We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to endorse the recent report, shared by Masterclass Space considering MIT Undergrad Application Tips, which were given to more than 100 of admissions applicants across the nation. This compelling data serves as a valuable resource for prospective students and their families, shedding light on what admissions officers truly expect from applicants—and perhaps even more importantly, what they do not. In recent years, we have observed a growing disconnect between what students perceive as necessary to become strong candidates and what is genuinely required.
- Many vs Specific
At the heart of the admissions philosophy is the desire for students to pursue their passions with genuine enthusiasm. MIT encourages them to make educational choices that not only prepare them for success in college but also equip them for life beyond the campus. MIT looks for students who challenge themselves in areas that ignite their interest and who engage with their communities in ways that are both meaningful and impactful. Moreover, it seeks individuals who demonstrate a strong ethical character. In essence, It wants young people to prioritize being students and community members first, and applicants second.
It is important to emphasize that MIT does not want students to engage in activities simply because they believe it is what it expects. It discourages the practice of enrolling in advanced classes out of competition rather than a love for learning. It is not impressed by a long list of activities completed for the sake of quantity. MIT understands that many students have additional responsibilities, such as caring for siblings or working to support their families, and may come from school districts with fewer resources. These students should not feel at a disadvantage during the admissions process due to their circumstances. At MIT, the value of collaboration and engagement with others is deeply embedded in our culture and community.
- There is no One-Size fits all
One question MIT frequently encounters is what exactly it expects from applicants. What specific classes should they take? What activities should they be involved in? The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. This year at MIT, it admitted 1,511 students, each unique yet well-suited to its institution. MIT has long emphasized many of the ideas highlighted in the Turning the Tide report, and it has received positive feedback from students and parents alike who appreciate its efforts. MIT’s mission is to use science, technology, and other areas of scholarship to advance society, and it selects students who embody and support this mission.
Notice Shared by MIT Admission Department
There have been some questions regarding the report and our endorsement of it. I want to address these directly. There is excitement about a more transparent admissions process and the potential to reduce the immense pressure placed on students, but there is also scepticism about our ability to implement these changes effectively.
- Academic Plus Other Excellence
MIT’s commitment to academic excellence remains unwavering. It continues to seek students who challenge themselves both academically and personally. The report’s MIT emphasis on quality over quantity resonates with its belief that spreading oneself too thin can hinder true learning and development.
Some wonder if MIT will admit students with lower grades and test scores if they demonstrate strong community involvement. Its approach has always been holistic, considering students in their entirety. While MIT’s academic standards are undeniably high, perfection is not required. It looks at the overall fit with MIT, understanding that no student is perfect in every area. It's important to note that admitting students to MIT will not become easier. Its commitment to the principles outlined in the report does not increase its campus capacity. It remains focused on admitting students who align with MIT’s culture, mission, and values. The number of outstanding applicants far exceeds the number of available spots, meaning that many qualified individuals will still not be admitted. This does not reflect their lack of suitability for MIT, but rather the constraints it faces.
Masterclass Space has researched and analysed some reports of MIT that encourage students to focus less on the pressures of college admissions. Half a century ago, B. Alden Thresher, MIT’s first admissions director, advised students to view education as an active pursuit rather than something passively received. A student’s college experience is ultimately shaped by their efforts and mindset. Hence, MIT Undergrad Application Tips include profile development that focuses on what it is now instead of what MIT wants.
- Subject Specific Tests
At MIT, standardized tests and challenging coursework continue to play an important role in its admissions process. These tests provide a consistent measure of academic potential across a diverse range of educational backgrounds, helping it identify students from around the globe who will thrive at MIT. However, while it expects students to challenge themselves, it does not expect them to excel in every subject. It values academic excellence, and a student’s transcript—specifically their course choices and grades—remains crucial. It now clarifies that students should take the most rigorous classes available in subjects that interest them most, rather than across the board. This approach reflects its actual practice and underscores its emphasis on depth rather than breadth. It also wants students to pursue what they love, even if they have not yet discovered their true passion. Students should engage in activities that genuinely interest them, whether these activities are deeply focused or more varied. What matters most is the enthusiasm and positive attitude students bring to their pursuits.
- Deep Commitment
It is also crucial that colleges communicate more clearly. Telling students that they prefer “deep commitment” to an activity can unintentionally discourage exploration. It believes students should be committed to their activities but also feel free to explore new ones without fearing that it will hurt their admission chances. As it welcomes new students to MIT, it sees a strong commitment to the common good. Today's students are deeply engaged in service, though the report notes that the pressures of the admissions process may reduce this engagement. Mixed messages from colleges can lead students to prioritize individual achievement over the common good. It hopes this report clarifies its expectations and alleviates these pressures.
- Community Service
MIT aims to redefine “community service” to reflect a deeper sense of intellectual and ethical engagement. Community service should not be just another activity to check off a list. It values a student’s overall outlook and their commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. This can be demonstrated through traditional volunteering or through everyday actions that improve the well-being of those around them. The scale of the service is less important than the intention and character behind the actions.
- Quantity vs Quality
MIT has long emphasized quality over quantity and the importance of engaging with others. Inspired by various reports, surveys, and suggestions, it has reduced the number of extracurricular activities that can be listed on its application from 10 to 5 to avoid sending the wrong message. It also revised an essay question to focus more on how students have improved the lives of others: “At MIT, It seeks to develop in each member of its community the ability and passion to work collaboratively for the betterment of humankind. How have you improved the lives of others in your community?”
To end with, MIT is committed to ensuring that its admissions decisions reflect the values and messages it promotes. The Turning the Tide report is a step towards more thoughtful communication and transparency in college admissions that you can go through available on the official site. The true measure of success will be whether colleges’ admissions decisions align with its stated beliefs and practices over time. Its ultimate goal is for students to pursue their interests, make a positive impact on those around them, and enjoy their educational experiences, rather than simply engaging in activities for the sake of college admissions. To know more and better, you can participate in the Masterclass Space MIT Undergrad Application Tips seminar. To enrol, you can visit the official website or you can mail to the concerned department.
