graduate programs at MIT receive tens of thousands of applications each cycle. In AeroAstro, if an English Language Proficiency exam is required of you in the application, please self-report your most up to date score. When you start your application, it is best to send the official score report as soon as you are able following the completion of your exam. Please follow the instructions laid out for you on the Office of Graduate Education’s website. If you already sent your score and it is still not marked as “verified” in your application, that means we have not yet processed it and matched the score to your application. Due to the high volume of applications MIT receives, this does take time and we implore patience in this process. We will move forward with your application review if it is otherwise complete but will not release a decision if this item remains outstanding.

Q. I made an error in my application, what do I do?

A. Mistakes happen. The best thing to do is not to panic. Most, if not everything, is editable in your application prior to submission. When in doubt, you can email [email protected] and we will help troubleshoot any issues you may have encountered with the application system. DO NOT start a brand new application within your existing account or a new account, this may cause you issues when it is time to submit that we want to avoid.

Q. May I apply using the paper application, and send paper materials?

 No. There is no paper version of our application available. Our system for reviewing applications is completely online, so we must receive all application materials electronically using our electronic application and recommendation service. Emailed materials will also not be accepted nor considered.

Q. May I apply for a fee waiver?

A. Yes. Please visit MIT’s  graduate fee waiver application  site for more information. They are granted on a case-by-case basis. Please submit this well in advance of the application deadline as it can take 5 days or more for Graduate Admissions to review and respond to your request for a fee waiver.

Q. How should I submit my transcripts?

A. Transcripts must be uploaded to your electronic application. You must include one for each college or university you have received or will receive a degree from. Official transcripts are preferred, but unofficial will be accepted as well. Upon admission to our graduate program, you are required to submit an official digital copy of your transcript directly to the AeroAstro Student Services Office at  [email protected] , using the digital delivery system your school provides. If your school does not provide this type of service, please contact us at the email above and we will work with you to get it submitted.

Q. May I apply when my current degree is in progress?

A. Most applicants are in this situation – still finishing up a degree when the December 1 deadline comes. You are still eligible to apply as long as you will be done with your current degree by the September that you are applying to enroll for. Regarding your transcript, you’ll simply upload the most complete version that is available on or by December 1.

Q. May I submit more than three letters of recommendation?

A. No. Please submit only three letters of recommendation using the electronic recommendation service that is part of our online application. Our online service will only allow for the submission of three letters, and our committee will not accept additional letters of recommendations.

Q. I can’t afford the tuition. Is it worth my time to fill out the application?

A. Applicants’ financial resources are not considered as part of admission decisions. Your financial situation will have no bearing on your application.

Q. Will documents that I have published improve my chances?

A. Faculty members do not have the time required to read applicants’ publications – please do not include them with your application. Your Statement of Objectives is much more critical to the review process. Be sure to be clear and concise about your research goals and how they relate to the MIT Aero Astro.

Q. Do you accept transfer credit from another university?

A. No, we do not accept transfer credit from other universities at the graduate level. If you have completed graduate coursework elsewhere, those credits cannot be counted toward your degree at MIT. If you have previously completed graduate level coursework at MIT that do not count toward another degree (with the exception of the SM in AeroAstro), those units may be considered toward your graduate degree in AeroAstro.

Q. What is the average GPA of accepted graduate students?

Because students from all over the world apply to our graduate program, we deal with many different GPA scales and systems. Because of this, we do not keep an official average GPA for accepted students on file. 

Q. Is the application process different for International Students?

The application process for international students is largely the same. The main difference is that some international students from non-English speaking countries must sit for the TOEFL or IELTS exam.   If required to take this exam, you must do so by November 15. You must at least score a 100 on the internet-based TOEFL in order to be eligible to apply to our program. If you choose to take the IELTS, you must score at least a 7 total to be eligible. Students who score below these minimum scores are not eligible to apply to our graduate program.  Please note that AeroAstro will accept the TOEFL “at-home” IBT. If an applicant has been residing in the U.S. (or country where English is an official language) for a minimum of three years  and  has earned a degree from an accredited institution where English is the main language of instruction, this requirement may be waived. Students where this applies must still must submit the waiver form in the application and obtain approval to waive this requirement from the application process. International students, once admitted, must complete the visa process in order to be eligible to study in the US, but this takes place after the admissions process has been completed and a decision has been received.

Q. Do you offer interviews as part of the admissions process?

No. We do not hold interviews as part of the admissions process.

Q. Do you require or consider the GRE exam?

No, we do not require or consider GRE scores are part of our graduate application.

Q. Are students able to participate and complete the graduate program remotely?

No. Students will need to be on campus for their entire graduate study.

Q. Can students complete the program part-time?

No. The graduate program is full-time.

Q. May I call or email the AeroAstro Department to check the status of my application materials?

A. If you wish to check your application material status, please use the online application portal to do so. However, if you have not submitted your application yet, we ask that instead of contacting us to see if we’ve received your supplemental materials, please go ahead and submit your application instead. Please note that you are free to submit your application before all of your recommendations have been received. If you have any questions regarding graduate admission to AeroAstro that aren’t addressed on our site, please email us at  [email protected] .

For Admitted Students

Once you’re admitted to the Aeronautics and Astronautics Graduate Program, there are some important things to think about to ensure a smooth transition into your studies and life at MIT. We recommend, in addition to reading the material on this page, that you visit the  MIT Incoming Student Resources  website.

Transcripts

Upon admission to our graduate program, you are required to submit an official digital copy of your transcript directly to the AeroAstro Student Services Office at  [email protected] , using the digital delivery system your school provides. If your school does not provide this type of service, please contact us at the email above and we will work with you to get it submitted.

Graduate Open House

Students admitted to our graduate program will receive an invitation to attend the Graduate Open House for AeroAstro, an annual event that takes place during the spring semester, typically in March. This event is invitation-only.

Faculty Profiles and Advising Statements

If you’re eager to learn more about your admitting advisor and other faculty members within AeroAstro, you can visit their faculty profiles to review their Advising Philosophy Statements, which will give you better insight into how it would be to work with them on research.

Many of our graduate students choose to live on campus. To procure on-campus housing, you must participate in the Graduate Housing Assignments Allocation Process. There are five graduate residences for single students and two that accommodate families. To begin the process of procuring housing, visit the MIT  Graduate Housing Web site . You may only begin this process after April 15. Should you choose to live off-campus, you’ll find the MIT  Off-Campus Housing Office  is a helpful resource.

International Students

All new MIT international students must work with the  International Students Office  in order to start the visa process. You’ll also have to schedule an appointment with the ISO for clearance once you arrive on campus, or you won’t be able to register.

English Evaluation Test

Entering graduate students whose native language is not English must take the  English Evaluation Exam , which is administered the in August prior to classes starting.

Medical Report

MIT requires all incoming students to submit a medical history, have a physical examination, and document immunity against certain infectious diseases. You must submit MIT Medical Report Forms to the MIT Medical Center before registering for classes. Visit  MIT Medical  to download these forms and learn more, including information on student health insurance requirements.

Computing at MIT

During the spring you’ll receive information that will help you set up a secure MIT Athena access (Athena is MIT’s computing environment), which includes creating your official MIT email address and password. You will also need to download  MIT Certificates  to your computer to access certain secure areas of the MIT Web site. For other general MIT computer information, visit  MIT IS&T . If you have questions specifically about AeroAstro Department computing, you can email  [email protected] .

Parking and Transportation

MIT campus parking is available for a fee. There are free MIT shuttle buses connecting most areas of the campus, and a fee-based shuttle to Logan Airport just before the Thanksgiving, Winter, and Spring breaks. There’s also an excellent  public transportation pass program , which MIT subsidizes. You can find information on all transportation options at the  MIT Parking and Transportation Web site .

Graduate Writing Exam

AeroAstro requires that all entering graduate students, including those who completed their bachelor’s degree at MIT, demonstrate satisfactory English writing ability by taking the  Graduate Writing Examination  administered by Comparative Media Studies & Writing. The exam is administered once each year electronically, usually in June or July. If you do not pass the exam, will be required to take a writing workshop for credit during your first January IAP period.

