Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A plaque of George Eastman, founder of Kodak, in Building 6. His nose is rubbed by students for good luck.
A plaque of George Eastman, founder of Kodak, in Building 6. His nose is rubbed by students for good luck.
[source]
theU.com - MIT: "Intro"

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

From Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a private university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. MIT has five schools and one college, containing 32 academic departments, with a strong emphasis on scientific and technological research. MIT is one of two private land-grant universities and is also a sea grant and space grant university.

MIT was founded by William Barton Rogers in 1861 in response to the increasing industrialization of the United States. Although based upon German and French polytechnic models of an institute of technology, MIT's founding philosophy of "learning by doing" made it an early pioneer in the use of laboratory instruction, undergraduate research, and progressive architectural styles. As a federally funded research and development center during World War II, MIT scientists developed defense-related technologies that would later become integral to computers, radar, and inertial guidance. After the war, MIT's reputation expanded beyond its core competencies in science and engineering into the social sciences including economics, linguistics, political science, and management. MIT's endowment and annual research expenditures are among the largest of any American university. MIT graduates and faculty are noted for their technical acumen, entrepreneurial vigor, and irreverence.

History

Initial years and vision

As early as 1859, the Massachusetts State Legislature was given a proposal for use of newly opened lands in Back Bay in Boston for a museum and Conservatory of Art and Science. In 1861, The Commonwealth of Massachusetts approved a charter for the incorporation of the "Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Boston Society of Natural History" submitted by William Barton Rogers. Rogers sought to establish a new form of higher education to address the challenges posed by rapid advances in science and technology during the mid-19th century with which classic institutions were ill-prepared to deal. The Rogers Plan, as it came to be known, was rooted in three principles: the educational value of useful knowledge, the necessity of “learning by doing”, and integrating a professional and liberal arts education at the undergraduate level.

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Read the full entry on Wikipedia

Quick Facts

Chance of Admission:
Location:
Northeast
Setting:
Mid-size City Setting
Type:
Private
Size:
Medium (2,000 to 5,000 Undergrad)
Mascot:
Engineers
Nickname:
MIT

Students & Campus Life

Undergraduate Enrollment:
4,112
On Campus Housing:
Unavailable
Full Time Students:
100%
Athletic Programs:
Available
> More Students & Campus Life

Expenses

Average Tuition:
$ 32,300
Students Receiving Aid:
83%
> More Expenses & Financial Aid

Admissions

Application Fee:
$ 65
Selectivity:
Most Selective
> More Admissions

Students

General
Full-Time vs. Part-Time
Full-Time 100%
Part-Time 0%
Men vs. Women
Men 53%
Women 47%
Race/Ethnicity
Caucasian 48%
Asian 23%
Other 17%
Hispanic 8%
African-American 4%
Geography
In State vs. Out-of-State
Out-of-State 92%
In-State 8%
Top States for Incoming Freshman
California 13%
New York 11%
Massachusetts 8%
Texas 7%
Florida 5%
Percent of Students International: 24%

Housing

On-Campus Housing Available: No

Athletics

Member of: NAA, NCAA
Sports Include: Football (New England Football Conference)
Basketball (New England Women's & Men's Athletic Conference)
Baseball (New England Women's & Men's Athletic Conference)
Track (New England Women's & Men's Athletic Conference)
Tuition & Fees (undergraduate) Expenses  
Published Tuition and Fees:
$ 32,300    
Average Tuition for Full-Time Undergrads:
$ 32,100    
Required Fees for Full-Time Undergrads:
$ 1,640    
Financial Aid Avg. Amount Received % of Students Receiving Aid  
Federal Grants:
$ 5,571 24%  
State and Local Grants:
$ 2,049 5%  
Institutional Grants:
$ 20,803 60%  
Student Loans:
$ 3,845 40%  
Any Aid:
  83%  

Selectivity (Undergraduate Only)

