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One of five prestigious universities in the Cambridge region, MIT was established in 1861. This university appears frequently in films and television shows because it has 88 Nobel laureates to its name.
Microchips, email, GPS, solar power, refined oil, and nuclear fission are just a few of the inventions to come out of the school and the minds it houses. Graduates include astronaut Buzz Aldrin and former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.
Additionally, all of this can be found in Boston, a very popular city that offers opportunities after graduation and serves as a fantastic launching pad for travel throughout the United States and the rest of the world.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is one of the most prestigious private universities in the world. Acceptance into MIT is exceptionally challenging. Students with dreams of attending this university must compete with thousands of other brilliant students for a tiny number of admissions seats. Find out how to stand out from the competition and get into MIT.
- MIT Acceptance Rates
- MIT Overview
- MIT Rankings
- MIT Admissions Requirements
- MIT Standardized Testing Requirements
- How hard is it to get into MIT?
- What you need to apply to MIT?
- MIT Transfer Applications
- How to get into MIT Graduate School
- How to stand out in your MIT application
- FAQs about MIT Admissions
MIT Acceptance Rates
The admissions process has become even more competitive in recent years. MIT announced a for the class of 2025 and an acceptance rate of only 4% Of the 33,240 applicants, they only made offers to about 1,340 people.
The odds of being accepted to MIT seem almost nonexistent with such a low acceptance rate. What are students doing to set themselves apart from the rest of the applicants, though, and what does it take to get into MIT?
Let’s take a quick look at MIT’s history and some of their most impressive statistics before we discuss the MIT admissions requirements, the application procedure, and how to make your application stand out from the competition.
If you want to attend MIT but aren’t sure where to start, can assist students in achieving their long-term university admissions objectives. Learn more about our US Admissions Support program to find out how to include former MIT admissions officers and graduates who can assist you in creating a strong application that stands out from the competition.
MIT Overview
Initially established in 1861 during the Industrial Revolution to assist the U S. industry forward.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which is based in Cambridge, improves systems and procedures while tackling some of the most pressing problems and challenges facing the world. A select group of gifted and forward-thinking students from around the world are admitted to the school each year. This group of outstanding creators and inventors supports MIT’s mission by generating new industries, technologies, and jobs.
MIT’s five schools specialize in scientific and technological research. Additionally, they have excellent programs in economics, psychology, biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. MIT’s engineering and physical science programs are its most well-known, and they encourage undergraduates to conduct original research.
The mission of MIT is to advance knowledge and educate students in science, technology, and other areas of scholarship that will best serve the nation and the world in the 21st century.
ranked Massachusetts Institute of Technology #4 in their Best Colleges 2021 edition. MIT also ranked #1 in the 2021-2022 for the 10th year in a row.
MIT ranks #1 in the following subject areas:
- Architecture
- Chemistry
- Computer Science and Information Systems
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil and Structural Engineering
- Economics and Econometrics
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering; Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering
- Linguistics
- Mathematics
- Physics and Astronomy
- Statistics and Operational Research
Most popular majors at MIT:
- Computer Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mathematics, General
- Physics, General
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering
What are MIT’s Admissions Requirements?
MIT takes a holistic approach when they evaluate applicants. They evaluate applicants using their test results, grades, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, essay submissions, interviews, and, if they choose, a creative portfolio.
Does MIT use superscoring?
Yes, MIT uses superscoring. The highest score a student receives on the same standardized test in each section will be taken into account by MIT.
Does MIT accept AP credit?
If students have completed college-level work while still in high school, MIT offers them the chance to test out of undergraduate courses through Advanced Standing Exams. They also offer placement and credit for a variety of international exams, such as the Abitur, French Baccalauréat, and Cambridge Pre-U
MIT Admissions Statistics
A few years ago, MIT decided to post its own . These statistics provide a general overview of the requirements for admission to MIT, but they do not provide all the information. MIT emphasizes that they approach their admissions process holistically. To determine whether a candidate aligns with the MIT mission and culture, they consider test scores and applications as a whole.
MIT Class of 2024 Admissions Statistics
| Applied | Admitted | Acceptance Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Applications | 20,075 | 1,457 | 7.3% |
| US Citizens & Permanent Residents | 15,926 | 1,315 | 8.3% |
| International Students | 4,149 | 142 | 3.4% |
MIT Standardized Testing Requirements
The for MIT applicants is between 1520 – 1580.
