How to Get into MIT from India?

From being one of the top 3 universities in the world consistently for several years, MIT has garnered the reputation of becoming the dream institute for many. From offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programmes, there is a course for any aspirant from around the world, working towards receiving the best education in the world. This demand for the institute is the root cause for numerous Indian students asking, “How to get into MIT from India?”.

The first steps in understanding the ways to improve your chances of enrolling at MIT are to understand the different requirements and parameters MIT uses to enrol candidates. MIT proudly states that it considers all candidates based on their academic prowess and judges every candidate on an individual basis, instead of comparing candidates as commonly practised around the world.

In this article, we will highlight all the parameters and eligibility criteria that Indian students must satisfy in order to pursue higher studies at one of the best universities in the world and provide the detailed answer to the question, “How to get into MIT from India?”.

Why Study at MIT?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has garnered the reputation of being one of the best universities in the world, and different independent ranking institutions highlight the same. Let’s check out some of the reasons that make Indian students ask the question, “How to get into MIT from India?”:

• Top Ranked University: Independent ranking organisations like QS, Times Higher Education and US News and World Report consistently rank the university in the top 3 universities in the world to study at. Evaluating across several different parameters, MIT is consistently recognised as the best in the field.
  • QS has ranked MIT as #1 for over a decade.
  • THE has ranked MIT among the top 5 universities in the past decade.
  • US News and World Report ranked MIT within the top 2 universities for the past decade
• Varied Academic Disciplines: MIT offers around 57 undergraduate majors and 47 graduate degree programmes across disciplines such as Engineering, Architecture, Arts and Humanities, Computing, Sciences, and Business and Management.
• Home to Global Award Winners: With over 100 Nobel Laureates, 64 National Medal of Science Winners, 35 National Medal of Technology winners and 84 MacArthur fellows, MIT has been successful in churning out notable academics and leaders around the world.
• MIT Scholarships: As per MIT, nearly 58% of its undergraduates receive scholarships and financial aid, with a record of US $66,663 median MIT scholarship awarded in the year 2023-24.

How to Get into MIT from India?

Now that we know why many Indian aspirants ask, “How to get into MIT from India?”, let us begin to answer the question. Outlined below are the eligibility criteria and all the necessary admission criteria that every Indian aspirant must qualify to enrol in the world’s best university.

What does MIT look for in Indian Applicants?

The first step towards your enrolment into the university is to ensure that you possess adequate academic credentials and achievements to qualify for admission. Here is an outline of the MIT admission requirements for undergraduate and graduate degree programmes.

MIT Admission Requirements: Undergraduate Courses

• Adequate Academic Transcripts and Achievements: High School (Class 12) academic transcripts highlighting subjects crucial to the course you wish to enrol in.
  • MIT does not assess students based on the equivalency of their academic achievements and reports.
• Standardised Test Scores like the SAT and the ACT are mandatory for all students. First-time applicants and transfer students must submit either valid SAT or ACT scores.
  • MIT does not require students to attempt the ACT Writing or Science sections, nor the SAT optional essay.
  • MIT also does not list a minimum score for ACT and SAT tests and judges the scores within the applicant’s context.
• English Language Proficiency: Indian students and other non-native English speakers are strongly encouraged to present valid English language proficiency scores through tests like IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge English Qualifications (CAQ), Duolingo English Test (DET), and Pearson Test of English (PTE). Here are the minimum and recommended scores for each:
  • IELTS - 7 (min); 7.5 (recommended)
  • TOEFL - 90 (min); 100 (recommended)
  • CAQ - 185 (min); 190 (recommended)
  • DET - 120 (min): 125 (recommended)
  • PTE - 65 (min); 70 (recommended)
• Letter of Recommendation: A minimum of two letters of recommendation must also be submitted. MIT requires candidates to acquire one of their LORs from a math/science teacher and one from a social science/humanities/language teacher.
• Statement of Purpose: As part of the admission process, candidates will also be required to provide short answers to certain questions that MIT will ask, instead of having to write down one long essay.
• For courses that require it, MIT also provides an activities form where the students are advised to highlight and explain four activities that hold the most value to them.

