Graduate Admissions FAQ
Who is eligible to apply to ME?
We expect an applicant to have earned a bachelor's or a master's degree by the time he/she registers in ME. Most incoming students will have a degree in Mechanical Engineering or some related branch of engineering. The department's admission criteria are not specific, however, and capable students with backgrounds in different branches of engineering or in science may gain entry.
How do I apply?
You can apply in one of the following ways:
- You can fill out an order form or download an application from the Admissions home page http://web.mit.edu/Admissions/.
- You can apply electronically at http://web.mit.edu/Admissions/.
Are there separate admission procedures for SM and PhD programs?
No. There is only one admissions process. In most cases, students without a master's degree will get that degree before proceeding on to the PhD. If you already hold a master's degree from another school, you can apply directly to the PhD.
Can I apply to ME by electronic application?
Yes, the electronic application is now available at http://web.mit.edu/Admissions/.
What is the deadline for applying?
The ME Department accepts applications for September only and the deadline for applying is December 15 of the previous year.
What documents are necessary for applying to ME?
The applications consist of four parts: The biographical section, 3 letters of recommendation, transcripts of all college level grades and a "Statement of Objectives". All applicants are required to submit GRE scores (general test only) and international students are required to submit a TOEFL score of 577 or better for the paper-based exam, 233 or better for computer-based exam or 91 or better for the internet-based exam. All applicants are required to submit a $70.00 application fee.
What tests are necessary for applying to ME?
The GRE tests are necessary for all applicants and the TOEFL test is necessary for international students whose native language is not English. We do not grant TOEFL waivers.
Can the TOEFL tests be waived in certain cases for international students?
We will not waive the TOEFL test, but if an international applicant whose "native" language is not English, has received a degree from a U.S. school, we will accept a photocopy of an outdated TOEFL score, provided it meets our minimum standards given above.
I can't send all the letters of recommendation or transcripts at the same time. What should I do?
We strongly recommend that you send in your application COMPLETE with documentation. If this is not possible, you should send documents directly to the Graduate Office, Room 1-112, MIT, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139. Be sure your name appears clearly on all documents.
Since I have been in the work force for the last few years, it will be difficult to obtain all the letters of recommendation from faculty members. Is it OK to ask my employer/supervisors to write letters in support of my application?
In a case like this, we usually suggest that you receive at least one letter from a faculty member who knew you well, and the other two letters can be from employers.
Is the application fee ever waived or deferred?
The application fee is intended to help defray the cost of printing, mailing and processing the applications. It is never waived and it must be paid in dollars. We accept cash, check, money orders and credit cards. Please include your full name as it appears on the credit card, credit card account number and the expiration date.
Where should I send my application?
ME Graduate Office
MIT, Room 1-112
77 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
What is the complete address of the ME Graduate Office?
ME Graduate Office
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Room 1-112
77 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge MA 02139
megradoffice@mit.edu
When will I receive my decision notification?
Decisions are mailed in March.
Is it OK to request my admission decision by e-mail?
Yes; admissions decisions are emailed first, followed up by a letter.
Can I defer my admission?
An admitted student may make a written request to defer admission for one term only.
I applied to ME within the last two years and was rejected. How can I reapply?
If you were previously not admitted to our graduate program but would like to reapply there are two options. If you are enrolled or have been enrolled in another graduate program since first applying, you will need to submit a new application providing us with the updated biographical information, along with a new statement of objectives, three new letters of recommendation from faculty in the University in which you were or are now enrolled along with updated transcripts from that University. If you have not enrolled in another graduate program since you first applied to MIT, then you will only need to submit a new application with updated biographical information. In both cases, you will need to submit the application fee.
Do you have part-time or evening programs?
No. All degree programs are for full-time day students.
What are "special students?"
Special students may apply to take one, two or three classroom subjects per term. They are not in a degree program and may not do research. They are usually people who work in the area and whose company is paying the tuition (approx. $5,000/course). International students applying as "special students" must register for at least 3 courses to maintain proper immigration status.
How do I get a Research Assistantship or Teaching Assistantship?
Students are eligible for assistantships after they have been admitted to the Department. Faculty with RA openings in their research group for the next academic year start reviewing student applications once admission decisions have been made. In order to facilitate the student-faculty matching process and secure funding for the coming academic year as early as possible, we recommend that newly admitted students begin to contact faculty whose research is of interest to them as soon as they are admitted to the Department. (For more information see the Graduate Program information on the MechE web site.
How do I apply to the Leaders for Manufacturing (LFM) program?
Go to the electronic application at http://web.mit.edu/Admissions and choose "LFM" under Joint Degree Program. This will add the LFM supplement to your electronic application. The LFM application deadline is the third Monday of December. For additional details on LFM and its application process, see http://lfm.mit.edu.