Registration

Registration takes place the day before classes begin. There’s no pre-registration for incoming master’s and doctoral students. Once you arrive on campus, you need to arrange a meeting with your academic advisor (who was assigned to you in your acceptance email) between the AeroAstro orientation and the following week. The process of contacting your advisor will be explained during orientation. You and your advisor will decide which subjects you should take, depending on your research and funding situation. Please note that while there are graduate program requirements, there is no specific set of classes graduate students must take.

Graduate Association of Aeronautics and Astronautics (GA^3)

The  Graduate Association of Aeronautics and Astronautics , or GA^3, as it is called, is the AeroAstro Department graduate student organization. It represents our grads within the department, as well as within the Institute. There are a number of other AeroAstro  student groups  that you are welcome to join. If you have questions regarding student life in AeroAstro at MIT, or even in Cambridge/Boston in general, our students are happy to answer your questions! You can contact them at  [email protected] .

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MIT Requirements for Admission

What are MIT's admission requirements? While there are a lot of pieces that go into a college application, you should focus on only a few critical things:

• GPA requirements
• Testing requirements, including SAT and ACT requirements
• Application requirements

In this guide we'll cover what you need to get into MIT and build a strong application.

School location: Cambridge, MA

This school is also known as: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Admissions Rate: 4%

If you want to get in, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are.

The acceptance rate at MIT is 4% . For every 100 applicants, only 4 are admitted.

This means the school is extremely selective . Meeting their GPA requirements and SAT/ACT requirements is very important to getting past their first round of filters and proving your academic preparation. If you don't meet their expectations, your chance of getting in is nearly zero.

After crossing this hurdle, you'll need to impress MIT application readers through their other application requirements, including extracurriculars, essays, and letters of recommendation. We'll cover more below.

We can help. PrepScholar Admissions is the world's best admissions consulting service. We combine world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies . We've overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools , from state colleges to the Ivy League.

We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools.

Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in.

MIT GPA Requirements

Many schools specify a minimum GPA requirement, but this is often just the bare minimum to submit an application without immediately getting rejected.

The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. For this, we look at the school's average GPA for its current students.

Average GPA: 4.19

The average GPA at MIT is 4.19 .

(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA. This school did not officially report its average GPA, but we've estimated it here using data from over 1,000 schools.)

With a GPA of 4.19, MIT requires you to be at the top of your class . You'll need nearly straight A's in all your classes to compete with other applicants. Furthermore, you should be taking hard classes - AP or IB courses - to show that college-level academics is a breeze.

If you're currently a junior or senior, your GPA is hard to change in time for college applications. If your GPA is at or below the school average of 4.19, you'll need a higher SAT or ACT score to compensate . This will help you compete effectively against other applicants who have higher GPAs than you.

SAT and ACT Requirements

Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them.

MIT SAT Requirements

Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement. This is based on the school's average score.

Average SAT: 1543

The average SAT score composite at MIT is a 1543 on the 1600 SAT scale.

This score makes MIT Extremely Competitive for SAT test scores.

MIT SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)

The 25th percentile SAT score is 1520, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1570. In other words, a 1520 on the SAT places you below average, while a 1570 will move you up to above average .

Here's the breakdown of SAT scores by section:

SAT Score Choice Policy

The Score Choice policy at your school is an important part of your testing strategy.

MIT has the Score Choice policy of "Highest Section."

This is also known as "superscoring." This means that you can choose which SAT tests you want to send to the school. Of all the scores they receive, your application readers will consider your highest section scores across all SAT test dates you submit .

Click below to learn more about how superscoring critically affects your test strategy.

For example, say you submit the following 3 test scores:

Even though the highest total you scored on any one test date was 1000, MIT will take your highest section score from all your test dates, then combine them to form your Superscore. You can raise your composite score from 1000 to 1400 in this example.

This is important for your testing strategy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and MIT forms your Superscore, you can take the SAT as many times as you want, then submit only the tests that give you the highest Superscore. Your application readers will only see that one score.

Therefore, if your SAT superscore is currently below a 1570, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the SAT and retaking it . You have a very good chance of raising your score, which will significantly boost your chances of getting in.

Even better, because of the Superscore, you can focus all your energy on a single section at a time. If your Reading score is lower than your other sections, prep only for the Reading section, then take the SAT. Then focus on Math for the next test, and so on. This will give you the highest Superscore possible.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

MIT ACT Requirements

Just like for the SAT, MIT likely doesn't have a hard ACT cutoff, but if you score too low, your application will get tossed in the trash.

Average ACT: 35

The average ACT score at MIT is 35. This score makes MIT Extremely Competitive for ACT scores.

The 25th percentile ACT score is 35, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 36.

Even though MIT likely says they have no minimum ACT requirement, if you apply with a 35 or below, you'll have a very hard time getting in, unless you have something else very impressive in your application. There are so many applicants scoring 35 and above that a 35 will look academically weak.

ACT Score Sending Policy

If you're taking the ACT as opposed to the SAT, you have a huge advantage in how you send scores, and this dramatically affects your testing strategy.

Here it is: when you send ACT scores to colleges, you have absolute control over which tests you send. You could take 10 tests, and only send your highest one. This is unlike the SAT, where many schools require you to send all your tests ever taken.

This means that you have more chances than you think to improve your ACT score. To try to aim for the school's ACT requirement of 36 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can. When you have the final score that you're happy with, you can then send only that score to all your schools.

ACT Superscore Policy

By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT. (Superscore means that the school takes your best section scores from all the test dates you submit, and then combines them into the best possible composite score). Thus, most schools will just take your highest ACT score from a single sitting.

However, in our research, we found that MIT does in fact offer an ACT superscore policy . To quote their Admissions Office:

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.

Superscoring is powerful to your testing strategy, and you need to make sure you plan your testing accordingly. Of all the scores that MIT receives, your application readers will consider your highest section scores across all ACT test dates you submit .

For example, say you submit the following 4 test scores:

Even though the highest ACT composite you scored on any one test date was 20, MIT will take your highest section score from all your test dates, then combine them to form your Superscore. You can raise your composite score from 20 to 32 in this example.

This is important for your testing strategy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and MIT forms your Superscore, you can take the ACT as many times as you want, then submit only the tests that give you the highest Superscore. Your application readers will only see that one score.

Therefore, if your ACT score is currently below a 36, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the ACT and retaking it . You have a very good chance of raising your score, which will significantly boost your chances of getting in.

Even better, because of the Superscore, you can focus all your energy on a single section at a time. If your Reading score is lower than your other sections, prep only for the Reading section, then take the ACT. Then focus on Math for the next test, and so on. This will give you the highest Superscore possible.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and ACT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

SAT/ACT Writing Section Requirements

Currently, only the ACT has an optional essay section that all students can take. The SAT used to also have an optional Essay section, but since June 2021, this has been discontinued unless you are taking the test as part of school-day testing in a few states. Because of this, no school requires the SAT Essay or ACT Writing section, but some schools do recommend certain students submit their results if they have them.

MIT considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration. You don't need to worry too much about Writing for this school, but other schools you're applying to may require it.

Final Admissions Verdict

Because this school is extremely selective, getting a high SAT/ACT score and GPA is vital to having a chance at getting in . If you don't pass their SAT/ACT and GPA requirements, they'll likely reject you without much consideration.

To have the best shot of getting in, you should aim for the 75th percentile, with a 1570 SAT or a 36 ACT . You should also have a 4.19 GPA or higher. If your GPA is lower than this, you need to compensate with a higher SAT/ACT score.

For a school as selective as MIT, you'll also need to impress them with the rest of your application. We'll cover those details next.

But if you apply with a score below a 1570 SAT or a 36 ACT, you unfortunately start out with the odds against you and have a tiny chance of getting in. There are just too many students with high SAT/ACT scores and strong applications, and you need to compete against them.

Admissions Calculator

Here's our custom admissions calculator. Plug in your numbers to see what your chances of getting in are. Pick your test: SAT ACT

• 80-100%: Safety school: Strong chance of getting in
• 50-80%: More likely than not getting in
• 20-50%: Lower but still good chance of getting in
• 5-20%: Reach school: Unlikely to get in, but still have a shot
• 0-5%: Hard reach school: Very difficult to get in

How would your chances improve with a better score?

