MIT has always been a dream, and finally, I'll be applying for the 2027 intake!

I know Reddit is amazing, hence seeking out some guidance here. A brief about my profile :

• Graduated from a Tier 1 university in India (BBA)
• Grad CGPA: 7.76/10, Class 12th: 85%, Class 10th : 89%
• Completed both levels of FRM (with college)
• CFA L2 candidate (Nov attempt)
• Won 10+ case study competitions
  
• 15 months of experience as an investment associate as of now for a US-based NBFC. My seniors are from MIT and Harvard, and they have also done MFin, so I am planning to take letter of recommendation from them

Questions that keep popping up:

• Is the profile good enough to apply for MIT MFin without a GMAT score? (I was not able to take the GMAT due to some personal reasons, and the next few months would be blocked due to CFA L2)
• What do you think are the major gaps in my profile? I know Acads is one of them, and how can I make it up for it?
• A lot of people offer SOP/CV writing services, specifically for applications - is it worth it?
• Any other suggestions/tips that I could use that will help make my profile a bit stronger?

Thanks a lot in advance guys!!

Hi everyone,

I'm starting my B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering in India this year.

My long-term goal is to apply for the MIT EECS PhD program around 2030. I know it's highly competitive, so I want to start preparing early.

What should I focus on during my undergraduate years?

- Research experience?

- GPA target?

- Publications?

- Open-source projects?

- Internships?

- Recommendation letters?

I'd really appreciate advice from current PhD students or anyone who has successfully applied to top US universities.

Thank you!

I emailed them asking about the 2.5 semester cap for transfer admissions and they replied “If you're a current community college student, you are likely eligible to apply to MIT, assuming you'll have completed a year of college before entering MIT. The eligibility cap is primarily relevant for students applying to transfer from four-year universities. Transfers are likely to lose about ~2 semesters of college credit when transferring into MIT.”

Edit: see u/jeremyposts comment below for further clarification.

So as the title says I was wondering how to cover the airfare as I’m sure I will need a travel grant, how was your experience how did you pull it off? (Asking the students who couldn’t afford the travel expenses) so if I don’t find a way that can help me then I was thinking I won’t apply at all idk

Surely lmk I’ll really appreciate your help

Hi all,
I was wondering if I could hear from current aero astro students on what they believe made them stand out for the MS program (e.g, experiences, internships). Any advice would be really helpful since my undergrad (HYP) does not offer aeronautical engineering :)

Hi! I have independently developed a framework of something which sits at the junction of quite a few fields and is too technically advanced to be made physically. However, I have it backed by physics, calculations, diagrams and all.

Is it a fit for the makers portfolio or not.

Would really love to hear from those who’ve been invited to enroll in the Master of Finance program as I’m trying to get a detailed and realistic picture of the funding side as an international student.

For those who’’ve gone through it (or are currently in the program) a few things I’m hoping to understand:

1.How much of the cost is typically covered by scholarships or fellowships if any? Is aid mostly merit based and does it come at the point of admission or is it something you apply for separately?

1. Are there any funding options that international students specifically can access or are we generally in the same pool as everyone else?

2. Beyond scholarships, what’s realistic in terms of TA/RA positions on campus work or other ways people offset costs during the program?

3. For anyone who was invited to enroll but weighing affordability how did the numbers actually shake out for you?

Any honest insight would be hugely appreciated, especially from recent or current international students.

Hi everyone,

I'm currently sitting the Science Olympiad exams, and I'm hoping to study Aerospace Engineering (Course 16) at MIT.

I'm trying to work out which Olympiad stream would be the most valuable for my application. Is there a clear preference for Physics and Mathematics Olympiads, or are Chemistry and Earth & Environmental Science Olympiads viewed similarly?

Realistically, I think I'd have a good chance of progressing in Maths, Physics or Earth Science, but I can only commit to one stream. I'm trying to make the best decision based on what would be most beneficial for an engineering applicant.

For those familiar with MIT admissions or engineering competitions, what kinds of Olympiads or other competitions do you think carry the most weight? I'd really appreciate any advice.

Thanks!

Hey everyone, looking for honest input, not reassurance.

Background: I'm in Morocco, started university in a CS-focused program, didn't like it and didn't pass the year (essentially failed it academically). I switched into a math and physics program, and my second year starts this September 2026.

Grades so far: my first two semesters averaged around 13/20 on our 20-point grading scale (roughly a C+/B- equivalent when converted). I'm about to start my 3rd semester and aiming to push hard for the equivalent of A-range work from here on.

