mit phd acceptance letter

Even though MIT uses its own application form, the elements of the application are pretty much the same.

Even more importantly, my Spike was deep achievement in the sciences. I ranked #6 in the US National Chemistry Olympiad as a junior, and I participated in Research Science Institute at MIT. Both those things made me a very attractive candidate to MIT admissions. I discuss all these details and how I achieved them here .

I've never seen anyone else provide this level of analysis and detail , so I believe you'll get something out of it.

3) How to Get a 4.0 GPA and Better Grades

Your coursework is a critical component of your college application. Not only do you need great grades, you need great grades in what MIT says is " the most stimulating courses available to you ." For MIT, you especially need strong grades in the toughest AP science and math courses.

Thus it's no surprise that a lot of high school students are stressed out and anxious.

The biggest problems I see in the students I work with are in mindset, habits, and strategy . Thus I've written a complete guide on how to excel in high school coursework.

I take you through three levels of detail , from high to low:

• Mindset and Psychology : Do you have the confidence to know you can even improve? Are you prepared to work hard?
• Overall Planning and Habits : Do you make the most out of every hour? Do you understand what teachers care about, and how to give them what they want? Do you know how to avoid procrastination?
• Individual Class Strategies : How do you excel in English classes? How is this different from math and science classes?

I learned a lot of these lessons the hard way, throughout high school and college. This is the guide I wish I had before starting high school .

Take the time to read it and you might get better grades while saving hundreds of hours of study time.

4) How to Get a Perfect SAT Score  / How to Get a Perfect ACT Score

Besides GPA, the other critical number on your application is your SAT/ACT score. This score is so important because it compares you to high school students across the country on a level playing field.

Top schools like MIT expect you to be in the top 1 percentile of the country. You especially need near-perfect scores in math and science (for the ACT). If you don't show this, MIT will doubt whether you can really thrive in their super tough academic environment.

In my perfect SAT score  and perfect ACT score  guides, I share the major strategies to boost your score above a 2100 on the SAT and 32 on the ACT - and edge closer to a perfect score.

Also, check out my series on getting perfect scores in each of the sections on the SAT/ACT:

SAT 800 Series: Reading | Math | Writing  - Learn important strategies to excel in each section of the SAT.

ACT 36 Series: English | Math | Reading | Science - Learn how to get a perfect 36 on each section of the ACT.

Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points?  We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

As co-founder and head of product design at PrepScholar, Allen has guided thousands of students to success in SAT/ACT prep and college admissions. He's committed to providing the highest quality resources to help you succeed. Allen graduated from Harvard University summa cum laude and earned two perfect scores on the SAT (1600 in 2004, and 2400 in 2014) and a perfect score on the ACT. You can also find Allen on his personal website, Shortform , or the Shortform blog .

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Academic Transcript

Current students and alumni can request electronic or paper copies of transcripts through the  MIT Registrar’s Office . The Registrar’s Office has  detailed instructions  on requesting transcripts for current students and alumni.

Letters of Recommendation

If you are applying while in an undergraduate program or if you are a recent graduate, recommendations from professors and tenured faculty who are familiar with your academic work have the most impact compared to letters from TAs or employers. Three recommendations are commonly requested, but check with each individual program for details.

How and when do you ask for recommendation letters? You’ll want to prepare in advance for this by building relationships with potential recommenders over the course of your academic career.

To organize your letters, you may want to use a dossier service, such as  Interfolio , or ask the recommender to send them in the manner required by that particular application. Law schools require the use of  Credential Assembly Services  for this purpose. If you are a prehealth student, you can use the MIT  Prehealth Advising Credential Service .

Standardized Admissions Exams

Most graduate programs require completion of a standardized exam such as the  GRE ,  GMAT ,  LSAT , or  MCAT . Search online or ask the programs you are interested in what the typical range of scores is for admitted students.

Be sure to study for these tests, which can involve elements that you may not have learned in your academic career. You can take preparatory courses or study on your own with books or online materials including practice tests. Many test providers and prep companies, such as  Kaplan  and  The Princeton Review , have free practice tests and resources on their websites. Because the scores are valid for a couple of years, you can take these exams when you are feeling most prepared. Many students, even if postponing graduate studies, will elect to take the exams while still undergraduates.

You will be required to submit a  personal statement or essay  when applying to graduate school. Graduate programs want students with clear commitment to the field. Graduate school application essays typically ask applicants to discuss their previous experience, future professional goals, and how the program can help them in achieving those objectives. The personal statement gives the applicant the chance to articulate these goals and display strong writing skills. Remember to tailor your essay to each school and the committee that reviews your application.

Your essay should be thoughtful, concise, compelling, and interesting. Remember, admissions officers read hundreds of essays.

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Admissions Requirements

The following are general requirements you should meet to apply to the MIT Sloan PhD Program. Complete instructions concerning application requirements are available in the online application.

General Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent
• A strong quantitative background (the Accounting group requires calculus)
• Exposure to microeconomics and macroeconomics (the Accounting group requires microeconomics)

A Guide to Business PhD Applications by Abhishek Nagaraj (PhD 2016) may be of interest.

Application Components

Statement of purpose.

Your written statement is your chance to convince the admissions committee that you will do excellent doctoral work and that you have the promise to have a successful career as an academic researcher. 

GMAT/GRE Scores

We require either a valid GMAT or valid GRE score. At-home testing is allowed. Your unofficial score report from the testing institution is sufficient for application. If you are admitted to the program, you will be required to submit your official test score for verification.    

We do not have a minimum score requirement. We do not offer test waivers. Registration information for the GMAT (code X5X-QS-21) and GRE (code 3510) may be obtained at www.mba.com and www.ets.org respectively.

TOEFL/IELTS Scores

We require either a valid TOEFL (minimum score 577 PBT/90 IBT ) or valid IELTS (minimum score 7) for all non-native English speakers. Your unofficial score report from the testing institution is sufficient for application. If you are admitted to the program, you will be required to submit your official test score for verification.    Registration information for TOEFL (code 3510) and IELTS may be obtained at www.toefl.org and www.ielts.org respectively.

The TOEFL/IELTS test requirement is waived only if you meet one of the following criteria:

• You are a native English speaker.
• You attended all years of an undergraduate program conducted solely in English, and are a graduate of that program.

Please do not contact the PhD Program regarding waivers, as none will be discussed. If, upon review, the faculty are interested in your application with a missing required TOEFL or IELTS score, we may contact you at that time to request a score.

Transcripts

We require unofficial copies of transcripts for each college or university you have attended, even if no degree was awarded. If these transcripts are in a language other than English, we also require a copy of a certified translation. In addition, you will be asked to list the five most relevant courses you have taken.

Letters of Recommendation

We require three letters of recommendation. Academic letters are preferred, especially those providing evidence of research potential. We allow for an optional  fourth recommendation, but no more than four recommendations are allowed.

Your resume should be no more than two pages. You may chose to include teaching, professional experience, research experience, publications, and other accomplishments in outside activities.

Writing Sample(s)

Applicants are encouraged to submit a writing sample. For applicants to the Finance group, a writing sample is required. There are no specific guidelines for your writing sample. Possible options include (but are not limited to) essays, masters’ theses, capstone projects, or research papers.

Video Essay

A video essay is required for the Accounting research group and optional for the Marketing and System Dynamics research groups. The essay is a short and informal video answering why you selected this research group and a time where you creatively solved a problem. The video can be recorded with your phone or computer, and should range from 2 to 5 minutes in length. There is no attention — zero emphasis! — on the production value of your video.  

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7 Best PhD Acceptance Letter Templates for Grad School Applicants

Are you eagerly awaiting your acceptance letter to a PhD program? Are you feeling overwhelmed about creating the perfect acceptance letter? Well, fret not! We have the solution for you: a PhD acceptance letter template. This template will not only save you time and effort, but it will also ensure that your acceptance letter is professional and effective. But don’t just take our word for it, you can easily find examples of these templates online and edit them as needed. With this simple tool, you can put your mind at ease and focus on the exciting journey that lies ahead. So why wait? Start downloading those templates and let’s get this acceptance process rolling!

The Best Structure for a PhD Acceptance Letter Template

Are you wondering how to structure your acceptance letter for a PhD program? Look no further! The following template will provide you with a clear and concise structure to ensure that your acceptance letter stands out from the rest.

First and foremost, make sure to begin your letter with a formal greeting and address the recipient appropriately. A simple “Dear [name]” will suffice, followed by a brief introduction of yourself. In this introduction, mention your full name, the department you will be joining, and any relevant academic or professional achievements.

Next, express your gratitude for being accepted into the program. It is important to convey your excitement and enthusiasm about the opportunity that has been presented to you. This can be achieved by highlighting specific aspects of the program that really appeal to you. For example, you may mention the department’s reputation for excellence or the opportunity to work with renowned scholars in your field.

Following this, be sure to outline any important information that the recipient may need to know. This could include the date by which you must confirm your acceptance, any housing or financial aid options, and any other pertinent details. It is important to be as clear and straightforward as possible, as the recipient will likely receive numerous acceptance letters and may not have time to sift through lengthy and convoluted explanations.

Finally, conclude your letter with a warm and professional closing. This may include a simple “sincerely” followed by your full name and contact information. Be sure to double-check your spelling and grammar before hitting “send,” as careless mistakes can detract from the overall impact of your letter.

In summary, a successful acceptance letter for a PhD program should consist of a formal greeting, an introduction that highlights your achievements, expressions of gratitude and enthusiasm, clear and concise information about important program details, and a closing that is professional and personable. By following this structure and honoring the recipient’s time and attention, you will increase your chances of making a positive impression and securing your spot in the program of your dreams. Good luck!

Sample PhD Acceptance Letter Templates

Acceptance letter for phd program.

Dear [Applicant Name],

Congratulations on being accepted into our PhD program at [University Name]. We were impressed by your academic achievements, research experience and your potential to contribute to the field. Our program offers a rigorous curriculum, exceptional research opportunities and a supportive community of scholars. We believe that you will thrive in this environment and make valuable contributions to our academic community.

We look forward to welcoming you to our program and working with you during your studies. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need any assistance or have any questions.

Best regards,

[Professor Name]

Acceptance Letter for PhD Fellowship

It is our pleasure to inform you that you have been awarded the [Fellowship Name] for your PhD studies at [University Name]. This fellowship is highly competitive and recognizes your outstanding academic achievements, research experience and potential to contribute to the field. As a fellow, you will have access to additional research funding, academic resources and professional development opportunities.

We are excited to have you join us and contribute to the vibrant academic community at [University Name]. We look forward to your arrival and the contributions you will make to our department and research efforts.

Acceptance Letter for PhD Research Position

We are pleased to offer you the research position for your PhD studies at [University Name]. Your research experience, skills, and interests align with our current research projects, and we believe that you will make significant contributions to our team. We are committed to providing a supportive and collaborative environment that fosters creativity and innovation in research.

You will be joining a team of talented and accomplished researchers who will provide you with mentorship, guidance and opportunities to grow professionally. We believe that your skills and insights will complement our team and advance our research goals.

Acceptance Letter for PhD Program with Scholarship

We are thrilled to inform you that you have been accepted into our PhD program at [University Name] with a scholarship. This scholarship recognizes your academic achievements, research potential and provides financial support to offset the costs of tuition, books and living expenses during your studies.

Our program offers a rigorous academic curriculum, exceptional research opportunities, and a supportive community of scholars. We believe that you will thrive in this environment and make valuable contributions to our academic community. We look forward to seeing your potential realized and the contributions you will make to your field.

Acceptance Letter for PhD Program with Teaching Assistantship

We are pleased to offer you a teaching assistantship as part of your acceptance into our PhD program at [University Name]. Your qualifications, academic achievements and teaching experience demonstrate your potential to contribute to our teaching efforts and benefit our undergraduate students.

As a teaching assistant, you will receive training, mentorship and guidance to further develop your teaching skills. You will be supported by a team of experienced faculty members who will work with you to design, deliver and evaluate your teaching. We believe that your skills and expertise will enhance our curriculum and enrich the learning experience of our students.

Best wishes,

Acceptance Letter for PhD Program with Research Assistantship

We are delighted to offer you a research assistantship as part of your acceptance into our PhD program at [University Name]. Your research experience, skills and interests align with our research projects, and we believe that you will make significant contributions to our team.

