FAQs
 

Frequently Asked Questions

DEADLINES - What is the deadline?

Our deadline for admissions to our graduate programs is December 15 for following September admittance. The portfolio can arrive separately by January 2. These are the graduate programs for the December 15 deadline:

  • Master of Architecture (MArch)
  • Master of Science in Architecture Studies (SMArchS)
  • Master of Science in Visual Studies (SMVisS)
  • Master of Science in Building Technology (SMBT)
  • PhD (all research areas)

All materials can be mailed to:

MIT
Department of Architecure
Admissions
7-337
77 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139

GRE - Do I have to take the GRE's? Is there a minimum score required?

The Graduate Record Exam is required when applying to the following programs:

  • Master of Architecture program (MArch)
  • Master of Science in Building Technology program (SMBT)
  • PhD degree in HTC (students educated exclusively abroad need not submit scores)
  • PhD degree in Building Technology

There is no minimum score.

If you take the General Test that is all that is required (Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical). You DO NOT have to take any subject tests.

In order to meet the December 15 Fall admissions deadline, it is recommended that candidates take the GRE on the earliest possible test date. Test scores must be no older than five years.

Note: please use the following codes when requesting your scores sent to MIT; this will avoid delays in scores being received at the correct location:
Institution Code: 3514
Department Code: 4401

TOEFL - Must I take the TOEFL?

The Test of English as a Foreign Language is required of those applicants whose first language is not English, regardless of citizenship or residency in the US while attending other educational institutions. No exceptions are made. The Admissions Committees regard 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 TOEFL on the earliest possible test date.

Minimum score required for PhD candidates in History, Theory & Criticism is 650 (280 for computer-based test). For all other programs the minimum score is 600 (250 for computer-based test, 100 for Internet-based test).

Applicants must request that an official copy of their test results be sent directly to MIT by the Educational Testing Service. Scores must be no older than two years.

Please use the following codes when requesting your scores sent to MIT; this will avoid delays in scores being received at the correct location:
Institution Code: 3514
Department Code: 12

FINANCIAL AID / SCHOLARSHIPS

If you are accepted to a program, you will be notified by the Department of Architecture by an acceptance letter, which will state the scholarship we can offer you.

Hourly jobs are also available to our students. There are teaching assistants, research assistants and administrative jobs for students.

Many of our students do take out educational loans.

PORTFOLIO - Any suggestions?

A portfolio is required of all MArch, SMArchS, and SMVisS applicants, including those who do not have a previous architecture degree or background. It is suggested for PhD applicants when applicable to intended study. The portfolio should include evidence of recent creative work: personal, academic and/or professional. Work done collaboratively should be identified as such and your role in the project defined. Choose what you care about, what you think is representative of your best work, and what is expressive of you.

Your name, address, and the program to which you are applying (MArch, SMArchS, PhD degrees and specific area of study within the latter two degrees) should also be on the portfolio.

We expect that the portfolio will be created by the applicant. While there is no strict format, all the material should be contained in one notebook, folder or envelope. We have found that 8-1/2" x 11" (22 x 28 cm) notebooks are most suitable. We suggest that you select a limited number of examples which are easy for us to look at. Do not send slides, CD's or videos (with the exception of SMVisS applicants). Web-based portfolios are not acceptable and will not be reviewed.

Written material (articles or papers) may be included with the application, and are particularly appropriate for the PhD programs.

For the return of your portfolio, applicants in the US should include either a self-addressed stamped envelope (applicant is responsible for assuring correct postage amount), or arrange to pick up their portfolios at the end of the process. Applicants outside the US should send a check (separate from the application fee) in US currency made payable to MIT. We will dispose of portfolios remaining in the Department of Architecture after September 30.

RECORD OF SUBJECTS - Should I list all the my subjects?

Please take the time to fill it out. List all the pertinent subjects by academic category, i.e., math, sciences, studios, etc. You may list all your majors and then all your minors. The Admissions Committees will look at this before looking at your transcripts. You do not have to list everything on your transcript. Many students have two or more different transcripts, and some of those may be in foreign languages. The Admissions Committees would like to see a recap of the most important subjects on that Record of Subject portion of the application.

The Master of Architecture degree program requires the following academic preparation:

  1. Bachelor's degree with high academic standing from a recognized institution or, in the judgement of the department, the equivalent of this degree;
  2. Two semesters of satisfactory study in college-level mathematics,
  3. Two semesters of satisfactory study in college natural sciences (such as physics, biology, chemistry);
  4. Six semesters of satisfactory study in college-level humanities and/or social sciences.

Students may be admitted with limited deficiencies in 2, 3 or 4 above, but this deficiency must be removed prior to entry into the second year of graduate study in the department.

VISITS / INTERVIEWS - Is an Interview Required?

An interview is not required for application. If you would like to visit the campus for a student tour of the Department, please contact:

Annette Horne-Williams
Send e-mail
Telephone: 617-253-7387

Please give advanced notice.

However, an interview is recommended for applicants to the History, Theory + Criticism of Architecture and Art (HTC) PhD program. Please contact:

Anne Deveau:
Send e-mail

Visual Arts also handles interview with prospective applicants. Contact the VAP office at 617-253-5229.

 
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