If you are a high school student with an interest in STEM looking to bolster your applicant profile, the Multiethnic Introduction to Engineering (MITE) at Purdue is an opportunity you don’t want to miss! Participating in pre-college STEM programs can significantly enhance your profile before applying to college. 

These programs offer rigorous academic experiences that go beyond the typical high school curriculum. By engaging in hands-on projects, research opportunities, and advanced coursework, you can develop a strong foundation in STEM fields, demonstrating your commitment and passion to college admissions committees.

Additionally, pre-college STEM programs often provide valuable networking opportunities and exposure to professionals in the field. You'll have the chance to connect with professors, researchers, and industry experts, gaining insights into potential career paths and building relationships that could lead to future internships or mentorships. These experiences not only enrich your understanding of STEM disciplines but also show colleges that you are proactive in seeking out learning opportunities, giving you a competitive edge in the admissions process.

What is MITE at Purdue? 

The Multiethnic Introduction to Engineering (MITE) at Purdue University is a four-week, two-credit college simulation program designed to prepare underrepresented students, namely African American, Native American, and Hispanic American students, for a future in engineering. 

Originally launched in 1975 as a two-week program, MITE now mirrors the Freshman Engineering Academic Boot Camp, with a strong emphasis on college readiness, math, and engineering projects. Participants live in Purdue's residence halls, engage in various activities, and meet with current students, faculty, and administrators. The program includes coursework in engineering research and design, mathematics, chemistry, English composition, and SAT review. 

By joining MITE, you will not only enhance your academic skills but also learn about Purdue's 15 unique engineering majors and a wide variety of engineering careers. The program has demonstrated significant success in improving participants' SAT math scores, with an average increase of 90 points and some students achieving up to 180 points of improvement. At the end of the program, you will have the opportunity to apply to Purdue University, having gained valuable insights into engineering education and developed essential skills like time management.

Is it prestigious?

MITE is moderately prestigious. Participating in MITE offers you a unique opportunity to be part of a well-established program with a history dating back to 1975. The opportunity to interact with Purdue's faculty, students, and administrators, along with the chance to explore a variety of engineering careers, adds to the program's prestige and value. However, its cost of around $4,000 and no minimum GPA detracts from its prestige and selectivity. 

What is its structure?

MITE is structured to provide you with a comprehensive introduction to engineering and college readiness. Over the four-week program, you will participate in courses covering engineering research and design, mathematics, chemistry, English composition, and SAT review. Additionally, you'll attend professional development workshops focused on time management and preparing for college success.

Hands-on projects are a significant part of the MITE program. You will learn about the engineering design process used to tackle global challenges, completing two engineering design projects led by graduate assistants. These projects culminate in friendly competitions, helping you develop your presentation skills. Alongside these academic activities, the program includes social activities that allow you to connect with other aspiring engineers from across the country. 

What is the application process and timeline?

The program runs from July 8 to August 2, 2024, in an in-person format. You will check in on July 8 and check out on August 2. 

To apply, you need to submit your application by April 22, 2024. The admissions decisions will be communicated by May 6, 2024, and if accepted, your payment is due by June 1, 2024. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, meaning that decisions are made as soon as all required elements, such as your transcript and application, are submitted. Your parents will be notified of the decision. Although these deadlines have passed, do note that the deadlines for 2025 will follow a similar timeline. 

As a participant, you will earn 2 college credits. The Minority Engineering Program (MEP) will coordinate with Purdue Admissions to ensure these credits are officially listed on your transcript and maintained as part of your permanent academic record. 

How much does it cost?

The cost to participate in the MITE program at Purdue University varies based on residency. For Indiana residents, the fee is $3,797.70, while domestic nonresidents pay $4,998.60. These fees cover a comprehensive package, including room and board, with meals and lodging provided.

Your fee also covers the academic courses offered: Pre-Calculus for Engineers, Engineering Research and Design, Chemistry, and English. Additionally, it includes the Engineering Design Project Course and its materials, SAT/ACT preparation, a one-year ALEKS subscription with scheduled tutoring sessions, professional development seminars, and college application preparation assistance (such as essay and resume writing). The program also provides opportunities to engage with engineering students, faculty, alumni, and corporate partners.

However, the fees do not cover travel expenses to and from Purdue University. For those concerned about affordability, scholarships are available for students who meet need-based requirements. This can help offset the costs and make the program more accessible.

Who is eligible?

Individuals of all races, genders, and backgrounds are eligible. To participate, you must be a rising senior, meaning you will be entering the 12th grade for the 2023-24 academic year and have completed the 11th grade by the summer of application. While the program is open to all students, it specifically aims to increase interest and representation of underrepresented minorities in engineering.

Pros:

1. You will gain college readiness and credit

Participating in MITE will give you a head start on college coursework and earn two college credits. The program includes rigorous courses such as Pre-Calculus for Engineers, Engineering Research and Design, Chemistry, and English. Mastering advanced chemistry concepts through MITE can give you a substantial advantage when you begin college, allowing you to tackle complex topics more confidently and easily.

