ADMISSIONS POLICY
General Criteria
As an institution educating students in an increasingly complex and sophisticated world, MIT is concerned with intellectual, social, and cultural growth in the broadest sense. Due to the strength of our applicant pool, the Sloan School sees a large number of applicants with very strong academic qualifications. Our task is to distinguish between those whose accomplishments are truly outstanding and those whose credentials are merely good. We look for students whose personal characteristics suggest that they will make the most of the opportunities at MIT, both in academic and non-academic areas. We also seek those whose presence will enhance the experience of other students. Therefore, we value characteristics such as motivation, involvement, interpersonal skills, communication skills, leadership, analytical skills, and tolerance of uncertainty.
Desired Qualifications
The Admissions Committee looks for excellence -- applicants with high academic potential and achievement, and strong motivation and leadership potential. High academic potential and achievement are normally reflected in high GMAT scores, excellent academic records, and recommendations that go beyond the usual polite endorsement. Ability to apply and achieve is usually shown in relevant experience, the statement of objectives, and the recommendations. No single characteristic in the application is more important than the other. An area of weakness -- for example, a low score on the GMAT -- may be successfully offset by strengths in other areas.
Work experience is relevant in terms of getting the most out of ones experience at Sloan. People who already have a framework against which to apply their education and to understand issues more thoroughly are able to get more out of and contribute more to the program. Additionally, because most of our applicants have solid professional track records and experience, candidates without this work experience are at a competitive disadvantage both in admissions and in placement.
Application Deadlines and Decision Schedule
Electronic Application Submitted by* | Decision Mailed by |
December 20, 1998 | February 22, 1999 |
January 4, 1999 (LFM Applicants Only) | March 12, 1999 |
February 14, 1999 | April 12, 1999 |
*11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time
Profile of the 1999 Graduating Class
Number of candidates | 350 | Undergraduate Majors: | |
United States | 63% | Social Sciences and Humanities | 24% |
International | 37% | Sciences and Mathematics | 8% |
Women | 28% | Engineering | 48% |
Members of Minority Groups | 8% | Business | 20% |
Average GMAT score | 663 | Average years of full-time experience | 4.6 |
Undergraduate GPA (out of 4.0) | 3.53 | Age at Entrance | 27.5 |