The Massachusetts Institute of Technology, better known as MIT, is one of the most selective and competitive institutions of higher learning in the United States. Founded in 1861, the college did not begin holding classes until 1865 after the end of the Civil War. Originally developed as a general institution of higher learning, its founders quickly discovered that the country and the East Coast needed a polytechnic school that offered more technical classes and programs. Students and professors working at MIT helped develop technologies used by the government during World War II and after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2011.

MIT ranks as one of the top colleges in the country and around the world. Washington Monthly ranked MIT as the 15th best in the country, and it appeared at number seven and number five on similar lists created by U.S. News and World Report and Forbes. QS World University Rankings also identified MIT as the best college in the world. It ranks especially high for its math, science, computer science and technology programs. Many also know MIT for its selective admissions policy. Less than eight percent of all students who apply receive acceptance from the school.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Accreditation Details

The New England Association of Schools and Colleges awarded MIT accreditation after looking closely at its courses, programs, job placement and graduate school acceptance rates and several other key factors. Though many students hear the word accreditation, few actually understand what it means. When a school receives accreditation, it shows that it helps students in a number of ways. Part of what made MIT so special was the number of fellows studying on its campus. Students who receive fellowship offers demonstrate strong knowledge of a specific topic or subject and experience working in that topic.

Prior to MIT receiving accreditation, the NEASC sent a letter to the school. The organization then attended classes on campus, talked with professors and faculty members and even met with students. MIT also provided the organization with detailed evidence and proof of how many of its students went on to graduate school, how many students completed their studies and how many currently work in the same field or a similar field as to the one they studied. Several programs at MIT also have accreditation from technology and computer organizations, including the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Application Requirements

As one of the most selective colleges in the United States, MIT has more requirements than almost any other school. Though it offers both early admission and regular admission, the only real difference is the deadline by which students must submit all required documents and complete all required steps. Students must first complete a biographical form that asks them about their past history, why they want to study at MIT and their future career plans. The next step is the completion of a form that asks them about their hobbies, interests and activities. MIT looks for well rounded students who not only receive good grades, but also have interests outside of school, including volunteering and professional experience.

MIT also requires that students go through two separate interviews on campus. One is with a humanities teacher and one is with a science or math teacher. This interview serves as a way for the school to identify the brightest and best students. Students also submit their test scores from the ACT or SAT and official transcripts. Unlike other schools, MIT checks back with students in February to ensure they continue receiving high scores in the classes they take their senior year. Though MIT charges an application fee, students who demonstrate a financial hardship can apply without paying that fee.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The estimated cost of attending MIT is more than $63,000 a year. This includes more than $46,000 in fees and tuition costs and around $14,000 for room and board. Though that price might put some students off, MIT works hard to help students afford the costs they face. The university offers a number of different scholarships, and the average amount of scholarships that a student receives over the course of a year is more than $34,000. Unlike other schools that offer scholarships for students applying to specific departments or studying certain topics, MIT only awards scholarships to those who demonstrate financial need.

Students will complete the Free Application for Student Financial Aid, or FAFSA, prior to enrolling. Though many students will take out one or more loans, MIT graduates leave school with far less debt than those who graduate from other programs. MIT can also help students set up a student loan repayment plan based on the income they make after leaving school, which lets them pay only what they can afford. MIT offers scholarships and financial aid on a case by case basis and ensures that any student who receives acceptance can afford the cost of attending MIT and graduating from the prestigious university.

B.S. in Computer Science

Earning a B.S. in Computer Science from MIT can help students start out their careers in the best ways possible. MIT believes in immersion learning, which requires that students immerse themselves in the computer science and technology fields. They take classes from some of the top rated professors in the world and from professionals who worked for industry giants like Microsoft and Apple. Guest lecturers arrive on campus nearly every week to talk with students about new technological changes and with the things they see in the field every day. Students may also study electrical engineering and new and emerging topics that include neuroscience and molecular biology and how computers come in to play in those fields.

MIT also encourages its students to conduct their own research into the computer field. Though many schools only require a thesis or capstone project at the graduate level, MIT asks that undergraduate students create and complete an intensive research project as part of their senior year studies. Computer science students can also apply for fellowships and programs that allow them to study overseas or work with some of the best companies in the United States. MIT offers more experiences and options for computer science students than any other college or university in the world today.

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