How to Get Into MIT

What makes MIT's admissions distinctive?

MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) is a globally recognised research university with a focus on science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and a broad range of other fields including humanities, arts, social sciences, and management.

MIT uses its own application — it does not participate in the Common App. This means students must create a separate account on the MIT admissions portal. MIT's application includes its own set of short-answer questions alongside the standard sections.

MIT evaluates applicants holistically. The admissions office looks for intellectual curiosity, the capacity to go deep into subjects you care about, collaborative spirit, and a desire to contribute to the MIT community and the wider world. No single test score or grade is the deciding factor.

Academics and standardised testing

Strong academic preparation — especially in mathematics and science — is essential for an MIT application. MIT students are expected to engage rigorously with STEM subjects, and your high-school transcript should reflect that preparation. Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses in relevant subjects are common among admitted students.

MIT has historically required standardised test scores (SAT or ACT). Its testing policy, including whether scores are currently required or optional, is set by MIT and may be updated. Always verify the current testing requirement directly at mitadmissions.org — this is the only authoritative source for the current cycle. Do not rely on any third-party summary of MIT's testing policy.

• Strong mathematics and science preparation is central to an MIT application
• Always verify MIT's current SAT/ACT requirement at mitadmissions.org
• MIT does not use the Common App — apply through the MIT admissions portal

Essays and short answers

MIT's application includes its own distinctive set of short-answer questions and essays. Past questions have asked about your interests, what you do for fun, a challenge you have faced, or how you hope to contribute to the MIT community. Questions can change each application cycle, so read the current prompts carefully on mitadmissions.org.

MIT's admissions team has written publicly about what makes essays stand out: specificity, honesty, and a clear sense of who you are. Essays that describe real moments, genuine passions, and authentic thinking are more compelling than polished generalities.

As with all applications, your essays must be entirely your own work. Submitting work written by AI tools or other people is academic dishonesty.

Activities, research, and maker projects

MIT is known for its hands-on, build-and-make culture. Students who have pursued independent research, designed projects, competed in science or engineering competitions, built things, coded, or otherwise applied their knowledge in real settings often have compelling stories to tell.

However, MIT's community is also home to accomplished artists, athletes, writers, and social entrepreneurs. The admissions office looks for genuine engagement and intellectual curiosity in whatever domain you pursue — depth and authenticity matter more than the specific type of activity.

Letters of recommendation

MIT requires two teacher letters (one from a mathematics or science teacher, one from a humanities, arts, or social sciences teacher), plus a counsellor letter. This two-teacher requirement reflects MIT's expectation that students engage seriously across both STEM and humanistic disciplines.

Choose teachers who know your work in depth and can speak specifically to your thinking, creativity, and work ethic. Give them enough lead time and let them know why MIT matters to you.

• One letter must come from a maths or science teacher
• One letter must come from a humanities, arts, or social sciences teacher
• Select recommenders who know your work and character well