Women's Technology Program


Massachusetts Institute of Technology

       







Frequently Asked Questions

Application & Admissions

Courses

Summer Details: If I'm admitted...

 
   

Answers
     

I am not in the 11th grade. Can students in other grades apply to WTP?

You must be in the 11th grade when you apply to WTP. We do not make any exceptions for students in earlier grades, even if they have taken advanced math and science classes. You cannot apply if you are already in the 12th grade or have graduated high school. The WTP experience is designed for girls who have completed 11th grade immediately before attending WTP, and who will be in 12th grade in the fall after attending WTP.



What is the cost of the program?

Our goal is for all admitted students to be able to attend WTP regardless of their family financial situation. Admissions decisions are made independent of financial aid requests; we do not even look at the information on the Financial Aid Request page until after all admissions decisions have been made.

Standard fee is $3,000, and students are responsible for their own transportation to MIT. However, based on family financial need, students can be awarded scholarships ranging from a partial tuition discount to a full scholarship, sometimes including travel reimbursement (attend for free).

If you want to be considered for financial assistance, be sure to answer "Yes" on the Financial Aid Request page of the WTP application. The information you provide there about your family's income will be used to determine the amount of assistance you will receive if admitted.

You may also want to investigate whether your local school system or organizations in your town provide grants for summer math or science activities.



How do I apply?

The summer 2013 application deadline was January 1st. We are no longer accepting new applicants. Teachers and Guidance Counselors have until January 11 to submit supporting documents for current applicants.



I don't know whether I'm more interested in EECS or ME. Can I attend both tracks?

WTP applicants will be accepted to attend only ONE of the two curriculum tracks. We do not expect applicants to know enough yet about engineering disciplines to have a preference for EECS or ME , so the admissions committee will choose the track we feel suits you best, or where you have the least prior experience. However, if you do have a preference, you may indicate it on the Curriculum Track Preference page of the WTP application.



What if I'm not from the United States? Do I have to be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident to apply to WTP?

All WTP applicants must either:

1) currently attend high school in the U.S. (you do not need to be a U.S. citizen if you live and go to school in the U.S.) -- or

2) must be a U.S. citizen currently going to school outside the U.S. (you must be a U.S. citizen if you live and go to school outside the U.S. ).



What are the selection criteria?

Check our Application web page for more information about who should apply and for our selection critera. Students should be able to handle learning a large amount of college-level math and science at a rapid pace, and be ready to work hard once they arrive at WTP. However, prior coursework in computer programming, physics, calculus, or engineering is not expected or required for admission.

WTP is not connected in any way to MIT undergraduate admissions; it is not a stepping stone to getting into MIT. WTP is an outreach summer program taught by graduate students in the MIT Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and the MIT Department of Mechanical Engineering. Our goal is to encourage girls who are talented in math and science to study engineering and computer science at whatever college they ultimately attend.



I'm also applying to the MITES program and/or RSI. Does WTP automatically get that information and count me as a WTP applicant?

No-- applying to other summer programs at MIT does not guarantee that we will learn about you. Also, if you applied to WTP and want to apply to RSI and MITES, you must complete their applications (your WTP application information is not sent to them. MITES occasionally does send us information about their applicants who agree to have their MITES application shared, but that is not automatic. You must fill out and submit the WTP Application to be sure you are considered for admission to the Women's Technology Program.

 



Does WTP exclude students who have already taken an engineering or computer course in high school or at other summer programs?


There is not a simple answer to this question. It depends on the nature and depth of the student's engineering or computer background. We don't outright "exclude" anyone, but will review the student's application materials in the context of the other applications we receive and our curriculum. Since there is no application fee for WTP, we encourage you to apply and see what happens.

However, if a student has taken an engineering course (or attended another summer program) that already covered much of our WTP curriculum, then she would not be a good candidate for WTP. If she has done computer programming in classes or summer programs, then she probably has already seen most of the WTP EECS curriculum in computer science (though not the WTP-ME curriculum). Such students would be bored by attending classes at WTP that simply repeat material they have already seen, and the seat would better serve someone for whom the curriculum would be new. Please review the information on our website about the EECS curriculum and the ME curriculum to determine whether you have already covered our course material.



