It's time to rethink college tours
Traditional campus tours feel impersonal and can leave you with more questions than answers. You’re just a face in the crowd following a scripted tour led by a random guide. Is this really the best way to make one of the biggest decisions of your life?
SchoolScoops is the smarter, more personal way to tour colleges
Private and personalized tours
With traditional tours you’re just a number in a big group, making it hard to ask the questions that matter most. With SchoolScoops 1-on-1 tours and video chats you can ask all the questions that are important to you.
Choose your own guide
On a typical college tour, the school assigns you a guide. SchoolScoops lets you pick a guide who matches your academic interests, hobbies, and personality. You'll get authentic insights and advice from someone who truly gets you.
No scripts, just scoops
Traditional campus tours are essentially a sales pitch—the guide works for the school and their job is to show you the highlights. SchoolScoops guides don’t work for their school, so there’s no sales pitch—just genuine advice to determine if the school is a good fit.
Find the school for you
Choosing where to go to college is a major decision and a huge investment. SchoolScoops 1-on-1 tours and video chats go beyond the basics to help you make a well-informed college decision.
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Get to know MIT
MIT is a world-leading research university dedicated to advancing knowledge and innovation in science, engineering, and technology, with a strong foundation in interdisciplinary collaboration, real-world problem solving, and global impact.
Overview
Founded in 1861, MIT is a private research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Renowned for its emphasis on scientific and technological research, MIT comprises five schools and a college, fostering a vibrant campus life and competitive athletic teams.
Size
As of fall 2023, MIT has a total undergraduate enrollment of 4,576 students.
Acceptance Rate
MIT has an acceptance rate of approximately 4%. Half of the admitted students who submitted test scores have an SAT score between 1510 and 1580 or an ACT score between 34 and 36.
Cost
For the 2023–2024 academic year, MIT's tuition and fees amount to $62,396. As a private institution, MIT charges the same tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students. Approximately 79% of undergraduates receive financial aid, with an average aid package of $45,591.
Ranking
According to U.S. News & World Report, MIT is ranked #2 out of 436 National Universities.
Academics
MIT offers 39 bachelor's degrees across various disciplines. The most popular undergraduate majors include Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, and Mathematics. The university maintains a 3:1 student-to-faculty ratio, fostering close interaction between students and professors.
Traditions
MIT's traditions include the Brass Rat Ceremony, where students receive their class rings, the Steer Roast hosted by Senior House, the annual Hackathons and campus "hacks" showcasing creative pranks, the Infinite Corridor Alignment during specific solar events, and the lively Bridging Ceremony, symbolizing the transition from student life to alumni status.
Campus landmarks
MIT's best landmarks include the Great Dome, the iconic Stata Center, Killian Court, the Infinite Corridor, the Ray and Maria Stata Center, and the Charles River waterfront, all highlighting the institute’s unique mix of innovation and architecture.
Student body
Over 80% of MIT students come from outside Massachusetts, with strong representation from California, Texas, New York, New Jersey, and Illinois, along with a diverse international community from over 120 countries.
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Become a guideYour MIT questions, answered
Is MIT ranked higher than Harvard?
MIT and Harvard are both prestigious, and their rankings vary by field. MIT excels in technology and engineering, while Harvard leads in law, business, and social sciences.
What GPA is required for MIT?
MIT has no official minimum GPA, but most admitted students have GPAs between 3.9 and 4.0. Competitive applicants also excel in standardized tests, essays, and extracurricular activities.
Why isn’t MIT in the Ivy League?
MIT isn’t part of the Ivy League because the Ivy League is an athletic conference, not an academic designation. While MIT is highly prestigious, its focus on STEM fields and lack of historical membership in the Ivy League sports conference keep it separate.
Who is MIT's biggest rival?
MIT’s biggest rival is Caltech, as both schools are renowned for their excellence in science and engineering.
What are the top majors at MIT?
MIT’s most popular majors include Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Cognitive Science, Aerospace Engineering, and Bioengineering.
How much does four years at MIT cost?
For the 2024–2025 academic year, the total cost of attendance is $85,960 per year, totaling approximately $343,840 over four years. However, most students pay significantly less due to MIT’s generous financial aid.
Who is the most famous MIT alumnus?
MIT has many notable alumni, including Richard Feynman (Nobel Prize-winning physicist), Salman Khan (founder of Khan Academy), Shirley Ann Jackson (renowned physicist and university president), and Ilene S. Gordon (business executive).
Does MIT provide housing?
Yes, MIT offers on-campus housing, and all first-year students are required to live in residence halls.
How can I take a campus tour at MIT?
You can register for a guided campus tour through MIT’s admissions website, which includes a student-led walkthrough of key locations. Self-guided and virtual tours are also available for those exploring at their own pace.
Does MIT offer private campus tours?
Yes, using SchoolScoops you can take a private campus tour of MIT with a student of your choosing.
Interested in other schools?
SchoolScoops also offers tours and video chats at many other schools
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