How to Get into MIT as An Indian Student? [2023]

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology or MIT’s unified mission is to improve lives through education, exploration and innovation. United by this common purpose, members of the MIT community strive together to create a better future for all.

Studying at MIT presents an unparalleled opportunity to become part of this vibrant and diverse academic circle. If you are wondering, “how to get into MIT university from India?” then this detailed guide provides all the information you need to make your dream come true.

Table of Contents

• Why study at MIT as an Indian Student?
• How much does it cost to Study at MIT for Indian Students?
• What are the Eligibility Criteria?
• What are the available MIT scholarships for Indian Students?
• How to Get Admission to MIT University from India?
• How TC Global Can Help You With Your MIT Application?

MIT is a world-renowned institution respected for its cutting-edge research and top-notch faculty and students. As an Indian student, you will have the chance to participate in groundbreaking projects on campus and network with some of the most influential people in technology, science, and engineering.

With access to state-of-the-art facilities, resources, and programs, you can develop the skills and knowledge needed to make a positive impact on society. If you are someone who is passionate about innovation and wants to make a difference, then MIT could be the perfect choice for you.

The Class of 2026 at MIT comprises 1,136 students, with 11% hailing from as many as 63 foreign countries. 67% of students were from public schools and whereas others came from independent schools, foreign schools, and even home schools. It is clear that MIT is looking for the best and brightest from around the world, irrespective of their backgrounds educational or otherwise.

Here are the Top Reasons to Study at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology

• Unparalleled Opportunities: MIT offers students access to cutting-edge research opportunities, world-class faculty, and amazing resources.
•  Innovative Environment: MIT encourages students to think outside the box and embrace unorthodox approaches.
• Global Network of Alumni: MIT alumni have become leaders in their fields and can provide valuable career advice and networking opportunities.
• Rich Culture & Diversity: MIT has a vibrant campus life that celebrates diversity, with students worldwide.
•  Outstanding Reputation: A degree from MIT is highly respected and will open doors to many career opportunities.

For an undergraduate degree, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology student has to pay $79,850 every year. This figure includes all expenses that will be billed by MIT such as tuition fees and accommodation costs plus additional outlays like textbooks, meals, housing, stationery, and other necessary items.

It does not include any additional travel expenses or miscellaneous. However, it is important to note that MIT has a generous need-based financial aid policy open to all students including Indian students. These scholarships are competitive and awarded based on a combination of merit and need.

MIT is dedicated to ensuring that its education remains available and within reach of students who require financial aid. In fact, the 2021-2022 school year saw these learners paying an average of $19,599.01 for their annual tuition expenses.

When it comes to a graduate degree, a student from MIT pays $95,185 for 9 months and $126,450 for 12 months. Academic departments provide a wide range of financial aid options for graduate students, with the amount varying by field. Students can opt for fully-funded programs, self-funded programs or partially-funded programs.

Fellowships and assistantships are also available to help cover living expenses. However, as with the scholarships, they are very competitive and awarded based on merit.

The cost of attendance for the 2022-23 academic year for undergraduate students:

The cost of attendance for graduate students:

Students aspiring to apply to MIT must fulfill the following criteria:

Academics

The institute provides students with the tools to tackle even the most complicated issues both through analytical thinking and applied problem-solving, allowing them to make a genuine impact in the world. Their General Institutions Requirements require international applicants to:

• Take two semesters each of SAT subjects like calculus and calculus-based physics
• Take one semester each of chemistry and biology

Regardless of the chosen field, aspiring students should take a wide variety of humanities, arts, and social science classes to ensure they receive a well-rounded education.

In order to ensure success at your dream college, a solid understanding of mathematics is essential; similarly, prior experience with physics is beneficial. Therefore, it’s recommended that students have taken math through calculus as well as at least one year of physics courses. Most students who make it to MIT typically take the following classes in their high school:

• Math, through calculus
• One year or more of physics, chemistry and biology
• Four years of English
• Two years of a foreign language
• Two years of history and/or social sciences

If your school does not offer these classes, then students are encouraged to take on other courses of interest to supplement their knowledge. Enrolling in local colleges or for virtual classes outside the school curriculum is also a great way to gain an edge in the highly competitive admissions process.

