Exploring MIT Mites: An Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science
MIT Mites, an immersive and transformative program offered by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), opens the doors to a world of possibilities for underrepresented high school students passionate about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). In this blog post, we'll delve into the application process, program highlights, and the unique features that set MIT Mites apart.
Why Choose MIT Mites?
MIT Mites offers a myriad of benefits and opportunities for aspiring STEM enthusiasts:
Hands-On Projects: Participants engage in hands-on projects and experiments, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges.
Cutting-Edge Research: The program provides a unique chance to work on cutting-edge research projects mentored by MIT faculty and researchers, offering a glimpse into the forefront of scientific exploration.
Collaborative Learning: Students collaborate with peers who share a similar passion for STEM, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment.
Skill Development: MIT Mites focuses not only on academic excellence but also on developing essential skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and effective communication.
Career Insights: Exposure to MIT's renowned faculty and resources provides valuable insights into potential career paths in STEM fields.
Long-Term Engagement: Unlike some short-term programs, MIT Mites offers an extended engagement, allowing participants to delve deeply into their chosen subject over an extended period.
Holistic Development: The program emphasizes not just academic achievement but also personal growth, nurturing well-rounded individuals ready to tackle the challenges of the future.
Mentorship: Participants benefit from mentorship by MIT faculty, providing guidance and support throughout their STEM exploration journey.
Alumni Review:
“MITES connected me with so many other brilliant and passionate people and gave me an avenue to explore a brighter future for myself. It gave me the opportunity to learn about career paths that would have otherwise been inaccessible. And, to apply and assert myself in challenging courses. Most of all, it gave me guidance and helped me grow into someone who is more confident, hard-working, and optimistic about the future.” – (Moses Stewert)
How to Apply to MIT Mites?
Applications for the MIT Mites program typically open in the fall, and interested students should keep an eye on the official MIT Mites website for specific dates. The application process is competitive, and prospective participants are encouraged to apply early. Below are key steps in the application process:
Eligibility: MIT Mites is designed for high school students who have a keen interest in STEM fields. While eligibility criteria may vary, the program generally seeks students from diverse backgrounds, including underrepresented minorities in STEM.
MITES SEMESTER and MITES SUMMER
Must be enrolled in 11th grade
Must be a U.S. citizen/resident
MITES SATURDAY
Attend school or reside in Boston, Cambridge, or Lawrence
Enrolled in 7th, 8th, 9th, or 10th Grade
Must be a U.S. citizen/resident
Online Application: Students start by filling out an online application, providing information about their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and a personal statement expressing their passion for STEM.
Test Scores: It is encouraged for applicants to submit scores from at least one standardized test including PSAT, ACT, SAT. This is not required, but is useful in providing more info about your academic standing.
Short Answer Questions: Responses are used to understand the personality and motives of the applicant. You are required to answer 4 short answer prompts for MITES Saturday and 5 short answer prompts for MITES Semester and Summer . Middle schoolers have a limit of 150 words , while High Schoolers have a limit of 300 words.
MITES Saturdays is a large time and effort commitment for students (16 Saturdays a year from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm). Students who are admitted into this program are expected to attend all eight sessions each semester and return every semester until they graduate high school. Why do you want to make this commitment and participate in MITES Saturdays?
What is it about STEM that really interests you? How have you demonstrated this interest in STEM? (For example, this can be seeking out additional reading on STEM or activities or projects you’ve done in the past.)
People in STEM fields solve a variety of problems and address issues at many levels. What local or global problems are you passionate about and what would you invent, innovate, or develop to solve them? Please explain.
MITES Saturdays is a rigorous experience that students must balance with academic and social life, and our students tell us that this challenge has been rewarded with a lot of growth from the program and a strong community. What is a challenge you’ve faced, how did you overcome it, and how have you grown from it?
Share with us how aspects of your lived experience and/or identity have shaped your aspirations.
What are you passionate about? How have you spent time exploring this passion?
