how to write mit supplemental essays

How to Write Outstanding MIT Supplemental Essays (With 5 Real Examples)

This is your complete guide to writing outstanding MIT supplemental essays.

(Step-by-step)

We all know MIT is math- and science- focused.

But MIT isn't looking for students who can just do the work (most students applying to MIT already can).

You need to be able to tackle dense STEM subjects and communicate your ideas effectively.

Which is why your supplemental essays are still incredibly important for MIT.

Let's dive right in.

How to Write the MIT Essay Prompts for 2024

According to MIT Admissions , there are 4 required MIT supplemental essays for 2024 which they ask you to answer in "approximately 200 words."

The MIT essay prompts for 2024 are:

MIT Essay Prompt #1: "Activity for Pleasure"

Prompt #1. 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. (About 200 words)

This is a quintessential "extracurricular activity" essay.

MIT wants to know what you do for fun, and how you spend your time outside of school.

But they don't want to hear about your "resume" activities. MIT already provides their own Activities Section for that.

Instead, this prompt is about sharing something that reveals who you are as a person , not just what you do.

How to Answer MIT Essay Prompt #1

Your goal with this essay should be simple:

Let the admissions officer understand exactly why this activity is enjoyable to you.

You want them to be able to understand your thought process and how you see the world.

To bring them into your world, you need to show where exactly you find pleasure in this activity.

How to Choose an Activity for MIT Essay Prompt #1

First, here's what topics you should avoid or be careful about writing:

• Activities already on your activities list. You want to reveal something new about yourself. - Generic or broad activities (e.g. "I like to read"). - Common activities without having an uncommon angle (e.g. "I like to play video games"). - A "big" activity (e.g. "I love working on my non-profit to help the homeless"). - Focus on the activity itself, rather than what ideas it represent.

Why? Because these topics are overdone and easily cliché.

Instead of focusing on the activity itself, your essay should be an exploration of an idea.

• Biking around your neighborhood? → An exploration of the unknown and what it means to be free
• Doodling extensive notes and diagrams while on plane rides? → Your exploration of imagination and elaborate daydreams
• Creating a new recipe for Thanksgiving dinner? → How exactly and at what point something becomes tradition

Here's how you can find your own unique topic:

• Focused on ideas. Ask questions like, "Why do I really enjoy this activity?" or "What ideas does this activity represent?" - Be unapologetically honest. Even if your activity seems silly or trivial, you can make it meaningful by connecting to an idea of what it represents.
• Be ultra-specific. Don't write about "drawing" or "playing the piano." Write about "drawing pictures of random people on the subway" or "writing fugal counterpoint." - A "small" activity. Something close to home. Then, connect to a bigger idea. If you like to draw pictures of people on the subway, you could write your love of questioning the seemingly mundane and overlooked.

MIT is a highly intellectual school.

They want to see that you're a strong, deep thinker who can connect the dots between seemingly unrelated things.

Here's the deal:

Focus on writing about ideas , not just the literal activity itself. What does this activity represent ? What unexpected connections can you form?

MIT Essay Example #1: "Activity for Pleasure"

Here's an example of a great response to MIT's first essay prompt.

This essay was written when the prompt was limited to only 100 words, so it's a little shorter than the current 200-word limit.

You can still use this essay as inspiration for your own MIT supplemental essays.

Prompt: We know you lead a busy life, full of activities, many of which are required of you. Tell us about something you do for the pleasure of it. (100 words max)

After combining the ingredients came an hour-long wait. I tapped my fingers, paced the kitchen, watched the clock anxiously. Time to shape the dough. Then another 30-minute wait. Stress. Dough in the oven! 40-minute wait. The aroma of freshly baked bread wafted lazily through my kitchen, impossibly tantalizing, evoking daydreams of quaint little French bakeries, ceilings stacked high with masterpieces of flour. Holding the bread to my ear, squeezing, I was reminded of the quote from Ratatouille, how great bread is distinguished by the sound, the “symphony of crackle”. Finally, finally , it was time to eat.

Why This Essay Works

• It's not a "big" activity. It's a small, everyday activity that's close to home. - It's not an activity on the author's Activity List, so it reveals something new. - It's ultra-specific: the author doesn't just say "I like to bake bread," they show us exactly what that looks like. - It has a sense of voice . The author writes informally and stylistically, without being casual.

What Could Be Improved

• Connect the activity to a bigger idea. What does baking bread represent? What does it mean to them? - Too much time spent describing the activity itself. The author could have spent more time on the "why" and "how" of the activity, which is more interesting.

I'm sure if this student had 200 words, they would have been able to expand on the "why" and "how" of their activity.

That said, this is still a great example of showing your personality through a small, everyday activity.

It doesn't need to be big or impressive. It doesn't need to be "quirky" or unique.

It just needs to be a meaningful activity that's close to home.

Then show us why it brings you pleasure. Specifically and vividly.

Allow the reader to relate to you and understand your thought process.

MIT Essay Prompt #2: "World You Come From"

Prompt #2. Describe the world you come from (for example, your family, school, community, city, or town). How has that world shaped your dreams and aspirations?

Prompt #3. 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.

Prompt #4. 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?

Common App Prompt #1: Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. (250-650 words)

Why This Essay Works:

This essay starts off by posing a challenge, which is typical of essays. But rather than showing how they overcame this particular challenge of speaking Romanian without an accent, this reader shows how something unexpected—baking—came to satisfy what was missing all along. By the end, this creates a conclusion that is both surprising, connected to the beginning, and makes perfect sense once you've read it. In other words, the conclusion is inevitable, but also surprising in content.

This student uses Romanian words to help exemplify the culture and language. If you're writing about a culture, using foreign language words can be a compelling way of adding depth to your essay. By including specific terms like "muni" and "cornulete," it shows a depth of knowledge which cannot be faked. Always use specific, tangible language where possible, because it is "evidence" that you know what you're talking about.

This student exhibits strong self-awareness by noting characteristics about themself, even some which may not be the most glamorous ("can be overbearing at times, stubborn in the face of offered help"). Rather than telling the reader flat out about these personal attributes, they are able to discuss them by connecting to another person—their grandmother Buni. Using another person to showcase your own character (through comparison or contrast) is a literary "foil," which can be an effective way of showing your character without stating it outright, which generally is boring and less convincing.

This student doesn't focus on surface-level ideas like "how they got better at speaking Romanian." Instead, they reflect in a creative way by connecting the Romanian language to baking. Revealing unseen connections between topics is a great way to show that you're a thoughtful and clever thinker. Ultimately, having unique ideas that are specific to you is what will create a compelling essay, and this essay is a perfect example of what that could look like.

Prompt: Although you may not yet know what you want to major in, which department or program at MIT appeals to you and why? (100 words max)

I remember boiling down cabbage with my dad to make titration indicators. When I first read about the process of translation, of rendering mRNA into proteins, my eyes filled with tears; this is what I would do, apply the chemistry that had defined my childhood to my love of biology. In the past few months alone, MIT researchers have visualized a critical growth kinase and decoded the kavalactone gene. To major in both the chemistry and biology departments at MIT would be an unequaled opportunity to explore the molecular basis of life and apply that knowledge to real-world innovation.

Prompt: Describe the world you come from; for example, your family, clubs, school, community, city, or town. How has that world shaped your dreams and aspirations? (200-250 words)

I grew up in a household with a physicist and a chemist. Our cupboards are occupied by periodic table mugs, our closets by t-shirts with taglines like “velociraptor= displacementeraptor/timeraptor”.

Underneath all the unabashed nerdiness, my parents fostered an environment of inquiry. Our kitchen moonlighted as a laboratory, complete with burets. My mom once brought home a 3D printed likeness of her own brain; I traced each sulcus in wonderment, imagining how each fold shaped her personality. My house was a sanctuary, a place where no question was too small, no claim uninvestigated.

It is precisely this background that drew me to research. Spending the past two summers in a neuroscience clinic, I found my second home surrounded by quirky med students, exhausted post-docs, and incisive surgeons. I felt more comfortable than I ever had in high school; loving science was no longer an embarrassment, but an asset. Lunch was spent in discussion about anticipatory alpha activity, and that’s just how I liked it. Though we used EEG’s in place of homemade indicators, MATLAB instead of “borrowed” dry ice, we were working towards the fundamental goal I’d spent my childhood developing: finding new knowledge.

Every one of my dreams can be traced back to my past, to individuals and experiences that have shaped the way I see the world and how I hope to better it. My parent's passion for learning by doing was passed down to me, finding its intersection with my love for the brain in one field: neurosurgery.

Prompt: Tell us about the most significant challenge you've faced or something important that didn't go according to plan. How did you manage the situation? (200-250 words)

Bluntly put, moving in high school was difficult. I remember waving good-bye to my best friend through tear-filled eyes. I remember staying up the night before the first day at my new school, dreading having to eat lunch alone. I remember crying on my birthday. Most of all, I remember hating how my life had become a movie cliche, how I had seemingly been reduced to a shell of myself by relocating 399.2 miles south.

Resolute in my desire to restore some semblance of normalcy, I started running incremental exploratory missions on this alien planet. I joined Science Olympiad, finding comfort in the companionship of fellow biology geeks. Fulfilling a longtime goal, I joined a volunteer station and became an EMT, loving the urgency of working in an ambulance and the unique satisfaction of saving a life. I spent countless hours reading papers about spinal cord stimulation, temporarily forgetting my social isolation with academic collaboration. I learned to drive, much to my parent’s chagrin.

Though I still had the occasional bad day (as do we all), things were looking up. Reluctant optimism replaced hopeless despair as I became more confident in my abilities and less reliant on the context in which I applied them. Moving compelled me to meet different people, try new things, and succeed in an environment I hadn’t grown up in. The result was resilience, a firm belief that with hard work, a willingness to diversify, and a little self-deprecation, no situation was impossible, no crisis un-manageable.

