How can I get entry in MIT?

Gaining admission to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is highly competitive and requires a comprehensive and strong application. Here are some key points to consider:

Academic Performance

• MIT expects applicants to have near-perfect grades. While MIT does not specify a minimum GPA, it is inferred that admitted students typically have very high GPAs, often with mainly As and a few Bs. Most admitted students are in the top tenth percent of their high school graduating class23.

Standardized Test Scores

• You need excellent SAT or ACT scores. For the SAT, the middle 50% of admitted students score between 1520 and 1580, with 75% scoring above 1520. For the ACT, the top 75% of admitted students score 35 or above12.
• MIT uses "superscoring" for both the SAT and ACT, meaning they consider the highest section scores from multiple test dates12.

Extracurricular Activities

• Strong extracurricular involvement is crucial. MIT looks for commitment to community, leadership, and activities that align with your passions and academic interests2.

Essays and Personal Qualities

• Your essays should highlight the unique aspects of your identity and demonstrate how your academic curiosity intersects with your passions. MIT places significant importance on character and personal qualities, so your essays should reflect these aspects12.

Letters of Recommendation

• You need two letters of recommendation: one from a math or science teacher and one from a humanities, social science, or language teacher13.

Application Process

• MIT has its own application, which is available online from mid-August through January 6. The application fee is $75, but fee waivers are available if needed.
• The Early Action deadline is November 1, with decisions announced in mid-December. The Regular Action deadline is January 6, with decisions announced in mid-March134.

Additional Requirements

• Submit your high school transcript and Secondary School Report (SSR).
• Non-native English speakers may need to submit English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, Cambridge English Qualifications, or Duolingo English Test), though these are not mandatory13.

Fit with MIT

• MIT emphasizes the importance of how a student and the school fit together. You should demonstrate in your application how you align with MIT's values and how you can contribute to and benefit from the MIT community2.

Interviews

• MIT offers applicant interviews with members of the MIT Educational Council, which can provide additional insight into your application3.

Given the highly competitive nature of MIT admissions, it is essential to:

• Maintain an excellent academic record.
• Prepare thoroughly for standardized tests.
• Engage in meaningful extracurricular activities.
• Craft compelling essays that highlight your unique qualities and fit with MIT.
• Ensure all application components are submitted on time and meet the required standards.