MITE FAQs

MITE is a five-day camp for current high school juniors to discover engineering through participation in an engineering team project, hands-on activities and interactions with engineering students, faculty, staff and alumni.

Yes, MITE is only for rising seniors (current juniors).

Applications open each January and close in March.

We are most interested in academic preparations, like essays, grades, rank, extra-curricular involvement and why you’re interested in MITE. Many students who apply to MITE are outstanding students and leaders in their communities. In addition to academics, we also consider socioeconomic status to provide opportunities to those overcoming any social or economic hardship.

Approximately 500 applications are received each year, and we accept 100 students in total.

If an accepted participant decides not to attend, we will promptly reach out to waitlisted applicants to offer any newly opened spots for the camp.

Students are encouraged to list participation in MITE on their admissions application or write about their experiences in their college essay if they choose to do so. However, MITE students receive no extra advantage in the admissions process and no extra points based on participation.

For a list of the academic and personal achievement factors considered for college acceptance at UT Austin, visit Texas Admissions.

Participant Cost: $100

Payment will only be submitted once a participant is accepted into the program, and the cost of admission also includes the price of meals. This program includes a high-quality, immersive educational experience in a world-renowned engineering school during a week-long stay in a college dorm. This program’s low cost is possible thanks to additional philanthropic support. 

Students are responsible for coordinating their own transportation to and from The University of Texas at Austin, whether by air, bus, car, etc. Check-in and Check-out times will be the same for participants regardless of travel arrangements, so we encourage attendees to make travel arrangements accordingly.

Meals and housing for MITE participants are paid for through donations from our sponsors.

Yes, MITE includes lodging for students in an on-campus dorm.

Yes, both in-state and out-of-state students may attend MITE.

In order to provide participants with the collegiate experience, roommate matches are pre-selected (often with students from a different school). Successful students at The University of Texas at Austin have demonstrated the ability to adapt to different environments and a desire to broaden their perspectives. At MITE, we hope to foster this growth. 

Sunday drop-off is from 3:00PM – 4:00PM. Thursday camp concludes at 12:00PM. We are not able to accommodate a late or early check-in or check-out time. Please adjust your schedule accordingly.

Parents are encouraged to drop off and pick up their student(s). However, if this cannot be arranged, students may bring their own cars. Parking will be available in one of the UT Austin campus garages for approximately $15 – $18 per day. Students cannot drive their cars or leave campus at any time during the program. This rule will be strictly enforced.

We expect students to use their judgment in dressing like young adults. Students should dress casually for hot weather (shorts and T-shirts are fine) and bring comfortable walking shoes. There will be a lot of walking every day. Students will be required to change their clothing if it is offensive or inappropriate. Students will want to bring business casual attire to present their final projects.

Students are not allowed to leave campus without the supervision of a MITE counselor or the MITE coordinator. Students are not allowed to leave campus with visitors during the program.

MITE will have structured opportunities for friends and family to visit. More information will be provided during orientation on the first day of MITE.

In order to create a comfortable and safe environment for all students, visitors will not be permitted in the dorm, except when parents pick up or drop off their student(s). MITE counselors will stay in the dorms with the students. 

While it is great that MITE students are involved in many different activities, unfortunately, students will not be allowed to leave campus to fulfill other obligations (night classes, swim practice, etc.). During MITE, students will participate in group projects, activities and seminars from morning to night.

Full participation is required from students so that they may benefit from the entire program.