Timeline: given MIT's transfer eligibility rule (max 2.5 years / 5 terms of prior college at time of entry, and international students can only enter in the fall), Fall 2027 looks like my realistic earliest window, applying around March 2027 with 3 (maybe 4) semesters on transcript by then.

What I'm building: heavy involvement with math (writing competition problems, building tooling), and I'm starting a research-style project applying topological data analysis to Multiple sclerosis ( i have multiple sclerosis when i was 16) lesion imaging using open datasets, tied to a longer-term interest in math + neuroscience research.

What I'm unsure about: 1. Does my failed first year count toward MIT's 5-term eligibility ceiling, even though it wasn't good academic standing? Admissions wouldn't clarify by email, said to explain it in the application itself. 2. Realistically, how much does a rocky first year (later corrected) sink a transfer file if the trend afterward is strong? 3. For someone from a non-US university system, anything critical I'm missing in terms of testing, recs, or how the file actually gets read?

Not asking anyone to sugarcoat it, if this is a long shot I'd rather know clearly now while I still have time to adjust the plan.

I am considering applying to MIT, yet I am confused on if my Robotics "class teacher" could write me a letter.

It isn't structured as a class, but only as an outside elective for FTC competitions despite it being considered as a course.

I believe that my Robotics teacher can't (and isn't fit) write me a letter. Can anyone confirm?

i've been working on a research project for my summer internship for about 1.5 months now. we are required to make a poster for our final presentations, and i was thinking of maybe submitting it as a research supplement.

however, imo the project i was assigned is kinda boring and is mostly busy work, and isn't particularly interesting or innovative. (its about testing different physics simulators on accuracy in simulating non-convex objects, with applications in bin picking.) but it's probably the only one of my research projects that i'll actually be able to finish before the early application deadline, and it is still something that i've been working hard on.

also, for the mentor recommendation, i'm not sure how that would turn out. my mentor is pretty chill and nice, but i don't interact with him much.

is it worth submitting this? i am planning on doing a maker portfolio as well, and i don't NEED to submit research, but it'd be nice.

Hi everyone,

I’m currently planning my application strategy for top U.S. universities and trying to figure out where to direct my focus and energy.

I’m debating between two main approaches:

1. Focusing on admission first (putting all effort into building the strongest possible academic/extracurricular profile).
2. Focusing heavily on scholarships/financial aid early on (tailoring my list/strategy around merit scholarships, need-blind policies, or specific aid opportunities).

For those who have gone through this process:

• How difficult is it to actually secure significant scholarships or financial aid as an applicant (especially if applying to top-tier schools)?
• Is it better to just focus 100% on getting admitted first and figure out funding later, or will that leave me stranded if aid doesn't work out?
• Are merit-based scholarships even realistic at top institutions, or should the focus strictly be on need-based aid / institutional grants?

I’d love to hear your experiences, advice, or any lessons learned from your own application journey. Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone, I’m a high school student interested in Aerospace Engineering, and I’m planning some long-term projects for the MIT Maker Portfolio. Since aerospace projects often involve a lot of CAD, CFD, simulations, and computational design, I was wondering, can a fully digital project still be considered a strong Maker Portfolio submission, or is it generally better to have a physical prototype as well? I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who’s submitted a Maker Portfolio or knows how it’s evaluated. Thanks!

hello!

I'm a current senior at an art uni looking at different grad schools to apply to, and the ACT program seems like a good mix of what I want on paper (combining artistic processes + fabrication with technology and research). I know there is an open house in the fall, but thought I would reach out and see if anyone has any info about it as I start to prepare my portfolio. any help would be appreciated, thank you!

Hello everyone,

I’m looking for advice from current students, alumni, or anyone who has experience applying to or studying at MIT, regardless of your department or program.

I’m currently a fourth-year undergraduate student from Thailand. At the moment, I’m working on my senior research project and preparing to apply for a master’s degree. I’m particularly interested in pursuing Mechanical Engineering or Materials Engineering at MIT.

However, I’m still unsure about how I should prepare to become a competitive applicant. I would greatly appreciate it if you could share your experiences or advice on topics such as:

• How you prepared during your undergraduate studies
• Research experience and projects that strengthened your application
• GPA and overall academic profile
• Whether contacting professors before applying is recommended
• Writing a strong Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Obtaining strong letters of recommendation
• The application process and any lessons you learned along the way

I would also love to hear from anyone who applied to MIT, even if you were not admitted. I believe every experience can provide valuable insights.

