Submitting an MIT Maker Portfolio - What's Expected?

Hey everyone! I'm really into creating and inventing stuff, and I'm thinking about submitting a Maker Portfolio to MIT. Can anyone give me advice or examples on what they're looking for in a successful Maker Portfolio?

Hi there! It's great that you're considering submitting a Maker Portfolio to MIT to showcase your creative side. A successful Maker Portfolio should demonstrate your ability to think critically, solve problems, and work on hands-on projects. You want to make sure it truly enhances your application, rather than just adding one more thing for admissions officers to spend time on. Here are some tips and advice on what MIT might be looking for in a Maker Portfolio:

1. Focus on showcasing your best work: Select projects that you're most proud of and which showcase your technical skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. It is not necessary to include several projects if one or two of your best projects truly highlight your talent and dedication.

2. Detailed documentation: For each project you're including in your portfolio, provide a clear description of the project's purpose, your role in the project, the tools and materials used, and any challenges you faced during the process. Include plenty of photos, diagrams, or even videos to help illustrate your explanations.

3. Describe your thought process: Explain how you came up with the idea for your project, the steps you took to bring it to fruition, and any modifications or iterations you made along the way. This demonstrates that you're not just a "builder" but also a "thinker" who can analyze and learn from each step of the creative process.

4. Emphasize collaboration, if applicable: If your project involved collaboration with others, be sure to acknowledge their contributions and explain your specific role in the project. MIT values collaboration and teamwork, so highlighting your ability to effectively work with others is a plus.

5. Reflect on the impact of your project: Explain how your project affected you or those around you. Did it solve a problem in your community? Did it lead to new learning experiences or new connections with other makers/creators? This demonstrates that you're not only passionate about creating, but also understand the importance of using your creative skills to make a positive impact.

As an example, you can highlight a project where you designed and built an electric skateboard from scratch. In your portfolio, you can provide information about the hardware and software used, the design process, your collaboration with friends who helped you test the skateboard, and how this project inspired you to pursue additional creative endeavors, such as a toy bicycle for your pet bird.

Remember, the Maker Portfolio is an opportunity to share your passions and skills beyond what's seen in the rest of your application. So, take your time curating your portfolio to best demonstrate your abilities and make a lasting impression on the MIT admissions team. Good luck!