Stu Schmill, the MIT Admissions Dean, recently discussed plans for the incoming freshman class during a town hall meeting with prospective students and their families. Topics included course selection, extracurricular opportunities, and life on campus. Schmill emphasized the importance of maintaining MIT’s reputation for academic rigor and innovation, ensuring students are well-prepared for their academic journey.

Donna Coveney Previous image Next image Ben Gulak is one of over 1,000 students set to join MIT this fall. In an interview with MIT’s News Office, newly appointed Dean of Admissions Stu Schmill ’86 shares details about the admitted Class of 2012, which includes a set of quadruplets, and discusses the challenges faced by the selection panel this year, who described the application process as more competitive than ever. When asked about the Class of 2012, Schmill mentioned that the class will consist of 1,040 students, a figure that reflects a 12% admission rate from 13,396 applicants—an 8% increase over the previous year. This year’s application process was particularly challenging due to changes in other schools’ early application programs and financial-aid policies. Despite the fierce competition, MIT’s yield remained strong at 66%, down slightly from last year but still representing MIT’s third-highest yield ever. Plans are in place for a small number of students to be placed on a waitlist, but the class as of now is 46% women and 25% from underrepresented groups.

MIT is currently enrolling a student body that includes a minority group making up 10% African American, 14% Hispanic, and 1% Native American. Additionally, 18% of the students are first-generation college attendees, representing individuals from 49 states and 56 countries. When asked about interesting stories about MIT students, one responder shared some remarkable anecdotes. We are enrolling what, to my knowledge, is our first set of quadruplets. There is a student from Gaza who has thrived despite facing significant challenges due to limited opportunities. Another student won a gold medal at last year’s International Math Olympiad and currently ranks No. 7 in the world. A third student gained recognition after conducting a two-year study on the long-term effects of exposure to pyrethroids, which are commonly found in household and agricultural pesticides. This student won second place in the Intel Science Talent Search. The Intel STS third-place winner, whose project involved developing new types of solar cells, is also enrolling at MIT. Another student owns a company that has constructed 300 houses for low-income families in Guatemala using a material known as “green cement.” Their efforts have also included building schools in China, which have reached 1.5 million students. Another student created a community-based microfinance program for transgender individuals and intravenous-drug users in Delhi. Finally, a DJ will be joining the MIT community in the fall.

A member of Future Farmers of America who raised goats and pigs, as well as a 6-foot-11-inch basketball player who had taken multivariable calculus, stood out among the applicants. I could continue like this indefinitely.

Q: Were there any surprising aspects of this year's applicant pool?

A: What struck me most this year was the increased depth of the applicant pool. While MIT has always attracted top students, this year there were even more talented individuals. This made our selection committee's decisions particularly challenging, and I’d say more so than in previous years. The larger size of the applicant pool isn’t just about numbers—it reflects a significant number of highly capable high school students, many of whom would excel at MIT. We’re especially excited about the students in our Class of 2012.

Q: Are there any new trends emerging from this year’s admissions cycle?

A: One trend we’ve seen more of is an extension of the trend toward increased volunteering. More applicants are drawn to making a meaningful impact in the world. For instance, there’s been a surge in interest in energy and the environment, regardless of their intended major. This reflects a broader desire to contribute to significant issues across various fields.</p>

Interest in fields like bioengineering is growing among MIT students. We observe that more students are drawn to these areas, not only because their importance has recently become more apparent but also due to MIT’s significant initiatives in these domains, which may be attracting a larger pool of applicants. A similar article appeared in MIT Tech Talk in May 2008. MIT researchers are also delving into understanding extreme weather risks and developing tools to address them. A new focus on fiction and memoir is being introduced to help MIT students celebrate storytelling and strengthen their social connections. Additionally, novel research is enhancing our understanding of how enzymes influence bacterial protein production. Meanwhile, a PhD candidate from MIT is working on a Mars return mission.

MIT has announced several notable developments and achievements, including cutting-edge technology designed to repurpose the Martian atmosphere for space travel, the recent appointments of tenured professors across various disciplines such as Comparative Media Studies/Writing, Economics, Political Science, and Theater, and the recognition of faculty and researchers through awards for their contributions to scholarship, service, and excellence. The MIT News Office provides comprehensive updates on these updates, along with detailed information about the various departments and resources available. For further inquiries or news coverage, interested parties can contact MIT News via their official website, email, or other specified channels. MIT, a leading institution in science, technology, and innovation, continues to inspire global progress with its commitment to research, education, and community engagement.

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