Tell us of a time you experienced a challenge or obstacle. How did you navigate the challenge and what did you learn?
What subject or field of study are you most interested in right now? Why?
The STEM field uses science, technology, engineering, and/or math to understand more about the world around us and to solve problems. If you could develop, invent, or innovate anything to change the world for the better using STEM, what would it be and why?
Extracurriculars: This section is used to give the reader a sense of your passion and motivation outside of school. This helps show your interest in the Mites courses.
Letters of Recommendation: As part of the application, students are typically required to submit 2 letters of recommendation for MITES Saturday, and 3 for MITES Summer/Semester. These recommendations come from teachers who can speak to their academic abilities and enthusiasm for STEM.
1st Recommendation MUST come from a Math/Science Teacher
2nd Recommendation MUST come from Humanities Teacher (classes like History/English/Psychology/Foreign Language) if you apply for MITES Summer/Semester. But if you apply for MITES Saturday, the 2nd and last recommendation can come from any teacher of your choice.
3rd Recommendation MUST come from School counselor
Grades: A course transcript is required to display all the courses taken in previous years.
Programs Within MIT Mites:
MIT Mites encompasses various programs tailored to different age groups and interests:
MITES SATURDAYS: Catered mainly for 7th-12th graders. Dive deeper into areas like biological engineering to robotics to urban planning through hands on projects with mentors
Every Saturday during the School Year
8 weeks in spring, 8 weeks in fall
10:00 am to 3:30 pm
*Advantage* - At the end of the Semester, each student receives a written evaluation from instructors that can be used in College Applications
MITES SEMESTER A semester long program for rising high school seniors, offering an intensive residential experience on the MIT campus. Participants will take two courses (Machine Learning, Thermodynamic, or Astrophysics etc.) and a project based course as well to learn about the impacts of STEM
Synchronous meeting, Online at specific time every week based of course
Weekly online Webinar events for enrichment occur every Sunday from 8 pm - 9pm ET
STEM Immersion Phase: June to August. Complete two online courses and work in teams to develop a final project
College and Career Prep Phase: August to December. Interact with professionals via weekly webinars, write blogs and participate in mock interviews
*Advantage* - At the end of the Semester, each student receives a written evaluation from instructors that can be used in College Applications
MITES SUMMER: A summer program focused on fostering diversity in STEM by providing math and higher level science enrichment for high school students. Topics include Architecture, Genomics, Machine Learning etc. This course expands on topics that wouldn't be covered in the high school curriculum.
6 weeks over summer
Late June to early August
Classes/Workshops on weekdays 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Room and board provided free of charge
*Advantage* - At the end of the Semester, each student receives a written evaluation from instructors that can be used in College Applications
Application Deadlines
MITES Saturday:
December 2, 2023: Application Info Session on Zoom
December 7, 2023: Letter of Recommendation deadline
December 7, 2023: Applicant confirmation of interest in program after attending info session
Early February: Decisions are released and enrollment begins!
Late February: Program Begins depending on start date
MITES Summer/Semester:
November: applications open
February 1: All students must submit application with 3 final recommenders by 11:59 pm PST
February 15: Recommenders must submit the letter of rec on the online portal by 11:59 pm PST
Mid-April: Decisions are released and enrollment begins!
Late June: Program Begins depending on start date
Conclusion
MIT Mites stands as a beacon for budding scientists, engineers, and mathematicians, offering an unparalleled opportunity to explore, discover, and cultivate a lifelong passion for STEM. If you're ready to embark on a transformative journey, MIT Mites could be the key to unlocking your full potential in the world of science and technology. Apply, explore, and let your STEM journey begin!
About Inspirit AI
AI Scholars Live Online is a 10 session (25-hour) program that exposes high school students to fundamental AI concepts and guides them to build a socially impactful project. Taught by our team of graduate students from Stanford, MIT, and more, students receive a personalized learning experience in small groups with a student-teacher ratio of 5:1.
