The faculty believes that ability to write effectively is an essential skill that all MIT graduates should possess, especially those graduating with advance degrees in engineering. The ability to write clearly and cogently will not only be necessary for students during their studies at MIT, it will also be a fundamental skill they will use throughout their careers. All incoming graduate students are required to take the Institue writing ability test in September. Based on their performance, they may or may not have to take additional writing courses. For more information on the requirements, see the Department of Mechanical Engineering's Graduate Writing Requirements .