METU CENG MANUAL

MIT EECS - Massachusetts Institute of Technology

January 15, 2024

Complete guide to applying to MIT’s Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) graduate program from METU Computer Engineering.

Program Overview

MIT EECS is consistently ranked #1 in computer science and electrical engineering worldwide. The program is highly selective and research-focused, with exceptional faculty and resources.

Key Facts

  • World Ranking: #1 in Computer Science (multiple rankings)
  • Acceptance Rate: ~6-8% for PhD, ~12-15% for MEng
  • Students: ~700 graduate students
  • Faculty: 140+ faculty members
  • Research Areas: AI, Systems, Theory, Robotics, HCI, Security

Degree Options

  • PhD: Research-focused, 4-6 years, fully funded
  • MEng: Professional master’s, 1 year, coursework-based
  • SM: Research master’s, 2 years, thesis required

Admission Requirements

Academic Requirements

  • GPA: Minimum 3.5/4.0 (competitive applicants have 3.8+)
  • Background: Strong CS/EE fundamentals
  • Prerequisites: Linear algebra, algorithms, systems programming

Standardized Tests

  • GRE: Optional since 2020, but high scores help (Q: 165+, V: 155+)
  • TOEFL: 100+ (for international students)
  • Subject GRE: Not required, but CS subject test can help

Application Materials

  • Statement of Purpose: Most important component
  • Letters of Recommendation: 3 letters from faculty/researchers
  • Transcripts: Official transcripts from all institutions
  • CV/Resume: Academic and research experience
  • Research Statement: For PhD applicants

Research Areas & Faculty

Artificial Intelligence

Notable Faculty:

  • Regina Barzilay (NLP, AI for healthcare)
  • Tommi Jaakkola (Machine learning theory)
  • Josh Tenenbaum (Cognitive science, AI)

Research Focus: Deep learning, NLP, computer vision, robotics

Computer Systems

Notable Faculty:

  • Frans Kaashoek (Operating systems, distributed systems)
  • Nickolai Zeldovich (Security, systems)
  • Mohammad Alizadeh (Networking)

Research Focus: OS, databases, networking, security

Theory of Computation

Notable Faculty:

  • Shafi Goldwasser (Cryptography, complexity)
  • Erik Demaine (Algorithms, computational geometry)
  • Virginia Williams (Algorithms, complexity)

Research Focus: Algorithms, complexity theory, cryptography

Human-Computer Interaction

Notable Faculty:

  • Stefanie Mueller (Fabrication, 3D printing)
  • David Karger (Information systems, UI)

Research Focus: UI/UX, accessibility, fabrication

Application Process

Timeline

  • September-October: Research faculty, prepare materials
  • November: Draft statement of purpose
  • December 15: Application deadline
  • January-March: Interviews and decisions
  • April 15: Decision deadline

Statement of Purpose Tips

  • Research Focus: Clearly articulate research interests
  • Faculty Match: Mention specific faculty you want to work with
  • Experience: Highlight relevant research/project experience
  • Future Goals: Explain career objectives and how MIT fits

Letters of Recommendation

  • Research Supervisors: Best letters come from research mentors
  • Faculty: Professors who know your academic work well
  • Industry: Can supplement but shouldn’t be primary

METU Student Success Stories

Recent Admissions (2020-2024)

  • 2024: 2 PhD admissions (AI, Systems)
  • 2023: 1 PhD, 1 MEng admission
  • 2022: 3 PhD admissions (Theory, AI, HCI)
  • 2021: 2 PhD admissions

Preparation Strategies

  • Research Experience: All admitted students had significant research
  • Publications: 70% had at least one publication
  • Strong GPA: Average GPA of admitted students: 3.85/4.0
  • Faculty Connections: Most had worked with METU faculty on research

Financial Information

PhD Funding

  • Full Funding: All PhD students receive full support
  • Stipend: ~$43,000/year (2024)
  • Tuition: Fully covered
  • Health Insurance: Included
  • Summer Support: Research or internship funding

MEng Costs

  • Tuition: ~$59,000 for the program
  • Living Costs: ~$25,000/year in Cambridge
  • Total Cost: ~$84,000 for one year
  • Financial Aid: Limited, mostly loans

Funding Sources

  • Research Assistantships: Work with faculty on research
  • Teaching Assistantships: Help with undergraduate courses
  • Fellowships: NSF, Hertz, and other prestigious fellowships
  • Industry Sponsorships: Google, Microsoft, Apple fellowships

Life at MIT

Academic Environment

  • Intense: Very demanding but rewarding
  • Collaborative: Strong collaboration culture
  • Resources: World-class facilities and equipment
  • Flexibility: Can take courses across departments

Research Opportunities

  • CSAIL: Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory
  • LIDS: Laboratory for Information and Decision Systems
  • MTL: Microsystems Technology Laboratories
  • Industry Connections: Close ties with tech companies

Campus Life

  • Location: Cambridge, near Harvard and downtown Boston
  • Housing: Graduate dormitories and off-campus options
  • Activities: 500+ student organizations
  • Diversity: Very international student body

Tips from METU Alumni

Application Tips

  • Start Early: Begin preparing 1-2 years in advance
  • Research Experience: Get involved in research at METU
  • Faculty Connections: Build relationships with METU professors
  • Publications: Aim for at least one conference/journal paper
  • Statement: Spend months perfecting your statement of purpose

Academic Preparation

  • Core Courses: Excel in fundamental CS courses
  • Math Background: Strong linear algebra and probability
  • Programming: Master multiple programming languages
  • Projects: Build impressive technical projects

Research Preparation

  • Undergraduate Research: Work with METU faculty
  • Summer Programs: Apply to REU programs in the US
  • Conferences: Attend conferences to network
  • Reading: Stay current with top-tier research papers

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Application Mistakes

  • Generic Statement: Not tailoring to MIT specifically
  • No Faculty Match: Not identifying potential advisors
  • Weak Letters: Getting letters from professors who don’t know you well
  • Late Application: Submitting at the last minute

Academic Mistakes

  • Low GPA: Not maintaining high grades throughout
  • No Research: Applying without research experience
  • Narrow Focus: Not exploring different research areas
  • Poor English: Not preparing adequately for TOEFL

Contact Information

Official Contacts

METU Alumni at MIT

  • Connect through METU Alumni Boston group
  • LinkedIn: “METU Alumni Boston”
  • Annual networking events in Cambridge area

Current METU Students at MIT

  • WhatsApp group for current METU students
  • Mentorship program for prospective applicants

Resources

Research Labs

Student Life

Based on experiences from METU CENG alumni at MIT 2020-2024. Information updated January 2024.

Questions? Contact Mehmet Özkan (PhD ‘26) or join the METU-MIT WhatsApp group for current students and applicants.