As a research assistant, you will receive training, mentorship and guidance to further develop your research skills. You will work alongside a team of talented researchers who will support you in carrying out your research projects. We believe that your skills and insights will complement our team and advance our research goals.

We look forward to having you join us for your PhD studies and the contributions you will make to our department and research efforts.

Acceptance Letter for PhD Program – International Applicant

It gives us great pleasure to inform you that you have been accepted into our PhD program at [University Name]. Your application stood out among a highly competitive pool of international applicants, and we are impressed by your academic achievements, research experience, and potential to contribute to the field. We are excited to welcome you to our vibrant academic community at [University Name].

We understand that moving to a new country can be daunting, and we are committed to supporting you during this transition. We have a dedicated team of staff who will provide you with guidance and assistance regarding visas, accommodation, healthcare and other support services. You will also have access to a community of international students who will share their experiences and provide you with support throughout your studies.

We look forward to seeing your potential realized and the contributions you will make to your field of study and our academic community.

Tips for Writing an Effective PhD Acceptance Letter Template

If you have been accepted to pursue a PhD, congratulations! However, the process is not yet over. You still need to write an acceptance letter to the institution that has accepted you. This acceptance letter is not just a formality; it is an opportunity to communicate your excitement and dedication to your field of study. Here are some tips on how to write an effective PhD acceptance letter template:

1. Keep it concise: Your letter should be short and to the point. Avoid using flowery language and stick to the important details.

2. Be specific: Provide details about your research interests, academic accomplishments, and why you chose this institution. This will show the acceptance committee that you are a dedicated and focused student.

3. Show enthusiasm: Express your excitement about the opportunity to pursue a PhD at this institution. Show that you are passionate about your field of study and eager to begin your research.

4. Use a professional tone: Remember that this letter is a formal communication with the acceptance committee. Use a professional and respectful tone throughout the letter.

5. Proofread and edit: Before sending your letter, make sure to proofread for grammar and spelling errors. It is also important to edit for clarity and coherence.

By following these tips, you can write an effective PhD acceptance letter template that demonstrates your enthusiasm, dedication, and professionalism to the acceptance committee. Congratulations again on this exciting opportunity!

FAQs Related to PhD Acceptance Letter Template What is a PhD acceptance letter?

A PhD acceptance letter is a formal document that confirms a student’s acceptance into a doctoral program at a university or academic institution.

Why do I need a PhD acceptance letter?

You need a PhD acceptance letter for documentation purposes, as well as to officially confirm your admission into a PhD program.

What should my PhD acceptance letter contain?

Your PhD acceptance letter should contain your name, the program to which you have been accepted, the date of acceptance, and any relevant details related to registration and enrollment.

Do I need to include any additional information besides my acceptance in my PhD acceptance letter?

You may want to include any specific details related to financial aid, scholarships, or other funding sources, as well as any other information required by the university or academic institution.

Can I customize my PhD acceptance letter template?

Yes, you can customize your PhD acceptance letter template to fit your specific needs and requirements.

What format should my PhD acceptance letter be in?

Your PhD acceptance letter should be in a formal letter format, with a clear and concise tone and appropriate language and formatting.

How should I address my PhD acceptance letter?

You should address your PhD acceptance letter to the appropriate department or individual at the university or academic institution where you have been accepted.

Sending You Off with Excitement Awaiting

So, that’s the comprehensive guide to creating your very own perfect PhD acceptance letter. We sincerely hope that you have found this article helpful and are now confident enough to start your letter with ease. Remember that your acceptance letter is your ticket to the world of academia, and therefore, it should be crafted to perfection. All the best in your academic journey! Thanks for reading and please do visit again for more amazing tips.

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How to Write a Great Graduate School Acceptance Letter

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You've  applied to graduate schools , and lo and behold, you've been accepted to the program of your dreams. You may think you're all set and you need only pack your bags, book a flight or load your car, and head out to grad school. But, you need to take one more step to ensure your position at the school will be open and ready for you when you arrive: You'll need to write an acceptance letter. Admissions officers have to be sure that you are ready to attend; otherwise, they will likely give your spot to another candidate.

Before Writing Your Letter or Email

Your graduate school applications were just the first step. Maybe you received several  offers of admission , maybe not. Either way, remember to share the good news with friends and family first. Don't forget to thank your mentors and people who wrote recommendation letters on your behalf. You want to maintain your educational and professional contacts as your academic career progresses.

Writing Your Reply

Most grad programs notify applicants of their acceptance—or rejection—by email or phone, although a few still send formal letters by mail. Regardless of how you're notified, don't immediately say yes. This is especially important if the good news comes in a phone call.

Thank the caller, likely a professor, and explain that you will reply soon. Don't worry: You won't suddenly have your acceptance revoked if you briefly delay. Most programs give accepted students a window of a few days—or even up to a week or two—to decide.

Once you've had a chance to digest the good news and consider your options, it's time to write your graduate school acceptance letter. You can respond via a letter that you send through the mail or you can reply by email. In either case, your response should be short, respectful, and clearly indicate your decision.

Sample Acceptance Letter or Email

Feel free to use the sample letter or email below. Simply replace the name of the professor, admissions officer, or admissions committee of the school as appropriate:

Dear Dr. Smith (or Admissions Committee ):

I am writing to accept your offer to enroll in the X program at [graduate university]. Thank you, and I appreciate your time and consideration during the admissions process. I look forward to attending your program this fall and am excited by the opportunities that await.

Rebecca R. Student

Though your correspondence seemingly states the obvious, it is very important that you make it clear that you intend to enroll in the graduate program. And, being polite—such as saying "thank you"—is always important in any official correspondence.

Before You Send the Letter or Email

As you would with any important correspondence, take the time to reread your letter or email before you send it. Ensure that it doesn't have any misspellings or grammatical errors. Once you're satisfied with your acceptance letter, send it.

If you've been accepted into more than one grad program, you've still got some homework to do. You'll need to write a letter declining an offer of admissions  to each of the programs you rejected. As with your acceptance letter, make it short, direct, and respectful.

• Timeline for Applying to Graduate School
• Writing a Graduate School Rejection Letter
• Don'ts for Getting Letters of Recommendation for Grad School
• How to Get a Recommendation Letter for Graduate School
• Dos and Don'ts for Requesting a Grad School Recommendation Letter
• Thanking a Professor for Writing a Recommendation Letter
• How to Write a Letter of Continued Interest
• When Your Grad School Recommendation Letter Doesn't Arrive
• Applying to Graduate School: What You Need to Know
• How to Get Recommendation Letters for Grad School
• How to Write a Successful Personal Statement for Graduate School
• How to Write a Letter of Continued Interest for Law School
• Wait-Listed for Grad School Admission, Now What?
• How to Write the Graduate Admissions Essay
• How to Choose Between Grad Schools
• How to Write Your Graduate School Admissions Essay

PhD Admissions FAQ

If you have questions, not answered here or elsewhere on our web pages, send an email to  hst-phd-admissions [at] mit.edu (HST PhD Admissions staff) .

What is the MEMP PhD program?

The Medical Engineering and Medical Physics (MEMP) PhD program trains students to advance human health. The MEMP program is a unique combination of curriculum, practice and community that integrates:

• A thorough graduate education in a classical discipline of engineering or physical science
• In depth training in the biomedical sciences and the practice of medicine through preclinical coursework alongside medical students and clinical experiences in hospital wards
• Access to research opportunities in labs at Harvard, MIT and Harvard teaching hospitals
• A community of peers with career paths in medicine, science, engineering, business, and government
• Original research in the form of a doctoral thesis

What makes MEMP unique?

The MEMP program differs significantly from many biomedical engineering (BME) doctoral programs because of its breadth and its depth in multiple dimensions. It not only emphasizes grounding in a classical discipline but also provides much more exposure to the medical sciences than most BME programs. This exposure comes in many forms, including biomedical sciences coursework in which MD students are peers, as well as through multiple clinical experiences. The MEMP program also provides an open environment that allows students to follow their interests even when they cross the conventional barriers between disciplines, professions and institutions.

Alumni tell us that the HST Introduction to Clinical Medicine (ICM), which is the capstone experience differentiating MEMP from traditional BME programs, is transformative and has a major impact on their careers.

• The clinical experience is priceless.  Provides months of real-world exposure to the challenges - and rewards - of medicine, from diagnosis to treatment
• Doing ICM also made my coursework relevant - I saw myriad applications for engineering expertise and abundant problems needing to be tackled. ICM brought these to life in a way lectures or textbooks never would have.
• The types of students who are drawn to MEMP because of Intro to Clinical Medicine (ICM) are those who want to understand problems from many different angles, not just their engineering discipline, and builds the interdisciplinary culture that HST strives for right from the beginning .
• From direct observation from my peers and colleagues, HST alumni, that have entered both academia and industry, the ICM experience has prepared them in ways that may have otherwise taken years to learn in order to interact with physicians and advance translation of ideas and products... Medicine is a culture and knowledge base that needs to be experienced in the clinic, learning with patients, and cannot be appreciated solely in the classroom.

Is my background appropriate for MEMP?

MEMP applicants should have an undergraduate (bachelors/baccalaureate) degree in an engineering discipline or a physical/quantitative science field (for example, chemistry, physics, computer science, computational neuroscience). A masters degree is not required. Successful candidates will have demonstrated a sustained interest in applications of engineering and physical science principles to biology or medicine through courses, research, and/or industrial experience.

When members of the admissions committee review submitted applications, they are assessing whether applicants are prepared to succeed in graduate courses in engineering or physical sciences at MIT. To determine if your background provides sufficient preparation for our program, you can review the program’s requirements for a concentration area here and here . Materials for many of the classes listed on the TQE form are available on MIT Open Courseware , which allows you to see the level at which the material is covered.

Does HST offer fee waivers?

Applying to graduate school can present a financial obstacle for many qualified applicants. Application fee waivers are available for US citizens and permanent residents who meet eligibility requirements set by the  MIT Office of Graduate Education . All requests are made through the MIT Office of Graduate Education process. 

How do I apply to MEMP?

All MEMP candidates are required to apply through MIT, using the MIT online Application for Graduate Admission. Note that MEMP students enrolled through MIT can work in the labs of any Harvard or MIT faculty member, including those at Harvard-affiliated hospitals and research institutes .

Can I apply to MEMP through via Harvard?

Candidates who have applied to MEMP via MIT and are simultaneously applying for graduate study with one of our partner units at Harvard – the Harvard Biophysics Graduate Program or the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) – may optionally follow these instructions to apply to participate in the MEMP curriculum in conjunction with their PhD at Harvard. This path is appropriate if:

• you have a particular interest in the curriculum of Harvard's interdepartmental Biophysics Program; or
• you are interested in joining the lab of a Harvard SEAS faculty member to work on a SEAS-based project. 

Successful applicants to MEMP through Harvard must be accepted by both their Harvard program and HST. If you are accepted to MEMP through both MIT and Harvard, you can choose which offer to accept.

Can I apply to multiple PhD programs in the same year?

Yes, you may apply to multiple MIT graduate degree programs in the same admissions cycle. HST encourages applicants to consider the suitability of programs at different institutions and in other MIT departments. Each application to MIT is considered separately, and MIT will charge a separate application fee for each program that you apply to.

How do MEMP students select their research advisors and thesis project?

MEMP PhD students admitted through MIT work in a wide variety of research areas and can work in the labs of any MIT or Harvard faculty member. This includes research labs located at many institutions affiliated  with Harvard  and  with MIT .   Faculty formally affiliated with the HST program are listed at http://hst.mit.edu/faculty-research/faculty , but MEMP students are not restricted to working with these individuals.

As part of the admissions process, promising applicants are invited for interviews. After offers of admission have been extended, admitted candidates will have opportunities to interact with faculty and current students as part of MEMP Open House in early March. Due to the large number of applications, we do not encourage candidates to contact potential research mentors prior to being invited to interview.

When can I begin an application?

The application website opens each year on August 1 for admission in fall of the following year.

What is the deadline to apply?

Application deadlines  are typically in early December preceding the fall term in which you intend to enroll.