Ryan Chiang , Founder of EssaysThatWorked.com

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People love to ask why. Why do you wear a turban? Why do you have long hair? Why are you playing a guitar with only 3 strings and watching TV at 3 A.M.—where did you get that cat? Why won’t you go back to your country, you terrorist? My answer is... uncomfortable. Many truths of the world are uncomfortable...

MIT Admitted Essay

Her baking is not confined to an amalgamation of sugar, butter, and flour. It's an outstretched hand, an open invitation, a makeshift bridge thrown across the divides of age and culture. Thanks to Buni, the reason I bake has evolved. What started as stress relief is now a lifeline to my heritage, a language that allows me to communicate with my family in ways my tongue cannot. By rolling dough for saratele and crushing walnuts for cornulete, my baking speaks more fluently to my Romanian heritage than my broken Romanian ever could....

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MIT Supplemental Essays 2023-24 – Prompts and Tips

September 8, 2023

When applying to MIT, a school with a 4% acceptance rate where a 1500 SAT would place you below the average enrolled student (seriously), teens should be aware that it takes a lot to separate yourself from the other 26,000+ applicants you are competing against. While trying to be among the 1 in 25 who will ultimately be accepted sounds like (and is) a rather intimidating proposition, every year around 1,300 individuals accomplish this epic feat. We’ve worked with many of these students personally and can tell you one thing they all had in common—exceptionally strong MIT supplemental essays.

(Want to learn more about How to Get Into MIT? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into MIT: Admissions Data and Strategies  for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

There are few schools that offer as many essays as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. All applicants are required to respond to five prompts as they work through the MIT application. Your mission is to write compelling, standout compositions that showcase your superior writing ability and reveal more about who you are as an individual. Below are the MIT supplemental essays for the 2023-24 admissions cycle along with tips about how to address each one.

MIT Supplemental Essays – Prompt #1: 

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. (200-250 words)

There are many different ways that you can approach this prompt, but the first step is to take MIT at their word that they are sincerely interested in what you do “simply for the pleasure of it.” While this may be something that also happens to be high-minded and/or STEM-oriented in nature, there is no expectation that this will be the case.

In essence, you want to ask yourself, what brings you great pleasure and happiness? Universal experiences of joy like family, a beautiful sunset, smiling children, or your cat or dog curled on your lap are perfectly acceptable answers here. However, you could also talk about dreams for the future, more bittersweet moments, abstract thoughts, moments of glorious introversion, or even something semi-embarrassing and vulnerable. The only “wrong” answer to this question would be an insincere one. As you enter the brainstorming phase, just make sure to turn off your “resume mode” setting. Instead, allow yourself to embrace the limitless possibilities of this essay.

Essay Prompt #2 

What field of study appeals to you the most right now? Tell us more about why this field of study at MIT appeals to you. (Note: You’ll select your preferred field of study from a drop-down list.) (100 words or fewer)

Generally speaking, we all have a story of what drives us to pursue a certain academic pathway and career. How did your interest initially develop? What was the spark? How have you nurtured this passion and how has it evolved over time? If you desire to go into engineering, this is a chance to talk about everything from your childhood fascination with how things work to your participation in an award-winning robotics program at your high school. Share a compelling (and, of course, true!) narrative about how your love of your future area of study has blossomed to its present levels.

In other words, this essay should show evidence of intense hunger for knowledge that extends well outside of the classroom. How do you learn about your favorite subjects? What books have you read on the subject? Which podcasts have you listened to? What museums have you visited?

You can also tie your passions into specific academic opportunities at MIT including courses , professors , hands-on research programs , or any other aspects of your desired major that appeals most to you.

MIT Supplemental Essays – Prompt #3 

MIT brings people with diverse backgrounds together to collaborate, from tackling the world’s biggest challenges to lending a helping hand. Describe one way you have collaborated with others to learn from them, with them, or contribute to your community together. (225 words)

How you interact with your present surroundings is the strongest indicator of what kind of community member you will be in your future collegiate home. This prompt asks you to discuss how you have collaborated with others (in any setting) in order to learn from them or contribute to a particular community. This could mean how you’ve collaborated with others during a group project, internship, extracurricular opportunity, sports event, or service project, to name a few.

Some words of warning: don’t get too grandiose in explaining the positive change that you brought about. Of course, if you and your team truly brought peace to a war-torn nation or influenced climate change policy on a global scale, share away. However, nothing this high-profile is expected. Essentially, MIT wants to understand how you’ve worked with other people—in any capacity—to expand your thinking or reach a common goal.

A few potential ideas for areas where you may have worked with/alongside others include:

• Racial injustice
• Assisting those with special needs
• Climate justice/the environment
• Making outsiders in a group feel welcome
• The economically disadvantaged
• Mental health awareness
• Clean-up projects
• Tutoring peers or younger students
• Charitable work through a religious organization

This is, of course, by no means a comprehensive list of potential topics. Most importantly, your story should be personal, sincere, and revealing of your core character and developing values system.

Essay Prompt #4

How has the world you come from—including your opportunities, experiences, and challenges—shaped your dreams and aspirations? (225 words or fewer)

This essay encourages you to describe how your world has shaped your aspirations. We all have any number of “worlds” to choose from, and MIT is inviting you to share more about one of these worlds through the lens of how that has shaped your dreams and aspirations.

Take note of the wide-open nature of this prompt. You are essentially invited to talk about any of the following topics:

• A perspective you hold
• An experience/challenge you had
• A community you belong to
• Your cultural background
• Your religious background
• Your family background
• Your sexual orientation or gender identity

Although this prompt’s open floor plan may feel daunting, a good tactic is to first consider what has already been communicated within on other areas of your application. What important aspect(s) of yourself have not been shared (or sufficiently discussed)? The admissions officer reading your essay is hoping to connect with you through your written words, so—within your essay’s reflection—be open, humble, thoughtful, inquisitive, emotionally honest, mature, and/or insightful about what you learned and how you grew.

You’ll then need to discuss how your chosen “world” has influenced your future, and in what ways.

MIT Supplemental Essays – Prompt #5

How did you manage a situation or challenge that you didn’t expect? What did you learn from it? (225 words)

Note this prompt’s new wording: How did you manage a situation or challenge that you didn’t expect ? Can you think of a time when you felt surprisingly overwhelmed? When something out-of-the-ordinary occurred? When you were caught off guard? Basically, MIT is trying to discover how you deal with unforeseen setbacks, and the important thing to keep in mind is that the challenge/story itself is  less important  than what it reveals about your character and personality.

Of course, some teens have faced more challenges than others, potentially related to an illness or medical emergency, frequent moving, socioeconomic situation, natural disaster, or learning disability, to name a few. However, you don’t have to have faced a significant challenge to write a compelling essay (and even if you have faced a significant challenge, you don’t have to write about it if you’re not comfortable doing so). Writing about a common topic like getting cut from a sports team, struggling in a particular advanced course, or facing an obstacle within a group project or extracurricular activity is perfectly fine. Any story told in an emotionally compelling, honest, and connective manner can resonate with an admissions reader. The bottom line here is that there are no trite topics, only trite answers.

Given the 225-word limit, your essay needs to be extremely tight and polished. In all likelihood, getting this one precisely right will involve a round or two of revision, ideally with some insight/feedback from a trusted adult or peer in the process.

Some tips to keep in mind include:

• Firstly, make sure you share what you were feeling and experiencing. This piece should demonstrate openness and vulnerability.
• Additionally, you don’t need to be a superhero in the story. You can just be an ordinary human trying their best to learn how to navigate a challenging world.
• Don’t feel boxed into one particular structure for this essay. The most common (which there is nothing wrong with), is 1) introducing the problem 2) explaining your internal and external decision-making in response to the problem 3) Revealing the resolution to the problem and what you learned along the way.
• Lastly, don’t be afraid that your “problem” might sound “trite” in comparison to those of others. This essay is about you. Y our job is to make sure that your response to the problem shows your maturity and resilience in an authentic way. That matters far more than the original challenge itself.

Essay Prompt #6 (Optional)

Please tell us more about your cultural background and identity in the space below. (150 words)

Unlike other optional essays, this one truly is optional. You don’t need to respond unless you have something significant to share about your cultural background and identity that hasn’t already been shared elsewhere on the application.

How important are the MIT supplemental essays?

There are 8 factors that MIT considers to be “very important” to their evaluation process. They are: rigor of secondary school record, class rank, GPA, standardized test scores, recommendations, extracurricular activities, and most relevant to this blog—the MIT supplemental essays.

Moreover, character/personal qualities are the only factor that is “very important” to the MIT admissions committee. Of course, part of how they assess your character and personal qualities is through what they read in your essays.

Want personalized assistance with your MIT supplemental essays?

In conclusion, if you are interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your MIT supplemental essays, we encourage you to get a quote  today.

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How to Write the MIT Supplemental Essays 2023–2024

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The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a research institution located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, a city just outside Boston. With a 4.8% acceptance rate for the Class of 2027, an average SAT score of 1550, and an average ACT score of 35, MIT is one of the most challenging universities to gain acceptance to in the world. But MIT admissions officers are emphatic that they “admit people, not numbers.” In this blog post, you’ll learn how to write the supplemental essays in a way that demonstrates your individual personality beyond test scores and grades so that you can stand out among the other applicants and get into MIT .

MIT does not use the Common App or the Universal College Application, instead utilizing its own application platform. As a result, there is no Common App essay to submit to MIT, but instead a series of MIT-specific shorter essays. This often stresses out potential applicants already writing supplemental essays and a Common App. It just seems like a lot of extra time to write another 4 essays just for MIT! But this blog post will give you the tools you need to complete the MIT essays efficiently, without too much extra time and effort, but with appropriate thoughtfulness and detail. As their admissions website says, “You should certainly be thoughtful about your essays, but if you’re thinking too much—spending a lot of time stressing or strategizing about what makes you ‘look best,’ as opposed to the answers that are honest and easy—you’re doing it wrong.