I'd prefer the EECS track, but I've already taken AP Computer Science. Can I still apply?

If you have taken AP Computer Science (or will be taking it in the spring semester before WTP) then you will have most likely already covered much more CS than our WTP-EECS Computer Science class. Even though the WTP CS class pace is fast, it is designed for students with no prior CS background; you would probably be reviewing material you have already seen. Because of this we usually consider applicants with prior CS backgrounds for the WTP-ME track instead. When applying, please give us as much detail as possible about your prior CS experience, so we can determine whether or not the WTP CS class would offer you new opportunities or would just be a review. We also suggest that you select "No Preference," "Prefer ME," or "Only ME" on the Curriculum Track Selection question in the application.



How many students will be admitted?

We expect to admit 60 students--40 for the WTP-EECS track and 20 for the WTP-ME track. We also select a waiting list of about 25 students, in case any of the original 60 cannot accept admission. We do not add any denied students to the waiting list after admissions decisions are sent.



How difficult is it to get into the program?

Admissions is very competitive, because we have space to admit only 60 students. We received 290 applications for summer 2013 from highly qualified candidates,and expect a similar number for 2014. Successful applicants have strong academic records in science and math, high Math scores on PSAT, SAT, ACT or other national standardized tests, excellent teacher evaluations, work well in teams, and have demonstrated maturity, initiative, and a love of learning. We also choose students whose interests are a good fit for WTP and who have not already covered our curriculum in their high school classes or other summer programs. The purpose of WTP is to reach bright girls who are not yet committed to pursuing engineering and computer science, but who want to spend the summer learning about these fields.



Can I include a copy of my resume with my application?

No. We do not want resumes or long lists of awards or extracurricular activities. Please ONLY provide the information asked for in the application.



How do I send you my transcript and test scores?

Your Guidance Counselor must fax this information to WTP. Please consult the application instructions.

DO NOT request that the College Board send official test scores to MIT for the WTP application. Those scores will go to MIT Admissions; we will not receive them at WTP.



What if I haven't taken the standardized tests listed on the application?

We understand that some 11th grade students have not taken the standardized tests--and we certainly do not expect you to have taken all of them! However, given the number of applicants,standardized math and science test scores give us important information to help us evaluate students from different school systems around the country. Admitted students in past years had 90 percentile or higher Math scores on one or more of the following tests : PSAT, SAT I, ACT, SAT II, or AP. The PSAT math scores of accepted students accepted range from 60-80 with median of 72.

 



Should my 11th or 10th grade math and science teachers write my evaluations? What about other teachers or recommenders?

It is best to choose a Math and Science Teacher who know you well. They do not have to be 11th grade teachers. In some cases, your 10th grade teachers, or teachers who coach your math or science team, may know you better.

Please DO NOT ask your teachers for a recommendation letter -- WTP has its own Teacher Evaluation Form with specific questions.

If you want to ask a computer science teacher for an evaluation, please list him or her as a Science Teacher (not a Math Teacher) on your WTP application.



What advice can you give me about writing the long answers to the four Essay Questions in the application?

We ask you to write long answers(275-300 words) to four questions to help us better understand your interests and personality. These answers should be personal responses, not abstract, impersonal essay writing you might do for a class assignment. Please write about different activities for each question, so we gain broader insights into your interests. Do not fill the page with lists of your extracurricular activities or your resume. This is your opportunity to help us get to know you in ways not represented by your test scores and grades, to "put a face" on your application.



When and how will I find out if I am admitted?

Admissions decisions will sent by email. If the email address you provided in your WTP application changes please send us the update so you can continue to receive our messages.



Is it possible to receive high school credit for these courses?

No. WTP is not a certified academic program. It is taught by MIT students, not MIT professors, and the classes are not regular MIT classes.



Who will teach the classes?