Does MIT require the SAT essay?
MIT does not mandate that students complete the ACT writing or SAT optional essays, despite the fact that they value concise, clear writing and incorporate it into all of their undergraduate programs.
MIT SAT subject tests
The SAT Subject Tests for MIT are no longer a requirement for admission. This modification began with the 2020–2021 admissions cycle and will last forever. MIT anticipates that this change will enable students to concentrate on their areas of interest and how those areas will help them succeed academically and professionally in the future.
MIT ACT Requirements *
The for MIT applicants is between 34 – 36.
Does MIT require the ACT writing section?
Although all of MIT’s academic programs place a high value on writing, students are not required to pass the ACT’s writing portion of the exam.
* Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, MIT suspended the SAT/ACT testing requirement for the 2021–2022 application cycle.
Score range of admitted students (25th and 75th percentile)
| Test | Score Range |
|---|---|
| SAT Math | [790, 800] |
| SAT ERW | [730, 780] |
| ACT Math | [35, 36] |
| ACT Reading | [34, 36] |
| ACT English | [35, 36] |
| ACT Science | [34, 36] |
| ACT Composite | [35, 36] |
English Proficiency Exam Requirements
It is strongly advised that non-native English speakers report their English proficiency exam results because MIT teaches all of its programs in English. The following are the for each testing option.
English Language Proficiency Requirements
| Test | Minimum Score | Recommended Score |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL | 90 | 100 |
| IELTS | 7 | 7.5 |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic | 65 | 70 |
| Cambridge English Qualifications (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency) | 185 | 190 |
| Duolingo English Test (DET) | 120 | 125 |
How hard is it to get into MIT?
Based on numbers, it’s tough to get into MIT. Even though MIT emphasizes their all-encompassing selection procedure, it’s unlikely you’ll be admitted if you don’t pass the required testing and
In light of this, MIT also assesses your suitability for the organization’s mission and core values. They’re looking for students who:
- Align with MIT’s mission
- Collaborate and cooperate
- Take initiative
- Take risks
- Possess hands-on creativity
- Show intensity, curiosity, and excitement
- Uphold the characteristics of the MIT community
- Prioritize balance
Your application will be read by a senior admissions officer and evaluated comprehensively after it is submitted. Before it is placed in the “admit” pile, strong applicants will be evaluated by additional admissions officers, numerous groups of admissions staff, and faculty. Your application is evaluated separately and as a stand-alone unit. Your location, state, financial situation, or whether you have any alumni ties will not be taken into consideration when evaluating you. This process allows all students a fair chance at acceptance.
What You Need to Apply to MIT
MIT admissions places a strong emphasis on the significance of test scores and grades, but they also consider your application as a whole. To be admitted to MIT, you must complete the following sections of the application.
Check out MIT Application .
The MIT application consists of the following sections.
To help them get to know you better, MIT requests that you write several and responses. Be honest and open in your responses on the because this is your chance to speak with the admissions committee directly and explain why you want to attend MIT.
You should certainly be thoughtful about your essays, but if you’re thinking too much—spending a lot of time stressing or strategizing about what makes you “look best,” as opposed to the answers that are honest and easy—you’re doing it wrong.
MIT posts short answer essay prompts each year. Sometimes they reuse the MIT essay prompts from the previous year, and other times they add new ones. Here are the for the 2021-2022 application cycle.
- Describe your home environment, including your family, clubs, school, neighborhood, city, or town. How has that world influenced your aspirations and dreams? (250 words or less)
- Choose the area of study at MIT that appeals to you the most at the moment, and explain why. (100 words or fewer).
- We are aware that you lead a busy life that is filled with many obligations. Tell us about a thing you enjoy doing just for fun. (200–250 words).
- At MIT, we unite individuals to enhance the lives of others. MIT students strive to better their communities in a variety of ways, from taking on the world’s most difficult problems to simply being a good friend. Describe a time when you made a difference in your community, whether it was in your family, your school, your neighborhood, etc. (200–250 words).
- Tell us about the biggest obstacle you overcame or the most important thing that didn’t go as planned. How did you manage the situation? (200-250 words).