Take your current SAT score and add 160 points (or take your ACT score and add 4 points) to the calculator above. See how much your chances improve?

At PrepScholar, we've created the leading online SAT/ACT prep program . We guarantee an improvement of 160 SAT points or 4 ACT points on your score, or your money back.

Here's a summary of why we're so much more effective than other prep programs:

• PrepScholar customizes your prep to your strengths and weaknesses . You don't waste time working on areas you already know, so you get more results in less time.
• We guide you through your program step-by-step so that you're never confused about what you should be studying. Focus all your time learning, not worrying about what to learn.
• Our team is made of national SAT/ACT experts . PrepScholar's founders are Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers . You'll be studying using the strategies that actually worked for them.
• We've gotten tremendous results with thousands of students across the country. Read about our score results and reviews from our happy customers .

There's a lot more to PrepScholar that makes it the best SAT/ACT prep program. Click to learn more about our program , or sign up for our 5-day free trial to check out PrepScholar for yourself:

Application Requirements

Every school requires an application with the bare essentials - high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. Many schools, as explained above, also require SAT and ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews. We'll cover the exact requirements of MIT here.

Application Requirements Overview

• Common Application Not accepted
• Electronic Application Available
• Essay or Personal Statement Required for all freshmen
• Letters of Recommendation 2
• Interview Not required
• Application Fee $75
• Fee Waiver Available? Available
• Other Notes SAT, ACT or TOEFL. Two SAT II Subject tests: one in math and one in science required for freshmen

Testing Requirements

• SAT or ACT Required
• SAT Essay or ACT Writing Optional
• SAT Subject Tests Optional
• Scores Due in Office February 15

Coursework Requirements

• Subject Required Years
• Foreign Language
• Social Studies

Deadlines and Early Admissions

• Offered? Deadline Notification
• Yes January 1 March 20
• Yes November 1 December 20

Admissions Office Information

• Address: 77 Cambridge, MA 02139-4307
• Phone: (617) 253-1000 x1000
• Fax: (617) 258-8304
• Email: [email protected]

Our Expert's Notes

We did more detailed research into this school's admissions process and found the following information:

Make sure to apply by the interview scheduling deadline, which is October 20 for early admission and December 10 for regular admission. MIT admitted 10.8% of those who had an interview (or who had their interview waived) last year but only 1% of those who chose not to interview.

Your letters of recommendation have to come from one humanities/social sciences/language teacher and one math/science teacher.

Other Schools For You

If you're interested in MIT, you'll probably be interested in these schools as well. We've divided them into 3 categories depending on how hard they are to get into, relative to MIT.

Reach Schools: Harder to Get Into

These schools are have higher average SAT scores than MIT. If you improve your SAT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

Same Level: Equally Hard to Get Into

If you're competitive for MIT, these schools will offer you a similar chance of admission.

Safety Schools: Easier to Get Into

If you're currently competitive for MIT, you should have no problem getting into these schools. If MIT is currently out of your reach, you might already be competitive for these schools.

Data on this page is sourced from Peterson's Databases © 2023 (Peterson's LLC. All rights reserved.) as well as additional publicly available sources.

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• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) GPA Requirements

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) SAT Requirements

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Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): 2024 Requirements, Scores & GPAs

This is the go-to guide for getting into Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). We suggest you read until the end... Not only will we layout the exact GPA and test scores you should aim for when applying to MIT, but we’ll also offer creative ways to help your application stand out from the pack. We breakdown MIT statistics better than any article out there and show you how these have changed over time. Also, make sure to check out Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) on CampusReel to see what it’s really like here . If you're interesting in transferring to MIT, the read our transfer guide. You can also use the below calculator to help determine your likelihood of acceptance at MIT

This free college chances tool calculates your acceptance chances at any other U.S. college

Please note all chances are estimates based on test score and GPA averages.

What GPA Do You Need To Get Into Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)’s average GPA is 4.17. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) does require GPA. This average GPA means Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is brutally selective - the most competitive applicants in the world are already applying to the school, in hopes of taking up residence in Cambridge, and, somehow, you need to be better. Generally speaking, if your GPA is not at least equal to 4.17 then Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) may be a reach. However, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) considers the ENTIRE application - we can make up for a weak GPA with more factors that we’ll discuss below. If your GPA is equal to or greater than 4.17, you’re sitting right in the sweetspot.

*BEFORE CONTINUING PLEASE NOTE: GPA and “prestige” DO NOT mean a college is right for you. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) may seem amazing on paper, but you may hate it... That’s why 700,000 students transfer colleges every year - they end up going to the wrong school. It’s crucial to watch the videos on CampusReel and make sure you can envision yourself on MIT’s campus. These MIT admission statistics do not sufficiently tell you what a college or university is like.

What Is Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)’s Acceptance Rate?

Last year Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)’s acceptance rate was 8.3. However, check out how the acceptance rate has changed over time.

As you can see, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a little easier to get into than last year.

Acceptance rate alone does not indicate your likelihood for getting into MIT - it’s a very high level understanding of the true competition. Use the acceptance rate as a general guide for curating a list of 10-15 schools that fall into different ranges of competitiveness. Then, use the below data to get a deeper understanding of how your application will compare to the rest of the pool.

Will You Get Into Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)?

Does massachusetts institute of technology (mit) require test scores.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) requires that you either take the SAT or ACT. See the table below for how Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)’s accepted students have performed on both tests. You may be wondering how many test scores should you submit. Generally, don’t freak out about taking the test too often. Industry consensus is that you can submit up to 6 tests as a reasonable limit.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)’s average SAT score is 1525 - this is the sum of the math and reading portions of the SAT (the 1600 scale). Check out the below table for a deeper look into how students performed - it’s also very interesting to look at the average test score over time. The trend over time helps give insight into whether Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is getting more or less competitive.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)’s average SAT score is 1525. To be a competitive applicant for Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) your SAT score should come close to the average. If you’re closer to the 1460, you’re likely going to have a tougher time getting accepted. To consider Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) a “target” school (one that you are likely to get into) you should aim for a score of 1590.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)’s average ACT score is 105. To be a competitive applicant for Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) your ACT score should come close to the average. If you’re closer to the 103, you’re likely going to have a tougher time getting accepted. To consider Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) a “target” school (one that you have a good chance of getting into) you should aim for a score of 107.

How Hard Is It To Get Into Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)?

As you can see from the data above, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is exceptionally difficult to get into. Not only should you be aiming for a 4.17 but also SAT scores around 1525. Getting into Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is no easy feat and you will need to set yourself apart with more than just numbers and data. Read on to learn how.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Requirements

Now you know where you need to be for getting into Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) from a grade and test score perspective. Let’s quickly outline what else you’ll need to provide for your application to get reviewed, and then we’ll move onto the most important section: differentiating your app.

How to get into MIT

Follow these steps to maximize your chances of getting into MIT. Everything you read above will help prepare you for what you need to achieve to have a shot at MIT, but these steps will take you even further in applying that knowledge and differentiating your application.

Main Academic Excellence that is in line with MIT admission standards.

• Score at least a 1525 on the SAT or 105 on the ACT.
• Maintain a GPA of at least a 4.17.

Join Extracurriculars that Align with MIT’s Values.

• Join your school band, a sports team or another group activity. If Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) values music heavily, for example, then try to participate in an organization related to that topic.
• Volunteer in your hometown. Cambridge has tons of ways to be involved beyond just the college. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) wants applicants that are also good ambassadors for the school - they want students who will give back to the local community and broader Cambridge area in general.
• Spend your summer doing something that speaks to your values, personal growth, leadership qualities and other less quantifiable characteristics. MIT needs to see past your test scores and grades - they need to know that you will be a valuable and contributing member of their community. You are more than grades and test scores - your experiences should demonstrate that.

Prepare Your Application

• Write a stellar essay that shows Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) something they can’t figure out from the other parts of your application. For a detailed guide on writing the best college essay, check this out.
• Get teacher recs that speak to your character. If you know what you’re majoring in and include that in your MIT app, try to have at least 1 recommendation from a teacher in that department.
• Apply Before the Deadline. Too many students wait until the last minute to submit their application, and too much can go wrong during this precious time window. Since many students are applying on the last day, it’s possible that MIT’s own system crashes. Don’t risk the added stress this can cause - submit your app a few days early.

