Updates from Admissions

Read the latest updates

• October 2020: A note from the Associate Director of Diversity Recruiting

  As the Associate Director of Diversity Recruiting, I spend most of my time connecting with prospective students, hosting virtual admissions events, and working closely with our student-led affinity clubs. This month, I’m excited to share some updates on our efforts to create an even more diverse, inclusive, and supportive community at MIT Sloan.
  
  Here are a few highlights:
  The recent appointment of Ray Reagans as Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Fiona Murray as Associate Dean for Innovation and Inclusion speaks to our continued focus on leading and sustaining DEI improvements at MIT Sloan.
  
  This commitment can be seen through our collaborative initiatives with students and faculty across the school, from new course material to a new speaker series focused on accelerating inclusion in the innovation economy. 
  
  On the Admissions side:
  Throughout October, we continued our Identity + Inclusion Series. These popular networking events and coffee chats provide ample opportunities to connect with members of our community who reflect the richly diverse backgrounds of our student population.
  
  Keep an eye out for more faculty and alumni talks in the months ahead. And if you’re thinking about applying this year, there’s plenty of time to start an application. Please reach out with any questions.
  
  Talk soon,
  Tommaso Canetta | Associate Director, Diversity Recruiting

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• September 2020: Our Standardized Test Policy for the 2020-21 Admissions Cycle

  As you have most likely heard by now, a couple of weeks ago, we made the following announcement for the MBA, MBA Early Admission, Leaders for Global Operations (LGO), Sloan Fellows MBA (SFMBA), Master of Finance (MFin), and Master of Business Analytics (MBAn) programs application process for the 2020–2021 admissions cycle.
  
  “Standardized tests, such as GMAT, GRE, EA, TOEFL, IELTS, are a component of the application and play an important role in our holistic evaluation process. However, in view of challenges brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, we will allow candidates for the 2020-21 admission cycle to submit their application without the test; we will review their submitted material as is and without negative inferences. If admitted, candidates will not be required to take the tests.
  
  Additionally, applicants are welcome to submit other pieces of evidence, such as expired test scores (GMAT, GRE, EA, etc.); MITx MicroMasters, CORe, edX, MBAMath, or any other non-degree coursework completed; or certifications earned such as CPA, ACCA, CFA, etc.; all of which may assist the Admissions Committee in its evaluation process.”
  
  We made this move in direct response to the ongoing pandemic and the continued challenge for individuals to take a standardized test.
  
  We are doing this to provide equitable opportunities for applicants affected by limited re-opening of test centers around the globe, especially in emerging countries; for those with compromised immune systems who cannot safely sit for an exam; and out of concern for closures if and when there is a second wave. This update to our standardized test policy is only for the 2020–2021 admissions cycle. MIT Sloan has one of the highest ratios of applicants per seat available among business schools in the world. We do not expect this update to change that, but rather to provide a “level playing field” for all our applicants, no matter how this pandemic affected their lives.
  
  In addition to MIT Sloan, several other MIT departments, including the School of Engineering and Undergraduate Admissions have suspended standardized tests for this cycle. Moreover, we would like to call your attention to MIT’s Special Notice of March 26, 2020, regarding taking “the significant disruptions of the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 into account when reviewing students’ transcripts and other admissions materials as part of their regular practice of performing individualized, holistic reviews of each applicant.”
  
  Rest assured that our admission committee will review applications holistically and take into account many different factors in the application. We are committed to making the best and most informed decision and feel confident that comparable factors (such as grades, undergraduate majors, advanced degrees, professional certifications, non-degree coursework, etc.) give us the data we need to make an admissions decision. All applicants—with and without test scores—will be reviewed together following the deadline of each round and no negative inferences will be made from a lack of test score.
  
  The mission of the MIT Sloan School of Management is to develop principled, innovative leaders who improve the world and to generate ideas that advance management practice. Our decision to modify the standardized test policy for this cycle is an example of principled leadership (we believe this is the right thing to do!) and feel confident that our application materials give us the evidence necessary to evaluate candidates who have a diversity of strengths. As always, we will continue to look for a high level of excellence in academic ability, communication, leadership, innovation, and professional experience.
  
  We wish those of you who will be submitting an application this year the very best of luck and also wish one and all continued good health.
  
  Smart. Safe. Together.
    
  Rod Garcia | Assistant Dean
  Dawna Levenson | Assistant Dean
  MIT Sloan Admissions

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• August 2020: What will the fall semester look like at MIT Sloan?

  Learning will be different—but we thrive on change.  
  What’s changed on the MIT Sloan campus?
  While the pandemic has disrupted many aspects of our lives, one thing is constant: The MIT Sloan community remains connected, resilient, innovative—and energized by tackling humanity’s greatest challenges.
  
  This month, we’re excited to welcome students to campus to engage in a hybrid model of learning that blends dynamic in-person and virtual classes. With strict social distancing, mask wearing, and testing rules in place, our community will have the resources and confidence to adjust to new ways of thinking, learning, and collaborating—and thrive in the process.
  
  How does this impact admissions?
  The MBA, Sloan Fellows MBA, Master of Finance, and Master of Business Analytics applications are now live (and the MBA Early Admission application will be opening soon). Since we’re not able to invite visitors to campus, all interviews will most likely be conducted virtually.
  
  Connect with program teams, students, and alumni.
  We understand that pursuing a graduate degree is a highly personal decision. That’s why we’ve created more virtual opportunities for you to get to know our community—from interactive coffee chats and information sessions to alumni panels and networking events.  
  
  Bottom line—our goal is to support you every step of the way. We'll be sharing student experiences and admissions updates on our new MIT Sloan Admissions Instagram. Follow us to stay in the loop.
  
  See you online,
  MIT Sloan Admissions

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