The reasons why the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in the United States, is one of the most renowned universities in the world, in 1st place for nine years in the QS ranking.
For nine consecutive years in first place in the QS World University Rankings , the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, better known as MIT, is one of the most famous universities in the world. Although ranked fifth in the most recent edition of the Times Higher Education world rankings, there is no denying that it is also unbeatably one of the best universities out there. Why? What makes this particular US institute of technology stand out so much?
Why MIT is the best university in the world?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MIT, with almost 160 years of history, is located just over two miles from another academic powerhouse, Harvard University, in the city of Cambridge, Massachusetts, near Boston. This makes this region one of the most desirable study destinations in the world – and also one of the most popular.
But what really sets MIT apart from other major American universities is its focus on technology. More specifically, its effectiveness in turning its students’ and academics’ ideas into successful businesses. And of course your scientific research too!
Below, learn about some of the key factors that make MIT one of the world’s leading universities.
Admission Process at MIT University
MIT prides itself on selecting the world’s brightest minds, regardless of background, nationality, and financial status. Its selection process maintains a “blind admissions” policy for both native and international students. This means that if you are selected on merit – based on your outstanding qualifications and academic performance – but are unable to pay for your studies, the university will help you financially.
MIT’s international perspective
Of MIT’s 11,161 students, more than 3,700 are international students. They come from all 50 US states and 118 different countries. The number is even higher in relation to the faculty: of its 2,977 professors, 1,677 are foreigners, according to the official website of the QS World University Rankings.
No wonder the Institute scored 100% for the proportion of international professors.
Scholarships at MIT
Studying at MIT is not cheap. According to the Institute’s official website, the total amount for the 2020-2021 academic year is US$76,150. However, there are different types of scholarships available to all students, including 100% full-time options. The typical annual average paid by an MIT need -based scholar is $23,442, which is close to the cost of a public university in the United States.
MIT is one of only five universities in the country to have these two policies for academic admission and scholarship award:
- Need-blind: During the selection process, MIT does not consider applicants’ ability to pay tuition fees as a deciding factor in selection.
- Full-need: MIT is committed to meeting 100% of the financial needs of admitted students.
In the 2018-2019 academic year, for example, 59% of full-time students enrolled in MIT undergraduate degrees received some form of scholarship or financial aid.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology: Notable Alumni
MIT has graduated more than 139,000 students, who are now talented professionals in all corners of the world. Many remain involved with the university throughout their careers, doing volunteer work, helping to provide internships for current students, serving as mentors and also contributing grants to Institute projects and scholarships.
Among MIT alumni are 39 Nobel Prize nominees and world-famous figures such as diplomat Kofi Annan and Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin.
Innovation
MIT’s philosophy is “mind and hand” in that it encourages not only intelligence and critical thinking, but also hands-on learning – getting your hands dirty in the real world. Greater Boston is full of companies generated by the ideas of MIT students. Which, consequently, provides partnerships and collaborations with the industry for internships, research and job opportunities after completing studies.
The Institute has several programs that encourage innovation and creativity among its students and academics, such as:
- MIT Innovation Initiative: The MIT Innovation Initiative is a team responsible for encouraging the development and strengthening of innovation and entrepreneurship throughout the university community and also for publicizing available programs and opportunities.
- MIT $100K Entrepreneurship Competition: The $100,000 competition is divided into three categories – Pitch , Accelerate and Launch – and rewards the most original ideas and business plans. To compete, the individual or at least one member of the team must be enrolled at MIT.
- IDEAS: MIT’s annual Social Innovation Challenge unites teams of students and academic mentors to solve the world’s most pressing social and environmental issues. Winners receive up to US$16,000 to put their idea into practice.
Research at MIT
MIT’s learning-by-doing approach extends to its academic research as well, and opportunities start with bachelor’s degrees. Through MIT’s Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), more than 85% of students enrolled in undergraduate programs have the chance to participate in research conducted by MIT faculty.
MIT is made up of five schools and one faculty – School of Architecture and Planning; Engineering school; School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences; Sloan School of Management; School of Sciences; and the Schwarzman College of Computing. Together, they maintain 30 departments with different scientific research, in addition to several centers, laboratories and programs.
MIT scientists and academics were responsible for revolutionary discoveries, such as the first chemical synthesis of penicillin, the creation of radar, the discovery of quarks, the concept of an expanding universe, and the invention of magnetic core memory that enabled the emergence of computers. fingerprints.
Currently, the Institute is dedicated to research on topics essential to society, such as artificial intelligence, climate change, HIV, cancer cure and poverty eradication.
Life on the MIT Campus
MIT has a 166-acre campus with everything your community could need. In addition to their studies, students have access to a social life and activities of all kinds. There are over 500 student organizations and clubs, 20 faith-based groups, 33 sports teams that compete in inter-university leagues, 12 museums and art galleries, and much more.
In addition, MIT offers different student residence halls and approximately 20 on-campus dining halls for students to live close to all academic buildings and effectively participate in university life.
How to get into MIT?
MIT has a team of recruiters prepared to interpret the education system around the world in order to find the equivalence of international school transcripts in relation to the American one.
All foreign applicants must demonstrate adequate resourcefulness in the subjects they intend to continue studying at MIT. Official recommendation is four years of English, mathematics (calculus), two or more years of history/social studies; biology; chemistry and physics.
You will also be required to take one of the two standardized North American selection tests, the ACT or SAT, and obtain a minimum overall score of 90 on the TOEFL, proof of English proficiency (with a minimum of 23 on each section of the test). Documentation for international application includes biographical information, letters of recommendation, personal statement, etc. The pre-selected candidates go through an interview before the definitive answer.