MIT Admission Requirements: Graduate Courses

• Adequate Academic Transcripts and Achievements: Valid and recognised bachelor’s degree in a field related to the course you wish to enrol in.
  • Each degree and programme will carry unique admission requirements; therefore, check for individual course requirements before applying.
  • Candidates in their final year of their undergraduate study can apply for a Master’s at MIT, provided they will finish the programme by the time they have to start their classes at MIT.
• Standardised Test Scores, such as GRE and GMAT scores, will be mandated depending on the academic discipline. Most departments at MIT accept GRE scores; therefore, candidates are advised to attempt the GRE if they plan on enrolling in MIT this year.
  • For courses that require the test score, candidates will first need to “self-report” the scores at the time of filling the application form and then have these scores verified by requesting ETS to send their official GRE scores digitally.
• English Language Proficiency: All non-native English speakers are required to submit valid English language proficiency scores through tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and Cambridge.
  • Each department will specify the exact scores that applicants need to have achieved for a specific degree programme.
  • Similar to standardised tests, candidates are required to “self-report” their scores, which will then automatically be verified by the respective systems used by the tests.
• Letter of Recommendation: Candidates are required to submit three letters of recommendation. Candidates are advised to visit the official departmental websites for directions and guidelines regarding the LORs.
• Statement of Purpose: Candidates must also submit a statement of purpose or objective. Some departments may require candidates to submit written essays or samples.
• CV/Resume: At MIT, candidates will be required to submit either a CV or a resume, depending on the department and course they are applying to. Candidates are encouraged to provide an updated resume or CV; however, some departments allow for updates to be made at a later date.
• Unofficial Transcripts: For candidates still completing their undergraduate studies at the time of submitting their MIT application form, it is important to submit unofficial transcripts that MIT can use for reference purposes. In these cases, MIT will ask candidates to submit the official transcripts after they have been enrolled in the programme.
• Portfolio: Some departments may require candidates to submit a portfolio of their previous professional or intern work that they may have taken up before applying to MIT. This portfolio can significantly improve the chances of enrolment in a highly competitive admission process.
• Awards and Achievements: Being one of the top universities in the world, any awards, achievements or publications that candidates may have received prior to applying to the university will significantly improve their chances of admission. While this is not a mandatory requirement, to stand out among the best and the brightest applicants, highlighting and providing adequate proof of the mentioned awards and achievements is recommended.

Note: While the admissions requirements highlighted here on how to get into MIT from India are detailed, it should be noted that each department will further highlight course-specific requirements that all candidates must satisfy.

MIT Admission Interviews

MIT proudly boasts of evaluating the candidate, not just as represented on paper, but also in person and they do so by conducting interviews for all first-year applicants from around the world. To undertake this massive step, MIT has recruited a network of over 3,500 of its graduates and set up an MIT Educational Council, who volunteer their time to meet with applicants from their area.

What to expect in MIT Interviews?

• Once you have filled out the MIT application form for international students with the right data and contact details, an MIT Educational Counsellor will connect with you at the email you provided in the application form.
• For Early Action applicants, MIT conducts its interviews during November, while Regular Action applicants will be asked to appear for their interviews in January, which comes right after they submit their application.
• MIT conducts in-person interviews; however, where it may not be possible, after consultation with your EC, virtual interviews may be conducted.
• MIT Interviews generally last for up to an hour; however, the interviews can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
• Preparation is key for you to pass the interview with flying colours. Anticipate the questions by researching online or asking other candidates you know who have also applied and appeared for interviews. Or, you can connect with one of AECC’s expert counsellors and get an experienced professional to guide you through the preparation process.
• MIT does not require its applicants to dress up in formal attire; however, we recommend wearing appropriate clothing, even if you choose to wear informal clothing.

