46 Essays that Worked at MIT
Updated for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle.
About MIT
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a world-renowned research university based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Known for its prioritization of intellectual freedom and innovation, MIT offers students an education that’s constantly on the cutting-edge of academia. The school’s star-studded roster of professors includes Nobel prize winners and MacArthur fellows in disciplines like technology, biology, and social science. A deeply-technical school, MIT offers students with the resources they need to become specialists in a range of STEM subjects. In many ways, MIT is the gold standard for creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving.
At a glance…
Acceptance Rate
6%
Tuition
$53,450
Average Cost
$16,407
Average SAT
1550
Average ACT
35
Location
Cambridge, MA
Real Essays from MIT Admits
Prompt: MIT brings people with diverse backgrounds and experiences together to better the lives of others. Our students work to improve their communities in different ways, from tackling the world’s biggest challenges to being a good friend. Describe one way you have collaborated with people who are different from you to contribute to your community.
Last year, my European History teacher asked me to host weekly workshops for AP test preparation and credit recovery opportunities: David, Michelangelo 1504. “*Why* is this the answer?” my tutee asked. I tried re-explaining the Renaissance. Michelangelo? The Papacy? I finally asked: “Do you know the story of David and Goliath?” Raised Catholic, I knew the story but her family was Hindu. I naively hadn’t considered she wouldn’t know the story. After I explained, she relayed a similar story from her culture. As sessions grew to upwards of 15 students, I recruited more tutors so everyone could receive more individualized support. While my school is nearly half Hispanic, AP classes are overwhelmingly White and Asian, so I’ve learned to understand the diverse and often unfamiliar backgrounds of my tutees. One student struggled to write idiomatically despite possessing extensive historical knowledge. Although she was initially nervous, we discovered common ground after I asked about her Rohan Kishibe keychain, a character from Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure. She opened up; I learned she recently immigrated from China and was having difficulty adjusting to writing in English. With a clearer understanding of her background, I could now consider her situation to better address her needs. Together, we combed out grammar mistakes and studied English syntax. The bond we formed over anime facilitated honest dialogue, and therefore genuine learning.
Essay by Víctor
i love cities <3
Prompt: We know you lead a busy life, full of activities, many of which are required of you. Tell us about something you do simply for the pleasure of it.
I slam the ball onto the concrete of our dorm’s courtyard, and it whizzes past my opponents. ******, which is a mashup of tennis, squash, and volleyball, is not only a spring term pastime but also an important dorm tradition. It can only be played using the eccentric layout of our dorm’s architecture and thus cultivates a special feeling of community that transcends grade or friend groups. I will always remember the amazing outplays from yearly tournaments that we celebrate together. Our dorm’s collective GPA may go significantly down during the spring, but it’s worth it.
Essay by Brian
CS, math, and economics at MIT
Prompt: What field of study appeals to you the most right now? Tell us more about why this field of study at MIT appeals to you.
Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) fascinates me because it lies at the heart of technological innovation. I'm particularly drawn to developing energy-efficient AI chips, which can revolutionize how we approach computing power and sustainability. MIT's cutting-edge research, interdisciplinary approach, and commitment to tackling global challenges make it the perfect place to pursue this field. The opportunity to collaborate with leading experts and like-minded peers at MIT excites me as I aspire to create more efficient, powerful, and sustainable technology that can impact the world.
Essay by Michael Sato
Stanford EE and CS '27 (Double Major) | Energized about all things energy: energy-efficient hardware, renewable energy, and energy drinks!
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