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What does it take to get into MIT? As one of the world’s top universities, getting into MIT is a competitive process. With the right approach and preparation, you can increase your chances of being admitted to this top US university. Follow this guide to prepare and submit a flawless application and maximize your chances.
If you’re wondering how to get into MIT, you’ve come to the right place. While there's no foolproof way to guarantee admission, there are steps you can take to increase your chances of success.
In this blog post, we'll provide a comprehensive guide on how to get into MIT, covering everything from examining MIT’s admission requirements to crafting a standout application.
Whether you're just starting to consider your college options or are already in the midst of preparing your application, our comprehensive guide on how to get into MIT is designed to provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to succeed in the admissions process.
Based on acceptance numbers, MIT is one of the hardest schools to get in. While MIT emphasizes their holistic approach to the selection process, it’s unlikely you’ll get in if you don’t meet the minimum testing and GPA numbers.
In recent years, the admissions process has gotten even more competitive. MIT had just under 27,000 students apply for the class of 2027 with an acceptance rate of less than 5%. They only extended offers to about 1,259 of the 26,914 applicants.
With such a low acceptance rate, getting into MIT seems difficult. But, students are still getting in! What are they doing to distinguish themselves from the rest of the applicants, and what does it take to get into MIT?
Number of Applications | Accepted Students | Acceptance Rate | |
---|---|---|---|
Early Applications | 11,924 | 685 | 5.7% |
Regular Applications | 14,990 | 574 | 3.8% |
Total | 26,914 | 1,259 | 4.7% |
MIT is looking for students who have excelled academically, particularly in subjects related to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). This includes taking challenging courses, maintaining a high GPA, and performing well on standardized tests like the SAT or ACT.
In addition to academic excellence, MIT is looking for students who have a genuine passion for learning. This can be demonstrated through participating in research projects, pursuing independent study, or taking on extracurricular activities that align with their academic interests. MIT wants students who are curious, motivated, and eager to explore new ideas and concepts.
A Day in the Life: MIT Student
MIT wants students who have demonstrated leadership skills in their academic, extracurricular, or community activities. This includes serving in leadership roles in student organizations, taking initiative to start new projects or initiatives, or demonstrating leadership in other ways such as volunteering or community service. MIT wants students who have the potential to become leaders in their respective fields and make a positive impact on the world.
MIT is looking for students who possess strong character and values. This includes qualities like integrity, honesty, empathy, and a commitment to social responsibility. MIT wants students who are not only academically talented, but who will also contribute positively to the community and embody the school's mission of using science and technology to make the world a better place.
They’re looking for students who:
Once your application is submitted, it will be read by a senior admissions officer and evaluated holistically. Strong applicants will be assessed by more admissions officers and multiple groups of admissions staff and faculty before it reaches the “admit” pile.
Your application is viewed on an individual basis and stands on its own. It’s not evaluated based on your location, state, financial needs, or if you have any legacy/alumni relations. This process allows all students a fair chance at acceptance.
MIT takes a holistic approach when they evaluate applicants. They assess candidates based on their test scores, grades, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, essay responses, an interview, and an optional creative portfolio.
When evaluating your application, MIT considers test results and grades, but they also look at the application as a whole. You must complete the following pieces of the application to be eligible for admission into MIT.
Overall, you need need to include the following in your MIT application:
MIT has high standards for academic achievement, and a strong GPA is one way to demonstrate your readiness for their rigorous coursework. Although there is no minimum GPA requirement for admission, competitive students have a GPA of 3.5 or above and mostly A’s in math and science courses.
After temporarily suspending the SAT/ACT testing requirement for the 2021-2022 application cycle due to the COVID-19 pandemic, MIT now requires the tests from their applicants again, whether they are first-year or transfer applicants.
The average SAT score for MIT applicants is between 1520 - 1580.
While MIT values clear, concise writing and incorporates it into all their undergraduate programs, they do not require students to complete the ACT writing or SAT optional essays.
MIT SAT Subject Tests are no longer part of their admissions requirements. This change took place starting with the 2020-2021 admissions cycle and will continue indefinitely. MIT hopes that this adjustment will allow students to focus on their areas of interest and how those areas will contribute to their future academic and career success.
The average ACT score for MIT applicants is between 34 - 36.
MIT places a high value on writing through all their academic programs but does not require students to complete the ACT writing section of the test.
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] |
Extracurricular activities are an essential part of the application process for students hoping to get into MIT. MIT is looking for students who are more than just academic achievers. They seek outgoing leaders who can positively impact their campus and the world.