MIT’s OpenCourseWare grants users an open invitation to view syllabi, lecture notes, course timetables and other relevant information for courses from nearly 34 departments. Moreover, it provides access to video lectures of select classes as well. Enhancing your application through such initiatives can prove to be very beneficial in the long run.

Test Scores

Academic excellence coupled with strong SAT or ACT scores is absolutely necessary to be accepted into MIT. Here is an indicative list of scores on various standardized tests:

• TOEFL: Minimum: 90, Recommended: 100
• IELTS: Minimum: 7, Recommended: 7.5
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Minimum: 65, Recommended: 70
• Cambridge English Qualifications (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency): Minimum: 185, Recommended: 190
• Duolingo English Test (DET): Minimum: 120, Recommended: 125

The Tests and Scores page details the academic requirements for the upcoming admission cycle.

Extracurricular Activities

A combination of academic and extracurricular activities demonstrates a student’s potential to contribute significantly to the MIT community. Therefore, applicants should list their extracurricular activities in their application as it will be considered an important factor when assessing the student’s capabilities.

MIT encourages students to talk about four activities that have had an impact on them, such as clubs and sports teams, volunteer work, internships and research projects. Don’t pick activities to feature on your application simply because you think they will look good – instead, choose ones that genuinely motivate you. This will not only make the process more enjoyable for you but will show how passionate and engaged you are with life.

In order to maximize your creative potential and leadership abilities, look for projects or activities that excite you. Surround yourself with peers and adults who bring out the best in you and give you the space to explore, express and experiment. A well-rounded extracurricular activity portfolio is a great way to stand out from the competition and demonstrate your commitment to the MIT community.

All applicants, including international students, are evaluated for aid using the same application process. Indian students can apply for a variety of scholarships, grants, and bursaries available to them from MIT.

Undergraduate Students

Students can apply for the MIT scholarship, a one-time grant that does not have to be repaid. These scholarships are need-based and nearly 58% of undergraduate students have received some form of aid with an average amount being $53,997 for 2021–2022. It is key to remember that MIT’s scholarship sponsors are often interested in learning more about those receiving their donations.

Students are expected to write a letter of thanks for the generous support their donor has provided. Incoming students can also take advantage of the $2000 First Year Grant to cover essential miscellaneous costs associated with their college transition.

International students have to follow these two steps to apply for aid:

• Use the CSS Profile, a tool provided by the College Board to help determine whether a student is eligible for a need-based MIT Scholarship.
• Submit parental tax returns or income documentation on the College Board’s secure IDOC platform. International students are required to provide translated documents in case the required documents are not in English.

Graduate Students

MIT offers numerous resources to graduate students who are struggling financially due to a variety of life events. These include

• Guaranteed Transitional Support
• MIT Grant for Graduate Students with Children
• Graduate Student Short-Term Emergency Fund
• Doctoral Long-term Financial Hardship Funding
• Childbirth Accommodation and Parental Leave
• The Graduate Student Council funding for individual
• Graduate Student Experience Grants (GSEG).

Besides this, there are numerous fellowships, student loans, and employment opportunities available to international graduate students every academic year.
Going beyond MIT scholarships, Indian students can also apply for other international scholarships such as:

• Aga Khan Foundation’s International Scholarship Programme offers an opportunity for students from developing countries to pursue postgraduate studies at top-notch universities across the world. This programme provides outstanding students who have financial difficulties with support for full-time study.
• Global Citizenship Scholarship for pursuing undergraduate and graduate courses
• The Fulbright-Nehru scholarship for Indian students and professionals who wish to pursue their studies in the USA
• TS Ambedkar Overseas Vidya Nidhi Scholarship provides financial help to SC and ST students striving for academic success abroad.