We appreciate receiving all letters of recommendation by the application deadline, as that will expedite the processing of your application. We will accept letters of recommendation received up to 7 days after the application deadline. Applications will be considered incomplete and may not receive full consideration if the required three letters are not received by that extended deadline.

It is not possible to make changes to your application after the deadline, even if new information becomes available regarding publications, awards, grades, etc. If you are invited to interview, you can share those updates with members of the admissions committee at that time.

Is the GRE required?

No, GRE test scores are not required or accepted.

I'm an international student. Is an English proficiency exam required, and how do I submit exam scores?

HST places a high premium on both written and spoken communication skills. International students applying to HST should select one of the following options.

Option 1 : Submit IELTS, Cambridge English, or TOEFL exam scores. You must schedule your test so official results will be sent and received by our application deadline.

• HST requires a minimum score of 7 on the IELTS test. IELTS does not use a code system; please designate Health Sciences and Technology (HST) as the MIT department for sending your scores. 
• HST requires a minimum score of 185 for the Cambridge English C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency assessments.
• HST accepts all versions of the TOEFL iBT test and requires a minimum score of 100. Please have your official TOEFL test scores sent to MIT using institution code 3514 . A department code is not necessary. All scores received by MIT are matched to submitted applications. 

Option 2 : If you meet one of the following criteria, you are not required to submit IELTS, Cambridge English, or TOEFL scores:

• English is your first (native) language;
• You have received a degree from a high school, college, or university where English is the primary language of instruction;
• You are currently enrolled in a degree program where English is the primary language of instruction

Please provide these answers in the  Personal Background  and Academic History  section of your MIT MEMP application. 

Option 3 : If you do not meet the criteria in Option 2 , but you believe that you have sufficient English proficiency for graduate study (for example, many years of professional activities reading, writing, and speaking English), you may choose not to submit test scores. In this case, you should do both of the following:

• Describe your experience and skill levels in writing, reading, and speaking English in the Test Scores  section on your application. 
• Ask one or more recommenders whose native language is English to include their subjective evaluation of your English language preparation for graduate study as part of their letter of recommendation.

If you cannot provide current IELTS, Cambridge English, or TOEFL scores and do not meet the criteria in Options 2 or 3 , you may apply to HST, but we cannot guarantee that your application will receive full consideration.

How do I convert international or letter grades to GPA?

Please include the cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) as reported on your transcript. You should not convert international or letter grades to a GPA. If there is no cumulative grade available, enter n/a for not applicable or 0 (zero).  

What supporting documents are required, and how do I submit them?

Specific instructions for submitting resumes/CVs,  transcripts,  and letters of recommendation  follow. Please do not send copies of journal articles, certificates, photographs, or any other materials; they will not be reviewed.

Test score reports: We do not accept GRE or MCAT scores. Detailed instructions for international applicants submitting TOEFL or IELTS scores can be found here .

Resumes/CVs:  The online application will prompt you to upload a resume or CV.

Transcripts: As part of the online application, you will upload grade reports or unofficial transcripts from each college or university where a degree has or will be earned.  Candidates who are offered admission and choose to enroll  will be asked to arrange for an official transcript to be sent directly from each school where a degree has been awarded.

Please do not send official transcripts until you are prompted to do so. We accept both paper and electronic transcripts. Transcripts that do not already include an English version must be accompanied by a certified English translation.

Letters of recommendation:  Three letters are required, and one or two additional letters (up to a total of five) will be accepted. At least two letters should be from people well acquainted with your academic work and research abilities. 

Each letter should be on institutional letterhead and include a legible signature. Letters should be received by the application deadline, but no later than December 9 .

Whenever possible, letters should be submitted online. We do not accept letters of recommendation by email or fax. If your recommender encounters difficulties, instruct them to  hst-phd-admissions [at] mit.edu (contact us) for assistance.

May I include a publication that has been submitted or is currently under review, in revision, accepted for publication or in press?

Publication information should be listed in the applicant's CV.

Applicants may refer to submitted manuscripts - such as journal articles or conference proceedings - at any stage of the publication process. Please clarify the current state of the review process. If you are invited to interview, you may be asked to provide an update on the current status of a manuscript. 

May I send additional supporting materials?

No, please do not send additional supporting materials. They will not be reviewed.

What happens after HST receives my application?

Once your application is complete, you will receive an email confirmation. Due to the high volume of activity near the deadline, it may take a few days to receive this confirmation. We appreciate your patience and understanding. If your application is incomplete (for example, due to missing letters of recommendation), you will receive status updates via email until the application is complete or through December 20, whichever comes first. 

Applications are reviewed by multiple members of the HST PhD admissions committee, and selected candidates are invited to participate in virtual interviews that occur in late January. Offers of admission are sent by mid-February and admitted candidates are invited to visit Cambridge for a series of Open House events in late February or early March. Admitted candidates must accept or decline their offer of admission by April 15.

Can I send an updated material after I submit my application?

Unfortunately, due to a large number of applications, we are not able to replace material within a submitted application unless there is an egregious error (i.e. wrong letter of recommendation, a file will not open, etc.)

It is not possible to make changes to your application after the deadline, even if new information becomes available regarding publications, awards, grades, etc. If you are invited to interview, you can share those updates with members of the admissions committee at that time. 

When will I know if I have been selected for an interview? When are the interviews?

In mid-January, promising candidates will receive an email invitation to partcipate in video conference interviews. Candidates who are not selected to interview will receive formal notification of their status as soon as possible.

The remote interviews will be scheduled to take place in late January. Interviews will be offered at a variety of times throughout the day, Monday thru Friday. The specific time slots will be shared with candidates when they are invited to interview, and each interviewing candidate will ultimately be assigned to a single two-hour block. As part of that process, we will make every effort to accommodate scheduling constraints and preferences. 

How will I know whether or not I have been accepted?

Applicants invited to interview will be notified by mid-February of HST's decision. All notifications are sent via email.

Candidates offered admission will be asked to let us know their decision as soon as possible, but no later than April 15th. 

What are my chances of being accepted to MEMP?

The admissions committee reviews applications holistically, considering all aspects of an applicant’s life experiences in addition to academic achievements, research experience, and letters of recommendation. Successful candidates typically have a grade point average of 3.6 or higher on a 4.0 scale, strong letters of recommendation from faculty or others with whom they have worked closely, and relevant prior research experience. We understand that not all applicants have had the same access to undergraduate research experiences. 

Admission to MEMP is competitive, with approximately 10% of applicants invited to interview and offers of admission extended to roughly half of the interviewed candidates.

What types of financial support are available?

HST MEMP is a fully-funded program. Students in good academic standing receive full financial support – consisting of living expenses, tuition, and health insurance - for the duration of their graduate studies.  Almost all incoming students receive departmental fellowship support for the first academic year. In subsequent years, students receive full financial support from a combination of  research assistantships (RAs) , teaching assistantships (TAs) , and fellowships . HST is proud that more than 1/3 of our students are supported by external fellowships. More information is available here: https://hst.mit.edu/academic-programs/financial-support/MEMPs . 

Where can I learn more about MIT’s tuition, fees, and estimated cost of living?

As described above, all students in good academic standing receive full financial support – consisting of stipend, tuition, and health insurance - for the duration of their graduate studies. For more detailed information regarding the cost of attendance, including specific costs for tuition and fees, books and supplies, housing and food as well as transportation, please visit the MIT Student Financial Services website at  https://sfs.mit.edu/graduate-students/guide/grad-cost-of-attendance/ .  

I'm an international student. How does that effect my chances of being admitted and receiving first-year funding?

All applications are evaluated without consideration of nationality or citizenship. Similarly, funding offers to admitted candidates are typically the same for domestic and international candidates.  International students comprise approximately 25% of currently enrolled MEMP students.

If I'm accepted, can I defer my admission until the following year?

You should apply to MEMP by the application deadline that immediately precedes the fall term in which you intend to enroll. HST does not grant deferrals for students to pursue business ventures, work experience, public service opportunities, travel or educational programs unrelated to medical engineering. HST will consider requests for deferrals in cases where applicants receive opportunities for international study via the Churchill Scholarship, Whitaker International Fellowship, Rhodes Scholarship and other similar programs.

Can I apply to MEMP if my undergraduate major is in the life sciences?

A traditional life sciences curriculum is generally not adequate preparation for MEMP.  However, some successful applicants have an undergraduate (bachelors/baccalureate) degree in life sciences augmented by extensive coursework in mathematics, physics, engineering, and/or computer science. This may take the form of a formal minor program or a less-formal collection of courses that provide a similar level of expertise in a quantitative field.

When the admissions committee reviews submitted applications, they are assessing whether applicants are prepared to succeed in the relevant graduate courses at MIT. To determine if your background provides sufficient preparation, you can review the program’s requirements for a concentration area and the classes that fulfill that requirement . Materials for many of the concentration area classes are available here , which allows you to see the level at which the material is covered and to assess your preparation.

Can I apply to MEMP if I already have a medical degree or if I am currently enrolled in medical school?

The MEMP curriculum combines training in engineering or a physical/quantitative science discipline with classes in biomedical sciences and clinical experiences. The admissions process generally favors candidates who would benefit from both elements of the training over those candidates who already hold a medical degree or are enrolled in medical school. If you choose to apply, your statement of purpose should specifically address the rationale for your proposed training in MEMP, as opposed to a more traditional science or engineering PhD program. How will the MEMP curriculum enhance your career path, given that you have already obtained biomedical sciences training and deep clinical perspectives?

Additionally, if you have not studied an engineering or physical/quantitative science discipline in addition to medicine, you should consult the FAQ here .

Can I apply if...

... I'm a first year grad student at MIT in Mechanical Engineering (or another engineering or physical/quantitative science discipline)? I didn't know about HST when I applied to graduate school, but now I'm really interested in MEMP.

Yes, you may. If admitted, you would transfer from Mechanical Engineering to MEMP. It's very likely that the coursework and research that you are doing in your first year of graduate school can be used to satisfy requirements towards your MEMP degree.

Will I have to take MEMP Quals if...

... I'm a first year grad student at MIT in Chemical Engineering ( or another engineering or physical/quantitative   science discipline ), I've already passed my quals in my department, and I've been accepted to MEMP for next year?

If you've already passed doctoral qualifying exams in another department at MIT, then you can submit a petition requesting to substitute that qualifying exam for your MEMP quals. The faculty committee that oversees MEMP quals will decide on your petition by reviewing your academic performance and comparing the ChemE quals to the MEMP quals.

Do MEMP students get a master's degree on the way to their PhD?

Master's degrees are not required in MEMP, and HST does not typically grant master's degrees to MEMP students. It is possible for MEMP students to earn a master's degree in a related field (for example, electrical engineering or mechanical engineering). If you are interested in this option, you must apply directly to the appropriate department for their master's program and notify HST if admitted.

In most cases, the coursework and research required for the master's degree can also be used to satisfy requirements towards your MEMP degree. Students will be assigned an Academic Advisor from both graduate departments and will complete master's degree requirements first.

Who do I contact for other questions?

We're happy to help. Just email us at  hst-phd-admissions [at] mit.edu (subject: MEMP%20Admissions%20question) (hst-phd-admissions[at]mit[dot]edu)

MIT Admissions Blog

Learn more directly from HST students via  MIT's Admissions Blog .

HST distinguished scholars, on a boat cruise 2022

Home away from home

Make your home at MIT

MIT is made of people. The Class of 2028 will build more than just rockets, or apps, or econometric models; you will build a home, together. And this is what you should look for in a college: a good match, which fits you well, and where you'll feel at home. The official reply form is now available!  Please note:  You still need to submit this form even if you submitted the preliminary reply form way back when. You have until May 1 to officially accept or decline your offer of admission.

How we built the Class of 2028

Ask any admissions officer at MIT, and they will tell you that while grades and scores are important, it’s really the match  between the applicant and the Institute that drives our selection process.

Making connections

“Everyday on campus I smile and  wave to a dozen people , and I know they have my back and I have theirs.” Shuli J. '23

MIT is my home

“Now, 4 years later, MIT has truly become my home . I have lived here, grown up here, and found family here.” Selam G. '18

Admissions FAQ

Please review these commonly asked questions carefully before reaching out to the department. Still can’t find the information you need? Send us an email at [email protected] .

