Within the evolving landscape of education, high school students are increasingly exploring programs beyond traditional classrooms. The MIT Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science (MITES) Program stands out as a unique opportunity for students with an interest in STEM. It not only offers high-level academic enrichment but also a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Here is everything you need to know about getting into MITES!

 

What is the MITES program?

The MIT Minority Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science program is an intensive academic enrichment program that encourages high school students to pursue STEM careers. As a participant, you get an in-depth look at advanced topics that go way beyond the high school curriculum. Apart from academics, you will also learn about STEM professions from experienced guest speakers, engage in social events, and get a taste of the  college life experience at MIT.

 

Is it prestigious?  

Yes, MITES is one of the most prestigious programs for high schoolers in the country and is considered so for multiple reasons. Firstly, the program’s association with MIT which is a globally recognized institution. Secondly, the highly competitive nature of the program which has been known to have an acceptance rate of between 3% and 10%. Moreover, about 40% of MITES alumni graduate from MIT while the rest usually attend other renowned institutions in the country. Coupled with the immersive educational experience the program offers, MITES can definitely make your resume stand out.  

 

To apply to the MITES program, students must be:

• High school juniors. (For the MITES Saturdays track of the program, students from grades 7-12 can apply but they must be Boston, Cambridge, or Lawrence, MA, public school students or residents.)

• U.S. citizens or permanent residents

• Have a strong academic record

Students from underrepresented communities or underserved backgrounds are encouraged to apply to all tracks of the MITES program. While there is no minimum GPA required, the selection process is holistic and will consider your academic record as well as extracurriculars and other proof of interest in science and engineering.

 

What is the timeline & structure? 

MITES comes in three different formats, each with a different time commitment and syllabus. Depending on the schedule and level of academic depth, you can choose the track which is best for you.

Track 1: MITES Summer

A six-week residential program that takes place during the summer months. This format offers an immersive experience while living on the MIT campus. You will get to tour MIT’s labs as well as local companies.

Application deadline: 1 February

Program dates: Late June to early August

Coursework: The curriculum covers five rigorous courses – one math course, one life sciences course, one physics course, a humanities course, and one project-based elective course (architecture, genomics, electronics, and more).

 

Track 2: MITES Semester

This version of the program takes place over the course of six months. The format is hybrid, consisting of a combination of online lectures and in-person meetings and workshops.

Application deadline: 1 February

Program dates: June to December 

Coursework: A STEM immersion phase runs from June to early August, including two STEM courses — one core course and one project-based course (past projects have belonged to fields like astrophysics, design thinking, thermodynamics, and machine learning). This is followed by a college and career prep phase from August to December wherein you will interact with professionals, and attend mock interviews and workshops.

 

Track 3: MITES Saturdays

Unlike the other two options, this format is a multi-year program for all high school students, not just juniors. The program takes place on Saturdays and provides students with a solid foundation and a lasting community in STEM fields.

Application deadline: End of November

Program dates: Saturdays during the school year—8 weeks in spring, 8 weeks in fall, 10.00 am to 3.30 pm

Coursework: Every semester, you will take up one Academic Mentoring Seminar (AMS) course which explores non-technical but crucial skills, and one hands-on STEM project course. Examples of the latter include topics like materials engineering, data visualization, robotics, and more. You will receive a written evaluation at the end of every semester.  

 

What is the cost of the program?

All three tracks of MITES are entirely free for all participants. Sponsors take care of all educational, food, and boarding fees. You only need to pay for transportation to and from MIT, and a few travel scholarships are available to cover those fees as well.

What is the application process?

MITES is known for its particularly rigorous academic process, so it’s better to familiarize yourself with the details beforehand. The application requires the following:

• Academic information: Transcripts/report cards showing your courses and grades.

• Test scores: While this is an optional component, students are encouraged to submit at least one standardized test score if available (PSAT, MCAS, or ACT).

• Short answer responses: You must answer 4-5 questions with answers up to 300 words to give the administrator a good idea of who you are. The prompts are generally related to what your passions/interests are, what challenges you’ve faced, and why you want to join the program.

• Extracurricular activities: Use this portion to describe your activities/interests outside of schoolwork.

• Recommendations: You will need to identify 3 (or 2 for MITES Saturdays) recommenders who will be asked to fill up an online recommendation form.

 

Tips on getting accepted to MITES

Admission to MITES can be competitive, but the proper preparation can set your application apart from the crowd. Here are a few pointers that can help you get accepted into the program:

 

1. Prioritize academics

Strong grades are essential for getting into the MITES program, as its college-level curriculum demands a high academic proficiency of its participants. Due to the program’s emphasis on STEM, it is advisable to focus on improving your grades in math, science, and engineering subjects.

2. Secure relevant recommendations

Since the application requires up to 3 recommendations (one math/science teacher, one humanities teacher, and one counselor/administrator), it is beneficial for you to be on good terms with your instructors. Moreover, choose your recommenders carefully and pick teachers who actually know who you are. This way, they can speak to your personality and characteristics as well as your grades.

3. Take standardized exams

Standardized exams may not be mandatory, but achieving high scores can give you a better chance of acceptance. If you've taken AP classes, aim for scores of 4s or 5s.  If you plan on taking these tests, make sure you plan well enough in advance so you can submit the results while applying to MITES.

4. Gain prior research exposure

Aside from grades and skills, the program administrators will also be looking for students who can demonstrate their interest in STEM and dedication to pursue it. One way of doing this is by engaging in prior research projects. You can do this on your own, reach out to your teachers for guidance or even enroll in other research programs for high school students.  

 

Overall, getting into MITES is a great opportunity that offers a valuable pathway toward a future in STEM. This program is bound to give your resume a boost and will be advantageous in the eyes of college administrators as well. Now that you have all the information on applying to MITES, you can ensure that you’re well-prepared when the time comes!

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