Cost to Study at MIT

The next step in answering the question, “How to get into MIT from India?” is to budget and settle the finances required to study at the prestigious institution. Highlighted in the table below is the latest information you can find regarding the costs associated with studying at MIT this year.

Note: The tuition fees listed above have been provided for reference purposes, and the actual costs can vary depending on the programme and department you are applying to. To get expert help in learning how to get into MIT from India, connect with AECC’s Counsellors and clear your doubts regarding studying at one of the world’s best universities.

Scholarships for Indian Students at MIT

MIT is among the handful of US universities that consider international students, including Indian students, for need-blind financial aid/scholarships offered in the US. In fact, MIT offers admission to all students regardless of their financial capability to contribute to the tuition costs of studying at the university.

To help students from low-income families get a world-renowned education, MIT requests that candidates fill out specific forms, such as the College Scholarship Service (CSS) profile, to be considered for financial aid automatically. Once filled out, MIT reviews the student profile and matches them with the right scholarship so that they can continue their education at one of the world's most prestigious universities. (Detailed information will be provided once the forms have been filled out as per MIT’s requirements.)

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology currently does not offer any merit-based scholarships to any student and only offers need-based scholarships and financial aid.

First Year Grant

This is an additional financial aid that MIT offers first-year students only, from low-income families, wherein US $2,000 is divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters to cover any additional expenses connected to transitioning to living on campus.

Tips on How to Get into MIT from India

As highlighted above, being a highly sought-after university in the world, candidates need to ensure that they perform at the best of their abilities during the admission process, which also includes an interview process. Here are some tips on how to get into MIT from India:

• Early Bird gets the Worm: This statement stands extremely true in this instance, as the best way to cement your enrolment at the world’s best university is to be as prepared as you possibly can be. Compiling the necessary documentation, such as acquiring LORs and well-structured and produced SOPs, is crucial.
  • Ideally, candidates are advised to start preparing for their admission at least 1-2 years before the application deadline, as this would give them enough time to improve their academic record and acquire unique achievements to stand out.
• Prepare for Different Tests: One of the important steps on how to get into MIT from India is by being prepared for the different tests. From standardised tests like SAT/ACT and GRE/GMAT, to ELP tests like IELTS Academic, and TOEFL iBT, a good score can go a long way towards the candidature of an applicant.
  • MIT proudly boasts of assessing students based on their individual applications instead of comparing them to other applicants; therefore, a good score in these tests will put candidates in good standing.
• Structured SOPs: Depending on the department and course you will be enrolling in, it is important to stick to the guidelines that the university has listed on its official website. A well-structured SOP is a direct reflection of the candidate and their personality, which can significantly improve their candidature.
• Filtering Your Recommenders: Throughout the course of your previous academic venture, you will come across numerous teachers/professors who will help in being your recommenders. However, these recommendations should be backed by verifiable evidence of your academic prowess and achievements, which can only be achieved through recommenders who have witnessed the same.
• Extracurricular and Curricular Activities: A good blend of curricular and extracurricular activities often paints a good picture of your future at MIT. While MIT is looking for candidates with high academic performance, a good blend of academic and extracurricular activities shows that you know how to balance your studies with your passions, thus making you a more mature candidate.
• No Plagiarism: A good application will always be unique to the candidate, and over the years of selecting the best and brightest candidates, MIT can single out the real candidates. Therefore, avoid plagiarism and make your application as unique to you and your academic/career goals as possible.
• Connect with AECC: To further cement your chances of enrolment at MIT, get free expert guidance from AECC counsellors today!

And therefore, if you follow these steps and guidelines on how to get into MIT from India, you can be assured that you are at least one step closer to achieving your goals. From acquiring the required documents to being well-prepared, it is extremely important to plan your admission to the university. Creating a 5-year plan for your academics and career is one of the best ways to ensure you stay on track to achieving your dreams. This will also allow you to participate in events and activities that benefit your academic and professional profile, thus cementing your candidature to study at MIT.