MIT Interview Tips

Hi everyone! I have an interview for MIT coming up soon and I'm a little nervous. Can anyone offer any advice on how to prepare or share any experiences you've had with the process? All help is greatly appreciated!

First of all, congratulations on securing an interview with MIT! It's completely normal to feel a little nervous, but with proper preparation, you'll do great. Here are some tips and insights to help you prepare:

1. Research MIT: Be well-versed with MIT's values, culture, and what makes it unique. This will allow you to articulate why you are excited about attending MIT and how you would fit into the community.

2. Prepare for common questions: Though interviews can vary, you should be prepared to answer common questions like "Tell me about yourself," "Why are you interested in MIT?", "What are your academic and extracurricular interests?", and "What are your future goals?". Practice your response, but don't memorize them word for word. The conversation should feel natural and not rehearsed.

3. Emphasize your "spike": MIT is known for seeking students with a highly-developed specialty or "spike" in a specific area. Be ready to showcase your passion and accomplishments in your field(s) of interest. Be detailed and explain the impact you've made and how you plan to continue these activities at MIT.

4. Know your interviewer: If their name is provided ahead of time, look up your interviewer to understand their background and any potential commonalities you might share. This can help guide the conversation and provide natural talking points that can help establish rapport.

5. Ask thoughtful questions: Prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask your interviewer, showing your genuine interest in MIT and the interviewer's experiences. Avoid asking questions that can easily be found on the MIT website.

6. Stay calm and be yourself: The interview is an opportunity for MIT to get to know you better, so be genuine, honest, and open. Build a rapport with your interviewer and treat the conversation as a way for both parties to learn more about each other.

7. Dress appropriately: Choose neat and conservative attire that shows respect for the occasion, without being overly formal. Business casual is a safe choice.

8. Follow up: Send a thank-you email after your interview expressing gratitude for the opportunity and mentioning any specific conversation points that resonated with you.

Remember that the interview is just one part of the holistic admissions process and serves as an opportunity to share more about yourself beyond your application. Most importantly, relax and enjoy the conversation! Good luck!