The WTP class Instructors are all female MIT graduate students from the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science or the Department of Mechanical Engineering. These Instructors are assisted by MIT undergraduate students who also live in the dorm as Residential Tutors. Each spring we post information about the upcoming summer WTP staff's academic and personal interests on the WTP-EECS and WTP-ME staff pages. There is a new staff of Instructors and Residential Tutors every summer.



What is the size of the classes?

Classes will have 20 students (the WTP-EECS track of 40 students is divided into two class groups, and the WTP-ME track has one class of 20 students). Daily and final class projects are done in groups of 2 to 4 students.



How can I get to MIT from the airport?

More details about these logistics will be provided in the information packets sent to admitted students--check it carefully before making your travel arrangements! WTP will provide transportation (a chartered bus) from Boston's Logan Airport to the MIT campus on the Saturday when students arrive, within the designated arrival times.  WTP staff will meet you at the luggage claim area and escort you to the bus and to MIT. Students traveling to Boston by bus or train should arrive at South Station, and WTP staff will meet you at the Information desk and escort you to our chartered bus to MIT. There will also be a chartered bus that will take students to their return flights, buses, and trains in July on the last day of WTP.



What should I pack?

When you are admitted to WTP, you will receive an Information Booklet by email as a .pdf attachment with many details about attending the program, including a packing list and answers to residential and curriculum questions. It is very important that you and your parents read these materials carefully and contact us with any questions before you decide to attend WTP.

 

 

Will I be able to practice for my sports teams and work out at MIT athletics facilities?

Unfortunately, WTP students DO NOT have access to any of the MIT athletics facilities; you will not be able to use gyms, fitness centers, pools, tennis courts, dance studios, soccer fields, or rowing sculls. This is MIT's policy for anyone under age 18 who is not enrolled as an MIT student, and WTP is unable to request exceptions. WTP students do find other ways to get exercise: they often go running in groups around campus in the early morning, or play pickup games of frisbee or soccer on the lawns around the dorm. It is important that you understand that if you need to swim every day or lift weights in the fitness center you will not be able to do this during the 4 weeks at WTP, and factor this into your decision whether or not to apply to the program. If you have questions about this please contact us BEFORE you accept WTP admission.



Can I visit home?  Can my parents visit?

We ask that friends and family limit socializing with you during the 4 weeks you are here. We try to pack those 4 weeks with as many opportunities to learn as possible, so we expect you to be 100% focused on WTP. If you have friends or relatives in the area, we suggest you visit with them either before or after the 4-week WTP session, when you have more time.

WTP is a full-time residential and academic experience, and WTP students must attend for the full four weeks. Students who live locally do not go home during the 4 week program. You are required to sleep in the dorm every night during the 4 weeks, even on weekends. For safety reasons, WTP students must be accompanied by another WTP student or by WTP staff whenever they leave the MIT campus. You will receive more information about this if you are admitted to the program.

Students must attend all WTP classes Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm. But your WTP work is not done at 4pm-- often students are still working on problem sets after midnight! There are also many required evening and weekend activities, including extra lab time and team projects that require extra work outside of class times. Weekday evenings and weekends may also include WTP field trips and special events that require participation by all students.

On the very rare occasion that a student wants to leave campus with family or friends from outside of WTP, permission from parents must be arranged by phoning the WTP office at least 48 hours in advance. More details about this will be in the information you receive if you are accepted.

Please do not make any plans to meet with family or friends from outside of WTP on the first weekend of the program. On the first Saturday night you arrive there is a mandatory dinner for all WTP students. We ask family members who bring you to campus to depart before the dinner --it is part of WTP orientation, and just for students and staff. The first Sunday there are also mandatory orientation activities and introductions to WTP curriculum materials all day and evening.

 


I have a special diet, religious restrictions, etc.

If you are admitted to the program, we will ask you for additional personal information about your medical conditions, allergies, and any other special needs.  If you let us know about your requirements ahead of time, we will do our best to accommodate a special diet or religious activities.

Some Housing and Dining and details are on the Residential.

We can connect you with the MIT chaplains on campus or help you find local religious services for your faith. Weekend activities for the remainder of the program after the first orientation weekend usually begin after noon, so that students attending religious services can still participate in the WTP event. If you have questions once admitted, please contact us.