Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Very hard. MIT admitted about 4.6% of applicants in the most recent cycle — roughly 1,334 offers out of more than 29,000 applicants, with about 1,152 enrolling. Admitted students cluster at the very top academically: the middle 50% of enrolled first-years scored 1520–1570 on the SAT and 34–35 on the ACT, and about 99% of submitted SAT scores landed in the 1400–1600 range.

MIT requires the SAT or ACT — it is not test-optional. Among enrolled first-years, the middle 50% scored 1520–1570 on the SAT (median 1550) and 34–35 on the ACT (median 35). A 1520 sits at the 25th percentile, so it is on the lower edge of the admitted range; nearly 99% of submitted SAT scores were 1400 or above.

MIT does not publish an average high school GPA in its Common Data Set, so there is no official GPA cutoff to point to. In its holistic review, MIT rates academic GPA and the rigor of your high school record as important factors — especially strength in math and science coursework — alongside test scores, essays, and recommendations.

MIT offers nonbinding Early Action, not Early Decision. Its Early Action is also non-restrictive, so applying early to MIT does not bar you from applying to other schools, and because it is nonbinding you are not committed to enroll if admitted. MIT reports a single overall admit rate of about 4.6%; it does not break out a separate early-round funnel in its Common Data Set.

In MIT's own admissions review, character and personal qualities is the single factor rated 'very important.' A large group of factors are rated 'important,' including rigor of your high school record, academic GPA, standardized test scores, the application essay, recommendations, extracurricular activities, and talent or ability. Class rank, work experience, and first-generation status are 'considered,' while alumni relation and demonstrated interest are not considered at all.

Tuition and required fees run about $67,140 per year before housing and food, with on-campus housing and meals adding roughly $22,194. MIT meets 100% of demonstrated financial need: about 57% of students receive need-based grant aid, and the average aid package is around $72,593 — larger than tuition and fees alone.

Computer science is the single most popular field at about 33% of bachelor's degrees, followed closely by engineering at 24%. Mathematics (14%), interdisciplinary programs (10%), and the physical sciences (7%) round out the most common areas — meaning computer science and engineering together account for well over half of all degrees.

MIT is small for a major research university, with about 4,561 undergraduates and an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio. It is also highly residential and stable: roughly 100% of first-years live on campus, the first-year retention rate is about 99%, and the six-year graduation rate is about 96%.