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Current MS Students

• Requirements for the M.S. Degree

Qualified students can earn the MS degree within 3-5 quarters following receipt of the BS degree. Students enrolled in this program receive an advanced research experience by completing at least six contiguous quarters of biological research in one of the excellent research labs at UC San Diego. In addition, BS/MS students complete 12 units of graduate-level courses in Biology, Medicine, or other disciplines related to their thesis project. Students complete their degree requirements by writing and defending a Master's thesis.

Biology MS students should not rely on the graduate degree audit to track degree progress. Students may review the information below to confirm research and coursework requirements for the BS/MS program.

Consecutive Research

BS/MS students complete 6 consecutive quarters of research between the undergraduate and graduate programs.

• At least three complete, separate, and consecutive quarters of residency must be completed as a graduate student. These will commence immediately following the quarter in which the BS degree is awarded. Note, graduate students may not receive credit during the summer for research.
• All research must be completed within the same lab, with the same thesis advisor.
• Undergraduate research is measured through enrollment in BISP 199, BISP 196, or BISP 193. Undergraduate research used to satisfy degree requirements cannot be used to satisfy the BS/MS research requirement. 
• Graduate research is measured through enrollment in BGGN 271, in which the student must enroll during every quarter as an MS student.
• Research work will be credited toward the BS/MS program requirements only if it is completed while a student is officially enrolled at UC San Diego and has paid tuition for that quarter.

Enrollment and Coursework Requirements

MS students must complete at least 36 units of course work as a graduate student. Many students choose to complete more than the minimum required 36 units to help them achieve their goals.

Students need to be enrolled in 12 units each quarter (this includes both academic coursework and research units). There is no maximum unit load for a quarter.

Research Coursework

Students should enroll in both BGGN 271 and BGRD 200, with their thesis advisor as the instructor, for each quarter during the MS portion of this program. BGGN 271 is the graduate equivalent of BISP 19x. BGRD 200 accounts for the time spent discussing thesis research in the lab with a student's thesis advisor and lab colleagues. BGRD 200 is taken for 1 unit, while BGGN 271 can be taken for 4 to 12 units per quarter, reflecting the amount of time spent in the lab.

A total of 24 units of research coursework are needed between BISP 19x and BGGN 271, though BISP 19x research units do not apply toward 36 total Master's level units.

BGGN 299 and 297 are reserved for PhD students cannot be used to satisfy any of the 36 MS unit requirements.

Academic Coursework

Of the 36 graduate level units, at least 12 units must be in courses other than research (BGGN 271 and BGRD 200). Course selection should be determined in consultation with the MS thesis advisor, and all MS coursework must be approved by the thesis advisor when the student advances to candidacy in their final graduate quarter.

• Eligible course work must be graduate level (200-level or higher), but may include a maximum of four approved upper division units (100-199 level)
• Graduate level and upper division courses offered by related departments (BIOM, CHEM, MED, NEU SIO, etc.) may be used to satisfy this requirement.
• All course work must be taken for a letter grade, unless the course is only offered S/U or P/NP.
• Courses taken while an undergraduate student may not be repeated for credit during the graduate program.

Academic Coursework for students pursuing the Specialization in Biology Education Research (major code BI87)

Students pursuing the Specialization in Biology Education Research are required to complete 12 units of academic coursework, which must include BGGN 272: Learning Theories (4 units), completed with a letter grade. Of the remaining 8 units of academic coursework:

• A maximum of 4 units of upper division undergraduate coursework may satisfy this requirement.
• All courses satisfying this requirement must be completed for a letter grade, unless the course is only offered S/U or P/NP.

Recommended courses for students in this specialization include:

• EDS 102 Introduction to Qualitative Methods in Education Research (4 units)
• EDS 103 Introduction to Quantitative Analysis in Education Research (4 units)
• BGJC 215 Journal Club in Biology education research (1 unit)
• BGGN 202 Professional Development for Biologists (2 units)
• BGGN 211 Experimental Approaches & Methods in Modern Biology (4 units)
• BGGN 293 Scientific Writing in Biology (4 units)
• BGGN 295 Scientific Presentation in Biology (4 units)

Course selection should be determined in consultation with the MS thesis advisor, and all MS coursework must be approved by the thesis advisor when the student advances to candidacy in their final graduate quarter.

Courses Offered

For an overview of graduate courses offered in the current academic year, visit Tentative Course Offerings . For a list of courses open to MS students, visit Course Options for MS Students .

Graduate Residency, Minimum GPA, Fees

To meet the minimum requirements for a MS degree at UC San Diego, BS/MS students must complete at least 3 quarters of residency as a MS student. Summer cannot be used as a quarter of residency for MS students.

Additionally, BS/MS students must maintain a grade-point average of at least 3.000, both cumulatively and for each quarter of enrollment in the graduate program. If GPA falls below 3.000, the student may be dropped from the program.

Students should pay relevant fees during any quarter in which the student is using university resources (ex. working in lab or taking courses).

• Students must be enrolled full time while in the graduate program, unless approved for half time enrollment.
• To be eligible for half time , students must either be entering their 7th quarter of research or be requesting half time for health, family responsibilities, or occupation reasons. Students must meet with the BS/MS Coordinator prior to requesting half time status to confirm eligibility.
• Note: Students receiving financial support or employment at UC San Diego (such as an Instructional Assistant receiving a fee remission) must be enrolled in at least 12 units of graduate or upper division course work.

Any deviation from this plan, such as a break in enrollment for one or more quarters, may cause the student to be dropped from the program.

MS Thesis Committee

The MS thesis project completed by BS/MS students is evaluated by a MS Thesis Committee. MS students are responsible for establishing their MS Thesis Committee in consultation with their thesis advisor, and are expected to maintain communication with their committee throughout their MS program. Students officially nominate their MS committee when they advance to candidacy in their final quarter in the MS program.

The MS Thesis Committee:

• Must include at least three faculty members, including the thesis advisor who serves as the Committee Chair.
• Must include at least 2 tenure-track faculty from the School of Biological Sciences and no more than 1 adjunct faculty member.
• If the BS/MS thesis advisor is not a member of the School of Biological Sciences, or is an adjunct faculty member with the School of Biological Sciences, another member of the committee who is a tenure-track faculty member with the School of Biological Sciences must serve as Co-Chair.

Students are encouraged to form their Thesis Committee by the end of their first graduate quarter. Students are also encouraged to communicate regularly with their committee throughout the master's program to discuss the research project.

The MS Thesis Committee is responsible for approving a student's thesis and confirming that the student passed their thesis defense.

Master's thesis committees need at least three members, including the Chair (the student's thesis advisor/PI). Students are encouraged to create a committee that helps span the intellectual and technical breadth of their thesis project.

Committee member roles and eligible titles include:

• The student's faculty advisor serves as the MS Thesis Committee Chair.
• If a student's faculty advisor is not a tenure track faculty in the School of Biological Sciences, the thesis committee must have a Committee Co-Chair with a tenure track position in the School of Biological Sciences
• Students working in Biology labs may nominate a Committee Co-Chair if appropriate, however this is not required. Students in Biology labs should consult with their thesis advisor to determine if it is appropriate to nominate a Co-Chair.
• Students in the Education Specialization may have a co-chair with a Teaching Professor title (any rank)
• Faculty not serving as a Chair or Co-Chair on a thesis committee will serve as a Committee Member
• Students must have at least one committee member not serving as chair or co-chair
• All committee members must attend the thesis defense. Students are encouraged to limit membership on their thesis committee to avoid defense scheduling delays.
• Committee members must have one of the following faculty titles: Distinguished Professor, Professor Emeritus, Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor, Teaching Professor (any rank)

Nominating the thesis committee

• Students confirm their committee chair and co-chair (or committee member, if appropriate) at the time they apply to the MS program.
• Students confirm their full committee, including the third committee member, when they advance to candidacy
• Students must nominate their MS committee with the BS/MS Coordinator to start the approval process.

Additional Information

General campus guidelines for appointing a Master's committee can be found on the Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs (GEPA) website . Note, all MS committees must meet the UC San Diego minimum requirements for a thesis committee as well as the School of Biological Sciences requirement that a thesis committee have at least 2 tenure-track Biology faculty.