MIT has been extremely selective in its admissions process, with an acceptance rate of only 4.1% for the Class of 2025 and 5% for those applying during Early Action for the Class of 2026. Clearly, this renowned institution is looking to bring in a group of top-tier students who are qualified and ready to thrive at one of America’s most esteemed universities. It is also important to note that in the 2021-22 admission cycle, Indian students were the second-highest international student community at MIT.
MIT applications are highly competitive and the admissions process can be daunting. Aspiring Indian students must understand that MIT admission is a rigorous process, and they need to focus on their academic and extracurricular achievements.
If you are wondering, “how to get into MIT university from India?” then it is important to look beyond grades. MIT seeks applicants who are passionate, and motivated and show exceptional academic ability and leadership qualities.

Step 1: Understanding what MIT is looking for

Like every university, MIT strives to bring in a diverse group of students, who will enrich the institution. Beyond academics, the university looks for students who have unique talents, experiences, and leadership qualities. MIT wants to find students with an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for solving real-world problems. Here are some of the key criteria that MIT looks for in its applicants:

• Aligning with MIT’s Mission: MIT students are passionate about their chosen field and engage in areas such as research, design, entrepreneurship, and environmental sustainability. The university doesn’t expect you to have all the answers, but it looks for individuals who are willing to explore and discover.
• Collaboration and Co-operation: MIT is known for its interdisciplinary research, and this spirit of collaboration extends to classes too! Many problem sets or homework require teams to work together on projects – plus there are lots of opportunities for students from different departments to collaborate in labs.
• Showing Initiative: MIT is overflowing with possibilities, but it’s up to you to act and seize them. The institute looks for individuals who are creative, innovative, and resourceful. If you can demonstrate a willingness to take on challenges and attempt new things, then you will be highly valued by MIT.
• Taking Risks: MIT encourages its students to take risks, both in their coursework and outside of it. Whether you are working on a project or launching a business, MIT looks for students who are willing to explore, learn from their mistakes, and make the most out of any situation.
• Creativity: MIT looks for applicants who can think outside the box and come up with creative solutions for complex problems. They want to see that you are not afraid to challenge conventions and explore unique ideas.
• Curiosity and Enthusiasm: MIT is looking for inquisitive students who can bring passion and enthusiasm to their work. If you are genuinely interested in exploring ideas, asking questions, and learning more, then you will be welcomed by MIT.
• Prioritizing Balance: MIT values students who can manage their time and prioritize balance in their lives. They recognize that personal health and well-being are as important as academic success, so they look for applicants who can demonstrate an ability to take care of themselves.
• Be a Part of the MIT Community: MIT looks for applicants who are eager to be a part of its vibrant and collaborative community. From student-run organizations to engaging discussions, MIT is full of opportunities – so show them how you can contribute to this atmosphere.

These are some of the key components to demonstrate if you want to get admission to MIT from India. With hard work and dedication, you can make your dream of studying at MIT a reality.

Overall, while grades are important, they are not the only factor that MIT looks at when selecting their realized. Now that you understand what MIT looks for in students, let’s have a look at the admission process.

Step 2: Understanding the eligibility criteria

The next step is to understand the eligibility requirements for the first-year application or the transfer application (as applicable). MIT requires the SAT or the ACT scores and further details on their testing requirements can be found here. We have listed the detailed eligibility criteria above.

Step 3: Choosing the right course

MIT has 6 schools offering undergraduate and graduate degrees, including the School of Architecture and Planning, School of Engineering, School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, Sloan School of Management, School of Science, and MIT Schwarzman College of Computing. Choosing the right course from these schools is the first step toward getting into MIT. You must ensure that the course you are applying for aligns with your academic and professional goals.

You can also reach out to us at www.tcglobal.com for a counselling session or an aptitude test to help you understand the course which will be the best fit for you.
IMG1

Next simply fill out the student profile with your educational background, work experience (if applicable), and other details.
IMG2

Next, you can shortlist relevant courses, and colleges and schedule a session with the TC Global Team for the next steps.
IMG3

Step 4: Completing application formalities

MIT’s online application is available from mid-August to the first week of January, providing prospective students abundant time to submit their applications. Students are required to pay an application of $75, however, fee waivers are available on request.