I applied last year; how can I reapply?

You should complete a new online application and check the relevant box indicating that you previously applied. In order for your materials to be re-reviewed, you must provide at least one new recommendation letter as well as the standard application form, transcripts, and all required materials. The application fee is NOT waived for applicants who are re-applying.

May I include supplemental materials with my application?

Yes. The online application allows applicants to provide URLs for web-based supplemental documents such as a CV or resume, or full text or abstracts of a paper or publication. This link can be to a personal web page or a file-sharing account (e.g., Dropbox). Applicants should be judicious in their choice of supplemental documents. Committee members are most likely to review a CV and/or published papers. The supplemental materials section includes a larger field where you can enter more than one URL with comments or labels (the URLs will not be live links) and a smaller box that allows one URL without explanatory text that will appear as a live link when reviewed. You can use either or both boxes.  Do not mail or email supplemental materials to the department office.

What degree do I need to apply?

A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) is required. It is not essential that the bachelor’s degree be in economics, but some preparation in undergraduate economics, especially in economic theory, is a necessity, as is a working knowledge of calculus.

Can I apply if I already have another PhD or doctoral degree?

Yes. You will still need to provide all the  required materials .

Is it required or recommended that I complete any specific undergraduate coursework?

No. Some students come to us after finishing master’s degrees in economics, some come from undergraduate economics programs, and some have degrees in another field. What we look for depends on the student’s background. Successful candidates whose prior background is primarily in economics have typically excelled in advanced undergraduate or graduate courses and taken math through at least linear algebra. Many have taken real analysis or some other advanced proof-oriented course, but it is not required. For candidates whose previous studies have not focused on economics, we look for evidence of exceptional performance in their prior field of study, strong technical skills, and some economics background. It would be unusual for us to accept a student who has not taken intermediate microeconomics.

May I apply to other MIT programs or departments while applying to MIT Economics?

Yes, but you are required to complete separate applications for each program. We do not share supporting materials, and a separate fee is required for each application.

Can I visit your department or contact faculty before being admitted?

No. Official department visits, including faculty meetings, are arranged  after  students have been admitted. However, you are more than welcome to arrange a tour of the MIT campus through the  MIT Information Center .

Can you give me an idea of my chances for admission, based on test scores or class rank, for example?

No. We cannot make preliminary evaluations based on one or two qualifications. Our admissions committee carefully reviews entire applications (recommendations, essay, grades, test scores, previous experience, etc.) when making its decisions. The department looks for academic and research potential, focusing primarily on coursework, grades and letters of recommendation.

Will the department keep me informed of my application status?

We do not routinely acknowledge receipt of applications or supporting documents. Once you have submitted an online application you may go back in and check the status of your application and recommendations. Decisions will be communicated via email and letter. Information about decisions will not be given over the phone.

When can I expect to be notified about an admission decision?

Most notices of acceptance are sent out by mid-February, though some may be sent as late as mid-March. Candidates have until April 15 to notify the Department of their decision to accept or reject their offer of admission.

Can I request information about why I was not accepted to the program?

No. Due to the large volume of qualified applicants to the program and the small number of students accepted, we are unable to provide specifics about why an application was denied.

How many applications does the department receive each year, and how many are admitted?

The department receives approximately 800 applications each year. Of those, about 40 students are admitted and 20-24 enroll.

What portion of graduate students are international? Are there any special considerations or requirements for international applications?

A significant portion, usually about half, of admitted students are international. No, there are no special considerations or requirements for those applications.

How long does it take to complete the PhD program?

It varies from person to person, but for most, the program is completed in five or six years, with the first two years spent on required coursework and the latter three or four devoted to field research and dissertation writing.

Can I transfer credits from another master’s or PhD program I have attended?

No, we do not accept transfer credits. However, we do offer the option of waiver exams for micro theory, macro theory, and statistics.

Can I defer if I am admitted to the program?

Deferrals are handled on an individual basis. The maximum deferral granted is two years. Funding offers cannot be deferred.

Do you offer a distance learning degree, a part-time degree, or part-time non-degree study?

We do not offer a distance learning degree or a part-time degree program. Part-time non-degree study is considered “special student status” at MIT and is overseen by the Graduate Admissions Office. Please see the  Graduate Admissions Office  website for more information.

Applying For Admission

Mit graduate admissions policy update.

The department of Mechanical Engineering will not require GRE scores for applications for graduate admission for 2024, nor will we use GRE scores as a basis for evaluating candidates for admission in the 2024 application process. The exception is for applicants to the 2N program ( Naval Construction and Engineering ). Please refer to 2N admissions information or faculty for admissions details as this program may have additional requirements.

General Admissions Information

A completed application consists of:

• The completed application form
• Statement of Objectives
• Minimum of three letters of recommendation
• Uploaded official/unofficial copies of transcripts.  We will require official transcripts upon admission.
• GRE Not Required except for applicants to the 2N program ( Naval Construction and Engineering ). Please refer to 2N admissions information or faculty for admissions details as this program may have additional requirements.
• IELTS (preferred) or TOEFL for international students whose native language is not English. Note, we accept the Academic IELTS only (not General Training). Minimum acceptable score for IELTS = 7.0; TOEFL = 100 IBT.  Please ask British Council to send us the official IELTS score or ETS to send us the official TOEFL score (Inst. code 3514 and Dept. code 68). We will accept the TOEFL Home Edition as long as the result is officially sent to us from TOEFL directly.   The IELTS/TOEFL will be waived for any student graduating from a US school. Students whose citizenship is from India are exempt from taking the IELTS or TOEFL exam.

Application Process

The application website (see link below) is now available as of September 15, 2023 for students who wish to apply for graduate admission in September 2024. The deadline for submitting completed applications is December 15, 2023.

Applicants to the MIT MechE graduate program should apply using the MechE online admissions site:  https://apply.mit.edu/apply/

For any questions not answered by the FAQs , please send inquiries to [email protected] .

• MechE faculty members, Area(s) and Research Interests
• MechE research fields
• Admission Frequently Asked Questions

Graduate Degree Programs

The department offers the following degrees:

• Master of Science (SM)
• Master of Engineering in the discipline of Manufacturing Only (MEng) 
• Naval Engineer’s Degree
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Doctor of Science (ScD)

Early Admission for MIT MechE Seniors

The intent of the Early Admission program is to allow MIT undergraduate students who are seniors with a high GPA, and who are ahead of the eight-term graduation schedule, to spend time in the Spring Term of the senior year to start on their graduate work. We encourage applications from seniors with a GPA of 4.8 and above. An important part of the application will be a statement explaining how you intend to use the Spring Term in preparation for Graduate School. All applications should include a separate statement (although this can be a paragraph or two included at the end of your statement of objectives) that outlines how you will spend the Spring Term. It should include:

• The remaining undergraduate commitments that you will need to satisfy during the Spring Term.
• How you will use the Spring Term to make a start on your Graduate work, either by taking graduate classes and/or by working with a faculty member on a potential thesis project. It would be very helpful if you are able to identify a faculty member who has agreed to work with you.

The application website will open on September 15. GRE scores are not required for the 2024 admissions period. The deadline for submitting your application for Early Admission is November 1, with decisions made by December 1. When requesting letters of recommendation, please let the letter writer know that the deadline is November 1. All applications for Early Admission that are not accepted will be automatically entered into the regular admission process, unless explicitly withdrawn by you. Applicants to the MIT MechE graduate program should apply using the MechE online admissions site .

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Admissions Information for Prospective Graduate Students

Thank you for considering the PhD program in Physics at MIT. Information regarding our graduate program and our application process can be found below and through the following webpages and other links on this page. If your questions are not answered after reviewing this information, please contact us at [email protected] .

Here are some links to pages relevant to prospective students:

• Material Required for a Complete Application , and information about When/How to Apply can be found below on this page.
• We have an FAQ which should help to answer many questions, and we provide Application Assistance from staff and students if you don’t find what you need in the FAQ.
• Additional Guidance about the application itself, along with examples, can be found on a separate page. The graduate application is available at https://apply.mit.edu/apply/ .
• General information about the graduate program and research areas in the physics department may also be of use.
• MSRP (MIT Summer Research Program) is designed to give underrepresented and underserved students access to an MIT research experience, pairing each student with a faculty member who will oversee the student conducting a research project at MIT.

Statement regarding admissions process during COVID Pandemic (Updated Summer 2023)

MIT has adopted the following principle: MIT’s admissions committees and offices for graduate and professional schools will take the significant disruptions of the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 into account when reviewing students’ transcripts and other admissions materials as part of their regular practice of performing individualized, holistic reviews of each applicant.

In particular, as we review applications now and in the future, we will respect decisions regarding the adoption of Pass/No Record (or Credit/No Credit or Pass/Fail) and other grading options during the unprecedented period of COVID-19 disruptions, whether those decisions were made by institutions or by individual students. We also expect that the individual experiences of applicants will richly inform applications and, as such, they will be considered with the entirety of a student’s record.

Ultimately, even in these challenging times, our goal remains to form graduate student cohorts that are collectively excellent and composed of outstanding individuals who will challenge and support one another.

Questions or concerns about this statement should be directed to the Physics Department ( [email protected] ).

Also, to stay up-to-date on the latest information on MIT and the COVID-19 pandemic at now.mit.edu .

Applying to the MIT Department of Physics

We know that the application process can be time-consuming, stressful, and costly. We are committed to reducing these barriers and to helping all applicants receive a full and fair assessment by our faculty reviewers. Help is available from the Physics Graduate Admissions Office at [email protected] and additional assistance from current students is offered during the admissions season. Further details are described at the end of this page in our Assistance for Prospective Applicants section.

The list below describes the important elements of a complete application. Please reach out to us at [email protected] if you have a concern or logistical difficulty that could prevent you from providing your strongest application.

Required for a Complete Application

1. online application and application fee.

• MIT Graduate Admissions Online Graduate Application
• Application Fee: $75 NOTE: Applicants who feel that this fee may prevent them from applying should send a short email to [email protected] to describe their general reasons for requesting a waiver. We will follow up with information about how to apply for a formal ‘application fee waiver’. Additional documents may be required, so additional time will be necessary to process requests. Either the fee or a formal fee waiver is required with a submitted application.

2. University Transcript(s)

Unofficial transcripts are sufficient for our initial review, with final transcripts required as a condition of matriculation for successful applicants. Applicants should include a scan of their transcript(s) and, if a degree is in progress, should include a list of the class subjects being taken in the current semester. The GradApply portal will allow applicants to log back into the application after the deadline to add their Fall term grades when they are available.

Note: We will respect decisions regarding the adoption of Pass/No Record (or Credit/No Credit or Pass/Fail) and other grading options during the unprecedented period of COVID-19 disruptions, whether those decisions were made by institutions or by individual students.

3. Standardized Test Results

• GRE Tests are not required for graduate applications submitted in 2023. The Physics subject GRE (PGRE) will be optional in 2023 and our department does not require results from the General GRE test.
• TOEFL or IELTS Test or a waiver is required for non-native English speakers. MIT’s TOEFL school code is 3514; the code for the Department of Physics is 76. IELTS does not require a code. Eligibility for TOEFL/IELTS waivers is in our FAQ section .
• Self-reported scores are sufficient for our initial application screening, with official scores required for admitted students as a condition of their offer. Applicants should attach a scanned copy of their test score report.

4. Letters of Recommendation

Letters should include any individual work applicants have done and/or areas where they have special strengths. It is possible to submit up to 6 total letters, but 3 are sufficient for a complete application and committee members may evaluate applications based on the first three letters that they read.

5. Statement of Objectives

Research is central to graduate study in physics. The Statement of Objectives/Purpose should include descriptions of research projects, aptitude and achievements as completely as possible. This important part of the application provides an opportunity to describe any interests, skills, and background relative to the research areas selected on the application form. Applicants should share anything that prepares them for graduate studies and describe their proudest achievements.