Questions? Current UCSD students: Please submit your questions via the VAC . An advisor will respond in 1-3 business days. Drop-in Advising times are posted on the Advising Calendar .

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• B.S. in Economics

B.S. in Economics Major (EN31)

The Bachelor of Science in Economics (EN 31) is our most comprehensive degree as it provides the highest level of combined technical and applied training of all our major programs. 

The major builds the core toolkits of economics,  how individuals, firms, organizations, and governments make choices, with emphasis on economic incentives and strategic interactions. The core courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics teach students how economies function and how to extract insights from data; full-year sequences in microeconomics and econometrics provide advanced quantitative and analytical training. The wide range of elective courses in the Economics major apply the tools to topics in finance; strategic management; business operations; trade; labor markets; energy, climate, and the environment; taxation; government; inequality; international development; and more. The major requires students to choose at least two advanced electives, which provide strong analytical training in students’ preferred fields.

The Economics B.S. is STEM-certified and highly valued by employers. With the Economics B.S., students have access to a broad range of careers in business, finance, government, health, law, energy, technology, education, non-profits, international organizations, and many more.  The degree also provides a solid foundation for students who are thinking about graduate study.

To receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics:

• Students must have a minimum 2.0 major GPA in order to graduate.
• All major requirements, both lower division and upper division, must be taken for a letter grade and passed with a C- or better. 
• All upper division major requirements must be at least 4 units. Classes lower than 4 units will not count toward your upper division major requirements. 
• You must remain within the residency requirement for this major, which is: No more than four upper-division courses taken externally from UC San Diego can be counted toward the major. 

Note: F-1 students with an EN31 major are eligible to apply for STEM OPT and extend the employment authorization benefits. Current F-1 regulations allow for 12 months of OPT and an additional 24 months (total of 36 months) of OPT for those in STEM qualified fields. Visit the OPT webpage for details and updates.  EN31 falls under the category of Econometrics and Quantitative Economics.

Focus of the Major

• Emphasizes tools of economics analysis and their applications to contemporary problems and government policies.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of the Economics major, students will be able to:

• Apply the formal methods used by statisticians to analyze data to learn about the real world
• Use basic economic methods to quantify uncertainty with confidence intervals; use regression to infer causal relationships; and use regressions for prediction
• Critically interpret empirical studies
• Set up, solve, and analyze optimization models
• Apply optimization models to consumer, producer, and market theories
• Use game theory to analyze the strategic behavior of individuals and firms
• Build macroeconomic models
• Apply macroeconomic models to understand current issues

The UC San Diego WASC Inventory of Effectiveness Indicators for the bachelor of science in economics will be posted soon.

Requirements

• Major requirements checklist ( PDF )

Four Year Plan

• First Years ( PDF )

Two Year Plan

• Transfer Students ( PDF )
• Electives by Interest
• Honors Program
• Career Paths
• Program FAQs
• Double Majors

