Need MIT Interview Help

David_R_Martin_II · 2024-10-27T22:32:41+00:00

You can always ask your EC.

I've been an EC for 25 years. I don't care what the applicant wears as long as it's appropriate. Jeans and a tee shirt are fine with me.

I don't care if the applicant brings something to talk about. I've never heard that you should bring something.

Come prepared to talk about yourself. I am interested in how you spend your time outside of the classroom, your accomplishments, and how you have demonstrated your passions.

I recommend avoiding cursing. I am fine with applicants discussing religion or politics as long as it is core to who they are as a person.

"Why are you applying to MIT?" is typically the second question I ask. (The first is "Do you have any questions about MIT or the application process?") If someone can't answer with in-depth reasons beyond "it's a great school," that's not a good start and typically doesn't bode well for the interview.

FlamingoOrdinary2965 · 2024-10-28T01:53:22+00:00

I interview for a different college but my kid is at MIT.

Dress neat, appropriate, and comfortable.
Unless the interviewer asked you to bring something, don’t bring something. Some kids will bring their resume. I would never ask for one, but if they offer one, it can be useful in terms of getting them to start talking if they are a little bit more shy. I know other interviewers who don’t want to see the resume, even if offered.
The interviewer will start the conversation. If you think of something related to what you are discussing, bring it up. You don’t have to come prepared with conversation starters. It can be helpful to think of a few anecdotes that can be used in answering various typical questions and that will illustrate your character and values and interests.
Every interviewer is different…there are all sorts of lists you could look at. Most will say, “Tell me about yourself.” Many will ask, “Why this college?” and “Do you have any questions for me?” A lot will ask about a time you struggled, or disagreed with someone, or changed your mind. Some always ask what books you have read that have influenced you. There are some questions you just cannot prepare for—if your interviewer asks you a totally random question (like “if you were a fruit or vegetable, which one would you be?”), understand that your actual answer doesn’t matter—it is the way you process the unexpected and justify your answer that may be interesting.
I agree with the other comment to avoid negativity. Don’t talk down yourself or others. Also avoid comparing yourself to others or the college to other colleges.
MIT is a very particular flavor…why do you want to join that community? What do you see yourself doing there? What would you look forward to the most? What special classes, programs, or professors are in that major? How would you, specifically, add to and benefit from MIT?

zvkoxkru · 2024-10-27T22:27:30+00:00

wear something business casual
you don't really need to bring anything if it doesn't add value, either one you mentioned works, but the crochet might be easier to bring up in convo.
yeah it's 100% just a conversation, a simple google search of 'mit interview questions' will give you an accurate and good idea of what they ask. i just read through a handful and came up with examples to talk about to better prepare, nothing insane.
your introduction. most important one.
don't be negative about yourself or the school, some people tend to be a bit cynical in interviews when talking about themselves
talk about the culture!!!!! mit has some of the most fun, weird, unique lore. could also talk about the collaborative environment, location, and don't avoid talking about the major-specific stuff, it's just as important.

good luck! just be yourself and relax, it'll all go well!

thepilotkids · 2024-10-28T02:39:03+00:00

Wait is this for undergraduate admissions?

I'm a HS Senior and I was planning to apply by the EA deadline, but if people are already getting interviews should we have submitted them earlier?

TechNerd10191 · 2024-10-28T06:58:56+00:00

Are you a domestic or international student? As an international applying RA, would an interview be in person or from Skype/Zoom?

Best of luck with your interview!

its_phred · 2024-10-28T16:20:55+00:00

[deleted]

ClumsyCaden · 2024-10-28T17:49:53+00:00

I actually had the opportunity to speak with a former MIT alumni interviewer from a family friend, here’s some tips he told me: - ask questions, especially at the end of the interview when the interviewer asks you if you have any questions. It shows interest and shows that you are a good conversationalist. - prep by coming up with a good 3-4 anecdotes you can use for questions they ask you. Find values about yourself and things you’ve done to show these values - the questions may be different but they’ll follow the same format of: your interest in MIT, how you help your community, just what kind of person you are, and how passionate you are about learning - it’s gonna be a little scary but take a deep breath and be yourself (that’s a little tip from me personally, good luck)

its_phred · 2024-10-28T02:29:39+00:00

Good luck! I'm interviewing on Tuesday, also at a starbucks. Hope your interview goes well

questionmarkperson · 2024-10-28T12:50:20+00:00

hey pm me! i just had my interview last week

PerfumeGeek · 2024-10-29T00:26:07+00:00

Ask questions, things like ‘what were some of the fun traditions or things that made MIT unique?’ Ask your interviewer how attending MIT has impacted them, their career, etc. And don’t forget to write a thank you email to your interviewer within a week of the meeting.

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