2. You will enhance your SAT scores

The program’s emphasis on SAT preparation is a significant benefit. On average, participants have seen an improvement of 90 points in their SAT math scores, with some increasing by as much as 180 points. This focused preparation can make your college application more competitive, helping you meet or exceed the score requirements for your desired universities.

3. You will be exposed to more Engineering careers 

MITE provides a unique opportunity to explore various engineering disciplines and career paths. Through hands-on projects and interactions with current engineering students, faculty, and professionals, you will gain insights into fields like civil, mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering. 

4. You will have access to professional development opportunities

The program includes workshops on professional development topics such as time management, resume writing, and college application preparation. These skills are not only vital for college success but also for your future career. Learning effective time management strategies during MITE can help you balance the demanding workload of college and, eventually, your professional life.

5. You will access new networking opportunities

MITE brings together students from across the nation, allowing you to build a network of peers who share your interest in engineering. Engaging with like-minded individuals and forming connections with current Purdue students and faculty can open doors to future collaborations and mentorship opportunities. These relationships can be invaluable as you navigate your academic and professional journey, providing support and guidance along the way.

Cons

1. There is a high cost

The program fees can be quite high, especially for non-residents. For Indiana residents, the cost is $3,797.70, while domestic non-residents pay $4,998.60. These fees cover various expenses, including room and board, academic courses, and professional development seminars. However, they do not include travel to and from Purdue University. If you live far from Indiana, the additional cost of airfare or long-distance travel could significantly increase your overall expenses.

2. There is a high time commitment

MITE is a four-week intensive program that requires a significant time commitment during the summer. This might conflict with other plans or responsibilities you have, such as summer jobs, family vacations, or other extracurricular activities. If you have a part-time job that you rely on for income, taking four weeks off might not be feasible without financial repercussions.

3. You will have a rigorous academic workload

The program is designed to simulate the college experience with a strong emphasis on challenging academic courses. If you are not prepared for the rigorous coursework, it can be overwhelming. The program includes subjects like Pre-Calculus for Engineers and Chemistry, which require a solid foundation in math and science. If you struggle with advanced math concepts, keeping up with the pace of the coursework might be stressful and could impact your overall experience.

4. There may be a competitive environment

The nature of the program attracts high-achieving students from across the nation. This can create a highly competitive environment that might be intimidating or stressful for some participants. Constantly being surrounded by top-performing peers might make you feel pressured to perform at their level, potentially leading to anxiety or self-doubt.

5. There is limited eligibility

MITE is specifically designed for rising seniors (students entering 12th grade). This means if you are in a different grade, you are not eligible to participate. Additionally, while the program is open to all students, it focuses on increasing the representation of underrepresented minorities in engineering. If you are not part of this target demographic, you might feel less connected to the program's core mission and community.

MIT MITES vs MITE at Purdue

Both programs aim to prepare underrepresented students for careers in engineering, but they have distinct differences in prestige, cohort size, and subjects covered. MITES at MIT is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious pre-college engineering programs in the United States. Held at the renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MITES has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and innovation. This prestige can be a significant boost to your college application, as it reflects your ability to excel in a highly competitive environment. 

On the other hand, MITE at Purdue University, while also respected, may not carry the same level of national recognition as MITES. However, Purdue is known for its strong engineering programs, and participating in MITE still demonstrates your commitment and capability in STEM fields.

MITES typically admits a smaller cohort of around 60-80 students, which allows for a more intimate and personalized experience. In contrast, MITE at Purdue generally accommodates a larger group of students. While this means you might have less one-on-one time with instructors, it also provides the opportunity to meet a more diverse group of peers from various backgrounds and regions, expanding your network further.

Both programs cover a range of STEM subjects, but their curricula differ slightly in focus and depth. MITES offers an intensive curriculum that includes advanced topics in calculus, physics, life sciences, humanities, and hands-on engineering projects. In comparison, MITE at Purdue focuses on college readiness with courses in Pre-Calculus for Engineers, Chemistry, Engineering Research and Design, and English Composition and Writing. A key component of MITE is the hands-on engineering design projects, where you'll work in teams to tackle engineering challenges and develop presentation skills.

Should You Apply?

You should consider applying to MITE at Purdue if you are a rising senior interested in engineering and seeking a comprehensive college preparatory experience where cost and the high time commitment are not a concern. The program offers a robust college-preparatory experience with courses in pre-calculus, engineering research and design, chemistry, and English, along with SAT/ACT prep. You'll live in Purdue's world-class residence halls and engage with peers from across the country, which can significantly enhance your college readiness and professional development skills. 

However, the program's intensity can be challenging, and the substantial time commitment may interfere with other summer plans. Additionally, the cost, while covering many expenses, might be a barrier despite the availability of scholarships. If you are prepared for these challenges and committed to a future in engineering, MITE at Purdue can be a valuable and transformative experience.

If you’re looking to build unique projects in the field of AI/ML, consider applying to Veritas AI! 

Veritas AI was founded by Harvard graduate students, and through the programs, you get a chance to learn the fundamentals of AI and computer science while collaborating on real-world projects. You can also work 1-1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we had over 1000 students learn data science and AI with us. You can apply here!

Image Source - Purdue University Logo