1155 Union Circle #311277 Denton, Texas 76203-5017    Call us Email Us UNT Map | | | | | ©2016 University of North Texas
	University of North Texas
	Aug 15, 2024   2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog     2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog Degree requirements General degree requirements, writing proficiency. UNT is committed to the discovery, acquisition, development, preservation and dissemination of knowledge and the enhancement of the intellectual, cultural and proficiency levels of all who enter its programs. Fulfilling this commitment will contribute to both a better society and a more rewarding pattern of individual life. As students endeavor to complete their academic studies, they are expected to exhibit good written English skills in all university course work as a consideration in grading. Requirements of this catalog A minimum of 120 semester hours. Completion of all requirements in the university core curriculum (42-hour minimum) (See “ University Core Curriculum   ”). A major of at least 24 semester hours. At least 12 hours of advanced work (3000/4000 level) in the major must be earned at UNT (except for the BAAS degree). See “ Major ” in the Academics section of this catalog. A minor, if required for a particular undergraduate degree, of a minimum of 18 semester hours, including at least 6 hours of advanced work (3000/4000 level). For details, see the individual requirements under specific degree programs in this catalog. A minimum of 36 semester hours of advanced work, 24 of which must be completed at UNT. A lower level course that, when transferred, is determined to be equivalent to a UNT upper-level course does not satisfy the requirement of advanced hours. An official degree plan prepared by the academic dean. It is recommended that the degree plan be made no later than the beginning of the junior year. A minimum grade point average of 2.000 (C) on all work attempted, including all transfer, correspondence, extension and residence work. It should be noted that the GPA that appears on grade reports and is used to determine the student’s academic status, does not include correspondence, extension and transfer work. Thus, a 2.000 GPA on the grade report does not necessarily imply eligibility for graduation. A minimum GPA of 2.000 (C) on all work at UNT. Transferred work may not be used to raise the GPA of work done at UNT. At least twenty-five percent of the total number of hours for the degree (e.g., 30 hours for a 120-hour degree) must be earned in residence. A proficiency in English composition. Students must show competence in written expression by receiving credit for or earning a grade of C or better in two general education English courses that have a strong writing component (Group 1:  ENGL 1310   , ENGL 1311   , ENGL 1315   , LING 1312   , LING 1322   , TECM 1700   ; Group 2:  ENGL 1320   , ENGL 1321   , ENGL 1325   , LING 1322   , TECM 2700   ). Students who have earned a D in one or more of these two required courses must repeat the course and raise the grade to a C or better. Students who are transferring to UNT with more than 90 hours and who have earned a D in any of the basic English writing courses must retake the course during their first term/semester in residence. University Core Curriculum The University Core Curriculum is designed to ensure that all UNT students graduate with breadth of knowledge gained through their general education classes as well as depth of knowledge gained from courses in their major area of study. The core curriculum at UNT requires that students study in the “foundational component areas” of communication, mathematics, life and physical sciences, language, philosophy and culture, creative arts, American history, government/political science, and social and behavioral sciences. In addition, the UNT core curriculum includes 6 semester credit hours of core option classes. These classes help students further develop important and fundamental skills that will help them be successful in all their classes and will prepare them for their lives after college. These “core objectives” are Critical Thinking, Communication Skills, Empirical and Quantitative Skills, Teamwork, Personal Responsibility, and Social Responsibility. Through the Core, students will gain an enthusiasm for learning and an intellectual capacity that they will use throughout their lives. Statement of Purpose Through the Texas Core Curriculum, students will gain a foundation of knowledge of human cultures and the physical and natural world, develop principles of personal and social responsibility for living in a diverse world, and advance intellectual and practical skills that are essential for all learning. More information and the list of UNT core curriculum courses may be found on the University Core Curriculum    page. Transfer of the core curriculum A student who successfully completes the common core curriculum at a state-assisted institution of higher education in Texas may transfer as “core complete” to UNT. The student will receive academic credit for each of the courses transferred. The student will need to work with an academic advisor in the appropriate college or school academic advising office to determine if additional requirements will be necessary to satisfy the 42-hour UNT core. See also the UNT transfer articulation web page at registrar.unt.edu/faculty/transfer-articulation , where you can find information on the online transfer course equivalence tool Transferology. Core complete A student who transfers to UNT as core complete has successfully completed the common core curriculum at another state-assisted institution of higher education in Texas and will have satisfied the core curriculum at UNT. College or school requirements Students must satisfactorily complete all degree requirements specified by the school or college in which the degree is offered. In many instances, the college/school/department academic program requirements may exceed the university core requirements. Individual academic programs may require courses contained in part of the University Core Curriculum to satisfy specific degree requirements. Students may be required to take additional courses if they do not select these courses. Graduation under a particular catalog A student may meet the graduation requirements noted in the catalog in effect at the time of admission to UNT or the requirements in any later catalog published before the student’s graduation. Any student transferring directly from a Texas public community college to UNT shall have the same choice of catalog designating degree requirements as the student would have had if the dates of attendance at the university had been the same as the dates of attendance at the community college. Transfer students from senior institutions or out-of-state community colleges will use the catalog in effect at their date of enrollment at UNT. All requirements of the chosen catalog must be met within eight years of that catalog’s publication. This catalog will expire at the close of the 2032 summer semester/term. Changes in either major or non-major requirements made necessary by altered or discontinued courses or by requirements imposed by external accrediting or certification agencies become effective for degree audit purposes at the beginning of the academic year immediately following the academic year in which the changes are published in the university catalog. The changes may include additions, deletions and other changes in prerequisite requirements for existing courses. Whenever possible, new requirements are implemented with a beginning class or upon the expiration of the appropriate time limit. Course sequencing For a listing of recommended courses in sequence for timely degree completion and to assess transfer course applicability, including Texas Common Core, please refer to “Undergraduate Major and Certificate Course Sequencing Maps and Transfer Guides” ( registrar.unt.edu/transfer-guides ). Transfer hours from another institution Students who complete work at another institution, to be applied toward a bachelor’s degree at the University of North Texas, should make sure that the appropriate officer of the other institution furnishes to the Office of Admissions or the Registrar’s Office at the University of North Texas a complete official transcript of such work. The Registrar’s Office, Admissions and Academic units determine acceptable transfer credit from other institutions based on evaluation of course content as described in the catalogs of those institutions. Transfer credit may only be received for course work completed at an accredited institution of higher education unless circumstances warrant review of non-traditional, prior learning. Transfer credit from other accredited institutions will be converted to semester hours and a 4.0 grading system for evaluation purposes as appropriate. The student’s academic dean determines applicability of the credit to a degree program. Students seeking a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) degree should refer to the special provisions of the respective degree programs. Students who have begun residence work at UNT and who have attained junior standing may, only with the prior written consent of their academic dean, enroll in and transfer hours from approved two-year colleges. Grade points earned at other institutions are excluded in the computations of the UNT-CGPA, but transfer hours accepted are included in determining the classification and minimum required level of performance. Additional information concerning academic status is available from the advising offices of the academic deans or the Registrar’s Office. Because of the time required for receipt of transcripts, students otherwise eligible for graduation who complete their last course or courses elsewhere do not graduate at the end of the term/semester or summer session in which the work is completed, but receive their degrees at the close of a subsequent UNT term/semester or summer session. At least twenty-five percent of the total number of hours for the degree (e.g., 30 hours for a 120-hour degree) must be earned in residence. Transfer hours from another institution are included in the overall GPA when determining honors for graduation. Correspondence courses Regulations governing correspondence courses. A student in residence who wishes to enroll concurrently in correspondence courses at another accredited institution must first secure the written permission of the student’s academic dean at UNT. Failure to obtain advance approval may result in the refusal of the university to accept such work in transfer. Not more than 18 hours of correspondence courses from an accredited institution may be transferred to UNT and used toward a degree program. No more than 30 hours of the total number required for any degree may be earned by a combination of correspondence and extension. A maximum of 6 hours of upper-level correspondence work completed in transfer will be accepted toward a degree program at UNT. Graduate credit is not accepted in transfer through correspondence study. Advanced-hour credit A lower-level course that is substituted for a UNT upper-level course may not be used to satisfy advanced-hour requirements. Application for graduation Students who may be eligible to graduate must submit their application through the MyUNT student portal. (Visit registrar.unt.edu for additional information about degree application deadlines.) Degree applications are accepted only from undergraduate students who have a minimum overall C average. See “ Grade point average ” for grade point calculation details. Before applying, the student also must remove grades of I in required courses necessary for graduation if these courses increase the term/semester load beyond the maximum permitted. Students otherwise eligible for graduation who complete their final course or courses elsewhere will not graduate at the end of the term/semester or summer session/term in which the work is completed because of the time required for obtaining transcripts; such students will have their degrees conferred at the close of a subsequent UNT term/semester. August graduates may file for graduation before the end of the spring term/semester. Graduation with honors Candidates for graduation whose overall grade point average (OGPA), based on grades earned in University of North Texas resident credit courses and transferred resident credit courses, is at least 3.500 but less than 3.700 are eligible to graduate cum laude ; those whose OGPA, as defined above, is at least 3.700 but less than 3.900 are eligible to graduate magna cum laude ; and those whose OGPA, as defined above, is 3.900 to 4.000 are eligible to graduate summa cum laude . Hours earned through correspondence and extension courses, or pass/no pass courses, may not be counted in calculating the GPA for determination of eligibility for graduation with honors. Candidates for a second bachelor’s degree are not eligible for graduation with honors. Commencement exercises Commencement exercises are held in December and May. Diplomas are mailed to candidates approximately eight weeks after graduation has been verified. Degrees and programs offered Colleges and schools. The University of North Texas is organized into the following colleges and schools. Honors College      College of Applied and Collaborative Studies         G. Brint Ryan College of Business       College of Education       College of Engineering       