Additional Application Materials

• Research, Teaching, and Community Engagement – Any special background or achievement that prepares the applicant for Physics graduate studies at MIT. This may include research at their undergraduate school as part of their Bachelor or Master degree, or summer research at another program or school.  We also value our student’s contributions to their community on a variety of scales (from institutional to societal) and we encourage applicants to tell us about their teaching and community engagement activities.  The “experience” questions are intended to provide a CV-like listing of achievements, some of which may be elaborated on in the “Statement of Objectives” and/or the optional “Personal Statement”.
• Publications, Talks, and Merit Based Recognition – Recognition of success in research, academics, and outreach can take many forms, including publications, talks, honors, prizes, awards, fellowships, etc.  This may include current nominations for scholarships or papers submitted for publication.
• Optional Personal Statement – Members of our community come from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. We welcome any personal information that will help us to evaluate applications holistically and will provide context for the applicant’s academic achievements. This statement may include extenuating circumstances, significant challenges that were overcome, a non-traditional educational background, description of any advocacy or values work, or other information that may be relevant.
• Detailed instructions for each application section, and many examples , can be found on the “ Additional Guidance ” page.  The detailed instructions are lengthy, and are intended to be read only “as needed” while you work on your application (i.e., you don’t need to go read the whole thing before you start).

When/How to Apply

When : Applications can be submitted between September 15 and December 15 by 11:59pm EST for the following year.

How : The application is online at https://apply.mit.edu/apply/

Application Assistance

Faculty, students, and staff have collaborated to provide extensive guidance to prospective applicants to our graduate degree program. Resources include several department webpages to inform prospective applicants about our PhD degree requirements and to help applicants as they assemble and submit their materials. In addition to staff responses to emails, current graduate students will answer specific individual questions, give one admissions-related webinar, and provide a mentorship program for selected prospective applicants.

During the application season, prospective students may request additional information from current students about the admissions process, graduate student life, or department culture, either as a response to a specific individual email question or for more in-depth assistance. Applicants will benefit most from contacting us early in the process, when current students and staff will be available to respond to questions and mentor selected applicants. After mid-November, department staff will continue to field questions through the admission process.

Here are some resources for prospective applicants:

• Our website provides answers to many frequently-asked admissions questions .
• Admissions staff are available for questions at [email protected] .
• Current students collaborate with staff to answer specific questions emailed to [email protected] .
• PhysGAAP Webinars are designed to provide student perspectives on the application and admissions processes in an interactive format. This year’s webinar will take place on Wednesday, Nov 1st, 2023 from 10am to 12pm EDT. Sign up here: https://mit.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ah13eCcEh0cKW7I
• PhysGAAP Mentoring provides in-depth guidance through the application process.

Student-led Q&A Service

A team of our current graduate students is available to share their experience and perspectives in response to individual questions which may fall under any of the following categories:

• Coursework/research (e.g., How do I choose between two research areas and how do I find a potential research advisor?)
• Culture (e.g., What is it like to be a student of a particular identity at MIT?)
• Student life (e.g., What clubs or extracurriculars do graduate students at MIT take part in?)

To request a response from the current students, please send an email to [email protected] and indicate clearly in the subject line or first sentence that you would like your email forwarded to the PhysGAAP student team. Depending on the scope of your question, department staff will send your email to current students.

We encourage you to reach out as early as you can to maximize the benefit that this help can provide to you. While the admissions office staff will continue to field your questions throughout the admissions season, current students may not be available to respond to questions sent after November 15.

This student email resource is designed for individual basic questions. More in-depth guidance, especially about the application itself, will be available through the PhysGAAP Webinars and/or PhysGAAP Mentorship Program described below.

Student-led Webinar

A panel of our graduate students hosted a 2-hour long Zoom webinar in late October of 2022 to present information about the application and admissions processes, and to respond to questions on these topics. The webinar addressed general questions about preparing, completing, and submitting the application; what the Admissions Committee is looking for; and the general timeline for the admissions process.

Below is video from our latest webinar that took place on Wednesday, Nov 1st, 2023. Check back here in Fall 2024 for information on our next webinar.

Note: We have  compiled a document  containing supplementary material for previous PhysGAAP webinars.

Webinar Recordings

Past PhysGAAP Webinars

Please note that the two webinars below are from prior years and may contain outdated information about some topics, such as GRE requirements.

• October 2022
• December 2021
• September 2021

Mentorship for Prospective Applicants

In addition to the materials available through this website, answers to emails sent to the department, or from our graduate student webinars, we also offer one-on-one mentoring for students who desire more in-depth individual assistance. Prospective applicants may apply to the PhysGAAP Mentoring program,, which pairs prospective graduate school applicants with current graduate students who can assist them through the application process, provide feedback on their application materials and insight into graduate school and the MIT Physics Department.

We welcome interest in the PhysGAAP Mentorship program and mentorship applications are open to any prospective applicant. However, our capacity is limited, so we will give preferential consideration to PhysGAAP Mentorship applicants who would most benefit from the program and can demonstrate that they are a good fit.

PhysGAAP Mentoring may a good fit for you if you

• feel like you lack other resources to help you navigate the graduate school application process,
• find the other forms of assistance (online webinars, email at [email protected] ) insufficient to address your needs, and
• think you could benefit from one-on-one application mentorship.

PhysGAAP Mentoring may not be a good fit for you if you

• only have one or two questions that could be answered elsewhere (online webinars, email at [email protected] , or online FAQs), or
• feel like you already have sufficient resources to complete your application (e.g., the PhysGAAP webinars, access to other mentoring services or workshops)

Please note that:

• PhysGAAP Mentoring is only open to students who are planning to apply to graduate schools in Fall 2024 .
• Participation in PhysGAAP is not considered during admissions review. It helps applicants put forward their strongest materials, but does not guarantee admission into our graduate program.
• Any information you submit in the PhysGAAP Mentoring application will only be seen by the PhysGAAP team and your matched mentor.

Admissions/Application FAQs

Our Frequently Asked Questions provide further information about degree requirements, funding, educational background, application deadlines, English language proficiency, program duration, start dates and deferrals, and fee waiver requests.

The MOST Frequently Asked Question…

What is included in a strong graduate application for physics at mit.

Applications are assessed holistically and many variables are considered in the application review process. The following four main factors are required for a complete application.

• the applicant’s statement of objectives or purpose,
• transcripts of past grades,
• score reports of any required standardized tests,
• three letters of reference.

In addition, any past research experience, publications, awards, and honors are extremely helpful, particularly if they are in the area(s) of the applicant’s interest(s). Applicants may also include a personal statement in their application to provide context as the materials are assessed.

Applications are routed to admission committee members and other faculty readers using the “areas of interest” and any faculty names selected from the menu as well as based on the research interests included in the statement of objectives. Please select the areas of interest that best reflect your goals.

Instructions are available in the application itself , with further guidance on our Additional Guidance page. The Physics Admissions Office will respond to questions sent to [email protected] .

General Questions Regarding the PhD Program in Physics

Must i have a degree in physics in order to apply to this graduate program.

Our successful applicants generally hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics, or have taken many Physics classes if they have majored in another discipline. The most common other majors are astronomy, engineering, mathematics, and chemistry. Bachelor of Science degrees may be 3-year or 4-year degrees, depending on the education structure of the country in which they are earned.

What are the requirements to complete a PhD?

The requirements for a PhD in Physics at MIT are the doctoral examination, a few required subject classes, and a research-based thesis. The doctoral examination consists of a written and an oral examination. The written component may be satisfied either by passing the 4 subject exams or by passing designated classes related to each topic with a qualifying grade; the oral exam will be given in a student’s chosen research area. The Physics Department also requires that each student take two classes in the field of specialization and two physics-related courses in fields outside the specialty. Research for the thesis is conducted throughout the student’s time in the program, culminating in a thesis defense and submission of the final thesis.

Can I take courses at other schools nearby?

Yes. Cross-registration is available at Harvard University and Wellesley College.

How many years does it take to complete the PhD requirements?

From 3 to 7 years, averaging 5.6 years.

How will I pay for my studies?

Our students are fully supported financially throughout the duration of their program, provided that they make satisfactory progress. Funding is provided from Fellowships (internal and external) and/or Assistantships (research and teaching) and covers tuition, health insurance, and a living stipend. Read more about funding .

Note: For more detailed information regarding the cost of attendance, including specific costs for tuition and fees, books and supplies, housing and food as well as transportation, please visit the Student Financial Services (SFS) website .

How many applications are submitted each year? How many students are accepted?

Although the number varies each year, the Department of Physics usually welcomes approximately 45 incoming graduate students each year. Last year we received more than 1,700 applications and extended fewer than 90 offers of admission.

What are the minimum grades and exam scores for admitted applicants?

There are no minimum standards for overall grade point averages/GPAs. Grades from physics and other related classes will be carefully assessed. Under a special COVID-19 policy, MIT will accept transcripts with a variety of grading conventions, including any special grading given during the COVID-19 pandemic. GRE Tests are not required for graduate applications submitted in 2023. The Physics subject GRE (PGRE) will be optional in 2023 and our department does not require results from the General GRE test.

Our program is conducted in English and all applicants must demonstrate their English language proficiency. Non-native English speakers should review our policy carefully before waiving the TOEFL/IELTS requirements. We do not set a minimum requirement on TOEFL/IELTS scores; however, students who are admitted to our program typically score above the following values:

• IELTS – 7
• TOEFL (computer based) – 200
• TOEFL (iBT) – 100
• TOEFL (standard) – 600

The Application Process

When is the deadline for applying to the phd program in physics.

Applications for enrollment in the fall are due each year by 11:59pm EST on December 15 of the preceding year. There is no admission cycle for spring-term enrollment.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult for me to take tests in person. Can I still apply?

GRE Tests are not required for graduate applications submitted in 2023. The Physics subject GRE (PGRE) will be optional in 2023 and our department does not require results from the General GRE test.Non-native English speakers who are not eligible for a test waiver should include their results from either an in-person or online version of the TOEFL or IELTS test.

Does the Department of Physics provide waivers for the English language exam (TOEFL/IELTS)?

An English language exam (IELTS, TOEFL, TOEFL iBT, or the C2 Cambridge English Proficiency exam) is required of all applicants who are from a country in which English is not the primary language. Exceptions to this policy will be considered for candidates who, at the start of their graduate studies in 2022, will have been in the US or in a country whose official language is English for three years or longer and who will have received a degree from a college or university in a country where the language of education instruction is English. An interview via telephone, Zoom, or Skype may be arranged at the discretion of the Admissions Committee. More information on a possible English Language Waiver Decision (PDF).

Does the Department of Physics provide application fee waivers?

Although we do not want the MIT application fee to be a barrier to admission, we cannot provide application fee waivers to all who request one.  Under-resourced applicants, and applicants who have participated in the MIT Summer Research Program (MSRP), Converge, or another MIT program or an official MIT recruiting visit are eligible for a fee waiver from the MIT Office of Graduate Education (OGE). Please check MIT Graduate Diversity Programs for further details.  Departmentally, we have allotted a small number of waivers for applicants who have completed an application (including transcript uploads, and requests for letters of recommendation), but do not qualify for a waiver from the OGE. Fee waiver requests will be considered on a first-come-first-served basis, and not after December 1. Furthermore, applications lacking the paid fee or a fee waiver by 11:59pm EST on December 15 will not be reviewed or considered for admission. Please complete the  MIT Physics Departmental Fee Waiver Application Form  when you are ready to apply for a departmental waiver. Waivers are not awarded until the application is complete.

Can I arrange a visit to the Physics Department or a specific research area?

Update as of September 23, 2021: In an effort to keep our community safe and healthy, we are not currently hosting or meeting with outside visitors in person, nor are we facilitating visits to our classrooms. Current graduate students and prospective applicants should direct any questions by email to [email protected] .

Applicants are invited to send specific questions to the Physics Admissions Office and some questions may be forwarded to current students for further information.

Can I receive an update on the status of my application?

Candidates will receive email acknowledgments from the Physics Academic Programs Office informing them whether their application is complete, is missing materials, or if further information is needed. Due to the high volume of applications that are received, no additional emails or telephone inquiries can be answered. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all items are sent.

When will I be notified of a final decision?

Applicants will be notified via email of decisions by the end of February. If you have not heard from us by March 1, please send email to [email protected] .

We do not provide results by phone.

Can admitted students start in a term other than the next Fall semester?