Admitted students typically have a strong record of involvement in extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, theater, community service, or other pursuits. They may have also demonstrated leadership skills or a commitment to a particular cause or issue.
For MIT admissions officers, recommendation letters provide an opportunity to get a more holistic view of the applicant. They can help to highlight an applicant's strengths, achievements, and unique qualities, which can help set them apart from other applicants.
A strong recommendation letter can also help to strengthen an applicant's application. It can provide additional evidence of their academic potential and demonstrate that the student has the support of respected professionals in their field.
MIT asks you to write several short supplemental essays and responses so they can get to know you better. For the MIT supplemental essay, be open and honest with your answers because this is your chance to personally connect with the admissions team and show them why you want to attend MIT.
MIT posts short answer essay prompts each year. Sometimes they recycle the previous year’s MIT essay prompts, and sometimes they include new ones. Here are the essay prompts for the 2021-2022 application cycle.
Since MIT teaches all its programs in English, it’s strongly recommended that non-native English speakers report their English proficiency exam results. The following are the minimum requirements for each testing option.
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 |
While applicants who meet the testing and GPA requirements have a better chance of getting into MIT, they aren’t guaranteed a spot. Getting into MIT takes perseverance, creativity, and thinking outside the box.
Here are the best ways to make your MIT application stand out and maximize your chances of getting into MIT:
Take advantage of Early Action and apply to MIT early. Early Action applications are non-binding but offer you a higher chance of acceptance. The early action acceptance rate at MIT for the Class of 2027 was 5.7% compared to the regular application acceptance rate of only 3.8%.
Applying early has several benefits. First, it can help to reduce competition. The early application pool is typically smaller than the regular decision pool, which can increase your chances of acceptance. Additionally, the admissions committee has more time to review each application in the early pool, which can result in a more thorough and nuanced review of your application.
Secondly, it shows the admissions committee that MIT is your top choice and that you are committed to attending if accepted. This can help to demonstrate your level of interest and enthusiasm for the university, which can be a positive factor in the admissions decision.
To get into MIT, it's important to show that you understand and align with the mission and values of the institution. MIT's mission is to advance knowledge and educate students in science, technology, and other areas of scholarship that will best serve the world in the 21st century.
One way to demonstrate this commitment is by getting involved in an extracurricular activity that aligns with MIT's mission. For example, you could volunteer with an organization that promotes access to education or clean energy solutions, or participate in a research project that addresses a global challenge.
By engaging in activities that have a positive impact on the world, you not only demonstrate your alignment with MIT's mission, but also showcase your leadership skills, teamwork, and initiative.
MIT receives thousands of applications yearly, and your college essay is the perfect way to help you stand out to college admissions officers. A strong and unique essay can differentiate you from applicants with similar academic profiles. Think outside the box, find ways to integrate your passions, and show your unique personality and perspectives.
Ensure you display the following in your MIT essays:
Founded in 1861 during the Industrial Revolution, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) original purpose was to help drive the U.S. industry forward.
Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, MIT utilizes education, research, and innovation, improving systems and processes and addressing some of the world’s most critical issues and challenges. Each year, the school accepts an elite group of talented and forward-thinking students from across the globe. This pool of exceptional inventors and creators contribute to MIT’s mission, creating jobs, developing new technologies, and launching new industries.
MIT’s five schools specialize in scientific and technological research. They also boast strong economics, psychology, biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics programs. MIT is best known for its engineering and physical sciences programs and they encourage undergraduates to pursue original research.
MIT alumni are highly sought after by employers around the world, thanks to the institution's reputation for academic excellence and its emphasis on hands-on, real-world experience. Many alumni go on to become leaders in their respective fields, making significant contributions to society through their work.
MIT prepares its students for a diverse range of careers and opportunities. MIT graduates pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, where they apply the knowledge and skills they acquired at MIT to advance research, develop innovative technologies, or start their own businesses.
Others go on to pursue careers in finance, consulting, or other industries, leveraging their analytical and problem-solving abilities to succeed in these fields.
MIT alumni are some of the most accomplished people in the world. Many have successful careers in scientific research, education, business, and public service:
MIT’s most common type of aid is the MIT Scholarship. Students who receive this grant do not repay it. They are based on financial needs and come from the MIT endowment, gifts from MIT alumni and friends, and general funds.
To help make MIT even more affordable, many students also apply for federal grants, state grants, and private scholarships and grants.
MIT’s freshman retention rate is 99%, making it one of the best university retention rates in the United States.
In 2018, the average salary for the MIT graduate was USD 104,700.
You cannot apply to MIT through the Common Application. They have their own system called MyMIT.