MIT’s 2023-2024 Prompts

Short answer essay questions , tell us more about why this field of study at mit appeals to you. (100 words or fewer), 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. (150 words or fewer), how has the world you come from—including your opportunities, experiences, and challenges—shaped your dreams and aspirations (225 words or fewer), mit brings people with diverse backgrounds together to collaborate, from tackling the world’s biggest challenges to lending a helping hand. describe one way you have collaborated with others to learn from them, with them, or contribute to your community together. (225 words or fewer), how did you manage a situation or challenge that you didn’t expect what did you learn from it (225 words or fewer).

General Tips

For all of these essays, particularly given that MIT does not use the Common App, recycling answers is an effective method of saving time without sacrificing thoughtfulness. If you’ve already crafted an excellent response to another college’s supplemental essay about community, then either of the two community-focused prompts in the MIT application (prompts 3 and 4) could draw from this response.

Conversely, if you complete your MIT application before completing any other applications, be sure to return to them when crafting essays for other schools. (The only type of essay question that you should never recycle is an institution-specific question, such as the “Why this school?” question or any other question that refers specifically to the relevant institution.)

Additionally, bear in mind that some essay responses benefit from specific reference to the school to which you’re applying, even if the school is not referenced in the prompt. For instance, in the “Describe your community” question for MIT, some students may wish to explain how their community influenced their decision to apply to MIT. If you recycle your answer to this question and refer to another school in the original essay, be sure to take that section out! The ability to recycle essays for another application should not be a deterrent from personalizing an application to a specific school, but it is something to bear in mind.

Lastly, when writing your MIT supplemental essays, remember that the information you put in your Common App will not be visible to your readers. Much of the MIT application replicates the Common App, but there are still notable differences. If there is information you feel was missed out on in the MIT application that is in your Common App, be sure to include this information either in the content of your essays or in the Additional Information section of the MIT supplemental essay section.

MIT’s Short Answer Essay Questions

By asking this question , the MIT admissions officers seek to understand what motivates you to pursue your academic passions. Even if your choice of field of study does not fully square up with courses or programs you have engaged with while in high school, you should be able to draw on some previous experience, however minor, when responding to this prompt. Showing how you have responded to your interest in this field of study in the past will strengthen your argument that you’ll be able to successfully spend the next four years interested in it.

You may also want to discuss your future career plans in this essay response. This discussion can be brief, given that your essay must be 100 words or fewer. Including a clause about how you chose your major “as an aspiring biochemical engineer,” or your “goal to become an entrepreneur in the mobile banking sector” motivates your academic intentions will demonstrate that you are forward-thinking and thoughtful about your future career path. 

And remember: you don’t have to be certain about your future career path, you can just offer up a few possibilities, or, conversely, express how your great interest in a particular field gives you confidence that you will discover an enriching career within that field as well. As long as you’re genuine and specific, and demonstrate excitement for your field of study, you’ll be golden.

This prompt asks you to describe what you do for fun, within the context of the many demands the average high schooler faces in their life. Based on the fact that you share your  extracurricular activities elsewhere in the MIT application, this essay is not the place to list the club you do because it’s in your area of academic interest, or the responsibilities you may have at home. Even though these activities demand much of your time and may often be enjoyable, they are still dictated by outside forces, such as your career goals or your family’s well-being. This essay also isn’t the place to talk about anything you’ve mentioned elsewhere in your MIT application, or anything school-associated, career-driven, work-related, or family-motivated.

Instead, this essay is the place to talk about what you do when you’ve got some spare time and no one is making demands upon you. Do you find yourself heading over to the piano, or watching your favorite sports team? Do you enjoy board games with your family, play video games with your friends, or take your dog on a long, long walk? These are all fairly standard ways of having unstructured fun, so they may resonate with you. If they don’t, though, or you can think of other activities, then you may be in luck: uniqueness is your friend.

As long as you’re being authentic, then describing a unique activity will make your MIT application much more memorable. Maybe you don’t have a dog, but a pet lizard. Maybe your favorite sport isn’t soccer or basketball, but kickboxing or curling. Or perhaps your family makes up their own rules for board games, or you record your video game sessions to upload with commentary to YouTube. Whatever it is that you do to have fun, be as specific as possible, searching for details that will highlight your personality. Whether your hobby seems “impressive” or “boring,” your essay should communicate the joy you take in it.

This essay works best when you sound genuine about both the positive and negative aspects of the world you come from. To help your essay sound genuine, you need to be genuine. Before you start writing this essay, consider free-writing (write without stopping or trying to write “correctly”) a few paragraphs about what you consider to be “the world you come from.” With these instinctual thoughts nearby, you can embark on responding to the question of how that world has shaped your dreams and aspirations.

You can think big with these essays, but you can also think small. If you’re having trouble coming up with ideas, you can always go about your day and write down every person you interact with. Consider the different types of people you interacted with that day and how they make up “the world you come from.” Then, consider how each of these people might have influenced (or not) your dreams and aspirations, whether that was a positive or negative influence.

The key with this essay is to not only describe your community but also yourself: ultimately, these are personal essays that should bring your hopes for your future self to life. How have your family, teachers, friends, coaches, etc. influenced your career plans? What have you learned from your community that widens or narrows the scope of who you hope to become? If, for instance, someone in your community encouraged you to pursue a specific area of STEM or to apply to MIT, then this would be a great topic to discuss. Linking who you are and hope to become with the world you grew up in will be key to making this essay shine.

This prompt once again permits you to think both big and small about your relationship with people in your life. Remember, although this prompt also has the word “community” in it, and your community should play a role in your response, it’s also important to describe how you interact with people who are different from you—including within your own community!

If you have ever participated in community service, this essay is a great place to explain what you did and how it impacted your community. If you have never participated in formal community service, though, don’t worry! Community contributions can be as big as fighting world hunger or as small as sitting next to the lonely person in the lunchroom. It’s also possible you’ve contributed to your ecological community, such as by picking up litter or planting flowers in your town, or you’ve contributed to your political community, such as by attending protests or raising awareness about issues important to you and your community.

Even if you’ve participated in formal community service, if you’ve discussed it elsewhere in your MIT application in detail, then you may want to avoid being repetitive. MIT asks this question to get a sense of how you will act as a part of the MIT community and how you will reflect on MIT by contributing to the world after graduation. Demonstrating how you move through communities in your life currently, particularly focusing on how you interact with people who are different from you, will help you answer this question effectively. Regardless, be sure to only focus on one interaction or way of collaborating, in order to stick to the prompt and write with specificity.

Think deeply about the people you’ve interacted with in your life who may have a differing socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability (i.e. disabled versus abled), and so on. Differences can also arise in ways that census bureaus don’t analyze, so although you don’t want to focus on details irrelevant to daily life, if a difference between a person you’ve collaborated with has influenced your collaboration, then it’s worth discussing in this essay.

This prompt seeks to understand who you are when you aren’t your best, or how you’ve overcome a low point in your life. As the prompt indicates, you can be as personal as you feel comfortable, but it’s generally good practice in a college essay to engage in some vulnerability. Vulnerability not only demonstrates your humanity but also draws a more authentic picture of you as a person and student in the world.

This essay, like the others on the MIT application, presents an excellent opportunity for thoughtful essay recycling. If you are writing essays for other schools in addition to MIT, it is highly likely that at least some of the topics of the essay prompts overlap between the different essays you are writing. 

The “facing a challenge”-type question is a particularly common essay topic. Many students also choose this topic for their Common App essay, and given that MIT does not accept the Common App, you may want to thoughtfully recycle your Common App essay for this MIT essay prompt. Even though it is a much shorter essay, you may be able to take a paragraph from your Common App essay and reuse it for this one. At a minimum, you could reuse the ideas you’ve already thought through to inform this essay.

If you need help polishing up your MIT supplemental essays, check out our College Essay Review service. You can receive detailed feedback from Ivy League consultants in as little as 24 hours.

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Blog > Essay Advice , Private University , Supplementals > How to Write the MIT Supplemental Essays

How to Write the MIT Supplemental Essays

Admissions officer reviewed by Ben Bousquet, M.Ed Former Vanderbilt University

Written by Kylie Kistner, MA Former Willamette University Admissions

Key Takeaway

At 200 words each, the MIT supplemental essays seem innocent enough. But they’re deceptively difficult.

By this point, you’ve hopefully meandered your way through our MIT Common Data Set post and How to Get into MIT guide. Suffice it to say: getting into M-I-T is H-A-R-D. Your essays are crucial.

Without the support of a longer personal statement, each of your MIT essays has a big job to do.

In this guide, I’ll break down each of the prompts and walk you through how to answer them successfully.

Let’s dive right in.

Does MIT have supplemental essays?

Yes! Well, kind of. Since MIT doesn’t use the Common App, their own application is a little bit different than most of the other places you’ll be applying.

Instead of writing a longer personal statement and a couple of supplemental essays, you’ll be writing four shorter essays for MIT and no single personal statement. Each of your essays should be around 200 words long, so you’ll be writing about 800 words in total. Altogether, that’s quite a bit of writing, so make sure you plan accordingly.

MIT Essay Prompts

In this section, I’ll go through each of the prompts and touch on a few key tips that will help you write them.

Before we jump in, I want you to think a little bit about how your MIT admissions officer will read your essays. Will they read them one at a time over the course of a couple weeks? Of course not! They’ll probably read them all in one sitting over the course of a few minutes. If you’re lucky, they might come back to them, share them with a colleague, or discuss them in a committee meeting.

All this is to say that your essays will be read together, so you should write them with that in mind. Don’t go too heavy on one topic across all your essays—that’d be a waste of valuable space. Instead, spread your application narrative strategically across all four to create a robust picture of who you are. Figuring out how to disperse your narrative is especially important for your MIT essays since you don’t have a central personal statement to anchor your admissions officer.

