Candidates compete for the six places available each year in the Department of Architecture's Master of Science in Art, Culture and Technology (SMACT) program. Admission is based on a careful examination of the applicant's previous artistic and academic record, including relevant samples of completed work, a statement of purpose and letters of recommendation. The applicant should demonstrate superior achievement and the ability to initiate and complete independent academic work in the visual arts.

Deadline and Submission

The application deadline is December 15. All application material must be received by deadline, with the exception of portfolios, which might be submitted by January 3. Late applications will not be reviewed. It is the responsibility of the applicant to be sure that the completed application forms and all supporting materials are at the following address by the deadline.

• MIT Department of Architecture
• Attn: Admissions
• 77 Massachusetts Ave., Room 7-337
• Cambridge, MA 02139-4307
• Telephone: (617) 715-4490

Online Application

Although we accept paper-based applications, we strongly prefer that all graduate programs applicants use the MIT graduate application website.

http://web.mit.edu/admissions/graduate

The graduate application for 2011 is first processed through CollegeNet. To access the CollegeNet system, applicants will need to create a profile. Once begun, the online application can be completed at any point up until the December 15 deadline at midnight. Try not to begin your application on December 15. You don't want something to happen at 11 p.m. before the system closes. After submitting the application, applicants will not be able to alter the CollegeNet version of the application. CollegeNet will send a confirmation email upon submission, but this does not mean the Department has your information.

Application Fee

Application to MIT requires a non-refundable fee of $75 USD. You will need to submit a credit card number on CollegeNet to process this fee.

Recommendations

All applicants must submit at least three letters of recommendation. Recommenders will also need to create a profile within the CollegeNet system to submit their letters. Once a letter is submitted, the Department will retrieve it and update the application website to indicate it has been received.

We prefer that letters of recommendation be submitted through the website. However, paper-based forms are also available here:

http://web.mit.edu/admissions/graduate/pdfs/MIT_Standard_Eval.pdf

This form is important because it tells your recommender and the Department that you have either waived, or not waived, your right to view the content of the letter. Forward this form to the recommender and have them submit the form with their letter to the Department. Applicants may forward recommendations to us if they are left in the original signed, sealed envelope, but should be sent with the evaluation form.

Transcripts

Transcripts must be requested as original documents from your previous schools. Transcripts may be forwarded by the applicant if they are in the original, sealed envelope. Non-English transcripts must be translated into English, and if necessary, signed by a licensed notary and accompanied by the original version.

Statement of Objectives

The applicant's statement of objectives and letters of recommendation are particularly important. Previous academic work and other experiences should demonstrate the applicant's intellectual achievement, motivation, discipline, responsibility, imagination, perception and open mind. Projects and experiences are judged not only on intrinsic merit but also as evidence of the applicant's ability to initiate and follow through on work that is personally meaningful.

English Proficiency Requirement

Applicants whose first language is not English are required to submit either an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score or a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), regardless of citizenship or residency in the U.S. while attending other educational institutions. No exceptions are made. The admissions committee regards English proficiency as crucial for success in all degree programs. In order to meet the December 15 fall admissions deadline, it is recommended that candidates take the IELTS or TOEFL on the earliest possible date.

Applicants must request that an official copy of their test results be sent directly to MIT by IELTS International or Educational Testing Service. IELTS and TOEFL Scores must be no older than two years as of the date of application. To avoid delays, please use the following codes when having your TOEFL scores sent to MIT:

• Institutional Code: 3514
• Department Code: 12

The minimum IELTS score required for SMACT candidates is 7 and the minimum TOEFL score is 600 (250 for computer-based test, 100 for Internet-based test). While either test score is accepted, the IELTS score is preferred.

All students whose first language is not English are required to take the English Evaluation Test (EET) prior to registration at MIT. Even students who satisfy the IELTS/TOEFL requirement for admission may be required to take specialized subjects in English as a Second Language (ESL), depending on their EET results. These subjects do not count toward the required degree credits.

Graduate Record Examination

The Graduate Record Examination is not required of SMACT candidates.

Portfolio

ACT applicants are required to submit a CD of their work. The non-returnable digital portfolio on CD or DVD should include evidence of recent creative work, whether personal, academic or professional. Work done collaboratively should be identified as such, and the applicant’s role in the project needs to be clearly defined. The disk should be labeled “Attention: ACT” and include your name and address.

Please be aware that all applicant portfolios will be reviewed digitally using computer monitors and digital projectors. Do NOT send slides. Please make sure that all files are able to open on a Mac. Double-check your files to make sure they open before submitting. Submit the portfolio material in the formats indicated below.

The portfolio must include project documentation, images, or time-based media (or a combination of these):

• Project Documentation and/or images: submit one multi-page PDF document (maximum 10 pages). Please include captions/descriptions where necessary such as title, artist, year, material, and/or project description for each image.
• Time-based media for a maximum of seven minutes total. Video should be submitted as high quality QuickTime .mov files. Audio should be submitted as high quality .mp3 or .aiff files

The portfolio may also include the following optional items, which are considered as secondary material, and will be reviewed if time permits.

• Writing samples are optional, but welcome, and should be limited to five pages and submitted as a PDF.
• URLs to web page(s) with additional information about your artistic practice may also be submitted.

Interviews

Although not required, an interview is recommended for applicants to the SMACT program.

Decisions and Notifications

Applicants will be notified by mail of the Department's decision by April 1. Decisions cannot be given by telephone.

You will receive an email by the third week of December to let you know if your application is complete or if there are any pieces still missing. If so, you will have time to resubmit any missing materials.