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Application FAQs

by Faith Masaku

Sept. 1, 2023

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How do I apply to your graduate program?
  2. What is the application deadline?
  3. What is the cost of the Media Lab's graduate program?
  4. Do you require GRE scores?
  5. What is the Students Offering Support (SOS) Program?
  6. What format should I use for submitting a portfolio or other supporting materials? Where do I send them?
  7. What should be included in the personal statement?
  8. What are your requirements/recommendations for the statement of objectives?
  9. Can my recommendation letters be received after the deadline?
  10. Can my IELTS/TOEFL exam scores be received after the deadline?
  11. Is there an application fee? And if so, do you offer a fee waiver?
  12. When will I learn if I have been admitted?
  13. Will it be possible for me to have an interview?
  14. Can I apply as a graduate student to a Media Lab Initiative?
  15. Can I apply to more than one department or program at MIT?
  16. Can you tell me my chances of my admittance?
  17. How many years is the master's program?
  18. Can I apply directly to the PhD program?
  19. What are the course requirements for MAS?
  20. Can I intern at the Media Lab?
  21. Can I visit the Media Lab?
  22. Is there a GPA requirement?
  23. Is a Bachelor's degree required to enroll in the program?
  1. How do I apply to your graduate program?

    The Program in Media Arts and Sciences (MAS) uses an online application

  2. What is the application deadline?

    11:59pm ET on December 15  is the firm deadline for all applications.

  3. What is the cost of the Media Lab's graduate program?

    All MAS graduate students are currently fully supported (tuition, medical insurance, plus a stipend). For more detailed information regarding the cost of attendance, including specific costs for tuition and fees, books and supplies, housing and food as well as transportation, please visit the SFS website

  4. Do you require GRE scores?

    No, MAS does not require or use GRE scores.

  5. What is the Students Offering Support (SOS) Program?

    The Students Offering Support (SOS) Program aims to assist students from disadvantaged backgrounds (this includes but is not limited to first generation students, students from low income households etc.) as they apply to MAS. A graduate student volunteer will provide one round of meaningful feedback on either your portfolio or statement of objectives. Participation in SOS does not guarantee admission. Unfortunately international applicants studying or employed outside of the US are not eligible to participate. 

  6. What format should I use for submitting a portfolio or other supporting materials? Where do I send them?

  7. What should be included in the personal statement?

    The personal statement provides an opportunity for you to reflect on your lived-experiences. Please use this opportunity to share what you think will help us have a more comprehensive and inclusive picture of you as a candidate outside of academic performance. Consider discussing any of the following:
    -Significant experiences or challenges that have shaped your personal growth and approach to your field.
    -How your cultural background or identity influences your values or offer a unique viewpoint to your work, professional goals and career path.

    Your personal statement should be 500 words maximum. 

  8. What are your requirements/recommendations for the statement of objectives?

    It's required that you list the three research groups/faculty members you are applying to at the top of your statement. The format of your statement is ultimately up to you. However, we recommend that you address your statement to the groups to which you are applying and explain why you are interested in joining them specifically as well as the Program in Media Arts and Sciences and the MIT Media Lab.

    We don't have a strict limit for the statement but recommend that you keep it to two pages or less if possible.

  9. Can my recommendation letters be received after the deadline?

    Yes they can if necessary. However, applications will be reviewed beginning the week of Dec 1st, so it would be best for your recommendation letters to arrive as soon as possible to be sure your complete application is reviewed.

  10. Can my IELTS/TOEFL exam scores be received after the deadline?

    Yes your official scores can be received later if necessary. Make sure you send your scores electronically to MIT Graduate Admissions and your test results will be routed directly to your application as soon as they arrive. Please note that you will still need to self-report your exam scores in order to be able to submit your application.

  11. Is there an application fee? And if so, do you offer a fee waiver?

    Yes, our application fee is $75. Unfortunately the MAS program doesn't offer any direct application fee waivers. You can request a fee waiver through the Graduate Admissions site here

  12. When will I learn if I have been admitted?

    See the admissions timeline. Admission letters are emailed out in late February. No information is given out by telephone.

  13. Will it be possible for me to have an interview?

    Interviews are by invitation only and conducted during the admissions review process.

  14. Can I apply as a graduate student to a Media Lab Initiative?

    MAS graduate applications are limited to our research groups.  Please go directly to the Initiative pages to learn more about how best to engage with them.

  15. Can I apply to more than one department or program at MIT?

    Yes, but this requires a full application and application fee to each department or program.

  16. Can you tell me my chances of my admittance?

    No. There are many factors beyond academic qualifications that are considered during the admissions process; thus, we cannot give applicants feedback on likelihood of acceptance.

  17. How many years is the master's program?

    The MAS master of science degree requires a residency of two academic years. Students take five academic course subjects over two years, in addition to research work.

  18. Can I apply directly to the PhD program?

    All MAS students begin at the master's level and have the option to apply to the doctoral program in their second year. Unfortunately we do not admit any new students directly to the doctoral program.

  19. What are the course requirements for MAS?

    MAS does not have a core curriculum and coursework requirements depend on your research group.  More information on degrees and course requirements can be found here. MIT's most current course catalogue is available online. 

  20. Can I intern at the Media Lab?

    Undergraduate sophomores, juniors, and non-graduating seniors can apply to intern in the Lab through the MIT Summer Research Program (mit.edu/msrp).

    MIT undergraduates can participate in Media Lab research through MIT’s Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP).

  21. Can I visit the Media Lab?

    The Media Lab does not offer tours. If you wish to visit, you should contact specific faculty members to make arrangements to meet with them and their graduate students. Research and contact information is available on our website.

  22. Is there a GPA requirement?

    No there is no minimum GPA, candidates are considered holistically, not as a sum of numbers.

  23. Is a Bachelor's degree required to enroll in the program?

    Yes, you must have completed your Bachelor's degree by the time you enroll in our Master's program. 

Didn't find the answer you were looking for? Email us your question at mas@media.mit.edu.

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