With that preface out of the way, let’s get to the prompts.

Prompt #1: 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.

Uhh, is this a trick question…? Should you say you love picking up litter “for the pleasure of it” or doing extra physics problems every night just “for the pleasure of it”?

If those statements are true, then sure—write about them!

But this isn’t a trick question. You don’t need to take one of your hobbies or leisure activities and covertly wrangle it into something admirable about you.

We’ve already gone over how hard it is to get into MIT in our other MIT guides. You’re up against the best students in the world. One of the ways you can stand out is by being yourself. Remember that “character and personal qualities” is the only (!!!!) admissions factor that MIT ranks as “very important” in their Common Data Set. This prompt is an opportunity to show off some of those personal qualities.

Embrace it and write about something authentic. Whatever you do, make sure to draw out the personal meaning behind your activity.

Prompt #2: Describe the world you come from (for example, your family, school, community, city, or town). How has that world shaped your dreams and aspirations?

At its essence, this prompt is a community essay. Depending on how you approach it, it could also take the shape of a diversity essay. But you’ll notice that it’s not just any ole community or diversity essay. It asks you to write specifically about how your background has influenced your goals.

Sounds simple enough, right?

Like most things in college admissions, it’s much easier said than done. In this essay, you’ll need to juggle a description of your world with an explanation of your goals. You’ll also need to tie the two together seamlessly. It’s a lot to ask.

You can probably break your essay into two sections: one that describes your background and another that explains how your background shaped your dreams and aspirations.

In this case, “your world” may be a single group, or it might be a combination of groups. If you choose a combination of groups to write about, know that your job will be a little more difficult. In reality, 200 words isn’t much space to fit a couple of long descriptions, so choose wisely.

The specific “dreams and aspirations” you choose are a key place to be strategic. Consider a few questions: Are your dreams or aspirations academic, cultural, values-based, or something else? What dreams or aspirations can you choose to subtly convey your academic or cultural fit for MIT? How can you demonstrate that you’re already working towards those goals and aspirations?

By the end of your essay, your admissions officer should have a clear picture of the context from which you come and the places you’re hoping to go.

Prompt #3: 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.

We’ve got another community-meets-diversity essay. This is a complex prompt, so let’s skip the two introductory sentences and start by diagramming the main ask:

• Describe one way you have collaborated
• Specifically with people who are different from you
• In a way that ultimately contributed to your community.

Okay, perfect. Now let’s go back and look at those first two sentences. What do they tell you?

I’ll give you a hint: values.

MIT gives you a helping hand here by signaling what is most important to them. We have values like the act of coming together, making the lives of other people better, and improving our communities. More specifically, MIT doesn’t expect you to have completely overhauled your community. Even a simple act like being a good friend is enough.

With those values in mind, you can think about areas of your life where you’ve collaborated with people who are different from you in a way that contributed to your community. Your actions don’t have to be groundbreaking, but they do need to be genuine. Choosing an area of diversity like “they all have siblings but I’m an only child, so we had to figure out how to work together” can come across as inauthentic. Dig deep!

Prompt #4: 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?

This prompt is all about what our fellow Redditor u/AdmissionsMom calls “more phoenix, fewer ashes.” The key to success is all about what you give the most attention to.

When reading this essay, MIT admissions officers don’t want you to linger on every gory detail of something challenging you’ve been through or of a time when something didn’t work out. That’s not the point of the essay.

The point of the essay is to give you space to acknowledge a challenge or obstacle while also giving you the opportunity to demonstrate your resilience, perseverance, and problem-solving abilities.

The bulk of your essay should be on answering the central question: How did you manage the situation? Your answer should focus on action steps, outcomes, and forward movement.

Also notice that the prompt doesn’t say “write about the worst thing that’s ever happened to you.” If you feel comfortable doing so and are able to stay focused on the outcomes, then you might consider it. But if not, then feel free to choose a less high-stakes challenge that was still genuinely difficult.

Heck, you don’t even have to write about a challenge. If you haven’t faced many challenges or would rather not go into them, you can also write about a time “something didn’t go according to plan.”

Some example topics might include:

• Moving forward after a challenge or disappointment
• Overcoming an instance of discrimination
• Finding hope and momentum after a personal loss
• Learning resilience after a personal failure or setback

This is your chance to show MIT admissions officers that you’re mature and capable of handling whatever challenges come your way.

Key Takeaways

It’s tiiiime! You’re ready to get to writing. Just remember: keep your application narrative in mind, think about the application strategy you developed in our How to Get into MIT guide, and don’t forget to be yourself.

If you’ve gotten through all of this and could still use some more support, we’ve got you covered: the Essay Academy is a comprehensive digital course that walks you through writing every kind of college essay. It’s a video course, so we’re able to go into even more depth.

Happy writing!

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How to Write MIT Supplemental Essays

Reviewed by:

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 6/27/24

Looking into the MIT supplemental essays and confused about what to write? Keep reading, and we’ll break down everything you need to know! 

When it comes to MIT , there’s no doubt most students applying feel stressed out about the written portion of their application. Being able to clearly and effectively articulate your views to an admissions council can seem like an arduous process.

Many students try to fit a profile or write about something inauthentic to them. The problem is MIT is already familiar with disingenuous writing and tries to avoid applications like that. The good thing to know is that with the right tools and strategies, you can craft top-notch essays that impress the MIT admissions committee.

So, without further delay, let’s get into how to go about writing the MIT essays!

MIT Supplemental Essay Prompts 2024-2025

The MIT essay prompts are short questions that offer insight into your life experiences, aspirations and character. You’ll find each question addresses a different aspect of yourself. Let’s take a look at them.  

“What field of study appeals to you the most right now? (Note: Applicants select from a drop-down list.) Tell us more about why this field of study at MIT appeals to you.”

“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.”

“How has the world you come from—including your opportunities, experiences, and challenges—shaped your dreams and aspirations?”

“ MIT brings people with diverse backgrounds together to collaborate, from tackling the world’s biggest challenges to lending a helping hand. Describe one way you have collaborated with others to learn from them, with them, or contribute to your community together.”

“How did you manage a situation or challenge that you didn’t expect? What did you learn from it?”

How to Write Each Essay Prompt For MIT

The way you go about answering each prompt is unique. That’s why we’re here to give the exact tools and tips you need to answer each of the five MIT prompts as effectively as possible.

How to Write MIT’s Supplemental Essay #1 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of Prompt #1 : This prompt serves as a chance for you to communicate what academic areas you’re interested in. Admissions officers are interested in what field you plan to study and your reasoning for doing so. Make sure to discuss if there were certain incidents that got you more motivated to learn about the subject matter.

1. Be Direct and to the Point : You don’t have to come up with some incredibly deep or insightful information about what sparked your passion in your chosen field of study. Try to simply articulate the factors that appeal to you in your field of interest.

2. Explore How MIT Can Enhance Your Academic Journey. : If there are certain resources MIT has that other schools don’t, this can be a good point to communicate what those are. If their curriculum, faculty, or student environment is more aligned with your interest , let them know.

How to Write MIT’s Supplemental Essay #2 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of Prompt #1 : This MIT essay prompt is just asking about some of your hobbies and what you like to do for recreation. It isn’t necessarily asking about something you’re so passionate about that you can’t live without it. It’s really more trying to capture general activities you like to spend your time on.

1. Don’t Go Overboard : While having more than one hobby is great, don’t give an endless list of activities that you find entertaining. Try to hone in on one or a select few that you typically fall back on that tend to give you a lot of value.

2. Don’t Worry if Your Interests Are Niche : MIT emphasizes diversity in their student body, so you don’t have to worry if you’re not fitting in with the crowd. Although there may be a lot of students in STEM, that doesn’t mean they don’t have interests outside of the classroom.

How to Write MIT’s Supplemental Essay #3 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of Prompt #1 : Consider things in your environment and upbringing that you had no control over that may have influenced you throughout your life. This can be what kind of family you grew up in, your cultural background, or certain people in your life. 

1. The Impact Can Be Subtle : An external factor doesn’t need to completely redefine you as a person. Even if the environmental factor influenced you in some small way, it’s still worth discussing and bringing up. Try to unpack how your thinking and perspective have changed as a result.

2. You Don’t Need Extreme Emotions : It can be enticing to write about how you had these crucial barriers and obstacles in life that you managed to overcome. While this can be effective, tugging on the heartstrings of admissions officers isn’t necessary for a great essay.

3. Don’t Shy Away From Honest Difficulties : You might be hesitant to write about things that admissions officers may not want to hear, such as anxiety or insecurities. There’s no need to try to present yourself in an idyllic fashion. Discussing obstacles you face and how you manage them is an honest representation of yourself.

How to Write MIT’s Supplemental Essay #4 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of Prompt #1 : A cutting-edge charity or fundraiser isn’t necessary for this question. It can be helpful to think of natural scenarios in which you were a help to others. Although you can discuss if you have impressive volunteer experience, it’s not at all required.

1. Talk About Your Family : This is an easy strategy for this prompt as most people can think of a situation or two where they need to help out with family responsibilities. If you have dependent parents, younger siblings, or financial obligations, these are all okay to discuss.

2. Don’t Try to Redefine the Wheel : Discussing how you contributed to innovative scientific research to cure diseases isn’t the goal for this prompt. Normal incidences of prosocial behavior in your life help admissions officers get to know you in a more realistic fashion.

How to Write MIT’s Supplemental Essay #5 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of Prompt #1 : Everyone has difficulties in life from time to time. Try to capture aspects of hardships or struggles that you managed to overcome or deal with. This way, you can show you won’t be discouraged from any setbacks. 

1. Avoid Traumatic Events : Trying to show how you’ve lived through horrible experiences isn’t what this prompt is asking. Although some students choose to go this route, it won’t necessarily increase their chances of admission. Everyday setbacks are perfectly fine for this answer.