Deadlines:

• Early Action: 1st November
• Regular Application: 5th January

List of important documents:

Indian students applying to MIT must provide the following documents:

• Official school transcripts
• A letter of recommendation
• SAT or ACT scores
• Official TOEFL or IELTS scores (for foreign students only)
• Essays and personal statements
• A statement of purpose
• Resume or CV
• Self-reported Coursework Form
• Creative Portfolio (if required)

Personal essay

Besides your grades, writing an impressive essay, a personal statement, and a statement of purpose are also essential for getting into MIT. They should reflect your unique personality, demonstrate your commitment to academic excellence and show the various ways in which you can contribute to their community.

At the same time, don’t try to project yourself as someone you are not. Authenticity is key and the MIT admissions committee can easily detect if you are being untruthful.

Creative portfolios

MIT faculty and staff are invited to review optional portfolios submitted by researchers, performers, visual artists, and makers through the online platform SlideRoom. To ensure that your application and portfolio are considered during the same cycle, you must them both by November 1 for Early Action or January 5 for Regular Action.

Research

Students who have conducted significant research outside of the classroom submit their Research Supplement via SlideRoom. For those who have worked on numerous research projects, selecting the one that is most meaningful and noteworthy should be your primary focus.

Music and theatre arts

All performing artists with exceptional talent (e.g., musicians, composers, dancers, designers, directors, writers and actors) should submit a supplementary portfolio via SlideRoom. For the best chances of consideration for admission, it is recommended to submit work that illustrates a range of styles or skills along with a letter of recommendation from a current or recent teacher.

Visual art and architecture

Students can submit their outstanding artwork portfolios to MIT. Every form of art from design and illustration to painting, mixed media, digital media, photography, sculpture, and architecture is welcome. Showcasing the degree of creativity, skill, and accomplishment in your work will help your application stand out.

Makers

By utilizing the Maker Portfolio, students have a platform to display their projects that involve creative thinking, technical expertise, and hands-on education through doing

Step 5: Preparing for your interview

Applicants are invited for interviews with a member of the MIT Educational Council. Typically Early Action Interviews take place in November whereas Regular Action interviews are scheduled in January. During the interview, you will be asked questions related to your background, interests, and ambitions.

It is important to practice beforehand so that you are prepared with appropriate answers. Mock interviews with experienced professionals can also be a great way to get ready for the actual interview.

You should also be prepared to ask your own questions. Doing some research about MIT and having an understanding of its culture, values, and objectives can help you ask interesting, insightful questions. Over-rehearsed answers are a big no-no as the admissions team is looking for students who are passionate and prepared to take initiative.

Finally, interviews provide an opportunity for you to understand more about yourself and how you would fit in the MIT community. Hence, make sure that you are paying attention and taking away something valuable from the entire experience.

Step 6: Waiting for the results

The talented admissions officers at MIT will thoroughly review your application, and you can expect to receive the official decision around mid-December for Early Action or by mid-March for Regular Action. Once a specific release date and time have been decided, the team will send out instructions on how to access the decision letters. These emails will be sent to all admitted students approximately one week before decisions are officially released.

Regardless of the outcome, congratulations on taking the leap and applying to MIT. The entire process is a great learning experience for you as it teaches you about yourself and how to put your best foot forward.

TC Global is committed to helping you with your application to MIT. Our team of experienced counsellors and mentors can provide personalized advice that suits your profile and aspirations.

We make sure that each applicant makes the most of their application by guiding them through the entire process – from brainstorming their essay topic to giving tips on how to ace the interview. Our counsellors work closely with students, helping them craft a compelling application and demonstrating why they are an ideal fit for MIT.

We also provide mock interview sessions to help you practice and ensure that you are fully prepared for your upcoming interview. Our team of professionals will also help you gain a better understanding of the MIT culture.

Ultimately, our goal is to help you gain admission into one of the world’s top universities. We strive to create a partnership between the student, their family and us to ensure that the admission process is successful and rewarding.

Let us help you take a step closer to achieving your academic goals! Reach out to us today and make the most of your application.

You May Also Like:

• Top 10 Ph.D. Scholarships in Canada for Indian Students in 2023
• How to Get into Stanford As An Indian Student
• How to Get into Cambridge as An Indian Student [2022]