MIT interviews / written by Dr Mahbub

MIT interviews

Here is some information and advice regarding MIT undergraduate admissions interviews

The interviews are informal.  Do not try to show off.

Be honest. 

If you want to study engineering at MIT, you should have a good excuse for not studying at BUET.  MIT isn't much better than BUET for undergraduate engineering, and the students at BUET are comparable to the BUET undergraduates.

• I am extremely nice, so don't appear defensive.  Just be yourself. 
• Everybody from Bangladesh has the same credentials; outstanding A-levels, perfect SSC/HSC results, etc..  So you will have to find ways to differentiate yourself.  In fact, if you are not the perfect student and don't have perfect grades, I will find you more interesting.  There are many extraordinarily creative students with less than stellar records; their special qualities often come at the expense of perfect grades, etc..
• MIT is a technical school.  Mathematical ability is very important.  If you have not participated in the Mathematical Olympiad, you should explain why.  It is one of the best ways to differentiate yourself. FYI, I was not a perfect student in high school, but I was good at math competitions in the States. 
• About me: I am a mathematician/theoretical physicist.  I work on string theory and cosmology.  I teach at North South University where I teach mathematical finance.  I am about the age of your much older brother and was an undergrad at MIT in the 90's.  I am also interested in just about everything you can imagine.  I am the coach of Bangladesh's Mathematical Olympiad team. My father is Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar of Shujaan, etc..
• Come to the interviews with questions about MIT.  MIT is not the place for everybody.  It is extremely important to know ahead of time whether you would like it there.  There are a lot of very good schools out there. Forget that MIT has a lot of "name value;"  go to a school where you will be happy.
• Interviews aren't that vital to your application.  However, they can probably help to a degree. Just make sure they don't hurt you! Over the past two years (afaik) the successful applicants were interviewed by me.  I doubt that means anything. When you visit me, just act like you are visiting a friend.
• Check the announcements section of this webpage for interview dates and when to meet me.   You should of course email me too.  However, don't expect an immediate response.   Also when you email me, on the subject line write MIT interview. That way the email goes to the right filter.