College of Information       College of Health and Public Service       Frank W. and Sue Mayborn School of Journalism       College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences       College of Merchandising, Hospitality and Tourism       College of Music       College of Science       College of Visual Arts and Design       Toulouse Graduate School       These schools and colleges offer the degrees, majors, concentrations under majors, minors, certifications, and preprofessional programs listed under Majors, minors, certificates   . See individual areas in this catalog for information about undergraduate offerings. Information about advanced offerings may be found in the Graduate Catalog . Degrees offered Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) Bachelor of Applied Science  (BAS) Bachelor of Arts (BA) Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Bachelor of Music (BM) Bachelor of Science (BS) Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry (BSBC) Bachelor of Science in Biology (BSBIO) Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (BSCHM) Bachelor of Science in Economics (BSECO) Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology (BSET) Bachelor of Science in Mathematics (BSMTH) Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences (BSMLS) Bachelor of Science in Physics (BSPHY) Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Master of Arts (MA) Master of Business Administration (MBA) Master of Education (MEd) Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Master of Journalism (MJ) Master of Music (MM) Master of Music Education (MMEd) Master of Public Administration (MPA) Master of Science (MS) Master of Social Work  (MSW) Doctor of Audiology (AuD) Doctor of Education (EdD) Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Undergraduate academic certificates The University of North Texas offers upper-division undergraduate academic certificates to meet workforce needs or to provide students with life/career skills and knowledge and to allow for specialization in academic disciplines. Undergraduate academic certificates require 12–20 hours, the majority of which must be advanced. See “ Undergraduate Academic Certificate Programs ” for additional details. All students pursuing an undergraduate academic certificate must meet regular UNT admission requirements. Candidates for admission to the undergraduate academic certificate program must meet the minimum academic standards for the academic discipline. Post-baccalaureate students are eligible to pursue an undergraduate academic certificate. Requirements Undergraduate academic certificates require 12–20 semester credit hours, the majority of which must be advanced. Students are responsible for all prerequisites specified in course requirements. Students are expected to complete all hours for the undergraduate academic certificate requirements at UNT. Upon completion of the requirement for an undergraduate academic certificate program, a student should apply to the academic dean of his or her college or school. Application forms are sent to the Registrar’s Office at the end of each term. The Registrar’s Office posts undergraduate academic certificates to students’ transcripts at the end of the semester earned. The office prints and mails the certificates to the students. Note: Hours used for attaining an undergraduate academic certificate could potentially exclude a student from consideration for the $1,000 Tuition Rebate since all hours earned for the undergraduate academic certificate are counted in the total hours earned toward a degree. Requirements for a second bachelor’s degree To be eligible for a second bachelor’s degree, a student must meet all current catalog requirements for the second degree, including 12 hours of advanced courses in a field different from the major for the first bachelor’s degree. Degree terminology A major requires a minimum of 24 semester hours in a given subject, including 12 hours of advanced work. Double major A student who fulfills the specified requirements for two different majors under a single degree completes a double major. A double major consists of two majors with the same degree type (e.g. Bachelor of Science). Each major consists of a minimum of 24 unique major requirement semester credit hours including 12 hours of advanced work. A second major is not considered a concentration (see concentrations ). Double degree A student who fulfills the specified requirements for two different degree types (e.g. Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts) at UNT. To be eligible to earn double degrees, the student must meet all of the current graduation and program specific requirements, including the major requirement (in both degrees) of a minimum of 24 hours including 12 hours of advanced work. Major courses beyond the minimum requirement of 24 hours, may apply toward both degrees, if applicable. A student must graduate with both degrees simultaneously. If one degree is completed before the other, then the second degree would require post-baccalaureate status. Dual degree A dual degree allows a student to study at two or more institutions and earn a degree from both institutions. Dual degrees are established programs as shown in the catalog. Concentration A concentration is a minimum of 18 semester credit hours of coursework in a recognized area of study within the academic discipline. Concentrations are placed on the UNT transcript and diploma. Specialization A specialization is a minimum of 12 semester credit hours of coursework in a focused area of study within an academic discipline, specializations are not on the UNT transcript or diploma. An emphasis is less than 12 semester credit hours of coursework in a focused area of study within an academic discipline, emphasis do not appear on the UNT transcript or diploma. Grad Track programs allow exceptional undergraduate students to apply up to 12 credit hours of approved graduate level courses to complete the requirements of an undergraduate degree and apply toward the graduate degree. Applications for Grad Track programs are submitted through the major department after the student has completed at least 75 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5. Grad Track students may begin taking graduate-level courses after completing 90 credit hours and must complete the bachelor’s degree within one academic year after beginning their first pathway course. Students in the Grad Track must apply for admission to the graduate program, generally by the end of their first term in the Grad Track program. See grad track options in undergraduate catalog. Second bachelor’s degree Students who wish to obtain a second bachelor’s degree, after the conferral of a bachelor’s degree from an institution with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board recognized accreditation or an equivalent credential from a foreign institution recognized by UNT. To be eligible to receive a second bachelor’s degree, the student must meet all of the current graduation and program specific requirements, including at least 24 new hours, 12 of which must be advanced in a field different from the major of the first bachelor’s degree, completed once you declared the second bachelor’s degree. Advising is provided by the college in which the second bachelor’s degree is sought.  Degree plan The degree plan is an official document prepared in the office of the student’s academic dean. It lists all courses completed, courses not completed, proficiency examinations and all other requirements for a particular degree sought. A student should have a degree plan prepared no later than the beginning of the junior year. See also the entries for “ Major ,” “ Double Major ” and “ Minor ,” all in this section.   Degree audit The degree audit is an official document prepared in the office of the student’s academic dean that lists courses completed, courses to be completed, proficiency examinations and all other requirements for a particular degree program. A student should have a degree audit prepared no later than the beginning of the junior year. A minor requires at least 18 semester hours in a given subject, including 6 hours of advanced work. Specific course sequences for a minor are determined by the department offering the minor. Not all degrees require a minor. DACA/Undocumented First Generation, Low Income International Students Students of Color Students with disabilities Undergraduate Students Master’s Students PhD Students Faculty/Staff Family/Supporters Career Fairs Post jobs, internships, and fellowships Build your brand at MIT Recruiting Guidelines and Resources Connect with Us Career Advising Distinguished Fellowships Employer Relations Graduate Student Professional Development Prehealth Advising Academia & Education Architecture, Planning, & Design Arts, Communications, & Media Business, Finance, & Fintech Computing & Computer Technology Data Science Energy, Environment, & Sustainability Life Sciences, Biotech, & Pharma Manufacturing & Transportation Health & Medical Professions Social Impact, Policy, & Law Getting Started & Handshake 101 Exploring careers Networking & Informational Interviews Connecting with employers Resumes, cover letters, portfolios, & CVs Finding a Job or Internship Post-Graduate and Summer Outcomes Professional Development Competencies Preparing for Graduate & Professional Schools Preparing for Medical / Health Profession Schools Interviewing New jobs & career transitions Career Prep and Development Programs Fall Career Fair Employer Events Outside Events for Career and Professional Development Events Calendar Career Services Workshop Requests Early Career Advisory Board Peer Career Advisors Student Staff Idaho National Laboratory Additive manufacturing, materials characterization, and artificial intelligence internship fall 2024. Share This: Share Additive Manufacturing, Materials Characterization, and Artificial Intelligence Internship Fall 2024 on Facebook Share Additive Manufacturing, Materials Characterization, and Artificial Intelligence Internship Fall 2024 on LinkedIn Share Additive Manufacturing, Materials Characterization, and Artificial Intelligence Internship Fall 2024 on X Is an internship passionate about changing the world’s energy future intriguing? If so, we might have just the opportunity you’re looking for! Reporting to the Characterization Manager, you will work in a diverse team focusing on the corrosion science of component manufactured by additive manufacturing technique. Preferred candidate should know the interaction between laser beam and nuclear structural alloys. This team works a 4×10 schedule and works onsite at the Materials and Fuels Complex near Idaho Falls, Idaho. Qualifications Doctoral student enrolled full time at an accredited college/university studying Materials Science, Nuclear Engineering or Computer Science. A minimum overall 3.0 GPA Students familiarity with Focused ion beam (FIB) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) experience. Authorization to work in the U.S. (including CPT and OPT) Application Requirements: Current Resume or CV Unofficial Transcripts (include current and completed degree programs) Current class schedule and number of credits You are required to show a demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working environment. Compensation and Benefits: Undergraduate Internships ($25.65/hour – $30.70/hour) Masters Internships and PhD Internships Pre-Candidacy ($31.75/hour – $34.06/hour) PhD Internships Post-Candidacy ($33.75/hour – $36.06/hour) Eligible interns are provided paid holiday time off, and many of our internships offer travel reimbursements. Multi-Level: This is a multi-level posting and you will be placed at the appropriate level dependent on degree field and level of education. INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy’s mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 5,800 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to discover new science and development technologies that underpin the nation’s nuclear and renewable energy, national security, and environmental missions. INL hosts over 550 undergraduate and graduate students each year to support INL’s mission. Opportunities for interns at INL range from nuclear engineering to cybersecurity and include non-scientific positions in several operations and business subject areas. Selective Service Requirements To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov. Equal Employment Opportunity Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. Women and People of Color are strongly encouraged to apply. Reasonable Accommodation We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. INL does not accept resumes from third-party vendors unsolicited. Questions? [email protected] MS Course Requirements Core requirements . You must have satisfied four core requirements (one from each of three areas, plus one additional requirement from any of the three areas). This requirement is usually satisfied by taking courses and getting a B or better in them. No more than 18 of the course credits may come from courses at the 500 level. 500-level classes taken to satisfy core requirements fall into this group. No more than 6 credits may come from independent studies and/or SAT (Also known as Pass/Fail). The SAT option for graduate students is only allowed by instructor consent.  No more than 9 credits may come from courses outside of the computer science department.  