Applications submitted between September 15 and December 15 by 11:59pm EST are assessed for the following Fall semester. We do not provide a separate admission review cycle for the Spring semester. Individual research supervisors may invite incoming students to start their research during the summer term a few months earlier than their studies would normally begin. All other incoming students start their studies in late August for the Fall term.

Once admitted, applicants may request a one-year deferral to attend a specific academic program or for another approved reason, with single semester deferrals for the following Spring term granted only rarely.

Doctoral Degrees

A doctoral degree requires the satisfactory completion of an approved program of advanced study and original research of high quality..

Please note that the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Doctor of Science (ScD) degrees are awarded interchangeably by all departments in the School of Engineering and the School of Science, except in the fields of biology, cognitive science, neuroscience, medical engineering, and medical physics. This means that, excepting the departments outlined above, the coursework and expectations to earn a Doctor of Philosophy and for a Doctor of Science degree from these schools are generally the same. Doctoral students may choose which degree they wish to complete.

Applicants interested in graduate education should apply to the department or graduate program conducting research in the area of interest. Some departments require a doctoral candidate to take a “minor” program outside of the student’s principal field of study; if you wish to apply to one of these departments, please consider additional fields you may like to pursue.

Below is a list of programs and departments that offer doctoral-level degrees.

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Dear prospective applicant,

Thank you for your interest in graduate study in EECS.

For information on EECS, please visit our web page:  http://www-eecs.mit.edu/ . The Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department does NOT require GRE scores for admission purposes. Admission is determined by GPA (Grade Point Average) although there is not an official cut-off, letters of recommendation (we need three of them) and a “Statement of Objectives” in which you write an essay detailing your research interests. For more information about writing a Statement of Objectives, see  this article from the MIT EECS Communication Lab . A very strong background in math, physics, engineering, or computer science is a necessity. Admission for the limited number of openings is extremely competitive and each year we are forced to turn down hundreds of applicants with excellent credentials. Since we do not have a terminal Master’s program in EECS, everyone must apply for PhD. Applicants who gain admission pursue the Master’s degree on the way to the PhD. If a student already has a Master’s from another school, there is no need to do another Master’s degree here at MIT.

We use an online application system which you can access by going to  https://gradapply.mit.edu/eecs/apply . The online system becomes available September 15th.

Decisions on financial aid are made after admission decisions are reached. International students are eligible for research assistantships which pay a monthly stipend and full tuition. Research supervisors are determined after admission decisions are reached or shortly after registering in EECS in the Fall. Admitted students are also eligible for certain fellowships.

International students must take the TOEFL exam and earn at least a score of 100 (internet-based). In some cases, the TOEFL can be waived; such as if you’ve been in U.S. for at least two years, or if your country’s first language is English. International students can also take the IELTS exam if the TOEFL is not available to you. We need to see a score of ‘7’ on this test. It also can be waived for the same reasons as the TOEFL.

We do NOT offer spring term admission. The deadline for applying for Fall Term 2025 is December 15, 2024. The online application will be available between September 15, 2024 and December 15, 2024. 

Good luck with your application!

MIT Department of Biological Engineering

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Application for PhD studies in BE

Applying to the Biological Engineering PhD program

Thank you for your interest in MIT BE - we want to receive your application! This page explains the application process and provides information specific to our program that you may use to strengthen your application. Our intensive evaluation process begins with your electronic application folder and proceeds through an on-site interview.

We believe that our diverse, welcoming, and collaborative community fosters the most effective environment for PhD students to learn from our faculty how to meet the challenges of conducting path-breaking research in Biological Engineering. To maintain and further strengthen our culture, it is important that we continue to receive applications representing a broad range of academic backgrounds and individual experiences. From 2019-2022, we invited applicants from 64 different undergraduate institutions holding and expecting bachelors degrees in many different disciplines to interview for admission. Of applicants invited to interview from 2019-2022, about 52% self-identified as female, and more than 18% self-identified as underrepresented minorities (as defined by MIT prior to 2023). Many students join the program immediately after completing their undergraduate studies, while others have already received advanced degrees or acquired post-baccalaureate professional experience.

The guidance below is intended to help prospective students understand the aspects of academic preparation and individual experience that poise applicants for success in our program and how to present this information effectively in their application materials. This guidance is not intended to describe any “ideal” application profile or minimum standards for admission (no quantitative standards exist). Every complete application received is reviewed holistically by BE faculty.

Application to MIT BE is very competitive, with approximately 5% of applicants receiving an invitation to interview in recent years (we offer admission to the majority of interviewees). Applicants holding international undergraduate degrees may apply, and such applicants received about 3% of the interview invitations made from 2019-2022. Interview invitations are communicated asynchronously to applicants in January and February each year. Many domestic and international applicants with interests in quantitative and applied biological research at MIT also consider the PhD programs in  Computational and Systems Biology , Chemical Engineering , Biology , Chemistry , and Health Science and Technology . MIT allows applications to more than one program in the same year, and we recommend that applicants indicate all the programs they are applying to on their BE application to maximize their chances for a successful match.

Evaluation of applications for PhD study in BE particularly focuses on:

• Evidence of strong academic preparation and demonstrated interest in both a quantitative discipline and a biological discipline
• Evidence of aptitude for and experience/accomplishment in scientific or engineering research
• Explanation of interest in pursuing a career that leverages PhD-level training in Biological Engineering under the guidance of MIT BE faculty advisors

Academic preparation.  Success in the challenging coursework and research components of the MIT BE PhD program requires a strong academic background in both biology and quantitative engineering or science. While many successful applicants expect undergraduate engineering degrees and have completed substantial coursework in biology, there are many different ways to demonstrate the academic preparation needed. Applicants whose principal degree is quantitative, computational, engineering, or in the physical sciences can bolster their training in biology by taking core biology courses like biochemistry, genetics, and cell biology. Applicants whose principal degree is in a life science field can acquire quantitative training in courses beyond calculus, biostatistics, and programming/informatics such as differential equations, linear algebra, and advanced courses in probability, statistics, analysis, and computer science.

As each applicant’s personal and college experience is unique and grading practices differ, BE has no minimum grade point average (GPA) requirement. We strongly consider the factors other than GPA described here in our admissions process. However, essentially all applicants receiving an interview invitation have a GPA in the A range (>3.6 on an A = 4.0 scale), and from 2019-2022 the median GPA of interviewees was 3.94. Many applicants with GPAs above 3.9 do not receive interview invitations, and applicants with GPAs below the A range may be competitive for admission in our holistic evaluation process given other extraordinary aspects of an individual applicant’s academic record, experiences, and achievements detailed in their application materials.

Research experience . MIT BE PhD students spend most of their time in the program conducting research in partnership with faculty advisors. Conducting impactful research is a challenging endeavor, and most successful applicants describe a strong track record of research experience and accomplishment. At the same time, we recognize that the nature of accessible research projects and opportunities to publish varies widely across the experiences of individual applicants. We value the skills and personal characteristics important for success in research - including initiative, creativity, and determination - evidenced by any type of work or personal experience. As a result, there are no specific requirements for the duration or number of research experiences, publications, or awards resulting from the research. Some applicants invited to interview have not yet completed any research publications. Successful applicants focus on why they selected the projects and mentors they chose to commit time with, what they did in their major project experiences, and the outcomes of the work including results of the projects themselves and how the experiences influenced the applicant’s evolving academic and career interests.

Applicant statement.  Application statements are free-form opportunities to introduce yourself in writing to the admissions committee, explain your interest in Biological Engineering at MIT, and contextualize other application components including your academic record, research experience, personal experience, and letters of recommendation. The admissions committee wants to hear why PhD-level training in Biological Engineering under the mentorship of MIT BE faculty is right for you, which research groups you may be interested in joining, how you have prepared to receive PhD training, and how this training may power your aspirations for the future. The MIT BE Communications Lab CommKit has additional content on writing statements of purpose . While not a particular focus of our evaluation, statements are opportunities to directly demonstrate your writing skills and attention to detail.

Letters of recommendation  provide crucial evidence of research aptitude in successful applications. The most impactful support letters come from your faculty research supervisor(s) who know you well and have substantial experience advising PhD students. Support letters from other research supervisors, academic advisors, or course instructors may also be included. You can find general guidance (not specific to applications to study in the BE PhD program) on requesting letters of recommendation and on support letter content from the Biological Engineering Communication Lab.

To apply , go to the online application and create a user id and password. You do not need to complete the entire application in one sitting. You may begin the application, save it, and return to it at a later time using your user ID and password.

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications ahead of the deadline and are responsible for ensuring that all admissions credentials are submitted on time. Your application will not be reviewed until all materials have been received. There is no separate application for financial support; all admitted applicants are offered a full support package.

MIT BE does not require standardized Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test scores as part of our application process, but will consider scores if provided by the applicant.

How is the COVID pandemic impacting admissions?

MIT's admissions committees and offices for graduate and professional schools will take the significant disruptions of COVID-19 into account when reviewing applicants’ transcripts and other admissions materials as part of their regular practice of performing individualized, holistic reviews of each applicant. BE expects to hold interviews on-site in March after a timely review of public health concerns and applicable governmental and institutional policies and requirements for travel and events.

To apply follow these steps.

1. Fill out the online application by 23:59, EST, December 15.

You will be providing the following information:

• Field(s) of interest
• Personal information/addresses
• International student data
• Three or more names and email addresses of letter writers
• Scanned copies of your College Transcripts
• For international students, scanned copies of your IELTS scores
• Academic preparation and research/work experience
• Applicant statement
• Credit card payment of $75 (Information on requesting a fee waiver is here )

2. Arrange for submission of the following (official reports only):

Scanned PDF transcripts and IELTS scores are considered unofficial documents but are sufficient for review purposes. Official documents are required before an admissions decision can be made. Please have any test scores electronically transmitted to MIT Admissions and mail official copies of your transcript(s) to:

77 Massachusetts Avenue, Bldg. 16-267

Cambridge, MA 02139

For international students:

IELTS scores should also be electronically sent directly to MIT.

• To register for a test, visit http://www.ielts.org
• IELTS does not require a code. Please write "Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology". No address is required as scores are reported electronically.
• If you are an international student, you should take the IELTS test by November 15. The Department of Biological Engineering does not waive this requirement.

The IELTS is waived for applicants who are citizens of Australia, Canada, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Nigeria, Singapore, or the United Kingdom, or for applicants who have or will earn a BS degree at a US university.

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Physics, kent state university, clinical psychology, long island university, cw post, political science, rutgers university new brunswick rejected - not even an email, nothing. just one sentence in the portal., polymer science, kashan, computer science, georgia state university, computer science, university of north carolina charlotte, astronomy, university of maryland anyone heard back from the waitlist , chemistry, university of illinois, chicago (uic) emailed on the 16th and finally got a status update that just said "denied", developmental psychology, wilfrid laurier university, phd program, francis crick institute rejection email was anodyne boilerplate, but they are at least reliable and punctual in their delivery. they also claimed an applicant to position ratio of ~60 to 1, so this outcome was not unexpected., ethnic studies, university of california, berkeley accepted off the waitlist will not be accepting as i've already taken a spot elsewhere, human factors, university of south dakota 2 ms degrees, 13 publications (including in nature and pnas), 15 conference presentations. this was my 30th response. after 12 rounds, i am still not going to be in a phd program., economics, university of munich has the admission process concluded or are they still in the process of selecting candidates apart from an automatically generated email stating that the first round of offers has been sent out (approx. a month ago), there has been no further communication. has anyone received an official rejection notice, computer science, emory university after being rejected for the phd, got accepted for the masters program with 50% of tuition waiver., computer science, university of waterloo, biostatistics, indiana university bloomington master 3.8, political s, rutgers university new brunswick one single line confirming rejection - not impressed by their communication over the whole process or how long it took them to update.

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When applying to graduate school at MIT, you are applying to a specific department. It’s important that you indicate on the application the degree and program that you wish to pursue. Your application is then evaluated by the appropriate department, and you are notified of the result. Even if your objective is to enter an interdepartmental program, you must still apply through one of the participating departments. All graduate students must have a primary affiliation with and be registered in a single department. DMSE offers two graduate degrees: Master of Science (SM) and Doctor of Philosophy or Doctor of Science (PhD/ScD).

