MIT Extracurriculars for High School Students

We often hear, “I have a 4.0 GPA—does that mean I can get into MIT?” It’s a tough question because it’s not just about your grades. While having perfect grades is definitely important if you’re aiming for MIT, it’s only one part of the equation. So when we get this question, we usually respond with another: “What kind of MIT extracurriculars are you involved in?”

In this blog, we provide practical tips to boost your chances of getting accepted through MIT extracurriculars and list examples you can check out.

• Do Extracurriculars Matter at MIT?
• How to Boost Your Chances with MIT Extracurriculars
• Remember This When Choosing MIT Extracurriculars
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

Do Extracurriculars Matter at MIT?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has an incredibly low acceptance rate of just 3.96%. It is one of the most competitive schools out there. This percentage combines two different acceptance rates: 4.7% for early action and 2.2% for regular decision. 

With such low numbers, MIT can afford to be extremely selective. Unfortunately, this means that even students with excellent grades and test scores might not get in. It’s tough to hear, but it’s the reality—you need to find other ways to stand out.

That’s where MIT’s holistic admissions process comes into play. Sure, they care about grades and test scores (in fact, over 25% of admitted students had perfect scores on the ACT or SAT), but they’re also looking for something more. MIT emphasizes that they “admit people, not numbers,” so they’ll be paying close attention to your extracurricular activities and other qualities that make you unique.

“Don’t be concerned about having a lot of extras—we’re really interested in the few things that excite and motivate you,” says the MIT admissions team on their website. This shows that, more than quantity, MIT looks at the quality of the MIT extracurriculars you’ve done and how much you have made the most of those experiences.

How to Boost Your Chances with MIT Extracurriculars

Every applicant is unique, but there are certain qualities we often see in those who get accepted. Today, we’d like to give you an idea of what a successful applicant might look like by sharing an example from a student we worked with in the past. We’ve changed some details for privacy, but we haven’t exaggerated anything. Think of this as a case study that reflects the kind of applications MIT admissions officers review.

1. Align your MIT extracurriculars.

Our student was passionate about biomedical engineering and didn’t limit that passion to just her schoolwork. Even though she attended a STEM-focused high school, she actively sought learning opportunities beyond the classroom. We recommend this to anyone hoping to get into MIT. MIT refers to these opportunities as Additional Academic Enrichment and looks for them on every application.

When choosing extracurricular activities, it’s important to align them with MIT’s core values: excellence, innovation, leadership, and service to others. MIT seeks students who perform well academically and show a strong dedication to making a difference in their communities and the world. 

To ensure your MIT extracurriculars reflect these values, consider how your interests can solve real-world problems or create positive change. Whether you’re leading a club, volunteering, or working on a personal project and some of the best extracurriculars for college, it’s important to demonstrate how your actions embody MIT’s focus on creativity, teamwork, and leadership.

For instance, if you’re passionate about environmental sustainability, don’t just join an environmental club—take it a step further. You could start a community project that solves local environmental challenges, like setting up a neighborhood recycling program or developing a new method to reduce waste.

You could even support your efforts with data, such as reducing local waste by 20% or boosting recycling participation by 50%. This highlights your commitment to a cause and showcases your ability to take initiative and lead impactful projects, which aligns perfectly with MIT’s values.

Pursuing your academic interests outside of the classroom is a great start, but MIT also wants to see how you apply that knowledge in the real world.

Examples of MIT extracurriculars

• B.E.S.T. Robotics Design. Focused on hands-on STEM learning, participants have six weeks to design and build a machine using a specific kit of materials.
• Future City Competition. Each team, made up of students, a teacher, and a mentor, needs to create a city essay, a scale model, a project plan, and a presentation.
• Regeneron (previously Intel International Science and Engineering Fair – ISEF). Regeneron, a program by the Society for Science & the Public, is widely recognized internationally and draws participants who have already succeeded in local, regional, or state science fairs.
• MIT THINK Scholars Program. Run by MIT undergraduates, this program encourages high school students in the U.S. to pursue innovative scientific research in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
• 3M Young Scientist Challenge. Aimed at students in grades 5-8, this is the top science contest in the country for this age group. Sponsored by 3M and Discovery Education, it encourages kids to showcase their creativity and problem-solving skills in science.

2. Focus on research.

After you’ve explored your academic interests, getting involved in research is a fantastic next step. Colleges, such as MIT that is considered a research university, really appreciate students who are passionate about their subjects and have demonstrated their research skills.

A lot of students start with small, self-guided research projects, which is a great way to dive deeper into topics that interest you. As you gain experience, you might move on to bigger projects, like working with a college professor or joining a lab. These are just some of the best extracurriculars for college, especially in MIT. Research offers endless possibilities, so you can explore any topic that excites you and see where it takes you.

Research-related MIT extracurriculars

• Research Internship Program In Science And Engineering. This six-week program lets participants do research in university labs, guided by faculty, post-doctoral fellows, and graduate students. RISE offers two tracks: the Internship and the Practicum.
• Research Science Institute (RSI). RSI is a top research opportunity for high school students and is a free summer program that offers intensive STEM classes and a research internship.
• SUNY Oneonta Summer Research Internship. Hosted by SUNY Oneonta, this program lets students work closely with faculty on research projects.
• Davidson Fellows Scholarship. It was created to support exceptional achievements in research, focusing on innovation and positive impact.
• ExploraVision Challenge. The ExploraVision Challenge is a competition for students from kindergarten through grade 12, designed to inspire future innovators in science and engineering.

