What to Wear to a College Interview at MIT?

I'm freaking out a little because I have an interview for MIT soon. What kind of outfit would be appropriate for this kind of interview? I don't want to underdress or overdress and wonder what others wore.

College interviews are typically more casual than a job interview, so there's no need to dress in a full suit (unless you feel most comfortable doing so). Given that MIT has a STEM-centric culture and is located in a city with relatively informal dress norms (Cambridge, MA), you can err on the side of being more casual, while still maintaining an element of professionalism.

For men, a go-to outfit could be slacks or dark-wash jeans combined with a button-down or polo shirt. Something semi-casual like a sweater or a blazer could be added as a top layer, depending on the weather. Pair this with dress shoes or neat, clean sneakers.

For women, a blouse or a neat sweater paired with a skirt or dress pants would also be appropriate. Alternatively, a nice dress could work as well. As for shoes, a pair of flats or moderate heels would be suitable. Just make sure it all fits well and you're comfortable walking and sitting in the outfit.

Regardless of gender, aim for clothing that fits well, is wrinkle-free, and doesn’t show too much skin. Wardrobe should not be the center of attention in an interview—you want your interviewer focusing on your words, not your clothing. So, avoid extreme colors, loud patterns, excessive jewelry, or heavy perfume/cologne.

Remember, the most important thing is to feel comfortable and confident in what you're wearing. You want your focus to be on your conversation with the interviewer, not worrying about your attire. Good luck with your MIT interview!