How to Get Into Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Complete guide to admission requirements, essays, deadlines, and tips for success
Quick Overview
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is one of the most selective universities in the United States, with an acceptance rate of 4.1%. Founded in 1861, the university is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts and currently enrolls ~4,600 undergraduates.
Getting into Massachusetts Institute of Technology requires exceptional academic performance, meaningful extracurricular involvement, and compelling essays that demonstrate your unique perspective and potential for contribution to the university community.
Academic Requirements
GPA Requirements
Most successful applicants have a GPA in this range or higher
Test Scores
Remember: While these statistics provide guidance, Massachusetts Institute of Technology uses holistic admissions. Strong essays, recommendations, and extracurriculars can significantly impact your application.
Application Essays
Key Essay Prompts:
- "Describe the world you come from"
- "Tell us about something you do simply for the pleasure of it"
- "Describe a significant challenge you've faced or something that didn't go according to plan"
Essay Tips: Focus on authenticity and specific examples. Show, don't tell your story. Connect your experiences to your potential contributions at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Application Deadlines
Tips for Success
- Show genuine passion for science, technology, or engineering
- Demonstrate hands-on experience with making or building things
- Highlight collaborative problem-solving
- Show resilience when facing technical challenges
- Connect your work to helping others or solving real problems
- Be specific about your technical interests and experiences
What Makes a Strong Applicant
Quick Links
Popular Majors
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Economics
- Mathematics
Notable Alumni
- Buzz Aldrin (Apollo 11 astronaut)
- Drew Houston (Dropbox founder)
- Kofi Annan (UN Secretary-General)
- Amar Bose (Bose Corporation founder)
- Katherine Johnson (NASA mathematician)
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Start Your JourneyFrequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology has an acceptance rate of 4.1%, making it one of the most selective universities in the United States. This means that for every 100 applications, only about 4 are accepted.
What GPA do you need for Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
Most successful applicants to Massachusetts Institute of Technology have a 4.0+ (weighted). However, Massachusetts Institute of Technology uses holistic admissions, meaning they consider all aspects of your application including essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations.
What SAT scores do you need for Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
The middle 50% SAT range for Massachusetts Institute of Technology is 1520-1580. Standardized test scores are required for admission.
When are Massachusetts Institute of Technology application deadlines?
Application deadlines for Massachusetts Institute of Technology are: Early Decision: November 1, Early Action: November 1, Regular Decision: January 1. Make sure to submit all materials before these dates.
What makes a strong applicant to Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
Strong Massachusetts Institute of Technology applicants typically demonstrate strong quantitative and analytical skills, genuine passion for stem fields, hands-on experience with projects or research, among other qualities. The university values students who will contribute meaningfully to their community.