How to Get into Stanford/MIT? Requirements for Applicants According to Their Official Websites

In today’s post, following up on the previous one, we will take a closer look at the qualities and criteria that top universities are looking for in their applicants, as listed on their official websites. Last time, we covered Harvard and Yale, and today we will discuss Stanford and MIT.

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We’ll focus on what these universities expect from their applicants and the type of students they seek, based on the information provided on their websites. In particular, we will take an in-depth look at Stanford University and MIT.

Stanford University emphasizes Holistic Admission, which means they consider every aspect of the applicant. This is not unique to Stanford; many other universities adopt the same approach.

-Context

Stanford specifically mentions that they take into account the student's educational background, academic path, and even family responsibilities, which ties into the recent elimination of Affirmative Action. Despite the legal changes, Stanford still acknowledges that students from disadvantaged educational backgrounds who have demonstrated exceptional effort can be admitted, even if they fall slightly short of absolute academic standards.

- Academic Excellence 

The primary criterion for admission is academic excellence! In simple terms, doing well academically is essential. Like Harvard and Yale, Stanford strongly emphasizes academic performance. Applicants should aim to take the most challenging courses available and maintain high grades.

- Intellectual Vitality 

Stanford seeks students who show a deep commitment and energy, whether in a research lab, community organization, or any other context. They want to see how much impact and dedication the student has invested in their community. They value initiative, which includes:

   - How well you plan

   - How proactive you are

   - How committed you are to a particular project

For example, one student spent years researching the differences between recycling practices in Korea and the U.S. and discovered that heating plastic waste could generate electricity. This research culminated in a project where the student sent plastic waste to electricity-deprived regions, showcasing potential for significant impact. Stanford would certainly recognize the initiative and energy of such a student.

- Extracurricular Activities 

When it comes to extracurriculars, quality matters more than quantity. Instead of engaging in many activities indiscriminately, it’s better to focus on a few that you are truly passionate about. Activities such as part-time jobs, internships, or even sacrificing personal time to support family responsibilities can also count as extracurriculars. What matters most is the impact these activities have on your environment.

- Academic Preparation 

Stanford expects applicants to take five courses each year.

- Recommended High School Curriculum 

   - Four years of English, with an emphasis on writing and literature (participation in writing competitions during high school can be an advantage)

   - Four years of math, including calculus if possible

   - At least three years of science

   - Three years of a foreign language

Many parents ask what to do if their child finishes advanced foreign language classes by the 10th grade. Stanford has clarified that if students have taken the highest-level language course offered by their school, they are not required to take additional language courses in the 11th and 12th grades. However, this applies only to Stanford, so it's essential to check with other universities individually.

MIT’s admissions process differs slightly from other top universities. While strong academic performance is essential, MIT emphasizes finding students who are a good fit with MIT. They are looking for people who are actively working on projects that can change the world, even if on a small scale, and those who make a tangible impact on their communities.

- Collaboration 

Collaboration is a crucial aspect of MIT's values, which means that participating in group projects or collaborative extracurricular activities can give you an advantage in the admissions process.

- Initiative 

MIT highly values students who take initiative and utilize their surroundings to engage in activities. If parents have professional expertise or passions, they are encouraged to pass these down to their children, helping them naturally become involved in related extracurricular activities. Start by utilizing family resources and move on to larger group activities as they grow.

- Risk-taking 

MIT encourages students not to fear failure but to learn from it. A famous quote from the MIT president mentions, "We learn through failure." As a result, MIT advises students to participate in science fairs, regardless of the outcome.

- Hands-on Creativity 

MIT stresses the importance of turning ideas into action. It’s not enough to think—students need to do.

- Intensity, Curiosity, and Excitement 

MIT looks for students who exhibit intensity, curiosity, and excitement in their extracurricular activities. As with Stanford, quality trumps quantity. MIT’s application allows students to list only four activities, showing how much they value dedication to meaningful projects.

- The Character of the MIT Community 

MIT values collaboration, encouragement, inspiration, and interaction within its community.

- The Ability to Prioritize Balance 

MIT is also interested in how students balance their academic and personal lives. They want to know how students spend their time outside of academics.

- Academics 

MIT places significant emphasis on academics and has detailed academic requirements, such as:

   - Two semesters of calculus

   - Two semesters of calculus-based physics

   - One semester of chemistry

   - One semester of biology

Additionally, they recommend:

   - Math through calculus

   - One year or more of physics

-One year or more chemistry -One year or more biology

   - Four years of English

   - Two years of a foreign language

   - Two years of history and/or social sciences

MIT understands that not all high schools offer the same curriculum. However, if your school doesn’t offer advanced math or science courses, it is recommended to take them externally or through online platforms to strengthen your MIT application.

In both posts, we have looked at what Harvard, Yale, Stanford, and MIT are looking for in students. The primary focus is on academic performance. Taking the most challenging courses, practicing writing, and improving math skills will help shape you into the type of applicant these schools seek.

It’s essential to make the most of the resources available to you, solve the problems within your environment, and engage in activities that make an impact. Whether the resources come from family, school clubs, or internships, the key is to use them and make a difference.

If your child is in middle school or early high school, it’s a good idea to expose them to a variety of activities to build their resource base. By the 10th and 11th grades, they can focus on activities that they are most passionate about. We hope you find these insights useful as you navigate the college application process.

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Today, we’ve explored what Stanford and MIT are looking for in their applicants. If you have any questions, feel free to contact A-One Institute. 

Thank you.