Acceptance Rate: 14% (Most Selective)
Test Scores  
SAT Scores:  
% of Students Submitting SAT Scores: 98%
Bottom 25th Percentile: Verbal: 690, Math: 740
Top 75th Percentile: Verbal: 770, Math: 800
ACT Scores:  
% of Students Submitting ACT Scores: 20%
Bottom 25th Percentile: Composite: 31, Verbal: 30, Math: 32
Top 75th Percentile: Composite: 34, Verbal: 34, Math: 35

Application Requirements (Undergraduate Only)

Application Fee: $ 65.00
Formal Demonstration of Competencies: Not Required
High School Diploma or Equivalent: Recommended
High School GPA: Required
High School Rank: Not Required
High School Record: Required
Recommendations: Required
TOEFL: Recommended
Test Scores: Required

Degree Programs at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Bachelor's Level Majors

College Advice

Yahoo
Question: MIT admissions?
freshman at high school here, do u have to be a master at the computer (programing, using programs already present, searching etc.. ) to be accepted at MIT? i kno sat's and sat 2's are mandatory but wat r these other tests i keep hearing about , some computer test thats in written, search, and internet form?
15 months ago
Best Answer
Dude you're only a freshman. You have another two years before you really have to worry about the details. In the meanwhile, you need to: - Take advanced math and science courses. That means set yourself on a track to be taking AP calculus, physics, chemistry, etc by your senior year. - Get awesome grades. A's in math and science. As high a GPA as possible, as close to 4.0 as possible. - Become an interesting person. Don't be a chump and sit around watching tv and playing video games all day. Get involved in sports, music, community service, whatever. Show that you have a life and that you're involved with the world. - Demonstrate that you like math and science. MIT is an engineering school, and they like math and science. So go out there join the math club, do research on your own, build a robot, or whatever. In the end, you have to think from the perspective of MIT admissions. They are the best engineering school in the world. Why would they want YOU of all people to go to their school? Easy, because you are smart, interesting, and successful - so show that in your grades, your activities, and your life, and you will have a good shot.
I got accepted to Stanford and MIT, but I don't know which one I should go to. I'm going to MIT next week and Stanford the week after that. I just want to here other people's opinions. I'd also appreciate advice for a college freshman who has a tough time making new friends.
18 months ago
Best Answer
I greatly enjoyed my four years at MIT, oh so many years ago. Yet as biased as I am toward the 'Tute, go to CPW and the Stanford equivalent with open eyes, heart, and mind. What was great about MIT were the incredible opportunities, the academic infrastructure, and going to school with so many people who were far cooler and more intelligent than I was. You'll learn an amazing amount in your time there, and there is the good chance you'll have a blast doing it. Believe me, Boston is a great place to be a student. I think you'll find you'll have to work at NOT making friends, at least during the first part of freshman year. A lot of MIT life revolves around your living group, and they'll drag you out (sometimes kicking and screaming into the shower, but that's another story...) Yet I'm sure Stanford has pretty much the same incredible opportunity, academic promise, and really, really cool people. The Bay Area is also not a bad place to be. Enjoy the visits, and enjoy the decision. I don't think you can make a bad one.
Best Answer
One of my friends got accepted, and is currently attending MIT. You have to be active in your high school. Be part of many extracurricular activities, and have a leadership position in many of them. You should have alot of volunteer work. You should be distinguished in your high school. Your grades should be well above average, in the top 5 of your class (not top 5 percent, but top 5 people). Your SAT score should be greater than 1500 (on the old 1600 scale). When you write the essays for the college, it must me perfect. Put a lot of effort into it and a lot of time. You must show the admissions officer that you are determined yet a unique candidate because everyone else applying will have the same qualifications as you. IN short, you must distinguish yourself in everything that you do both in high school and in your community. (My friend was the valedictorian of our class and was the president of NHS)
I'm curious to know how much four years at Massachusetts Institute of Technology approximately costs? I don't one of those "It costs a lot of money" answers, because I already know that.
20 months ago
Best Answer
The total cost should run to somewhat more than 40k a year, of which about 30k or so is tuition. I had about 10k financial aid and a few more grand in scholarships; my parents paid the rest of my tuition and I worked for my room and board. My parents spent in total about 100 grand, but we're more of the exception, not the rule. Most people I know got huge financial aid packages, however. And I know quite a few who are going to MIT for free. Their policy is such that you shouldn't have to turn them down for lack of funds.
OK, I am in high school, and looking for college. I am interested in the Computer Science Field. I figured MIT was one of the best choices. So does anybody know anything about it/currently take classes there. -OR- Does anyone have any other suggestions for a good technical college. If you have a suggestion, please make sure that it is an urban college. Thanks for any answers given, everybody!!!!!!!
20 months ago
Best Answer
MIT is an excellent school, with very demanding entrance requirements. (It would not be unusual for the typical freshman to have 800 on a math SAT and in the 700's or higher on the verbal and written) Whether for computer science, your specific area of interest, or for science, math, engineering, management, or even the humanities, MIT offers a world-renowned course of study. The work is difficult, and you may be thrust into a class where you are suddenly in the bottom half instead of the top 1%. The things you learn at MIT are general enough that they can typically be applied even decades later. The Boston area is a great place to be a student, as there are *SO MANY* colleges and universities (and, consequently, students) there. It is a fascinating place to spend a few years, and the public transportation is good. (DRIVING and PARKING are NOT! :-) but you CAN certainly develop your assertive driving skills there!) I would encourage a visit if you are close enough, otherwise, at least apply and see what happens! :-) Good question, pickles! :-) (other good choices- Cal-tech, RPI, Carnegie-Mellon)
in order to get into mit what sat score do i need to get. also what sat subject score do i need to get. currently im ranked top 5% in my class my school is reputable in the nation in total i have taken 9 ap courses and maybe one more nxt yr
22 months ago
Best Answer
There isn't a certain score or gpa. What you'll need to do is take the hardest classes you can and do the best you can. But, you also have to be well rounded. MIT doesn't just take smart people. There valedictorians with perfect scores who don't get in because you don't need that to get in. You need to be the best person you can be, challenge yourself, and send the best application that represents who you are and what you're passionate about.
Can you guess which RIT or MIT is best university in America? MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) or RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology)
26 months ago
Best Answer
MIT is the more popular in terms of regular folks recognizing the prestige of the university. MIT also has a more diverse student body than RIT. And more high tech jobs are located in the west, so MIT gets my vote.

