Do people actually name-drop university programs/classes/professors in their supplemental essays?

Lindagaf
Fri, 31 Oct 2025 16:26:37 +0000

So find a way to say that, incorporating what MIT offers.

I am getting the impression that you haven’t spent enough time figuring out WHAT MIT WANTS. You need to offer them that. As @MYOS1634 has said,

“You need to show you understand their values and match them to something you’ve done or regularly do. Think of it as a way to convince someone you like to date you. If all you do is say “You’re awesome” “you’re my dream person”… why would they go out with you? I mean, I’m sure they’d be flattered, but you’re not giving them any reason to think you are awesome AND a great match for them…”

Again, I suggest looking at the supplemental essay link I posted above. It’s not a “how to.” It’s tips that will help you. But most of all, I suggest you spend a lot more time digging deeper into MIT’s website and finding things they offer that align with what you said above.

Having worked with many kids who have attended top colleges, it is often clear from their writing that they understand the objective: showing the college why they should admit you. Not just telling.

Google MIT’s famous blog post Applying Sideways. That will give you more insight.