MIT Sloan Visiting Fellows Program

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the size of the program? How many students are in the class?

  We admit approximately 20 Visiting Fellow students each spring and fall. The Visiting Fellow students enroll in graduate level courses offered to our degree program students.

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• Are there any programs that connect prospective applicants with current students?

  Of course! We offer many virtual events which give you the chance to get to know current students.  In addition, you can connect with students via our student profile page.

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• Do you accept transfer credits into the program?

  MIT does not accept transfer credits from other schools. If you are currently pursuing a degree, you may be able to transfer the credits earned at MIT to your degree – upon your school’s approval.

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• How many students are international?

  We have a strong international presence –– in 2020, 80% of the class came from outside the U.S. Our international alumni network is also very active.

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• What is the Class Profile?

  Visit the class profile page to learn more about our current students.

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• What are the admissions criteria and desired qualifications for admission?

  General Criteria: We seek students whose personal characteristics demonstrate that they will make the most of the incredible opportunities at MIT, both academic and non-academic. We are on a quest to find those whose presence will enhance the experience of other students. We seek thoughtful leaders with exceptional intellectual abilities and the drive and determination to put their stamp on the world. We welcome people who are independent, authentic, and fearlessly creative — true doers. We want people who can redefine solutions to conventional problems, and strive to preempt unconventional dilemmas with cutting-edge ideas. We demand integrity and respect passion.

  Desired Qualifications: The Admissions Committee looks for applicants with demonstrated academic excellence, proven personal achievement, and strong self-motivation to make an impact and to inspire, no matter where they are in an organization. High academic potential and personal achievement are typically reflected in test scores, academic records, and recommendations that go beyond a polite endorsement.

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• How does the admissions process work?

  Our professionally trained Admissions Committee reviews all applications after the application deadline. Based on our initial assessment, a subset of applicants are invited to interview. This year all interviews will be conducted virtually. We make every effort to give at least one week’s notice of the interview date.

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• Are some parts of the application weighted more than others?

  Your application will be reviewed in full and holistically. We carefully consider all application materials submitted. No single component is more or less important than another.

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• Does MIT allow applicants to apply as a couple?

  Couples each need to submit a separate application, but there is a question on the application where you can indicate if a family member, spouse, or significant other is applying as well.

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• Does MIT Sloan have rolling admissions? Are there advantages to applying early?

  MIT Sloan does not have rolling admissions. Applications are reviewed after each deadline, October 1 for spring and April 1 for fall.

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• Can I apply in multiple application rounds?

  You can only apply once per year. You’ll have to decide which round is best for you.

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• Is it possible to waive the application fee?

  We offer fee waivers to the following applicants:

  • Active U.S. military personnel
  • Current Teach for America members
  • Current Peace Corps members
  • Forté MBA Launch participants
  • MLT and Jumpstart Fellows
  • MIT Sloan Global Program partnerships
  • Luksic Scholars Foundation

  Applicants who qualify must send an email to visitingfellows.mitsloan@mit.edu asking for the application fee waiver. Please note that we cannot grant retroactive fee waivers if the application fee has already been paid online.

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• Do you compare all international applicants against one another?

  No. All applications are individually reviewed in accordance with our evaluation standards.

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• Who reads applications and conducts the interviews?

  Our Admissions Committee is comprised of professional staff members within the MIT community. The admissions committee will review your application and a member of the committee will conduct your interview. Current students are not involved in the evaluation process.

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• What is the format of the interview? What are you looking for when interviewing candidates?

  We are looking for specific examples of how you have built relationships, influenced others, and made decisions. Additionally, we're looking for professional presence and English language proficiency. Your interview will typically last 30 minutes.

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• When are interviews for each Round?

  For the spring semester, interviews will occur mid-October, and for the fall semester, mid-April.

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• Do you offer deferrals?

  We will consider requests for deferral on a case-by-case basis.

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• Do I need to mail in copies of my transcripts?

  You will be required to scan your unofficial transcripts and submit them as part of your online application.

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• Should I include non-degree coursework in my application?

  Yes! If you have taken non-degree coursework that you would like the admissions committee to consider, please upload the relevant transcripts.

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• If my transcript is not in English, does it need to be translated?

  We require both the original version and an unofficial translation of all transcripts, if not already in English. If your university is able to do this, we will accept that as well.

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• Do I need to convert my GPA? What if I did my undergraduate studies outside of the U.S.?

  You do not need to convert your GPA for the online application. Simply enter in the grading system used by your school. We are familiar with the various grading systems and can evaluate it on our end. 

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• How relevant are previous academic grades to get admitted to the program?

  All of your previous academic work is important to us, and we consider it all in the evaluation process.

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• Is the GMAT/GRE required?

  The GMAT and GRE are not required.

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• Should I submit a GMAT/GRE score if I already have one?

  Yes. If you have a valid or expired test score, please include that as part of your application.

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• Is the TOEFL required to apply to the Visiting Fellows program?

  A TOEFL is required to apply to the Visiting Fellows program. However, due to the ongoing Covid-19 global pandemic you may apply without the TOEFL score results.

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• How do you assess the language proficiency requirement?

  We assess English language ability during the interviews.

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• Does MIT offer scholarships or fellowships to Visiting Fellow students?

  Due to the non-degree nature of the program, the MIT Sloan Visiting Fellows program does not provide scholarships or fellowships.

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• Does the Visiting Fellows program assist international students in obtaining a visa?

  International students qualify for a student visa and MIT will issue a certificate of eligibility for you and your dependents (if applicable) to visit the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to apply for the corresponding visa.

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• Can Visiting Fellow students access the (CDO) Career Development Office?

  The MIT Sloan CDO team only supports degree students and Visiting Fellow students may not obtain help in seeking career services from their team. The Visiting Fellows program also does not provide employment authorization upon program completion.

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• Can Visiting Fellow students apply to an MIT degree program?

  You have the freedom to apply for any program at MIT that you may feel is the right fit for you. Each program has its own admissions committee that will review your candidacy.

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• Is it possible to earn a track certificate while attending the Visiting Fellows program?

  You may choose to focus on your specific academic area of interest. MIT Sloan offers various certificate programs which Visiting Fellow students may take advantage while attending the program. Some of the most popular certificate programs are the Sustainability, Entrepreneurship, Business Analytics and Health Care. Some of these certificate programs may require you to attend two semesters, while the sustainability certificate can be completed in full during the spring semester. To learn more about the certificate programs, please visit the MBA curriculum.

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