mit essay tips

mit essay tips

Effective Strategies for Writing a Standout MIT Admissions Essay

1. Introduction

Small ideas, when combined with the unique personality of a thinker, are what help us see how an applicant would be a good match for MIT. Most people applying to the school have a good, or even excellent ability to try new things again and again till they work. What differentiates those who make it from those who don’t is the depth and intimacy of their interactions with other people and with their own emotions. They don’t deny that they have a reason for what they’re doing, they don’t pretend that they’re invincible, and they don’t let doubt make them feel small. These essays are important, and they’re the best way you have to make a statement about what you value. Be brave. Be bold. Be real.

Applying to MIT can be an even more difficult process than it may seem. Lucky for you, we at CollegeVine have you covered in our How to Write the MIT Essays 2016-2017 post. But I too wrote the notes (based on a conversation with the MIT Admissions director) when I was applying to MIT in 2008. And my message is simple: they’re writing for people. Even if you think you’re writing about something “big” or “important”, you need to show how it effects you to have any meaningful impact. And showing that doesn’t always require exhuming the most shocking experiences of your life or the dirtiest corners of your mind. When I was an undergrad at MIT, Essays that resonated with me were about writing an opera, a gallery exhibit, making a training plan, or even designing a science fair entry. In all cases, the people were passionate and motivated to see the project through.

2. Understanding the MIT Admissions Essay Prompts

2. Describe the world you come from, for example, your family, clubs, school, community, or city. How has that world shaped your dreams and aspirations?

1. At MIT, we bring people together to better the lives of others. MIT students work to improve their communities in different ways, from tackling the world’s biggest challenges to being a good friend. Describe one way in which you have contributed to your community, whether in your family, the classroom, your neighborhood, etc.

The actual prompts are that you must answer one of the following questions:

The essay prompts for the 2021-22 MIT application are tailored specifically to the qualities and experience that MIT seeks in its future graduates. They are much like the excellence which MIT students strive towards, that is, challenging yet direct. With this in mind, use the essay prompts as an opportunity to discuss what you’re passionate about, how you think and solve problems, or what you want to explore at MIT. The questions are perfect to answer if you are genuinely excited about learning, taking on new challenges, or applying your knowledge and skillset to make a difference.

3. Crafting a Compelling Personal Narrative

A common mistake students make is waiting until admissions decisions are sent off to craft a compelling personal narrative. Some believe that they should waste as little time as possible to ensure that their story is the most current one during the application season. However, failing to create a personal narrative before their senior years places them at a severe disadvantage. Individuals should get a head-start on this narrative-creation process during their freshman year by participating in various extracurricular activities, classes, and internships. Summer, according to Einstein, is the time to find hands-on internships that will allow students to gain exposure to a STEM-heavy workplace.”

From the blog post, “MIT Admissions asks applicants to record a short YouTube video ‘introducing yourself to your future classmates.’ If you are not sure that MIT is the right choice, Einstein encourages students to Google the prompt ‘I am drawn to MIT because.’ These two questions help us craft a personal narrative that will stand out among the pool of competitive students. More importantly, these two exercises help students gain a better understanding of themselves and the institution they plan to apply to. Crafting an accurate and compelling personal narrative requires diligent research and organization, which will, in turn, make the composition of a college admissions essay seem like a walk in the park.

4. Showcasing Your Passion for STEM and Innovation

Whatever your chosen topic for your MIT application essays, what matters most is the story you tell – even with a “humble” prompt. The good news is that there is no word count for any of our prompts. The required essays all tend to be fairly short, but there are no strict parameters. In fact, one essay of the suggested length simply isn’t enough space for you to communicate what’s so great about you. So good luck, take the time you need to let your story shine, and please be sure to print a copy for yourself before hitting your submit button – just in case anything goes awry.

No matter which prompt you are responding to for the MIT application, demonstrating your passion for STEM and genuine love for innovation and problem-solving is crucial. After all, it’s what the culture of the MIT community revolves around. However, we have been reading through college essays for so long that we have found ourselves becoming significantly more drawn to the essays that go just one step further into making us feel as though we are sitting next to them while they work on their projects. Successful applicants make us believe that they live and breathe the community and all it stands for.

5. Editing and Refining Your Essay for Maximum Impact

Editing your essay is a crucial step and you can get the most out of it by seeking the help of an experienced person. Actively seek qualified language teachers and counselors to help you improve. Importantly, your perspective on editing is exceptional, stay true to your narrative and watch as your college admission essay piques the admissions’ interest in you. Your application is written fluently, and all the information can be understood. Reread your personal application and make sure readers have no trouble understanding your writing. Do not make the admission officer have to read a sentence more than once – read your essay well aloud to check clarifications. Also, see that the structure is right and in line with MIT’s instructions on how to write a college-level application.

Your college application essay has a clear voice, and it sounds like you. Your application is supposed to represent you holistically. It means that your brainchild ought to correspond to your present life. That is why during the process of editing and refining your college essay, you are to preserve your unique style of writing. Stick to the text that feels comfortable, so there is no piece of a contrived ending in your text. After all, you are eager to impress the admissions committee.

The editing process allows you to refine and polish your essay into its best possible shape. When you feel as though your first draft is complete, it’s a good idea to take the time to sit with it for a while before editing. This will help you read your essay with fresh eyes, enabling you to see mistakes and awkward phrasing. Throughout the essay writing and editing process, be sure to ask a trusted adult for feedback on your writing. Another set of eyes will help you catch any errors.