매사추세츠공과대학교 (MIT)

If a student has a talent for science, many suggest attending MIT to experience firsthand just how "ordinary" they truly are among extraordinary peers. ​ It's unsurprising that MIT has exceptional programs in science and engineering, but the university also excels in architecture and economics and offers abundant undergraduate research opportunities. Surprisingly, for students who want more than purely academic pursuits, MIT provides outstanding athletic facilities and proximity to Boston, offering diverse experiences.

Since its founding in 1861, MIT has consistently attracted the brightest minds in science and engineering. Professors and students at MIT have made numerous discoveries directly impacting everyday life—such as magnets and decoding the human genome. Tim Berners-Lee, the creator of the World Wide Web, and renowned scholar Noam Chomsky are just two influential figures closely associated with MIT.

Noam Chomsky

MIT graduates have founded over 25,000 companies, with approximately 25% of Silicon Valley’s workforce coming from MIT.

While Harvard’s curriculum was inspired by the classical Oxbridge model, MIT adopted a curriculum based on German research and practical experimentation.

MIT 코스

Regardless of their major, MIT students must fulfill the General Institute Requirement, comprising six science core courses including calculus, humanities, and physical education. Students can choose specific focuses within basic science classes, such as genetics or environmental biology. To complete these core courses, students join one of four Freshman Learning Communities that offer smaller classes, shared study spaces, and a structured first-year curriculum. Additionally, the Experimental Study Group allows self-paced study through tutorials rather than traditional lectures.

MIT structurally supports students’ pursuit of their interests, nurturing their potential. While all STEM programs are outstanding, biology stands out for pioneering medical and genetic research. True to its reputation, MIT’s engineering programs—especially electrical and computer engineering—are unrivaled nationwide. Students even have the option to complete bachelor's and master's degrees within five years. Other highly acclaimed programs include bioengineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, aeronautics, and physics.

Contrary to popular belief, MIT significantly emphasizes humanities and social sciences.

"Too many MIT graduates end up working under Harvard or Princeton grads."

One of MIT's Deans

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Recognizing this issue, MIT increasingly offers majors in business and finance, aiming to equip students with broader social and market perspectives.

Students also must complete four communication courses to enhance their ability to present scientific achievements effectively.

"Professors genuinely know how to spark students' interests."

A current MIT student

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To ease first-year pressures, freshman first-semester courses use a Pass/Fail grading system (P, D, or F instead of traditional grades). However, even with this system, courses are known to be extremely challenging and fast-paced.

Over 70% of undergraduate classes at MIT have fewer than 20 students. Faculty advising for freshmen is "acceptable," but upperclassmen often need to actively seek advising opportunities.

Unique Aspects of MIT

MIT's library system houses rare historical texts on science and technology, and at least one library operates 24/7.

"Some students spend nearly all their time (awake or asleep) in the library."

A current MIT student

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MIT's Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) is a renowned faculty/student research initiative offering credit or stipends, attracting over 91% student participation—arguably the best undergraduate research program in the U.S.

"MIT students possess unique passion and motivation."

However, according to students at MIT and Caltech, many Korean international students primarily target medical school admissions. Though some aim for MD-Ph.D. programs for medical research, many pursue medicine purely for stability rather than genuine research interest—highlighting a problematic aspect of Korea’s education system.

While most MIT students creatively pursue their research and interests, Korean students often use MIT merely as a stepping stone for medical school admissions, reflecting broader concerns about Korea’s competitive academic environment. ​

Student Body & Student Life

Historically, MIT was predominantly white, conservative, and male. However, recent diversity efforts have changed this significantly: currently, 6% Black students, 14% Hispanic, 27% Asian, 7% mixed-race, 11% international, and nearly 46% female students attend MIT. The application even directly addresses gender identity and sexual orientation to further support diversity.

MIT student life revolves around passionately pursuing one's interests, with ample extracurricular opportunities. Despite popular stereotypes, students actively participate in special lectures, dances, parties, and dorm activities.

While alcohol use among students over 21 is tolerated, MIT has well-known alcohol and drug prevention initiatives.

MIT students are also famous for elaborate pranks—such as disassembling a campus police car and reassembling it on top of a tower, reversing seats in a 500-person lecture hall, or welding Harvard’s entrance shut. Students have even hacked the university’s systems to explore restricted campus tunnels.

MIT’s athletic programs are diverse and successful, especially track and field, swimming, diving, and ice hockey. Its intramural sports programs are also extensive.

MIT epitomizes academic excellence, pushing students beyond perceived limits.

"MIT pushes students to their limits, then helps them break through and realize their true potential."

A Biology major at MIT

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Acceptance Rate: 6.7%

SAT Math Scores 25th percentile - 780 SAT Math Scores 75th percentile - 800 SAT English Scores 25th percentile - 720 SAT English Scores 75th percentile - 770