MIT Mechanical Fall 2012 Admits (Funding)

[MCS_aspirant]

Since quite a few people have been admitted to MIT MechE S.M. for Fall 2012, it is probably time to open a thread. I am somewhat concerned about the funding situation. It would be great if someone has answers to one or more of the questions below.

• Has anyone gotten any guaranteed funding yet? When do we know?
  
• When are you planning on starting to contact the professors?
  
• Typically, what percentage of S.M. admits get funding?
  

[MCS_aspirant]

a polite bump

[MCS_aspirant]

last bump before I give up. Please folks!

[CanuckBoy]

Why don't you ask the school?

[MCS_aspirant]

Why don't you ask the school?

The school has answers that are not self-explanatory on its website. It says 'most' students get funding. Someone who knows MIT better might be able to tell if 'most' means 95% or 30%. Some funding becomes available after April 15th (MIT website). As you can tell, it is important for me to know more details before I turn down offers from other schools. Thanks!

[unxviper]

I've been talking to a few Professors and Administrators in MechE. I generally think that everyone ends up with funding, as I can't imagine an Engineering Department at MIT leaving students without financial support. However, the onus is almost always on the student to contact faculty and ask about funding situations. The reason is because the majority of students are funded through RAs, which come from grants that Professors have for their research. So my advice would be to contact the Professors whose research you're interested in, and talk to them about any open spots in their groups. This way, you know that if you don't get a response from any Professors by April 15, your chances of funding are a lot worse.

Having said that, it would be best to contact Administrators etc...to find out for yourself. Don't let a post on gradcafe influence your decision in any way shape or form, as no one here has a vested interest in your future. So please find out for yourself, as this was just an opinion from someone in a similar situation to your own.

Edited February 21, 2012 by unxviper

[MCS_aspirant]

I've been talking to a few Professors and Administrators in MechE. I generally think that everyone ends up with funding, as I can't imagine an Engineering Department at MIT leaving students without financial support. However, the onus is almost always on the student to contact faculty and ask about funding situations. The reason is because the majority of students are funded through RAs, which come from grants that Professors have for their research. So my advice would be to contact the Professors whose research you're interested in, and talk to them about any open spots in their groups. This way, you know that if you don't get a response from any Professors by April 15, your chances of funding are a lot worse.

Having said that, it would be best to contact Administrators etc...to find out for yourself. Don't let a post on gradcafe influence your decision in any way shape or form, as no one here has a vested interest in your future. So please find out for yourself, as this was just an opinion from someone in a similar situation to your own.

If you are still around, I thought you may help me a bit. I am in the process of meeting some professors during open day. Is it possible for you to give me the format of your email that you sent? Also, how long did it take for the professor to get back to you? I was advised by the administration to directly email one professor who could not meet me due to schedule conflict. I emailed him Wednesday night, and it is Friday morning. So I am slightly concerned.

My email, in short, was basically something like this (6 sentences in total):

I am admitted masters (MechE fall) student and was advised to contact you directly since [schedule conflict].

I am interested in your research on [XYZ]. I was hoping my extensive coursework in YZ, and research experience in PQR may suit the needs of a research position in your group. I would be grateful if you could let me know how to proceed about getting a research position under your supervision.

Attached is my resume. Thank you for your time and consideration...

[unxviper]

I have had largely similar results, with 2/4 Professors getting back to me about meetings; but they do seem eager to take on a student, so we shall see. One of the others was very positive with his e-mail when I contacted him before the application deadline (Dec 15), but now he seems to not be replying to any e-mails. I think this has more to do with the fact that he's busy, than just simply ignoring my e-mails.

My e-mail is in essence similar to yours, with perhaps a bit more focus on what work they are doing in particular and where I could see myself fitting into their research group. Also, some input on what skills you would bring to the group that offers a fresh perspective would also be beneficial. Other than, my advice would be to keep trying, as there is still plenty of time before you have to let them know about your decision (>1 month).

Goodluck and let me know how things go!

[MCS_aspirant]

I have had largely similar results, with 2/4 Professors getting back to me about meetings; but they do seem eager to take on a student, so we shall see. One of the others was very positive with his e-mail when I contacted him before the application deadline (Dec 15), but now he seems to not be replying to any e-mails. I think this has more to do with the fact that he's busy, than just simply ignoring my e-mails.

My e-mail is in essence similar to yours, with perhaps a bit more focus on what work they are doing in particular and where I could see myself fitting into their research group. Also, some input on what skills you would bring to the group that offers a fresh perspective would also be beneficial. Other than, my advice would be to keep trying, as there is still plenty of time before you have to let them know about your decision (>1 month).

Goodluck and let me know how things go!

Another question: how many professors did you email? I emailed two, and none has replied back yet. What type of subject line did you use? I was using "Research opportunities for accepted SM student". I have one meeting with a prof but I am not very interested in his research to be honest. So I am contemplating on emailing 2-3 more. Do you mind sharing your focus area? I am into mechanics.

If you prefer not to post publicly, you can pm me. Thanks!

[spaceman_spiff]

I contacted 4 professors by mail. I did not get replies from two of them. The other two responded almost immediately. Unfortunately, neither of them had any funding opportunities available. I am starting to get slightly nervous now