EECS Graduate Program
Admission Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
6. I am an MIT undergraduate in EECS — should I fill out the "Record of Subjects"?
-
7. Should I list the subjects that I am currently taking on the "Record of Subjects"?
8. Are there separate admission procedures for Master’s and PhD programs?
9. If I already have a PhD degree, can I apply for another PhD in EECS?
15. Can the TOEFL (or IELTS) tests be waived in certain cases for international students?
-
20. Will the Department keep me informed of my application status?
1. Who is eligible to apply to EECS?
We expect an applicant to have earned a Bachelor's degree by the time he/she registers in EECS, and possess a very strong background in math, physics, computer science, or engineering. Admission is extremely competitive.
2. How do I apply?
The online application is the preferred method of applying, and the new online application is available at: https://apply.eecs.mit.edu/. If you find it impossible to apply on-line, you can send in a paper application.
The deadline for applying is December 15 and after that date we will no longer accept applications either online or in paper form. After you have submitted your online application you cannot change it. You can add comments after you submit, to record fall term grades or to add other information.
In order to avoid any delays, applicants should ask their faculty to submit recommendation letters electronically. Only transcripts should be submitted via regular mail delivery, although you may also submit a list of publications and a CV. They should be sent to the Graduate Office, Room 38-444, MIT, Cambridge MA 02139.
Wherever possible, international applicants should avoid using PO boxes in their return addresses.
3. How do I pay the application fee?
The online system requires you to pay with a credit card. We encourage you to use the online system, but if it is impossible for you to pay with a credit card, you may send in a paper application with a check to the Graduate Office, Room 38-444, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139. (Again, whenever possible, applicants should avoid using PO boxes in their return addresses).
4. I applied earlier; how may I reapply?
You should fill out a completely new online application. You may indicate that you applied earlier by checking the appropriate box.
5. What documents are necessary for applying to EECS?
The application consists of four parts: The biographical section, 3 letters of recommendation, “Record of Subjects” with grades, and a “Statement of Objectives”.
In addition to the Record of Subjects you will need to send in an original copy of your transcript which should be mailed to our office.
6. I am an MIT undergraduate in EECS — should I fill out the "Record of Subjects"?
Yes, because of the new online procedure for evaluating applications, it is necessary that we be able to view all the grades online. (You should also submit a hard copy of your transcripts to the EECS Graduate Office, Room 38-444).
7. Should I list the subjects that I am currently taking on the "Record of Subjects"?
Yes, you may list them.
8. Are there separate admission procedures for Master's and PhD programs?
No. There is only one admission process. When we admit an applicant, it is into the PhD program. If you do not have a Master's degree when you apply, you will get that degree first before proceeding on to the PhD. If you already hold a Master's degree from another school, you can begin by working directly toward the PhD qualifiers.
9. If I already have a PhD, can I apply for another PhD in EECS?
No, we will not admit an applicant who already holds a PhD degree (even if it is in a different area such as Physics or Math).
10. Does EECS accept transfer credit?
No. If you have started a master's or doctoral program at another university, you cannot transfer classes or research credit with the intention of completing that degree at MIT.
We will accept a Master's degree completed at another school, toward our own PhD requirements.
11. What is the deadline for applying?
The EECS department accepts applications for September only, and the deadline for applying is December 15.
12. Is it OK to send in copies of awards, papers or extra letters of recommendation to supplement my application?
No. Because of the large volume of applications submitted to EECS, we must discourage you from sending in copies of awards, journal articles and other extraneous documents.
13. I will be applying before I finish the fall term. Should I update my application with a new transcript which includes my fall term grades?
No, we would prefer that you not send in another transcript. By the time the transcript arrives with the fall term grades, your application will have already been evaluated by several members of the admissions committee. You may use the "Comments" section of your online application if you want to add additional information regarding your grades. You can still access the "Comments" section after the December 15 deadline.
14. What tests are necessary for applying to EECS?
EECS will accept either the TOEFL or the *IELTS scores for the English evaluation test. For the TOEFL we require a score of at least 600 on the paper-based test, 250 for the computer-based test, and 100 for the internet-based test. We require a minimum score of 7 on the IELTS. We do not use the GRE test scores during the admission process—regardless of citizenship—unless you are applying to the LGO Program, which does require the GRE.
*IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations.
15. Can the TOEFL (or IELTS) tests be waived in certain cases for international students?
The Department will grant an automatic waiver to any student whose first language is English, any student who has been studying or working in the US for two or more years, or whose undergraduate institution uses English as the language of instruction. The ETS code for sending TOEFL scores to MIT is 3514, and the code for the EECS Department is 66 (or 78). The IELTS scores are mailed by the agency directly to the MIT Admissions Office.
16. How do I apply for financial aid?
Any admitted student will automatically be considered for assistantship support. Decisions on support are made after decisions on admission and are based on the information supplied in the application for admission. Research assistants are chosen by faculty who are seeking students who share their research interests. Teaching assistants are chosen for their ability to teach and communicate ideas well. Past experience is helpful but not necessary. Assistantships cover tuition costs, health insurance, and provide a monthly stipend.
17. Since I have been in the workforce for the last few years, it will be difficult to obtain all the letters of recommendation from faculty members. Is it OK to ask my employer/supervisors to write letters in support of my application?
In a case like this, we usually suggest that you submit at least one letter from a faculty member who knew you well—perhaps your undergraduate thesis supervisor. The other two letters can be from employers. When in doubt, remember that our Admissions Committee wants to know about your ability to do independent research. Character references do not carry weight.
18. Is the application fee ever waived or deferred?
The application fee helps defray the cost of processing applications. It is never waived and must be paid in dollars. We accept credit cards with the electronic online version and personal checks, bank checks, or money orders if a credit card is not available.
19. To what address should I send my transcripts?
You should send these documents to our office:
EECS Graduate Office
Room 38-444
MIT - 77 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
20. Will the Department keep me informed of my application status?
We do not routinely acknowledge receipt of applications or supporting documents. People who apply online can go back into their online application and check for the number of recommendations that have been received. Transcripts should be sent via express mail enabling you to follow via the tracking number provided by your express mail carrier. To check their admission result, applicants can log into their online account toward the end of February. In most cases decision results will be posted rather than mailed.
For information concerning your application, you may call the EECS Graduate Office at 617-253-4603, or send an email to grad-ap@eecs.mit.edu
21. When will I receive my decision notification ?
As stated above, decisions are available in late February. Applicants should go into their online application to check their status. Decisions on financial aid are mailed between late February and April 1. Applicants have until the 15th of April to notify MIT of their decision to accept or decline the offer of admission. Decisions made after April 15 are considered binding and may require a written release.
Information and a list of schools agreeing to adhere to this decision date can be found on the Resolution Regarding Graduate Scholars, Fellows, Trainees and Assistants, or by searching the Council of Graduate Schools website http://www.cgsnet.org.22. Can I defer my admission?
An admitted student may make a written request to defer admission for one term only. Exceptions are made in rare cases and these written requests must be spelled out in detail.
23. Do you have part-time or evening programs ?
No. All degree programs are for full-time day students. All classes and research must be done on campus.
24. What are "Special Students"?
Special students may apply to take one, two or three classroom subjects per term. They are not in a degree program and may not do research. They are usually people who work in the area and whose company is paying the tuition (approx. $6,000/course). The credit earned can sometimes be used toward a degree at another school.
EECS Home Page | Site Map | Search | About this page | Comments and inquiries welcome