DMSE graduate students can pursue three interdepartmental programs involving academic training and requirements outside the department: Archaeology and Archaeological Materials, Program in Polymers and Soft Matter, Technology and Policy Program, and Computational Science and Engineering.

How and When to Apply

Required information for your application.

In your application, you will provide the following information:

• Research field(s) of interest
• Personal information
• Names and e-mail addresses of three letter of recommendation writers. (We recommend that you notify your evaluators before October 1 to give them time to prepare and submit their evaluations by December 1 . Once you have submitted your online application, instructions to your evaluator will automatically be generated and emailed to them.)
• Scanned copies of your college transcripts
• For international students, your official TOEFL/IELTS scores (for more information, see “Other Application Information” section below)
• Application fee of $75
• Awards (List any prizes, fellowships, and honors that you have received.)
• Publications (List any technical publication that you have published or are preparing.)
• Presentations (List any talks, seminars, or other types of presentations that you have delivered at a scientific conference or similar events.)
• Research experience (List any research experience that you have had.)
• Teaching and work experience (List any teaching and relevant work experience—for example, internships—that you have had.)
• Other experience (List any other relevant experience that you have had, such as military, volunteering, or travel.)
• Why do you want to study material science and engineering? [150 words]
• Why are you a good fit for DMSE at MIT? [100 words]
• How does earning a graduate degree fit with your professional life goals? [150 words]
• Anything else you’d like to share. Please tell us anything else about yourself that you think we should know. (No word limit)

Application due December 1

Applications for the September admission to the SM or PhD program must be submitted using the online application portal by 23:59 EST December 1. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible and are responsible for ensuring that all admissions credentials are submitted on time. Your application will not be reviewed until all materials have been received.

Other Application Information

For international applicants: ielts/toefl exam or waiver, ielts/toefl exam.

For applicants whose primary language is not English, your IELTS or TOEFL exam scores are required. For IELTS, the minimum score required is 7. Send electronic scores to MIT Graduate Admissions. For TOEFL, the minimum score required for the internet-based test, or iBT, is 100; the minimum score required for the paper-based test, or PBT, is 600. The code for MIT is 3514; DMSE’s department code is 69.

Exam Requirement Waiver

Some students may qualify for a waiver of the IELTS/TOEFL requirement. Describe how you meet one of the following criteria.

• Are you a student who has attended elementary/secondary schools that provide instruction primarily in English?
• Are you a student who will have received an undergraduate degree from an institution that provides instruction primarily in English?
• Are you a student who has been in the US for three years and will have received a degree from a US institution before entering MIT?

Include a statement requesting the waiver in the supplemental materials page on the online application.

Application Fee Waiver

The Office of Graduate Education offers fee waivers for US citizens and US permanent residents who demonstrate financial hardship, are current or former members of the United States Armed Forces, or who have participated in special fellowship programs, including MIT-sponsored diversity programs (e.g., MIT Summer Research Program, CONVERGE). 

Early September

Application opens.

Completed applications are due.

December to February

Application review happens.

Interviews will be carried out by DMSE faculty members.

Late January to early February

Admission decisions are sent to candidates and invited to visit MIT.

Late February and early March

Admitted applicants visit MIT and the department during one of our visit days opportunities

Admitted students decisions are due.

Other Resources

• The  Council of Graduate Schools  offers helpful resources and information for students seeking graduate study.
• The DMSE Application Assistance Program is a volunteer-based, student-run program that provides assistance to DMSE applicants from underrepresented groups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many questions are answered in this section. Before contacting MIT DMSE Graduate Academic Office concerning graduate admissions ( [email protected] ), please review the questions below.

Is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) required?

Effective the Fall 2024 admissions cycle, the department will not accept GRE scores as supplementary material.

How will I know that you have received all of my application materials?

You will be notified by email when we receive your application. You will also be able to check the status of your application & supplemental materials via the online application. You will receive a final confirmation once all materials have been received and added to the application file (recommendation letters, transcripts, test scores). This confirmation will be sent before January 31. If, on January 31, you have not heard that the application is complete, please email the department.

Can you give me an idea of my chances for admission, based on scores or class rank, for example?

We can make no preliminary evaluation based on one or two qualifications. The Admissions Committee carefully reviews the entire application (recommendations, essay, grades, test scores, previous research experience, etc.) in making its decisions.

I don’t have an undergraduate background in materials science and engineering. Do I have any chance of being admitted?

Yes, while many of our admitted students have an undergraduate background in materials science and engineering, the remaining students have training in fields such as biology, chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering.

Does DMSE admit its own undergraduate students to the graduate program?

Yes, we consider our own undergraduates for admission to all of our graduate programs.

Would it help my chances to send my application directly to a specific faculty member?

Admission decisions are made by a departmental committee. The decision is based on overall qualifications, independent of research interest. If you bypass the regular admissions route, you risk having your application misplaced. Please direct all admission related inquiries to  [email protected] .

Should I contact faculty members to try to secure a Research Assistantship before I’ve been admitted?

Students are urged to wait for official admission to DMSE before contacting faculty regarding research assistantships and thesis supervision.

What kind of funding is available to support students in the program?

A number of funding opportunities are available for graduates students at DMSE. These appointments pay tuition, a competitive stipend, and health insurance. Students are encouraged to apply for outside fellowships to help finance their graduate studies. Some domestic students are supported by NSF, NDSEG, Hertz, and Whitaker fellowships, as well as other government and corporate sources. Some international students are supported by their government or a scholarship agency (e.g., Samsung scholarship, ILJU, Royal Thai government) Kwanjeong Scholarship, Canadian NSERC.

Can I take courses on a part-time basis or as a visiting student?

The DMSE graduate program requires on-campus attendance at classes that are offered during the day and generally meet 2-3 times per week. Please refer to the  MIT Office of Graduate Admissions  for information about special student admissions and MIT advanced study program.

How long does it take to earn the doctoral degree at MIT DMSE?

DMSE graduate students normally take about 5 years to earn the PhD.

I already have a master’s degree. Can I apply it to the DMSE PhD requirements?

MIT has a qualifying procedure for the doctoral degree, so even though you have already earned a master of science degree at another institution, if you receive admission here, you would be admitted as a master of science degree student with the option to bypass the master’s degree and go directly into the doctoral program provided that you successfully pass the qualification procedure. Some students admitted in this category may choose to complete another master’s degree in DMSE before working on their doctoral  program.  Specific questions about transfer credits and other matters can be discussed with the Academic Office after admissions letters have been sent. Students applying to the PPSM or Archaeological Materials interdepartmental doctoral program should review those programs’ qualification procedure.

Can I visit DMSE?

Prospective applicants are welcome to visit MIT. You can arrange a tour of the campus through the MIT  Admissions Office . Admitted students are encouraged to visit on one of our two weekend-long visits (arrive Thursday early evening and depart Sunday morning) in March to become acquainted with the department, with MIT as a whole, and with Boston and Cambridge. Food and lodging are supplied as is part of the airfare.

Does DMSE have different admissions criteria for the master’s and PhD graduate programs?

The criteria for admissions is the same. The Admissions Committee does not make a distinction in the application evaluation process.

Do I need to complete the “Record of Subjects Taken” in the online application?

No. DMSE does not require applicants to complete the “Record of Subjects Taken” in the online application.

If admitted, can I defer my admission?

On rare occasions, deferral requests are approved for one year. Approved deferrals will only be for admission and not for any departmental financial aid award a student received upon admission. Applicants must contact the department to ask about a deferral before February 1.

Contact DMSE Admissions

Department of Materials Science and Engineering Graduate Academic Office Building 6, Room 107 77 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge, MA 02139 [email protected]

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As a graduate student at MIT CEE, you will participate in research with renowned faculty and get a hands-on experience solving the world’s largest problems. Your education will take place inside and outside the classroom, and there are numerous opportunities to learn not only about civil and environmental engineering but also network with your peers. We seek a diverse group of applicants from a range of academic disciplines, who work together to contribute to exciting intellectual networks across the department and MIT.

At MIT CEE, we are dedicated to creating a welcoming and enriching environment for both domestic and international students.

Application Requirements and Process

All applicants to graduate programs in Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Interdepartmental Program in Transportation must hold a Bachelor’s degree. All of our graduate programs are on campus and are full time. All students are admitted for the fall term.

Application Contents

Minimum academic requirements, test scores, statement of objectives.

• CEE requires a Statement of Objectives that addresses experience and purpose as well as an example of Technical work.
• The Interdepartmental Program in Transportation requires a Statement of Objectives
• CV or résumé
• CEE will no longer require the GRE scores for admissions decisions. The Interdepartmental Program in Transportation requires the GRE for the coming cycle, e.g. for entry year Fall 2024. Institute code: 3514. Department code: 1102
• One electronic copy of transcript(s) from all universities you have attended. We don’t require official transcripts until after a student has been admitted to the department.
• An English language exam ( IELTS  or  TOEFL ) score for international students for whom English is not their native language
• Three letters of recommendation
• Electronic payment of the application fee

Optional Materials

• Abstracts of published articles or conference presentations

Application Submission Agreement

By submitting your application, you affirm the accuracy of all of the information provided and acknowledge that you must inform either CEE or the Transportation Program immediately if there is new information that changes the accuracy of the information you provide, including any subsequent disciplinary history (e.g., at another school or your employer). Should you be admitted to CEE or the Transportation Program, you acknowledge that your admission is a privilege that is contingent on your conduct adhering to the high levels of integrity that led us to admit you to the program, including without limitation complying with all relevant MIT policies. To this end, you further understand and agree that MIT reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to revoke your admission to CEE or the Transportation Program should you fail to adhere to these requirements.

If you are admitted to the department, we will require you to have an official copy of your transcript(s) sent to us from the university’s registrar. Your transcript will be verified upon receipt and any discrepancy between the transcript you uploaded and the official transcript will result in a withdrawal of our offer of admission. Once admitted, please have your official transcript sent to: [email protected]

Minimum Academic Requirements While not all of our students come from the domains of Civil and Environmental Engineering, most students matriculate to our department from undergraduate backgrounds in Science, Math, Engineering, or related fields. All students who hope to enroll at MIT for an advanced degree after earning an undergraduate degree elsewhere should give careful attention to undergraduate prerequisites as outlined in our subject descriptions.

Grade Point Average (GPA) When applications are reviewed for admission the faculty have a keen interest in how you have done in subjects in related fields, not necessarily your overall GPA.

CEE  will no longer require the GRE scores for admissions decisions. The Interdepartmental Program in Transportation requires the GRE for the coming cycle, e.g. for entry year Fall 2024.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) .

The Interdepartmental Program in Transportation is interested in students who have scored in the 80th percentile or better for all three areas of the GRE. Please request that ETS send the scores directly to MIT. MIT’s GRE institutional code is 3514. Department code is 1102.

English Language Exam

CEE places a high premium on both written and spoken communication skills and requires international applicants to document their proficiency in the English language.

If you are an international applicant, you are required to take the Cambridge English, TOEFL, or IELTS exam unless: 1) English is your first language, or 2) English was the language of instruction for your undergraduate education, or 3) if you scored above the CEE minimum Cambridge English, TOEFL, or IELTS score prior to entering a graduate program in the US. If you meet one of these criteria for a waiver of this requirement, you can indicate that by checking the appropriate box under Language Exams on the Test Scores/Experience section of the application.

The minimum score for Cambridge English is 190. The minimum score for the TOEFL is 100. The CEE TOEFL department code is 65. The minimum score for the IELTS is 7.5 on the Academic exam. Scores must be reported to the department by the application deadline.

CEE Requirement:

Statement of Objectives (2 page maximum) Your statement should separately address the following two topics (max 1 page for each answer): A.  Experience: Describe one (or at most two) relevant academic or research experience(s) with sufficient technical detail to clearly convey the motivation for the work, your responsibilities and tasks, your conclusions, and how you dealt with unforeseen challenges.

B. Purpose: Describe why you are applying to graduate school, and your specific research interests at MIT, including the name(s) of faculty members with whom you would like to work.

Example of Technical Work : Submit one example of your technical work, with a short description, from an academic or research experience. Examples include, but are not limited to: a problem set, a lab report, a final class project, conference proceedings, or a journal publication.