2. Show How You Manage or Deal With Problems : Admission officers know that students come from all kinds of different backgrounds. They don’t expect you to have a perfect life, but they do expect you to have healthy coping strategies. Try discussing how you find solutions to problems and mitigate their negative effects.

Examples of MIT Supplemental Essays that Worked

In this section, we’ll go over MIT essays that worked and positively impacted admission officers. All these essays were written by successful MIT applicants and demonstrate effective writing strategies . 

Sample Essay #1

Prompt : “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. (225 words or fewer)”

Take a look at one of the example essays responding to this prompt: 

“ Right foot back, along with your weight, then put your weight back on your left leg, throwing yourself slowly forward and bringing back your right foot. Repeat with the left foot. That’s the first basic salsa movement I learned from some lessons taken with my mother when we accompanied my sister to her therapy in [CITY]. Besides learning to dance, I discovered how complete salsa can feel when dancing to it. Salsa is music intended for dance, and it wasn't until I learned to dance that I realized all I was missing from the music. With more practice, I eventually learned to spin (with ease, even!) and mix multiple steps and movements comfortably alongside the music such that it felt like riding a bike.”

Why Essay #1 Worked

The reason why this MIT supplemental essay example works is because it’s straight to the point. A lot of people may have insecurities about something like dancing, but this applicant articulates how they were missing the fun that it provides them in their lives. They then talk about how dancing adds an element to music that is meaningful and brings them value.

The essay doesn’t try to paint a heartfelt and passionate narrative. Instead, it’s direct and simple. The answer gives insight into who the student is and the things they like to do in their spare time.

Sample Essay #2

Prompt : “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? (225 words or fewer)”

Check out this sample supplemental essay: 

“ Missing mom’s call is never good, but not knowing you have *Missed Calls from Mamá* is even worse. Journeying to [COUNTRY] for 3 months, I had neither a SIM card nor internet for Mamá’s calls to connect, so she was worried, and I was on my own where I didn’t speak the language.

I spent days connecting to any free WiFi I could find and memorizing the trains I’d take to get to [LANGUAGE] class without GPS. With my college grad classmates, I faced a significant age barrier as well. These age and language barriers made me feel uncomfortable requesting help. 

Moreover, without friends, family, or a legal guardian, I faced legal complications barring: participation in some physical activities (like field hockey), finding a home, or even having a phone number because I lacked an emergency contact and [COUNTRY] bank account.

After a month succumbing to embarrassment, I began using my broken [LANGUAGE] and Google Translate to request teachers’ help. One teacher let me use his number as my emergency contact to help me get a phone number. Using the same medium of communication with my classmates, I then made a good friend who helped me find a home. 

Traveling to [COUNTRY], I learned that independence involves learning to resolve problems as they arise more than being over-prepared to the point of not encountering any.”

Why Essay #2 Worked

This essay offers insight into the applicant's life. We learn about their relationship with their mother, their exposure to other cultures, and how they solve problems. It ends on a note of how independence isn’t being over-prepared but rather knowing how to tackle issues as they arise.

Keep in mind the obstacle wasn’t some insurmountable hurdle. It’s a simple problem of using a phone to translate a request in order to communicate with their mother. It addresses the prompt clearly and directly by giving a brief snippet into the writer’s life.

Sample Essay #3

Prompt : “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. (225 words or fewer)”

Take a look at this sample supplemental essay: 

“ You know the game “Telephone”, right? Well, imagine playing that game with other players who don’t speak the same language! Because of the chain-link-like solution we ended up using to bypass our “Lost In Translation” woes, I’ve taken to calling this particular “Telephone” game iteration “Translation Chain”.

In my first week abroad and alone in [COUNTRY], the language school spearheaded a Saturday and Sunday “get-to-know-you” event for the neighborhood consisting of the international students bringing their favourite candies or games played in their country. The purpose was to ask questions about how to respect and adapt to [ETHNICITY] culture, practice our [LANGUAGE], and give the community a place to share and learn from other cultures. 

We organized ourselves at tables with different games and food, dividing the better [LANGUAGE] speakers equally to be able to communicate properly. In my group, [NAME], my Mexican friend, spoke [LANGUAGE] almost fluently but not English, so he’d translate sentences uttered in [LANGUAGE] from [LANGUAGE] to Spanish for me, I’d translate from Spanish to English for my [NATIONALITY] friend [NAME], she’d translate English into [LANGUAGE] for [NAME], and when someone who spoke [LANGUAGE] came to play a game or inquired about the desserts, we’d pass word back along the same “Translation Chain”.

In playing “Translation Chain”, we successfully connected with our new neighbours, making every word, language, and culture heard.”

Why Essay #3 Worked

The answer here discusses contributing to a community through translation. We live in a globalized world with people from all kinds of different backgrounds. MIT is no exception to this. Being able to facilitate communication between people who don’t share the same language captures the essence of what this prompt is aiming to achieve.

Still have more questions about how to write MIT supplemental essays? Keep reading, and check out our expert answers below!

1. How Many Essays Does MIT Require?

MIT requires students to answer five essay prompts.

2. What Does MIT Look For In Essays?

MIT looks for clear, concise, and thoughtful answers in their essays.

3. How Important Are Essays for MIT Admission?

Essays are one of several components of your MIT application. They won’t be the deciding factor for admission.

4. How Often Does MIT Change Their Essays?

MIT may make minor changes to their prompts each application cycle.

5. Can I Reuse an Essay From Another College Application For MIT’s Supplemental Essay?

It’s never a good idea to completely reuse college essays. That being said, you can gain inspiration or tweak previous writing to help with your current essays.

6. How Long Should My MIT Supplemental Essay Be?

Each MIT supplemental essay should be between 100-200 words.

7. How Can I Make My Essay Stand Out?

To stand out in your essay, simply be yourself and respond to the prompts thoughtfully.

Final Thoughts

Writing the MIT supplemental essays can be challenging. Along with interviews , supplemental essays help give a personal touch to your application. The vital thing to always keep in mind is to be authentic when writing and not try to fulfill some arbitrary narrative to make your writing sound more impressive. 

After writing a compelling application, you can start to look into when you’ll hear back from MIT . Also, if you need any additional help during the application process, don’t forget to reach out for a free consultation with our MIT experts. 

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MIT Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

By Eric Eng

This comprehensive guide will delve into the specifics of MIT’s supplemental essays 2023-2024, plus insights and strategies.

How Many Supplemental Essays Does MIT Have?

For the 2023-2024 admissions cycle, MIT requires applicants to complete five supplemental essays . This requirement is a significant aspect of the application process, as it allows the admissions committee to understand better who you are beyond your academic achievements and test scores.

Each of these essays, ranging between 100 and 200 words, is an opportunity to reveal different facets of your personality and intellect. MIT’s supplemental essays 2023-2024 are designed to probe into your passions, thought processes, and ability to reflect on your experiences. They are a critical tool in MIT’s holistic review process, allowing you to stand out in a pool of highly qualified applicants.

What are the MIT Supplemental Essays 2023-2024?

Diving into the specifics, the five supplemental essays required by MIT for the 2023-2024 application season are concise yet profound. Each essay, with a word limit of 100 to 200 words, is a brief but powerful medium for expression.

What field of study appeals to you the most right now? Tell us more about why this field of study at MIT appeals to you.

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.

How has the world you come from—including your opportunities, experiences, and challenges—shaped your dreams and aspirations?

MIT brings people with diverse backgrounds together to collaborate, from tackling the world’s biggest challenges to lending a helping hand. Describe one way you have collaborated with others to learn from them, with them, or contribute to your community together.

How did you manage a situation or challenge that you didn’t expect? What did you learn from it?

How to Write the MIT Supplemental Essays 2023-2024?

Writing the MIT supplemental essays for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle is a task that requires introspection, creativity, and precision. The key to crafting compelling essays is understanding what each question seeks to uncover about you. It’s not just about answering the questions; it’s about weaving your story, experiences, and aspirations into your responses in a way that resonates with the ethos of MIT.

As you embark on this journey, remember that MIT’s supplemental essays 2023-2024 allow you to show the admissions committee why you are a perfect fit for their community.

MIT Supplemental Essay Question 1

The first of MIT’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024 asks you to discuss the field of study that appeals to you the most. This question will gauge your academic interests and how they align with MIT’s offerings.

It’s not just about stating your chosen field; it’s about articulating why this particular area fascinates you and how studying it at MIT will help you achieve your goals. This essay is your chance to demonstrate your passion for your chosen field and to show that you have thought deeply about your academic journey.

Understanding MIT Supplemental Essay Question 1

To effectively address this essay prompt, it’s essential to understand its two-fold purpose. Firstly, it seeks to understand your current academic interests. This is not just about what you want to study but why it captivates you. What drives your interest in this field?

Secondly, the prompt asks why this field of study at MIT, in particular, appeals to you. This part requires research about MIT’s offerings. What specific programs, resources, or opportunities at MIT excite you? How do they align with your academic and career goals? This essay is an opportunity to showcase your knowledge about MIT and to demonstrate a clear connection between your interests and what MIT uniquely offers.

Brainstorming Your Response: MIT Supplemental Essay Question 1

• Reflect on your academic journey : Take a moment to delve deeper into your past and recall the vivid moments or experiences that triggered your curiosity and fascination with this field.
• Identify specific aspects of the field that excite you : Know more about your preferences regarding the topics, issues, or queries that catch your attention the most in this particular field. It would be helpful if you could research more detailed information.
• Research MIT’s programs : Take a closer look at the educational programs, renowned faculty members, cutting-edge research opportunities, and engaging extracurricular activities that MIT offers in your field of study. Exploring MIT’s diverse resources can broaden your horizons and enrich your academic experience.
• Connect your interests with MIT’s offerings : Identify and list the areas or aspects of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) program that closely correspond to your interests. This could include a specific course, research project, extracurricular activity, or any other facet of the program that resonates with your passions and goals.
• Think about your future : As you contemplate the prospect of attending MIT, take some time to ponder how embarking on a journey in this particular field of study can assist you in realizing your long-term academic and career aspirations. Consider MIT’s unique opportunities, resources, and expertise and how they can help you shape your academic journey and career trajectory meaningfully and fulfilling.