3. Show them what you’re passionate about.

When choosing extracurricular activities, it’s important to pick those that truly reflect your passions and interests. Even if you’re focused on STEM, having MIT activities outside of that area can show colleges that you’re a well-rounded individual with diverse talents.

If you’re passionate about STEM, consider combining that with a commitment to community service and music or whatever you are passionate about to really stand out. You could start by launching a nonprofit to encourage young girls to explore STEM, or volunteer with organizations that teach coding to girls.

Taking on roles like being a note-taker for students with disabilities at your school can also show your dedication to helping others. These kinds of initiatives could even lead to recognition, like becoming the Community Service Advocate at your school.

Your love for music is another great area to explore. Playing in your school orchestra or a local youth orchestra and leading an ensemble are fantastic ways to develop your talents. But don’t stop there—think about teaching music to children, either as a job or through virtual lessons, perhaps even to students in other countries. 

This mix of community service and music will highlight your leadership, your commitment to helping others, and your ability to balance different interests, making you a well-rounded and passionate individual.

MIT extracurriculars for your passion

• Model United Nations. Participants simulate UN conferences by debating and solving global issues through diplomacy.
• Podcasting. If you’re into storytelling, journalism, or talking about topics like technology, sports, or social issues, podcasting is a great way to build your communication skills and connect with people who share your interests.
• Art for Change. For admissions officers, taking part in Art for Change shows that a student has strong artistic skills, understands the impact of art in society, and is eager to make a difference.
• Cultural exchange programs. These programs often include traveling abroad, hosting international students, or joining virtual exchanges, giving participants a chance to experience another culture and learn new languages, customs, and perspectives.

Remember This When Choosing MIT Extracurriculars

Choosing extracurricular activities in high school means focusing on what genuinely interests you rather than just what you think will impress MIT. The admissions office at MIT values students who pursue their true passions and enjoy their activities. Instead of trying to figure out what might appeal to the school, pick one or more MIT activities that you love and stick with them throughout high school.

Some students believe they need to participate in as many activities as possible to appear well-rounded. However, MIT isn’t necessarily looking for students who do everything—they’re more interested in those who excel in the areas they’re passionate about. The school seeks individuals with strong intelligence and unique talents.

MIT is also committed to the public good and looks for future leaders and innovators who want to make a positive impact on society. The school accepts top students from all backgrounds to help further its mission. For more insight into MIT’s admissions philosophy, you might check out B. Alden Thresher’s 1966 book, College Admissions in the Public Interest, available online.

Your extracurriculars should also reflect your leadership skills. Try to take on leadership roles in the clubs you join. Don’t hesitate to run for office, and if your school doesn’t have a club that matches your interests, consider starting one. Creating a new club showcases your initiative and helps you develop and demonstrate leadership.

If your goal is to get into MIT, remember that it’s a very competitive school with a low acceptance rate. Instead of focusing solely on admission, concentrate on becoming the best version of yourself—both as a student and as a person. When you focus on personal growth and doing what you love, you also become a stronger candidate when it’s time to apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

What extracurricular activities should I do if I want to attend MIT?

If you want to attend MIT, focus on MIT extracurriculars that align with your passions and showcase your strengths in STEM (like robotics, coding, or science clubs). Additionally, engage in research projects, take on leadership roles, and participate in community service. MIT also values creativity, so pursuing interests in the arts, music, or innovative personal projects can help you stand out.

Does MIT care about extracurriculars?

Yes, MIT cares about extracurriculars. They look for students who are passionate, take initiative, and demonstrate leadership and creativity through their activities, alongside their academic achievements.

What extracurriculars does MIT like?

MIT likes extracurriculars that show your passion for STEM, such as robotics, coding, science clubs, and research projects. They also value leadership roles, community service, and activities that demonstrate creativity, like art, music, or innovative personal projects. MIT appreciates when students pursue activities they genuinely enjoy and make a meaningful impact.

How many extracurriculars do I need for MIT?

There’s no set number of MIT extracurriculars you need to gain admission. It’s more important to focus on quality over quantity—choose a few activities that you’re passionate about, where you can demonstrate leadership, commitment, and impact.

What do students at MIT do for fun?

MIT students have fun in various ways, including participating in unique campus traditions, joining clubs and student organizations, exploring the arts, and engaging in hackathons or maker projects. They also enjoy socializing with friends, exploring Boston, and taking part in recreational sports or outdoor activities.

Takeaways

MIT has a holistic way of screening applicants. Your GPAs, recommendation letters, supplemental essays, and extracurriculars may be weighed differently, but they will be looked into and duly considered. Boost your chances of admission by being smart with your choice of MIT extracurriculars.

• MIT highly considers extracurriculars during the admissions process. They tend to look into the quality of the activities you have done in high school more than the quantity.
• Choose the extracurricular activities that heavily align with MIT’s core values: excellence, innovation, leadership, and service to others.
• Your choice of MIT extracurriculars should also reflect your uniqueness and how you can contribute to MIT’s thriving and exciting community.
• Partner with a college admissions consultant to help you identify the extracurriculars that will boost your application.