Along with the quick essay responses, your MIT application must also include the following:
Crimson is the world’s leading college admissions consulting company. Include MIT alumni and former admissions officers who can assist you in creating a strong application that stands out from the competition. Find out more about our US Admissions Support program.
MIT application deadlines
MIT posts their application deadlines at the end of August. As a reference, the 2020-2021 deadlines are below.
MIT Early Action and Regular Action Application Deadlines
| Deadline | Application Component | |
|---|---|---|
| Early Action (EA) | November 1 | All individual application components—general information, essays, activities, academics, etc. |
| November 1 | Two letters of recommendation—one from a math or science teacher and one from a humanities, social science, or language teacher | |
| November 1 | Secondary School Report (SSR), including high school transcript | |
| February 10 | February Updates & Notes Form (including midyear grades) | |
| Regular Action (RA) | January 6 | All individual application components—general information, essays, activities, academics, etc. |
| January 6 | Two letters of recommendation—one from a math or science teacher and one from a humanities, social science, or language teacher | |
| January 6 | Secondary School Report (SSR), including high school transcript | |
| Febuary 10 | February Updates & Notes Form (including midyear grades) |
MIT Transfer Application
To transfer to MIT, you must familiarize yourself with the MIT advises prospective transfer students to enroll in a variety of math and science courses, such as calculus, physics with applications to calculus, biology, and chemistry. Additionally, they ought to make the most of every chance provided by their university to demonstrate their superior performance in these subjects. Students should have mostly As in their math and science classes even though there is no minimum GPA requirement.
Choose extracurricular activities as an MIT transfer student that will challenge and interest you. Projects, internships, and research demonstrating initiative, teamwork, and creativity are examples of this.
MIT Transfer Acceptance Rate
Transferring to MIT is difficult, perhaps even more so than starting as a freshman. The typical transfer acceptance rate is about 4. 28%. For instance, in 2019 MIT received 538 transfer applications but only 23 students were accepted. Maintaining a GPA of at least 4. 17- 4. You’ll have a better chance of getting one of the coveted transfer spots if you’re 34.
Even though it may seem depressing, it is possible to enroll at MIT as a transfer student. Your chance of being admitted to MIT as a transfer student increases if you research what the institute is looking for in a transfer student and tailor your application to meet those requirements.
Students who want to transfer to MIT must submit the following documents, at the very least:
- High school transcript
- College transcript
- An essay or personal statement
- Standardized test scores
- Statement of good standing from prior institution
You can anticipate receiving credit for any subject that is equivalent to corresponding MIT subjects as an MIT transfer student. Your academic record might not always accurately reflect how well you understand a subject. MIT provides a to students so they can show their subject knowledge.
In general, transfer students lose one semester of coursework. For instance, if you enter MIT as a second-year student after transferring as a third-year student.
How to Get into MIT Graduate School
MIT offers a wide range of . MIT offers a wide range of outstanding graduate degrees and certifications, even though it is best known for its science and math programs. MIT has five schools, including 46 departmental programs (Engineering, Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, Management, and Science).
Do your homework before deciding whether MIT graduate school is right for you. Have you got the grades, classes, and test scores required for admission into the program of your choice? Do they offer the academic route to your dream career?
The keys to getting into an MIT graduate program are having a solid research background and choosing professors with whom you want to collaborate. If at all possible, letters of recommendation should be written by well-known, respected individuals who have ties to MIT.
Discover more about MIT’s graduate program from the perspective of an
Graduate School Acceptance Rate
Unsurprisingly, only about six students per year are accepted into MIT’s graduate school. 7% of applicants.
MIT Graduate School GPA
MIT encourages graduate applicants to have a GPA of 3. 5 or better, though admission to the school is not guaranteed by this score
Crimson provides individualized assistance to applicants seeking admission to prestigious US Masters and PhD programs, such as MIT. Our knowledgeable strategists are prepared to offer advice in a variety of fields, including MBA, STEM, Social Science, Humanities, Law, and Medicine. Learn more about our Postgraduate Applications Support program.
How to stand out in your MIT application
While candidates who pass the tests and have the required GPA have a better chance of admission to MIT, they are not assured a place. It takes persistence, imagination, lateral thinking, and a little bit of luck to get into MIT.
