Getting into a good grad school

[StatusX]

I was wondering what you have to do as an undergrad to get into a school like MIT to study physics or engineering as a graduate. How are things like GPA, GRE score, extracurricular activities, research,\ internships, and your undergrad university weighted? What might a typical accepted student's background look like? Thanks.

 

[so-crates]

Well it depends on the field, but this is what I have heard, in order of importance:

1) Recommendations - who they are, and what they say. This is why it helps to go to a good school as an undergrad, if you can get someone well known in the field to write you a good recommendation letter, its a huge bonus

2) Grades/Class rank, particularly in major, particulary in the 300 -400 level classes

3) Internships/Research/Publications - its pretty hard to get published as an undergrad, but any experience you can get is a definite plus. It shows you have initiative and drive

4) GRE scores

Admitted students at the top universites generally graduate in the top 10% of their class in terms of GPA, have some research experience as undergrads, and will have very good recommendations

 

[StatusX]

Ok, thanks a lot socrates. Just curious, does anyone else have any advice about this?

 

[juvenal]

Having an NSF fellowship helps tremendously. Of course - those who are good enough to get NSF's are also likely to get into grad school on their own merit.