Structuring Your Answer for MIT Supplemental Essay Question 1

Begin your essay by briefly introducing your chosen field of study. This introduction should state the field and explain why it intrigues you. Follow this with a section that delves deeper into your passion for the field. You can include personal anecdotes or experiences highlighting your interest and dedication here.

The next part of your essay should focus on MIT. Discuss specific aspects of MIT’s program in your field that appeal to you. Be detailed – mention particular courses, professors, research opportunities, or facilities that excite you and explain why.

Finally, conclude by linking how MIT’s program will help you achieve your academic and career aspirations. This structure ensures that your essay is cohesive and engaging. Remember, throughout your response to MIT’s supplemental essays 2023-2024, your goal is to paint a picture of a motivated, curious, and goal-oriented individual who is a perfect match for MIT.

MIT Supplemental Essay Question 2

The second of MIT’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024 invites applicants to share a glimpse into their lives beyond academic and obligatory activities. This prompt is an opportunity to showcase your personality, interests, and what genuinely brings you joy.

It’s a chance to reveal another layer of who you are, separate from your academic achievements and responsibilities. The admissions committee at MIT is interested in understanding who you are as a whole person, and this essay allows you to share a part of your life that is purely for your enjoyment.

Understanding MIT Supplemental Essay Question 2

To effectively respond to this essay prompt, it’s crucial to understand what it seeks to uncover: your interests and what you do for self-enjoyment. This question is designed to understand your personality and what you value in your free time.

It’s an opportunity to show the admissions committee what you are passionate about outside of your academic and extracurricular obligations. The key here is authenticity. Choose an activity or interest that genuinely excites you and that you engage in regularly.

Brainstorming Your Response: MIT Supplemental Essay Question 2

• Reflect on your hobbies : Identify and reflect upon the leisure activities or hobbies you enjoy engaging in your free time unrelated to your academic or professional responsibilities. These activities can be anything enjoyable, like playing a musical instrument, reading books, watching movies, hiking, cooking, or anything else that helps you relax and unwind.
• Consider what relaxes you : Share some activities or practices you usually engage in when you feel stressed or overwhelmed. These activities help you unwind and rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul, feeling relaxed, refreshed, and recharged. It could be anything from taking a long walk, listening to music, reading a book, practicing yoga, or indulging in any hobby or leisure activity that brings you joy and peace.
• Think about what makes you happy : Identify the activities that make you happy and give you a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Engage in those activities regularly to increase your overall satisfaction and sense of well-being. Remember to take time out of your busy schedule to do things that bring you joy and help you relax. Your mental and emotional health will thank you for it.
• Recall memorable moments : Reflect on the most remarkable and unforgettable experiences you have had while engaging in your hobbies. It would be highly beneficial to recall the intricate details of those experiences, including the sights, sounds, and emotions you felt. By doing so, you may be able to relive those moments and further enrich your passion for your hobbies.
• Analyze why you enjoy it : Contemplate what aspects of this activity please you. Consider how it makes you feel, what emotions it evokes, and what it reveals about your values, motivations, and personality traits. Delve deeper into your thoughts and feelings to better understand yourself and your relationship with this activity.

Structuring Your Answer for MIT Supplemental Essay Question 2

Begin your essay by introducing the activity or interest that you do for pleasure. This introduction should not only name the activity but also explain its significance.

In the next section, delve deeper into your engagement with this activity. Describe what you do, how you got involved, and what a typical experience looks like. This part of the essay should paint a vivid picture for the reader, allowing them to visualize and understand your passion. Following this, reflect on why this activity is meaningful to you. Discuss what it brings to your life, how it complements or contrasts with your academic and extracurricular responsibilities, and what it reveals about your personality or values.

Conclude by tying this hobby or interest to the broader picture of who you are. This structure ensures that your response to MIT’s supplemental essays 2023-2024 is descriptive and reflective, providing a well-rounded view of your character and interests.

MIT Supplemental Essay Question 3

The third question in MIT’s supplemental essays 2023-2024 probes into the depths of your background, asking you to reflect on how your unique experiences, opportunities, and challenges have molded your dreams and aspirations.

This essay is a chance to provide the admissions committee with a narrative of your life journey and how it has influenced your future goals. It’s an invitation to share your story, highlighting the factors significantly shaping who you are today.

Understanding MIT Supplemental Essay Question 3

To effectively respond to this prompt, it’s essential to understand that it seeks to explore the intersection of your personal history and future goals. This question is not just about listing your experiences; it’s about articulating how these experiences have influenced your aspirations.

It requires introspection and a deep understanding of how your background has contributed to your current interests and plans. This is your opportunity to show how your unique experiences have given you a distinct perspective and how this perspective will contribute to the diverse MIT community.

Brainstorming Your Response: MIT Supplemental Essay Question 3

• Reflect on essential life experiences : Contemplate and delve deeply into the events or periods that have profoundly impacted your personal growth and development. These could be moments of great triumph or times of hardship and struggle that have shaped you into who you are today. Allow yourself to fully immerse in the memories and emotions associated with these experiences, and consider how they have influenced your beliefs, values, and perspectives.
• Analyze challenges and how you overcame them : Recollect the hurdles you encountered in the past and ponder upon the insights and skills you gained from those experiences. Consider how those obstacles shaped and helped you become who you are today.
• Identify opportunities that shaped you : Reflect on any specific choices or opportunities that have significantly shaped your present path or interests. Consider any instances where you had to decide or had the chance to take a specific path that ultimately led you to where you are today.
• Connect experiences to your aspirations : “Reflect on the various experiences you have had and how they have shaped your aspirations for the future. Consider the impact of each experience and how it has contributed to your personal and professional growth. This exercise can help you better understand your motivations and guide you towards achieving your goals.”
• Consider your unique perspective : Examine how your life experiences, cultural upbringing, family background, and other significant events have helped form and shape the unique lens through which you view and make sense of the world around you. Identify how these factors have influenced your beliefs, values, attitudes, and overall outlook on life.

Structuring Your Answer for MIT Supplemental Essay Question 3

Begin your essay by setting the scene of your background, briefly introducing the essential experiences, opportunities, or challenges that have significantly influenced you.

In the next section, delve into these experiences in more detail. Describe what happened and how these events or circumstances have shaped your perspective and aspirations. Be specific in illustrating how these experiences have molded your ambitions and who you are today. Then, transition to discussing your dreams and aspirations, linking them to your background. Please explain how your past has prepared you for your future goals and how it has motivated you to pursue specific paths.

Conclude by tying your story to how you envision contributing to and benefiting from the MIT community. This structure ensures that your response to MIT’s supplemental essays 2023-2024 reflects your past and indicates your future direction and potential impact at MIT.

MIT Supplemental Essay Question 4

The fourth question in MIT’s supplemental essays 2023-2024 focuses on collaboration, a cornerstone of the MIT experience. This prompt asks you to reflect on a time when you worked with others, whether to learn something new, teach, or contribute to your community.

The essence of this question lies in understanding your ability to engage with others, your teamwork skills, and how you view collaboration as a tool for mutual growth and community development. This essay is an opportunity to showcase your interpersonal skills, willingness to engage in shared learning experiences, and commitment to making a positive impact through teamwork.

Understanding MIT Supplemental Essay Question 4

To effectively respond to this prompt, it’s essential to understand that MIT values collaboration to foster innovation and solve complex problems. This question seeks to uncover how you function in a team setting and what you bring to collaborative efforts.

It’s not just about the task you accomplished but also about the process of working with others. Reflect on a situation where collaboration was vital – perhaps a group project, a community service initiative, or an extracurricular activity.

Consider the team dynamics, your role, and how the collaboration led to learning or community impact. This essay should highlight your ability to work effectively with others, your openness to different perspectives, and your capacity to contribute meaningfully in a team environment.

Brainstorming Your Response: MIT Supplemental Essay Question 4

• Identify a significant collaborative experience : Think of any specific instance when you had to work with a group of people towards a common goal, and the result made a substantial impact. It could be a project at work, a volunteer effort, or a personal accomplishment. Please provide as much detail as possible about the experience, including the challenges faced, the roles played by each team member, and how the collaboration led to something remarkable.
• Reflect on your role in the team : It’s essential to take some time to evaluate your contributions and how you interacted with your fellow team members. Think about how you positively impacted the team and the areas where you could have done better. Additionally, reflect on how you communicated and collaborated with your colleagues and identify any opportunities for improvement in this regard.
• Analyze the learning experience : Contemplate the knowledge and insights you have gained from your peers and colleagues throughout this collaborative effort. Consider the various perspectives and experiences shared with you, and think about how they have influenced your thinking and understanding of the subject matter. Reflecting on the lessons learned from others can be a valuable exercise that helps you grow personally and professionally.
• Recall challenges and resolutions : Reflect on any significant hurdles or difficulties your team experienced during a project or period. Describe these obstacles, how they affected the team’s progress, and how you collectively worked to overcome them. Think about any strategies or solutions implemented and the lessons learned from the experience.
• Consider the impact of the collaboration : As you look back on the collaboration, take some time to reflect on the specific ways in which it has had a positive impact on the team, yourself, or the community. Consider the various aspects of the partnership that have contributed to this success, including any challenges that were overcome or new opportunities that arose. By delving deeper into the details, you can gain a greater appreciation for this partnership’s value to all involved.

Structuring Your Answer for MIT Supplemental Essay Question 4

Begin your essay by setting the context of the collaborative experience. Describe the project or initiative, the team, and the goal.