Here are some quick tips for differentiating your MIT application from the competition.
- Ensure your application aligns with MIT’s mission. Get involved in an that makes the world better. Talk about it in your application.
- MIT is known for its collaborative research. Mention any experience you have with interdisciplinary teams and research in your application.
- Even if it means you might fail, MIT likes to see that you’re willing to take chances, get your hands dirty, and invest in an idea. Highlight instances in your life where you took risks and were successful (or unsuccessful). You don’t have to do a million things. Simply choose a few things that truly matter to you and devote your heart to them.
- MIT wants you to prioritize downtime. Talk about what you like to do for fun. They appreciate it when you’re motivated and take care of yourself at the same time.
Crimson provides a variety of educational support services that can assist you in customizing your education and application to meet MIT’s standards and values. We accompany you as you complete the application process through our. Crimson can show you how to get into MIT from and to and even.
Frequently Asked Questions about MIT Admissions
According to, undergraduate students’ tuition and living costs for the 2019–2020 academic year were as follows:
- Tuition and fees (9 months): $53,790
- Depending on lodging and dining arrangements, housing and meals would cost around $16,390.
- Books and personal expenses: ~ $2,980
The following are the costs for living and attending graduate school in 2019–2020:
- $53,790 for tuition and fees for the 2019–2020 school year (note that costs may vary by program and department).
- 2019 summer tuition for students enrolled in courses: $17,800
Does MIT give scholarships?
MIT’s most common type of aid is the MIT Scholarship. Students who receive this grant do not repay it. They come from the MIT endowment, gifts from MIT alumni and friends, and general funds and are determined by financial needs. Students who received the MIT Scholarship received an average of $50,483 during the 2019–2020 academic year.
Many students also apply for federal grants, state grants, and private scholarships and grants to help make MIT even more affordable.
What is the retention rate for first-year students at MIT?
MIT%E2%80%99s freshman retention rate is 99%, making it one of the best university retention rates in the United States
What is the average salary for an MIT graduate?
The typical MIT graduate earned USD 104,700 in 2018.
Who are notable MIT alumni?
Some of the most accomplished people in the world are MIT graduates. Many have accomplished careers in business, education, government service, and scientific research.
- Kofi Annan, former secretary-general of the United Nations
- Buzz Aldrin, Astronaut
- Ilene S. Gordon, CEO, President, and Chairman of Ingredion
- Co-founder and CEO of BuzzFeed and The Huffington Post, Jonah Peretti
- Andrea Wong, President of Sony International Production
* Other notable MIT statistics:
- There are 63 MIT graduates who hold the title of “Unicorn Executives” (a unicorn is a privately held company with a value of $1 billion or more).
- Nobel Prize winners: 40
- Nobel Laureates: 85
- Rhodes Scholars: 48
- Marshall Scholars: 61
- Mitchell Scholars: 3
- National Medal of Science winners: 58
- National Medal of Technology and Innovation winners: 29
* as of October 2020
Does MIT use the Common App?
You cannot apply to MIT through the Common Application. They have their own system called .
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How I got accepted to MIT for grad school
FAQ
Is it hard to get into MIT grad school?
Currently, MIT’s acceptance rate is 4. 1%, which means it only accepts around 4 applicants for every 100 people that apply A 4. 1% acceptance rate means that MIT is extremely competitive to get into To even be taken into consideration, you must have excellent grades, test results, essays, and recommendation letters.
What GPA do you need for MIT grad school?
Have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) exceeding 4. 0 on MIT’s 5. 0 scale; and.
What it takes to get into MIT grad school?
High academic achievement with a GPA of 3. 5 or better is encouraged, but won’t guarantee acceptance. A solid foundation in math, engineering, computer science, and physics is necessary for computer programming. Non-native English speakers must receive a TOEFL online score of at least 100 or an IELTS score of at least 7.
What is the average GPA for MIT?
Average GPA: 4. 17 The average GPA at MIT is 4. 17. This makes MIT Extremely Competitive for GPAs. (Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4. 0, though some report an unweighted GPA. Although this school didn’t formally disclose its average GPA, we’ve estimated it here using information from more than 1,000 other institutions. ).