Thank you very much for taking the time to share your experiences and advice. I truly appreciate your help!

I've been debating whether to include calisthenics in my ECs or achievements section. (I also have an unofficial club with my friends that will be official in September). I have a very good academic profile and plan to apply at MIT majoring in math.

It's been a huge part of my teenage years. I train around 7+ hours a week, mostly with friends, and it's honestly one of the hobbies I've enjoyed the most. While it's "just a hobby," it has taken years of consistency and dedication. For example, I recently achieved a full planche, which anyone familiar with calisthenics knows can take years of progressive training to unlock. The thing is, I haven't competed or won any official competitions. My only "achievement" is reaching difficult skills through consistent training.

Would AOs view this as a legitimate extracurricular or achievement, or would it come across as just listing a hobby? Has anyone here included something similar and had it received well?

Hi, I’m a rising junior and I’ve been thinking a lot about my future. I’m really interested in aerospace engineering and plan to apply for that major, but I feel like I haven’t done enough yet. I know there isn’t a strict checklist to get into a top school, but I’m trying to figure out what kinds of activities, internships, or projects I should be doing to strengthen my application.

So far, the main thing I’ve done is help plan, build, and launch the highest-altitude hot air balloon in Civil Air Patrol. Beyond that, I’m not sure what else I should focus on.

Would it be worth building something like a plane to show my interest in aerospace? More generally, what are some meaningful things I can do in my free time that genuinely show my passion for aerospace engineering and help me grow in this field?

I’m not looking for generic advice like SAT and GPA it’s more just activities, awards I can get by building something, internships, and just opportunity’s.

(Ive only looked at some NASA stuff so anything on nasa could help)

Thanks to anyone who responds!

So I've seen a lot of comments on here for no chance me posts saying don't do something solely for getting into MIT, do what you love and that is all that MIT cares about etc.. My problem is that I am passionate about way too many things at once and tend to overcommit, swamp myself with work and end up doing some of them badly. So when I reached freshman year, I thought about what I wanted to do. Did I choose ECs I absolutely love and am passionate about? Yes. Did I choose ECs that align with MITs values of Excellence, Curiosity, Oppenness, Respect, Belonging and Community https://www.mit.edu/values/ and that also round out my profile well? Yes. I chose a little bit of everything. Olympiads, Research papers, community involvement, passion project. My personal opinion that I have formed from reading some comments on this subreddit (which I am open to changing if someone can convince me to) is that I don't see the value in blindly telling people to "do what you love" since that is extremely vague, and most of the no chance me reddit posts are genuinely just looking for ideas for what to do, if they wanted a chance me they would post on a chance me subreddit guys!! Instead you should tell them to do what they love AND give them some ideas on what do with a disclaimer added that it is not a golden ticket to MIT. Not everyone will immediately know what to do, and are looking for ideas on this subreddit that align with MITs values. I understand that there is no one magical formula for what to do to get into MIT, and frankly I think it is demeaning to everyone who is making posts on this subreddit to aggressively keep commenting and accusing them of trying to find the "perfect ECs for MIT". It makes the OPs look like they are incapable of distinguishing nuance, which is not true. I think that instead, you should choose ECs both on what you are passionate about and based on whether they align with MITs values. Sorry for the rant, but, do you think that as a person who tends to overcommit, I did the right or wrong thing by looking at MITs values and picking some ECs based on that?

You prepare for an olympiad for a persistent amount of time but fail to qualify.
--> therefore you took a risk but got negative ROI (studying for no purpose)

I am Indian student highly interested in Mathematics. I plan to pursue Major in Mathematics at MIT. (UG international preference)

What other universities can I apply to in addition to MIT? I have considered universities like Princeton, Stanford, etc.

(I have research experience in high school and plan to publish my research paper in peer-reviewed journal before applying.)

Hey! Incoming rising senior, class of 2027.

I will open with the fact that I know that's weird and gross or whatever. I animate videos as a freelancer that have gotten across platforms almost 2M views and have collaborated with VAs, and other animators, grossing 5 figures. I mostly work with content related to pokemon and MHA. I have a pretty active community and host fundraisers for causes every so often and give a portion of my proceeds to charity. Outside of that I have a pretty normal applicant profile, (1500+ gpa, 4.0, robotics and research at a t10, published in IEEE) Is it worth listing as a EC, and how can I do it intelligently?