In the next section, focus on your role within the group. Discuss your contributions, how you interacted with and learned from team members, and any leadership or support roles you played. Then, delve into the process of collaboration. Describe the team dynamics, challenges faced, and how you collectively worked to overcome them. Highlight any significant moments of learning or insight that occurred through this collaborative effort.

Conclude by reflecting on the impact of the collaboration. Discuss how it contributed to the team’s or community’s goals and influenced your understanding of teamwork and collaboration. This structure ensures that your response to MIT’s supplemental essays 2023-2024 effectively communicates your ability to work in diverse teams, your commitment to shared goals, and your capacity for mutual learning and growth.

MIT Supplemental Essay Question 5

The fifth and final question in MIT’s supplemental essays 2023-2024 invites applicants to reflect on their resilience and adaptability. This prompt asks you to describe how you managed an unexpected situation or challenge and what you learned from it.

The essence of this question is to understand your problem-solving skills, ability to navigate uncertainties, and capacity for personal growth. It’s an opportunity to showcase your ability to think on your feet, to remain composed under pressure, and to learn from experiences that don’t go as planned.

Understanding MIT Supplemental Essay Question 5

To effectively respond to this prompt, it’s essential to understand that MIT seeks evidence of your resilience and learning agility. This question aims to uncover how you handle unexpected challenges and what these experiences teach you.

It’s not just about the challenge itself, but more importantly, about your response to it and the lessons you derived. Reflect on a situation that caught you off guard and required you to adapt or think creatively. This could be a personal, academic, or extracurricular challenge.

Brainstorming Your Response: MIT Supplemental Essay Question 5

• Identify a significant unexpected challenge : Think of a time when you were faced with a situation that caught you off guard and demanded you to act quickly and decisively. Perhaps it was an emergency, a sudden change in plans, or a critical decision that needed to be made on the spot. Please share the details of the scenario, including what happened, how you responded, and what the outcome was.
• Reflect on your initial reaction : Recall the emotions you experienced initially when faced with the challenge and describe in detail the steps you took to overcome it.
• Analyze your problem-solving approach : Analyze and evaluate the strategies or solutions you implemented to manage the given situation effectively. Consider the various approaches you took, your actions, and the outcomes you achieved. This will help you better understand your problem-solving skills and how you can improve them in the future.
• Recall the outcome : Remember the specific steps or actions taken to resolve the situation, as well as the outcomes or consequences that immediately followed.
• Consider the lessons learned : After reflecting on the experience, take some time to delve deeper and analyze how this experience has impacted you as a person. Consider how you have grown or changed, what skills you have developed, and how you have learned to adapt to new and unexpected situations. Think about what challenges you faced and how you overcame them through problem-solving. By examining these aspects of the experience, you will better understand yourself and how you can continue to grow and develop in the future.

Structuring Your Answer for MIT Supplemental Essay Question 5

Begin your essay by setting the scene of the unexpected challenge. Please describe the situation briefly, focusing on why it was incredible and immediately impacted you.

In the next section, delve into your response to the challenge. Discuss your steps, the thought process behind your actions, and any creative or unconventional solutions you employed. Then, focus on the outcome of the situation. Describe how the challenge was resolved and the immediate effects of your actions.

Conclude by reflecting on the lessons you learned from this experience. Discuss how it impacted your approach to problem-solving, your understanding of resilience, and how it contributed to your personal or professional growth. This structure ensures that your response to MIT’s supplemental essays 2023-2024 effectively communicates your ability to handle unexpected situations, your capacity for learning and adaptation, and your growth mindset.

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How To Answer MIT's 2023/24 Application Essays: Tips & Insights

What's New in 2023/24

What Are MIT's Essay Prompts?

Short Answer Questions

General Guidelines

The MIT essays are crucial to your application, offering a window into your character and aspirations. Highlight your unique experiences, challenges faced, and lessons learned. Approach these essays with authenticity, genuine introspection, and a focus on how you align with MIT's ethos. Ensure your essays resonate with MIT's pioneering spirit, showcasing not just your academic excellence but also your potential contributions to the MIT community. Our expert review services and consultations are here to guide and support you in this journey.

What did MIT students write their college application essays about?

MIT’s 2023/24 Essay Updates: What's Changed?

Securing a place at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) , with its acceptance rate of approximately 4% , is an extraordinary feat. In the realm of elite college admissions, your essays are instrumental in illuminating your unique journey and alignment with MIT's ethos.

Each academic year, top-tier institutions like MIT meticulously refine their application process to ensure they gain a holistic understanding of their prospective students. For the 2023/24 admissions cycle, MIT has introduced several significant modifications to its essay questions .

The first notable change is the introduction of a prompt that asks applicants to select their desired field of study from a drop-down list and elaborate on why this field at MIT appeals to them. This change underscores MIT's commitment to understanding applicants' academic passions and reasons for choosing MIT as their ideal educational destination.

While the second question remains consistent, focusing on personal activities pursued for pleasure, the third question has been reworded for clarity. It now emphasizes the world the applicant hails from — its opportunities, experiences, and challenges, and its influence on their aspirations. This revision showcases MIT's interest in understanding applicants’ diverse backgrounds and experiences.

The fourth question has evolved to spotlight collaboration, not just in the context of community contributions but also in terms of mutual learning. Although rooted in understanding how applicants handle unexpected challenges, the fifth question now emphasizes the lessons derived from such experiences.

These updates reflect MIT's continuous efforts to evolve its admissions strategy, emphasizing the diverse experiences, aspirations, and values that applicants would infuse into its vibrant academic community.

What Are MIT’s Essay Prompts for 2023/24?

For the 2023/24 application cycle, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has meticulously crafted specific essay prompts to understand its applicants better. These prompts explore your academic inclinations, personal narratives, collaborative experiences, and resilience in facing challenges. Applicants will need to answer all five questions, with responses ranging from 100 to 200 words each, through the MyMIT application portal .

Short Answer Essay Questions

MIT's short answer questions provide insights into your academic interests, personal pursuits, background, and experiences.

• Field of Study : What field of study appeals to you the most right now? (Note: Applicants select from a drop-down list.) Tell us more about why this field of study at MIT appeals to you.
• Pleasure Activities : 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.
• Personal Background : How has the world you come from—including your opportunities, experiences, and challenges — shaped your dreams and aspirations?
• Collaborative Experiences : MIT brings people with diverse backgrounds together to collaborate, from tackling the world’s biggest challenges to lending a helping hand. Describe one way you have collaborated with others to learn from them, with them, or contribute to your community together.
• Unexpected Challenges : How did you manage a situation or challenge that you didn’t expect? What did you learn from it?

With an acceptance rate of around 4% , MIT's application process is highly competitive. These prompts give applicants a golden opportunity to highlight their academic passions, personal growth, collaborative spirit, and the unique perspectives they'll introduce to the MIT community.

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How to Answer MIT’s Essay Questions?

“what field of study appeals to you the most right now (note: applicants select from a drop-down list.) tell us more about why this field of study at mit appeals to you.”, - 100 to 200 words.

MIT, at its core, is an institution that thrives on innovation, research, and pushing the boundaries of knowledge. This prompt aims to understand your academic inclinations, passions, and how they align with MIT's offerings . It's an opportunity to showcase your intellectual curiosity and eagerness to delve deep into a specific field at one of the world's premier institutions.

Choosing Your Field

Begin by reflecting on:

• Your academic interests and passions
• Courses or projects that have particularly resonated with you
• Articulating the appeal of the field of study you selected from the drop-down list
• Future aspirations and how they align with the chosen field

Once you've identified your desired field of study, delve into:

• Why this field intrigues you : Is it the challenges it presents, its potential impact on society, or personal experiences that have drawn you to it?
• MIT's Unique Offerings : Research specific courses, professors, research opportunities, or facilities at MIT that make it the ideal place to pursue this field.
• Future Aspirations : How does studying this field at MIT align with your long-term goals, be it in research, entrepreneurship, or any other endeavor?

Being Specific and Demonstrative

Avoid generic statements. Instead, demonstrate your genuine interest by mentioning specific courses, labs, professors, or projects at MIT that align with your interests. Showcase your understanding of the field and how MIT's offerings stand out.

• "As someone deeply fascinated by quantum mechanics, the research being done at MIT's Center for Theoretical Physics, especially under Prof. XYZ, aligns perfectly with my aspirations. The blend of theoretical understanding and practical applications offered by MIT's courses would provide the ideal foundation for my goal of contributing to quantum computing solutions."
• "Biomedical engineering at MIT stands out due to its interdisciplinary approach. The opportunity to work at the Institute for Medical Engineering and Science (IMES) and collaborate with experts from various fields is precisely the kind of environment I seek to develop solutions for pressing medical challenges."

MIT's first prompt is your chance to demonstrate your academic interests and your understanding of what MIT offers in your chosen field. It's about showcasing your passion for the subject, awareness of MIT's unique strengths, and a vision for your future . Approach this essay with thorough research, genuine enthusiasm, and a clear understanding of why MIT is the best place to delve deep into your chosen field.

“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.”

MIT is keen on understanding the multifaceted nature of its applicants. Beyond academic achievements and extracurricular commitments, this prompt seeks to uncover what genuinely brings you joy, relaxation, or fulfillment . It's an opportunity to showcase a side of you that might not be evident in the rest of your application.

Identifying Your Source of Pleasure

Begin by reflecting on activities or moments that bring you genuine happiness. This could be:

• Simple joys like reading a book, cooking a new recipe, or stargazing
• Engaging in hobbies such as photography, gardening, or playing a musical instrument
• Spending quality time with family, pets, or immersing yourself in nature
• Delving into philosophical thoughts, writing poetry, or journaling

Articulating the Significance

Once you've identified your source of pleasure, delve into why it's meaningful:

• Personal Growth : Does this activity offer introspection, relaxation, or a break from routine?
• Skill Development : Perhaps it's a hobby where you've honed a particular skill or discovered a new passion.
• Emotional Connection : Maybe it's an activity that connects you to cherished memories, people, or places.

