Graduate Application Assistance Program (GAAP)
Overview
The Graduate Application Assistance Program (GAAP) is a student-led initiative by graduate students in the MIT Mechanical Engineering department that aims to increase the diversity of the admitted students by providing support and mentorship to applicants from underrepresented backgrounds as they navigate the graduate school application process. This program connects eligible underrepresented applicants with current graduate student mentor volunteers who provide one-on-one mentorship throughout the graduate application process, meeting regularly until the submission deadline. Specifically, mentors will provide feedback on application materials and answer questions.
If you are interested in becoming a mentee, please complete the application form by November 8, 2024.
Key Dates
For the 2024-25 cycle:
Applications open: 11:59 EST September 15, 2024
Application deadline: 11:59 EST November 8, 2024
Matching/Acceptance Notification: 11:59 EST November 15, 2024
Mechanical Engineering Graduate Application Deadline: 11:59 EST December 15, 2024
Note
Please note: GAAP is specifically designed for underrepresented groups, defined as those whose representation in the Mechanical Engineering PhD program at MIT is significantly lower than in the general US population. Our signup form will guide you through the eligibility criteria.
For any questions, please contact meche-gaap@mit.edu and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
Disclaimer
The Mechanical Engineering GAAP program is completely separate from the Mechanical Engineering Graduate Admissions process. The view of the graduate student volunteers are their own and do not represent the views of MIT or the Mechanical Engineering department. Furthermore, participation in GAAP does not guarantee admissions to MIT, nor does the admissions committee receive information of your participation. Information you provide to the Mechanical Engineering GAAP program will not be shared with the admissions committee or any official MIT entity. Any reports generated from your participation will be de-identified.
Additional Resources
Additional resources for applications:
- Official MIT Mechanical Engineering graduate admissions website: https://meche.mit.edu/education/prospective-students/graduate/apply
- MIT Mechanical Engineering Communications Lab Statement of Purpose for Graduate School Information: https://mitcommlab.mit.edu/meche/commkit/statement-of-purpose-for-graduate-school/
- Mechanical Engineering Graduate Admission FAQ: https://meche.mit.edu/education/prospective-students/graduate/graduate-admissions-faq
- Office of Graduate Engineering Fee Waivers: https://oge.mit.edu/graduate-admissions/applications/application-fee-waiver/
- MIT Institution Wide GAAP Programs: https://oge.mit.edu/community-diversity/prospective-students/graduate-application-assistance-programs-gaap/
Becoming a Mentor
Interested in being a GAAP Mentor?
For just a couple of hours of time commitment, you can make a lasting positive impact on a young researcher’s career. It’s also a special opportunity to gain valuable mentoring experience, which is an important part of any academic or industry CV. All current MIT MechE graduate students are eligible to mentor. We will provide you with mentoring resources if you need them!
Mentor recruitment for the 2024-25 cycle will begin in June 2024 and will run through September 2024! Mentor training (~1 hour) will take place in October 2024.
