Admission FAQ

How do I obtain an application package?

To obtain an application, go to the Graduate Admissions website. You can submit an application electronically, download an application from the website, or request that a paper copy be sent to you by completing the form online.

What are the ORC application requirements?

Applications should include:

• the standard MIT application form and fee
• Statement of Objectives
• transcripts
• three Letters of Recommendation
• the GRE General Test score
• the TOEFL test score (if international)

What is the application deadline for admission?

The deadline for all applications is December 15th.

Does the OR Center admit for the spring?

No, the OR Center only offers admission for the fall term.

What is the application fee?

The application fee is currently $70. The application fee must be paid check drawn on a US bank or by credit card if applying electronically.

Can the application fee be waived or deferred?

The application fee is required by MIT and cannot be waived or deferred. Applications will not be reviewed until the fee has been paid.

What do I indicate as the "Department" on the application form?

You should indicate "Operations Research Center" as the designated department.

What is the Institute code for MIT for reporting score reports?

The Institute code is R3514.

What types of testing does the OR Center require for admission?

• The OR Center requires the General GRE.
• We encourage students to take the GRE Advanced Subject; however, this test is optional and not mandatory.
• The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required for all international students.

What is the TOEFL Requirement for the OR Center?

• 600 = paper based test,
• 250 = computer based, and
• 100 = internet based test.

. The OR Center does not accept TOEFL waivers.

What is the department code for reporting GRE score reports to the OR Center?

The department code is 1302.

What is the department code for reporting TOEFL score reports to the OR Center?

Students should use the Industrial Engineering code, which is 67.

Do I need to complete the Record of Subject section? If yes, what courses should I list?

Yes, this section should be completed (to the best of your ability) with all courses taken throughout your undergraduate career.

Do I have to include all of the letters of recommendation with the application, or can these be sent separately?

We encourage students to submit a completed application at one time, which would include the three letters of recommendation. However, this is not always possible and we will accept them separately. Also, MIT is now accepting online recommendation letters.

Where should supplemental materials for my application be sent?

All materials should be sent to:

Laura A. Rose, Admissions Coordinator
Operations Research Center
MIT/Room E40-143
77 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139-4307

How will I be notified of receipt of my application?

You will receive an acknowledgement email from the Admissions Coordinator once your application has been received and processed.

Can you give me an idea of my chances for admission based on my GPA or GRE scores?

We do not give probabilities or chances of acceptance. In any case, it would not be fair to answer this question based on just scores. The Admissions Committee takes the entire application into consideration when reviewing it and making admission decisions.

How are students funded at the ORC?

The majority of doctoral degree students receive funding in the form of an RA and/or TA. Funding is awarded on a competitive basis. Admitted master’s students are usually not guaranteed financial aid. However, the OR Center works with each student to secure funding before arriving at MIT.

When are admission decisions made? How will I be notified?

Admission decisions are usually made in early March. Students will be notified by the department in writing via surface mail. Students may request notification from the department via email and the admission decision will be emailed to them.

Can I find out my admission decision over the phone?

No, admission decisions will not be disclosed over the phone.

If I am accepted, can I defer the offer of admission? If yes, how long?

In most cases, students are allowed to defer admission to the OR program for a year. However, this request is handled on a case-by-case basis.

Can I visit the OR Center?

The OR Center holds an Open House for those students who have been offered admission. The Open House is held in early April. At that time, students are invited to come visit and meet with faculty and students.

Is there a minimum GPA required to apply?

No, the OR Center does not have a minimum GPA. However, the applicants are usually very strong academically and in the top of their classes.

Can I submit the GMAT instead of the GRE test?

No, the OR Center does not accept the GMAT.

Are there any prerequisite courses required for admission?

No, the OR Center does not require any prerequisite courses for admission.

What is the average GRE score of students admitted to the ORC?

The average range of GRE scores for the quantitative and analytical sections of the GRE is 750 thru 800. Students often have verbal scores that are lower based on nationality

How many students apply to the OR Center?

The OR Center receives over 180+ applications in a given year.

How many students are offered admission to the OR programs?

The OR Center usually makes an offer of admission to 12-15 students. This total includes both masters and doctoral degree students.

How long does it take to complete the OR SM program?

It usually takes students four semesters to complete the master’s degree program.

How long does it take to complete the OR PhD program?

It usually takes students four or five years to complete the doctoral degree program in OR.

Do I need work experience to be admitted?

Work experience is not a prerequisite for admission to the OR programs.

Can I transfer from my current university to the OR program at MIT?

We do not consider transfer students separately. All students need to go through the standard admission process by submitting an application to the OR Center.

Where do graduates of the OR Center work after leaving the OR programs?

Many of our graduates assume positions in academia, consulting, large businesses (airlines, telecommunications), research laboratories, manufacturing or industry.