The Interdepartmental Program in Transportation Requirement: Statement of Objectives (1-1.5 page maximum) The statement will serve the following three purposes:

• It will help the admissions officer direct your application to the most appropriate readers and/or potential research supervisors.
• The statement will be used to evaluate your writing skills.
• It will help the faculty reviewing your application to understand the depth of your technical experience.

When applying for graduate school in engineering, depth often counts more than breadth.

Demonstrating your ability to be independent and focused can be more important than having broad interests and a broad range of experiences. Describe your technical expertise with clear details to demonstrate your mastery of the concepts and skills you’ve learned through relevant activities such as lab projects, classes, internships, summer jobs and previous research experience.

For both programs, don’t ignore bad grades or other anomalies in your application package. If you had trouble with a course or another type of challenge, your statement of objectives is a good place to acknowledge that setback and explain what you learned from the experience.

Getting Started

Peer application support services, financial support, dusp lemann fellowship (mcp), fee waivers, faq (general).

Underwater: The Case for Land Island. Mary Anne Ocampo

Please visit MIT Grad Admissions for an overview of DUSP:

• graduate application requirements,
• standardized test requirements,
• areas of research,
• terms of enrollment,
• and additional details

Core criteria and guidelines for doctoral admission decisions:

• Application strength: cohesiveness of statement, compelling research topics, preparedness for doctoral level work.
• Alignment with Departmental research priorities: achieving racial justice, tackling the climate change, enhancing democratic governance, and closing the wealth gap
• Could an applicant work with more than one DUSP faculty on their committee?
• Does applicant have a strong match with at least one lead faculty?

11.001J    Introduction to Urban Design & Development

11.002    Making Public Policy

11.005    Introduction to International Development

11.200    Gateway I

11.201    Gateway II

11.202/203    Microeconomics

11.205/11.188    Introduction to Spatial Analysis

11. 220   Quantitative Reasoning  

11.222    Introduction to Critical Qualitative Methods 

• Cross-cutting substantive areas – research of interest to multiple DUSP program groups and strategic priorities
• If you reach out to a faculty member directly and they have not responded before you complete your application, please note that no response does not reflect a judgement. Faculty have many time commitments and may be unable to answer your request quickly.
• Please do note DUSP students offer  Peer Application Support Services (PASS) , supporting students who may face structural barriers in applying, including (but not limited to) international applicants, first generation college students, and applicants who identify as Black, Indigenous, Latinx, queer, disabled, and/or a person of color. 
• Faculty members do on occasion recruit students for their externally funded research, but those student's admission is still decided by committee.  
• graduate degree programs,

Undergraduate

Students who wish to study urban planning at MIT at the undergraduate level must first be accepted to MIT. At the end of the first year MIT students decide which course of study they wish to pursue. Undergraduate applicants do not apply directly to the Department.

Additional information and instructions for undergraduate applicants are available in the MIT Admissions website:  http://mitadmissions.org/

We as a department are striving to "center racial justice within urban design and planning and to create space for imagining what is required to build inclusive, thriving, and just cities” – Adapted from a statement from CoLab.

The Peer Application Support Service (PASS) is historically a student-led initiative dedicated to increasing the diversity of each admitted class to DUSP. The program supports Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and other prospective applicants from underrepresented communities and/or those who may face structural barriers in applying.

PASS is a student-run mentorship program that connects prospective Masters and PhD students with current students who can provide guidance during the application process. Mentors can advise individual applications, proofread final drafts of essays, and answer questions about the curriculum. The PASS program is active during the months leading up to the application deadline. If you are interested in taking part in PASS:

• Fill out the PASS interest form during Fall 2023.
• For questions about PASS, reach out to [email protected].
• For specific admissions questions, reach out to [email protected].

If admitted to the PASS program, a current graduate student will contact you by early November to connect you with a mentor. If you sign up for PASS after the deadline, we may review your application on an ad-hoc process. Please keep in mind that graduate students are offering this service to supplement other support you may be getting from your own personal and professional networks. Though PASS is intended to extend support to you in this application process, this is not a guarantee of admission.

Tuition (Graduate, PhD)

Five to seven PhD students are admitted with complete financial support packages for five years, including optional summer work funding. A typical funding package consists of a first-year fellowship with no work requirements, followed by four years of department funding with research or teaching requirements. This covers full tuition, a monthly stipend, and student health insurance. Optional summer work funding is available in the form of research assistantships or curriculum development teaching assistantships for four summers. PhD students admitted with faculty-sponsored research or external funding must also be financially supported for five academic years. 

Tuition and the estimated living expenses for a MIT graduate student are available via the MIT Graduate Admissions Office . 

Tuition (Graduate, MCP)

Applicants to the MCP program who are accepted are offered a minimum financial aid package of 80% tuition and student health insurance. In addition, some Master's students are also offered a research assistantship covering a monthly salary in exchange for ten hours per week of work for a faculty member throughout the nine-month academic year. 

Tuition (Graduate, SM)

Unfortunately, there is no departmental funding available to support the SM program a this time. 

SM students may seek additional financial aid through opportunities such as faculty sponsored research grants. 

Tuition (Undergraduate)

MIT Student Financial Services provides financial aid and customer service to all MIT students by helping students understand their financial options and select the best ones for them and their family. They award need-based financial aid from MIT and coordinate the receipt of aid from other sources. Learn more via their site:  https://sfs.mit.edu/

For undergraduate students, MIT Admissions provides an online calculator to estimate what it will cost to attend MIT .  

MIT Student Financial Services

For more detailed information regarding the cost of attendance, including specific costs for tuition and fees, books and supplies, housing and food as well as transportation, please visit the SFS website .

Current and incoming, full-time Master of City Planning students (MCP) who are: Brazilian citizens and have a demonstrated commitment to addressing Brazilian urban challenges may apply for a DUSP Lemann Fellowship. For students awarded the fellowship in their first year, renewal for a second year is contingent upon maintaining a strong record of academic excellence. 

The DUSP Lemann Fellowship will provide funding for tuition expenses, adding to department support. Lemann fellows will not pay tuition for their education at MIT. In addition, recipients of the DUSP Lemann Fellowship may apply to the Lemann Foundation for additional funding to account for cost-of-living expenses beyond their tuition contingent upon demonstrated need.

Only admitted MCP students are eligible. No separate application is required. First-generation students are especially encouraged to apply. The department will alert students upon admission if they receive the Lemann Fellowship. 

Fee waivers for graduate admission to MIT are processed centrally. Please visit OGE's site to learn more about eligibility. For students who do not meet the OGE eligibility criteria, DUSP has a limited number of departmental fee waivers available to support applicants. You can apply for consideration in advance of December 1, 2023 here.

All Master's and PhD students are eligible at any time to apply for loans and nondepartmental funds. Some restrictions may apply to international students. MIT's Student Financial Services (SFS) administers both need-based and non-need-based loans. Loan eligibility for need-based loans is determined by using a standard budget developed by the SFS. Learn more via SFS:

• Graduate Loans
• Undergraduate Loans

I don't have a background in design--can I apply?

Yes. Our students come from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds, including but not limited to public policy, urban design & planning, architecture, economics, political science and engineering.

What is the deadline for applying to DUSP?

Please refer to DUSP's MIT Grad Admissions page for complete information on application deadlines.

I submitted an application but would like to know if you have received it, or if anything is missing. How do I check?

Because of the large volume of applications we receive, we can not confirm receipt materials.

Can I submit more than 3 letters of recommendation?

No, we will not review more than three letters of recommendation.

Do I need to submit a portfolio or writing sample?

It is recommended that applicants who select the CDD program group submit a portfolio, however; it is not required.

How many applications do you receive each year?

We have approximately 400 applicants to our MCP program each year, and of those we accept 55-60 students. For the PhD program we have approximately 125 applicants and accept 4-10 doctoral candidates.

What are my chances of admission to your program based?

We cannot provide preliminary evaluations of chances for admissions based on any one or two qualifications. The Graduate Admissions Committee carefully reviews the entire application package (statement of intent, recommendation letters, transcripts, etc.) to determine admission decisions.

I applied to DUSP in a previous year, but was not admitted. How do I re-apply?

If you would like to re-apply to the program, you must follow the same steps as a new applicant. We do not keep application materials on file from previous years.

Do I need to take the TOEFL exam? Can the TOEFL exam be waived in certain cases for international students?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required of applicants whose native or first language is not English. If you completed an undergraduate or masters degree in the US or at a college or university where the instruction was in English, you are not required to take the TOEFL/IELTS. The Admissions Committees regard English proficiency as crucial for success in all degree programs. A minimum TOEFL score of 100 (internet-based) is required by DUSP. We also accept the IELTS (International English Language Testing System with a minimum of 7. Permanent residents or US Citizens do not need to take the TOEFL exam.

When will I know if I have received financial aid?

Tuition fellowship financial aid decisions are made at the same time as the admission decisions. 

Do I need to request an interview before I apply to DUSP?

We do not conduct interviews as part of the admissions process but we encourage you to attend an Information Session in the fall or reach out to [email protected] with questions.

Do you have interpreters to read international applications?

No, it is the applicants responsibility to have an application and all its contents translated to English before it is submitted. If a college or university does not issue transcripts, a certified letter must be provided. It should list courses, grades, and degrees and date received.

When will I be notified of my admission decision?

Admission decision letters will be sent by early March.

May I defer admission?

No, we do not defer admissions. You may re-apply the following year by following the same steps as a new applicant.

Do you provide any assistance in preparing an application?

The Students of Color Committee at DUSP have created the "Peer Application Support Service" (SCC PASS) to provide assistance to prospective Masters in City Planning students in the application process. SCC PASS is intended to support student of color applicants through individual application advising, proofreading final drafts of essays, and answering questions about the program.

Can I get two degrees from MIT at the same time? Can I get a degree from Harvard and DUSP at the same time?

Students may pursue dual degrees in virtually any other department at MIT, provided they are accepted for admission and complete degree requirements in each department. Some common dual degrees completed by planning students are with architecture, real estate development, and transportation. Students who have been admitted to study for the Master in City Planning may apply to the other program during their first year of study at MIT and propose a program of joint work in the two fields that will lead to the simultaneous awarding of two degrees. Please be aware that pursuing a dual degree will add at least a year to your studies. MIT students are not eligible to complete a degrees at both Harvard and MIT simultaneously.

First-year applicants: Letters of recommendation

We require letters of recommendation from two teachers. We recommend one evaluation from a math/science teacher, and one from a humanities, social science, or language teacher. We also require materials from your school counselor (typically including your official transcript  and—when available—a School Profile and letter of recommendation).

You will be able to request recommendations in your MIT application portal . You can request these letters at any point before submitting your application, but we recommend sending the request as soon as you have determined who you would like to ask so that they have as much time as possible to write about you!

(If you’re a teacher looking for guides on how to write good letters of recommendation, visit  this page ) .

Please note: You will only be able to submit your application with two teacher evaluations and one school counselor/Secondary School Report. You may also include up to one optional supplemental evaluation. Please refer to the instructions on how to submit recommendations below.

Recommendations: Whom to ask

MIT requires two letters of recommendation from teachers. One recommendation should be from a math or science teacher, and one should be from a humanities, social science, or language teacher, although this is not a hard requirement.

You should ask a teacher who has taught you in an academic class in high school. Ideally, this will also be a teacher who knows you as more than just a student who does well on all the tests. We find that the best recommendations are written by teachers who know an applicant well as both a student and a person.

How to submit

Your school counselor (or equivalent) should submit the Secondary School Report, along with your transcript. Most counselors also attach a School Profile, describing your school’s curriculum and community. Some school counselors do not or cannot write letters on your behalf. We don’t hold this against you at all! We understand that there are different types of schools out there, and you will not be penalized in this case.

We are also able to accept a supplemental evaluation—we simply ask that it provides different or additional context beyond the two we’ve already requested. Most applicants and most admitted students do not submit any supplemental recommendations.

Applicants should enter their recommender information into the Recommendations section of the application regardless of how the recommender intends to submit their materials. Our preference is for recommenders to use our application portal to submit documents. However, they do have the option to submit their additional documents via Naviance, SCOIR, or other methods. Applications will not be disadvantaged if recommenders submit their recommendations through a third-party service other than the MIT application portal.