MIT WISE Program?

I've read about the MIT WISE program but I'm not sure if I understand everything about it. Can anyone break it down for me? How does it work for the admitted class? What benefits does it offer?

Sure, I'd be happy to give you a general outline of the MIT WISE program. WISE stands for the "Weekend Immersion in Science and Engineering" program and is an initiative by MIT to give the students who are potentially highly competitive applicants to MIT but might not have many resources, a chance to experience what life would be like at MIT, along with providing them with valuable resources during the application process.

WISE is typically a three-day event in the early fall that invites a select group of high school seniors. Participants have the opportunity to stay with current students, attend classes, engage with professors, and participate in hands-on science and engineering activities. They also get a sense of the community culture and, importantly, receive detailed information about the application, financial aid processes, and applying to competitive STEM programs more generally.

The program offers several benefits. Apart from the hands-on experience and a chance to attend MIT classes and labs, participants also get to closely interact with the MIT community including faculty, staff, alumni, and current students. This can provide invaluable insights into the academic and social life at MIT.

There's also financial aid application support, which helps demystify the process. This could be a great advantage for students navigating the financial aid process for the first time. It provides an excellent understanding of how financial aid works at MIT, which can be highly beneficial given MIT’s commitment to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need.

With respect to the admitted class, those who participated in WISE would already have connections and experience with the MIT community, something which might ease the transitioning process for them. However, participation in WISE doesn't guarantee admission. Students still need to go through the regular application process.

The key thing to remember though, like with any enrichment program, is that it should serve as an opportunity to explore your interests and further confirm your passion for STEM, rather than simply a step towards admissions. The program helps you understand what a high-intensity STEM environment looks like and whether it would be a good fit for you. If you get the chance to participate, definitely make the most of the experience!