Is there really an MIT shortlist?

[dexter]

I saw a mention of an MIT shortlist on the online application, and I wonder if anyone has been asked to send their official transcripts? People from previous years are also welcome to comment on this.

[quinquenion]

MIT seems to have changed their transcript policy. Sending official transcripts before Dec 15 was definitely required last year when I applied.

Speaking from my experience applying to other schools with an "official transcripts required only if admitted" policy, I suspect you'll only need to send transcripts if/when you actually decide to go to that school.

I'm afraid I'm not entirely sure what you mean by "shortlist". If you mean the people offered places in the first round of admits, last year those were sent out either in mid/late-January or early February, for the pure and applied tracks respectively.

[dexter]

Hi quinquenion, I'm referring to the following excerpt on this page:

3. You do not need official transcripts for the initial application. However, if you are shortlisted, we will ask you to mail (or have mailed for you) an official transcript from each college or university you have attended. The address for these transcripts will be:

Mathematics Academic Services, MIT Room 2-285 77 Massachusetts Ave Cambridge, MA 02139-4307 U.S.A.

The official transcripts will then be checked against the grades and courses you reported on your application.

So I don't think this is an "official transcripts required only if admitted" policy, as they could have simply said as much. Maybe I'm reading too much into it.

[quinquenion]

Huh. My best guess is still that it's only for unofficially admitted and maybe waitlisted students, but I'm afraid this is beyond my ken. Regardless, I wouldn't worry too much about it. It's finals week, so I doubt MIT will be sending out anything before New Year's.