At least 12 of those credits must come from courses at the 600-900 level that are not independent studies. 600-level classes taken to satisfy core requirements fall into this group. Classes with a grade below a C may not be counted toward the MS degree. Only a limited number of credits may be transferred from other programs or institutions. GPA . Your overall grade point average for the 30 credits must be 3.0 or higher. Transferring Credit If you enter the program and have already taken some courses at another institution, it may be possible to transfer some of your credits. The following Graduate School rules limit your options: other accredited colleges or universities in the US non-degree credits taken at UMass courses taken as an undergraduate (that were not applied to the baccalaureate degree) Continuing Education courses Transfer credits must come from courses where you received a B or better and that were taken no more than three years prior to your entering the program. Credits from outside the University of Massachusetts Amherst may not be used to satisfy the 600-800 level requirement for a Masters degree. The grade you received on transferred credits does not apply toward the GPA requirement of the degree. Graduate courses that have been applied toward any baccalaureate or advanced degree may not be used for fulfilling requirements for any other master's degree at the University. You may not transfer credits from outside the University of Massachusetts Amherst to satisfy any requirements for the PhD. The Graduate Student Handbook provides more details. Note that transferred credit only reduces your credit requirements toward the Masters or PhD degree; it does not satisfy other requirements. In particular, transferring a course does not automatically result in your passing a corresponding core requirement. If you feel that the course should satisfy a core requirement, see the instructions on passing out of a core requirement . Global footer ©2024 University of Massachusetts Amherst Site policies Non-discrimination notice Accessibility Terms of use 296 IMAGES How To Get Admissions Into MIT from AP Guru How To Get Into MIT MIT MIT: Acceptance Rate, SAT/ACT Scores Applying to MIT with a 1.8 GPA Medical School GPA Requirements: What You Need For 2022/2023 (2022) COMMENTS Graduate requirements What you need to know At MIT, graduate degree requirements are determined by the individual departments or programs and approved by the Committee on Graduate Programs (CGP). Each graduate student is officially enrolled in an individual degree program. MIT graduate programs are full-time and work is done chiefly on campus in collaboration with faculty, peers, and the Institute community. Doctoral Degrees A doctoral degree requires the satisfactory completion of an approved program of advanced study and original research of high quality. Please note that the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Doctor of Science (ScD) degrees are awarded interchangeably by all departments in the School of Engineering and the School of Science, except in the fields of ... Admissions Requirements Admissions Requirements. The following are general requirements you should meet to apply to the MIT Sloan PhD Program. Complete instructions concerning application requirements are available in the online application. General Requirements. Bachelor's degree or equivalent. A strong quantitative background (the Accounting group requires calculus) Graduate academic standards To achieve satisfactory academic progress for purposes of federal student financial assistance, an MIT graduate student must achieve the following qualitative and quantitative standards: Have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) exceeding 4.0 on MIT's 5.0 scale; and. Pass 67% of cumulative credit units attempted (defined as "pace"); and. General Degree Requirements < MIT To be awarded the degree of Master in City Planning, the student must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 126 units of graduate subject credit. The student must also complete a thesis acceptable to the Department of Urban Studies and Planning, and have been in residence for a minimum of two regular academic terms. Admissions < MIT The application and additional information may be found on the Advanced Study Program website. Admission is valid only for one term; a student must seek readmission each term to continue at the Institute. Those applying for special graduate student status for the first time must pay an application fee. To be allowed to continue as a special ... PDF General Degree Requirements To be awarded the degree of Master of Business Administration through the two-year Executive MBA (EMBA) Program, the student must satisfactorily complete a program of study of at least 174 units. General Degree Requirements | 3. that includes a set of required core subjects, plus three graduate-level restricted electives taken at designated ... Graduate Admissions Office of Graduate Education - Apply to become a part of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology community. MIT graduate students play a central role in the Institute's wide-ranging research activities, making a vital contribution to the educational experience of students and faculty, and ultimately leading to the success of the research itself. Doctoral degree The two Institute requirements for a doctorate are completion of a program of advanced study, including a general examination, and completion and oral defense of a thesis on original research. The course of advanced study and research leading to the doctorate must be pursued under the direction of the departmental committee on graduate students ... Academic Performance and Grades < MIT An MIT graduate student must achieve all of the following academic standards to qualify and maintain federal student financial assistance: Have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) exceeding 4.0 on MIT's 5.0 scale. Pass 67% of cumulative credit units attempted (defined as "pace") Graduate Admissions » MIT Physics The requirements for a PhD in Physics at MIT are the doctoral examination, a few required subject classes, and a research-based thesis. The doctoral examination consists of a written and an oral examination. The written component may be satisfied either by passing the 4 subject exams or by passing designated classes related to each topic with a ... Frequently asked questions We have answered many of the most common questions in the sections below. Because of the decentralized nature of graduate admissions, most of these questions are answered in general terms and may not apply to all departments. For specific department requirements, please visit the degree programs pages. If you have additional questions, please ... Admissions The application for September 2024 admission is now closed. Your application is considered complete when you have successfully submitted the following requirements by the December 15 application deadline: Online application. $90 application fee. Scanned copy of college transcripts. Three letters of recommendation. Graduate Student FAQs a department-supported, student-run application assistance program that pairs students applying to MIT BE with a mentor who is a graduate student currently in the program. BEAAP aims to assist applicants who may benefit from additional support during the application process. Mentors can answer questions about BE and MIT and provide feedback on ... Deadlines & requirements November 1. All individual application components— general information, essays, activities, academics, etc. November 1. Two letters of recommendation —one from a math or science teacher and one from a humanities, social science, or language teacher. November 1. Secondary School Report (SSR), including high school transcript. PhD Program Requirements PhD Program Requirements. The Chemistry Department offers a flexible program that allows students to select courses tailored to their individual background and research interests. Students also teach for two semesters. As part of the requirement for a PhD degree, MIT requires a General Examination, with both an oral and written part. Application for PhD studies in BE Success in the challenging coursework and research components of the MIT BE PhD program requires a strong academic background in both biology and quantitative engineering or science. ... essentially all applicants receiving an interview invitation have a GPA in the A range (>3.6 on an A = 4.0 scale), and from 2019-2022 the median GPA of ... PhD Admissions FAQ Applying to graduate school can present a financial obstacle for many qualified applicants. Application fee waivers are available for US citizens and permanent residents who meet eligibility requirements set by the MIT Office of Graduate Education. All requests are made through the MIT Office of Graduate Education process. Procedures All graduate-level applicants must apply through the online application portal. Each department has its own application website and its own detailed set of requirements. Further department information can be found in the Programs section. To begin the application process, select one of the 46 departmental programs, and click the link to Apply. Graduate Degrees & Requirements Graduate Degrees & Requirements. Graduate study in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics includes graduate-level subjects in Course 16 and others at MIT, and research work culminating in a thesis. Degrees are awarded at the master's and doctoral levels. The range of subject matter is described under Graduate Fields of Study ... How to Get Into MIT: 5 Expert Admissions Tips Currently, MIT's acceptance rate is 4.1%, which means it only accepts around 4 applicants for every 100 people that apply. A 4.1% acceptance rate means that MIT is extremely competitive to get into. You'll need excellent grades, test scores, essays, and letters of recommendation to even be considered. Graduate Admission All graduate applicants to MIT apply to their individual departments, rather than to the Institute as a whole.AeroAstro uses a department-specific online graduate application.For more information on graduate admissions in general, please visit the central MIT Graduate Admissions website. There's no special formula or secret that guarantees an offer of admission from MIT AeroAstro. What You Need For MIT: Admission Requirements MIT GPA Requirements. Many schools specify a minimum GPA requirement, but this is often just the bare minimum to submit an application without immediately getting rejected. The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. For this, we look at the school's average GPA for its current students. Average ... MIT: 2024 Requirements, Scores & GPAs Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)'s average GPA is 4.17. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) does require GPA. This average GPA means Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is brutally selective - the most competitive applicants in the world are already applying to the school, in hopes of taking up residence in Cambridge, and, somehow, you need to be better. Generally ... Requirements for the M.S. Degree In addition, BS/MS students complete 12 units of graduate-level courses in Biology, Medicine, or other disciplines related to their thesis project. Students complete their degree requirements by writing and defending a Master's thesis. Biology MS students should not rely on the graduate degree audit to track degree progress. B.S. in Economics Students must have a minimum 2.0 major GPA in order to graduate. All major requirements, both lower division and upper division, must be taken for a letter grade and passed with a C- or better. All upper division major requirements must be at least 4 units. Classes lower than 4 units will not count toward your upper division major requirements. Degree requirements and graduation Candidates for graduation whose overall grade point average (OGPA), based on grades earned in University of North Texas resident credit courses and transferred resident credit courses, is at least 3.500 but less than 3.700 are eligible to graduate cum laude; those whose OGPA, as defined above, is at least 3.700 but less than 3.900 are eligible ... Additive Manufacturing, Materials Characterization, and Artificial A minimum overall 3.0 GPA; Students familiarity with Focused ion beam (FIB) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) experience. ... Masters Internships and PhD Internships Pre-Candidacy ($31.75/hour - $34.06/hour) PhD Internships Post-Candidacy ($33.75/hour - $36.06/hour) ... Selective Service Requirements To be eligible for employment ... MS Course Requirements : Manning College of Information & Computer Graduate courses that have been applied toward any baccalaureate or advanced degree may not be used for fulfilling requirements for any other master's degree at the University. You may not transfer credits from outside the University of Massachusetts Amherst to satisfy any requirements for the PhD. The Graduate Student Handbook provides more ... PDF Table of Contents Coordinator and the Graduate Program Administrator (GPA) are here to help, your time in our ... 4. List GEOG 8900, 8901 & 8910 in the 'Departmental Requirements' section. 5. Graduate students must list GRSC 7001 on their program of study form (G138) in GradStatus. Students who matriculated prior to Fall 2022 should record their essay homework paper phd project resume review speech thesis