How to Write the MIT ADMISSIONS Essay

 MIT Excerpt

By Sarah O'Neill, Supreme Editing, Coatesville

“Be honest, be open, be authentic—this is your opportunity to connect with us.”

“You should certainly be thoughtful about your essays, but if you’re thinking too much—spending a lot of time stressing or strategizing about what makes you “look best,” as opposed to the answers that are honest and easy—you’re doing it wrong.”

MIT is looking for a connection between you + MIT, primarily. An MIT student is: a risk-taker, hands-on, and optimistic towards others. Most essays are varied in topic - dismissing the notion that MIT only looks for one type of person or one activity. 

According to MIT admissions (via their website):

Personal essay: 

Although we can’t give you an opinion of what your chances are, we can give you a sense of what we look when selecting students for admission. Basically, we’re looking for students with broad interests, both academic and non-academic, who have taken a rigorous academic curriculum and done well. We want to see that students are involved in things because they care about them, not just because they think certain activities would “look good” on their resume or college application. We look for students who are willing to take risks, and who will bring something special and unique to the MIT community.

In history, the types of students admitted consisted of: those with varied interests, but certainly at least a single spike of interest in which they excelled or was passion-driven. People who think “outside of the box” and artfully consider the prompt questions are seen most often. They are not afraid to take risks…even in their application essays. 

Supplemental Essay Example:

Prompt: How has the world you come from — including your opportunities, experiences, and challenges — shaped your dreams and aspirations? (200)

Saving freshwater resources is a primary goal of mine. My hometown, Yueqing, has a pristine river flowing through it. In its early days, the water was crystal clear, and I could easily see the riverbed down below. We relied on this water for drinking, washing food, and irrigating crops. Older generations recall carefree days, playing in the river, and catching fish. However, the town's landscape underwent a drastic transformation, and factories leaked untreated wastewater into the river. Citizens, my father included, endured two-hour treks across mountains to fetch clean water. This arduous journey took a toll on his health; he still has lower back pain. 

Though the water quality in my hometown has improved in recent years due to technological advancements, I realized that there are still regions that grapple with unsafe drinking water where diseases are rampant. Inspired, I aspire to invest in innovative purification methods for wastewater treatment and recycling. Desalination of seawater also represents a pivotal solution that can enrich our global water resources and alleviate the strain on freshwater supplies. Available clean water is a fundamental human right and, if Maslow was correct, it is the first step on his chart to fulfilling our basic needs. 

Sarah ONeill Supreme Editing