Photos

  • A plaque of George Eastman, founder of Kodak, in Building 6. His nose is rubbed by students for good luck.
    A plaque of George Eastman, founder of Kodak, in Building 6. His nose is rubbed by students for good luck. [source]
  • Ellen Swallow Richards, first female student and professor at MIT.
    Ellen Swallow Richards, first female student and professor at MIT. [source]
  • The Stata Center houses CSAIL, LIDS, and the Department of Linguistics and Philosophy
    The Stata Center houses CSAIL, LIDS, and the Department of Linguistics and Philosophy [source]
  • Frieze on Building 2 dedicated to Newton
    Frieze on Building 2 dedicated to Newton [source]
  • An example of cooperation, "The Coop" is the official bookstore of Harvard and MIT
    An example of cooperation, "The Coop" is the official bookstore of Harvard and MIT [source]
  • Building 7 (also 77 Massachusetts Avenue) is regarded as the entrance to campus.
    Building 7 (also 77 Massachusetts Avenue) is regarded as the entrance to campus. [source]
  • Barker Library, inside the Great Dome
    Barker Library, inside the Great Dome [source]
  • Kismet (robot) was developed to simulate human emotions.
    Kismet (robot) was developed to simulate human emotions. [source]

Videos

  • theU.com - MIT: "Intro"
  • theU.com - MIT: "The Setting"
  • theU.com - MIT: "The Shelter"
  • theU.com - MIT: "The Scene"
  • theU.com - MIT: "Admissions"
  • theU.com - MIT: "The Crowd"
  • theU.com - MIT: "Academics"
  • theU.com - MIT: "The Food"
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