Being Authentic and Personal

Avoid reiterating activities already mentioned in your application. Focus on personal experiences, feelings, and motivations behind your chosen activity. The aim is to offer a glimpse into your personal life, values, and what truly matters to you.

• "Every Sunday, I bake bread from scratch. The rhythmic kneading, the aroma of fresh bread, and the joy of sharing it with my family transports me to my grandmother's kitchen – a haven of love and warmth."
• "Late at night, I often find myself sketching. It's not about creating a masterpiece but capturing fleeting moments, emotions, and thoughts on paper. It's therapeutic, a silent conversation between my heart and hand."

MIT's second prompt is a canvas for you to paint a picture of your joys and passions. It's about showcasing the activities or moments that offer solace, happiness, or fulfillment. Approach this essay sincerely, detailing the emotions and motivations behind your chosen activity and providing a window into your world beyond academics and obligations .

“How has the world you come from — including your opportunities, experiences, and challenges — shaped your dreams and aspirations?”

MIT seeks students who are academically driven and deeply influenced by their surroundings and experiences. This prompt aims to understand the interplay between your environment and personal growth, aspirations, and dreams . It's an opportunity to showcase how your unique experiences have molded your ambitions and how you envision channeling them at MIT.

Reflecting on Your Background

Begin by considering:

• The community or environment you grew up in
• Key experiences, opportunities, or challenges that have had a significant impact on your life
• How these factors have influenced your goals and aspirations

Narrating Your Journey

Once you've introspected on your background, focus on:

• Specific anecdotes or experiences that were turning points in your life
• The lessons you've learned from these experiences and how they've shaped your perspective
• How these experiences have influenced your academic and personal aspirations

Connecting to MIT's Environment

Reflect on how your unique background and experiences will contribute to MIT:

• How do your dreams align with MIT's mission and values?
• Are there specific programs or initiatives at MIT that resonate with your journey and aspirations?
• "Growing up in a multicultural neighborhood in NYC exposed me to many cultures and languages. This dynamic environment ignited my passion for urban planning, and I aspire to create inclusive urban spaces. At MIT, I aim to leverage the resources in the Urban Studies and Planning department to bring my vision to life."
• "Having a father who served as a firefighter instilled in me a deep respect for public service and the sacrifices it entails. This inspired my interest in chemical engineering, with a goal to develop advanced safety equipment. MIT's cutting-edge research facilities would be the ideal platform for my endeavors."

MIT's third prompt is about introspection and understanding the symbiotic relationship between your environment and aspirations. It's about showcasing the influences that have shaped you and how you plan to channel them into meaningful contributions at MIT . Approach this essay with authenticity, clarity, and a clear vision of how your unique experiences align with MIT's ethos and offerings.

“MIT brings people with diverse backgrounds together to collaborate, from tackling the world’s biggest challenges to lending a helping hand. Describe one way you have collaborated with others to learn from them, with them, or contribute to your community together.”

MIT is renowned for its collaborative ethos, where students from varied backgrounds come together to innovate and solve real-world problems. This question seeks to understand your ability to collaborate, learn from diverse perspectives, and contribute to a collective goal .

Identifying Your Collaboration

• Instances where you've worked with individuals from different backgrounds or experiences
• The dynamics of the collaboration — how did you navigate differences, and what was the shared goal?
• The outcomes and impact of this collaboration on you and the broader community

Narrating the Experience

Once you've identified a significant collaboration, delve into:

• The challenges faced and how they were overcome
• The lessons learned and how they have shaped your perspective on teamwork and diversity
• The tangible outcomes, whether it's a project, an event, or a community initiative

Consider how this experience prepares you for MIT's collaborative environment:

• Are there specific groups, clubs, or initiatives at MIT where you see yourself contributing?
• How have your past collaborations equipped you for future teamwork at MIT?
• "Collaborating with international students in my school's Model UN club, I learned the importance of understanding diverse perspectives. Together, we organized a cultural exchange event, bridging gaps and fostering a sense of unity in our community."
• "Volunteering at a local shelter, I worked alongside individuals from different socioeconomic backgrounds. This collaboration taught me the value of empathy and the power of collective effort. Together, we initiated a fundraiser that provided resources for the shelter's expansion."

MIT's fourth prompt is about understanding the power of collaboration in diverse settings. It's about showcasing how you've embraced diversity, learned from it, and contributed to collective goals. Approach this essay with authenticity, clarity, and a clear vision of how your collaborative experiences will enrich the MIT community and your future endeavors.

“How did you manage a situation or challenge that you didn’t expect? What did you learn from it?”

MIT is interested in your resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving skills . This question seeks to understand how you handle unexpected challenges and what insights you gain from such experiences.

Identifying Your Unexpected Challenge

Reflect on:

• A situation that caught you off-guard or was unforeseen
• The immediate emotions and thoughts you experienced
• The steps you took to address or navigate the situation

Narrating Your Response

Once you've pinpointed the challenge:

• Describe the context and the unexpected challenge succinctly.
• Detail your thought process and actions in response to the challenge.
• Highlight any external support or resources you sought or utilized.

Drawing Lessons and Growth

Conclude by reflecting on the following:

• The insights or lessons you derived from the experience
• How the challenge and your response have influenced your subsequent actions or mindset
• Any skills or perspectives you developed that will be beneficial in future endeavors, especially at MIT
• "While leading a group project on environmental conservation, a key member, responsible for the data analysis, unexpectedly dropped out a week before the deadline. I had to quickly redistribute tasks, manage team morale, and ensure the project's timely completion. This experience taught me the importance of adaptability, clear communication, and contingency planning."
• "During my junior year, I faced a sudden health challenge that required hospitalization, disrupting my academic routine. Navigating this unexpected hurdle, I reached out to teachers for extensions, prioritized my well-being, and sought peer assistance for notes. This ordeal underscored the value of seeking help, being compassionate towards oneself, and the importance of a supportive community."

MIT's fifth prompt offers a window into your character, resilience, and problem-solving abilities. You demonstrate your capacity to adapt, learn, and grow by detailing an unexpected challenge and your response to it. Approach this essay with honesty, introspection, and a focus on personal growth, showcasing how such experiences have prepared you for the rigors and unpredictability of life at MIT .

How Bobby Got Into MIT with Crimson

General Guidelines for Answering MIT's Essay Questions

• Research and Specificity : MIT's essay prompts aim to understand your fit within its innovative and diverse community. Dive deep into MIT's offerings, from courses and professors to clubs and research opportunities. Demonstrating your knowledge about MIT specifics indicates genuine interest and a proactive approach.
• Show Growth and Resilience : MIT values students who can adapt and grow from challenges. When discussing unexpected situations or your background, emphasize the events and lessons learned and how they've shaped your perspective.
• Diversity of Experience : MIT's community thrives on diverse experiences and viewpoints. Highlight how your unique background, challenges, or interests will add a fresh perspective to classroom discussions and group projects.
• Be Authentic : Authenticity is paramount. Write from the heart, focusing on genuine experiences and aspirations. Authentic narratives resonate more than manufactured stories tailored to what you think MIT wants to hear.
• Depth Over Breadth : Given the word constraints, it's essential to delve deep into a few topics rather than skimming over many. This approach offers a richer insight into your character and experiences.
• Narrative Storytelling : Engaging narratives can make your essay memorable. Whether discussing a community project or a personal challenge, a well-told story can convey your character and values effectively.
• Proofread and Revise : Ensure your essays are polished and articulate. Beyond just grammar, your essays should have a logical flow and effectively communicate your thoughts. Feedback from trusted individuals can be invaluable.
• Connect to MIT's Ethos : Always tie your responses back to how you'll contribute to MIT and how MIT's ethos and resources align with your goals. This shows a forward-thinking approach, emphasizing how you see MIT as being instrumental to your personal growth and vocational aspirations.
• Embrace the MIT Spirit : MIT is known for its innovative spirit and problem-solving approach. Use the essays to showcase how you embody these qualities through past experiences or future aspirations.
• Reflect on the Broader Impact : MIT is about improving the world through science, technology, and other fields. Ensure your essays reflect personal growth and how you aim to make a broader impact in your chosen field or community.

MIT's essays are a window into your personality, aspirations, and fit for the institution. By thoughtfully crafting your responses and showcasing your alignment with MIT's values and ethos, you can effectively convey why you'd be a valuable addition to the MIT community.

Final Thoughts

Embarking on the journey to MIT isn't solely about showcasing academic prowess; it's about weaving a narrative that aligns with MIT's pioneering spirit and the admissions committee's values. Your essays provide a unique opportunity to spotlight your character, aspirations, and the distinct contributions you'll bring to the MIT community.

Every MIT aspirant has a unique story waiting to be told. This is your moment to share yours. Approach your essays with authenticity, introspection, and a genuine passion for your narrative.

If you're unsure whether your essay truly captures your essence or stands out amidst the myriad of applications, our essay review service is here to guide you. Our seasoned experts will meticulously review and provide feedback, ensuring your essay resonates with MIT's admissions officers. Explore our  ebook , which features essays from students who secured places at elite institutions for added inspiration.

For those beginning their college application journey, consider booking a free consultation with our experienced college counselors. We're dedicated to guiding you in crafting an application that maximizes your chances of joining the ranks of MIT's innovative thinkers and doers. Your dream of becoming part of the MIT legacy is within reach, and we're here to support you every step of the way.

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Key Resources & Further Reading

• Everything you need to know about US Application Supplemental Essays
• Acing your College Application Essay: 5 Expert Tips to Make it Stand Out from the Rest
• How to Tackle Every Type of Supplemental Essay
• 2023-24 Common App Essay Prompts
• What are the Most Unusual US College Supplemental Essay Prompts?

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