Are you curious about the undergraduate application requirements for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)? This article provides an in-depth look at what it takes to apply to MIT as an international student. Let’s dive in and explore the details.
Admission Requirements for International Students Applying to MIT
1. Academic Records and Courses
As an international student, the courses you have taken might differ significantly from those taken by American students. However, this will not impact your application to MIT. The admissions officers at MIT are well-versed in evaluating international qualifications. They do not compare your grades to the American grading system or attempt to find an equivalent standard, nor do they compare you with students from other countries. There is no cap on the number of students admitted from any country. Each application is reviewed individually.
To strengthen your application, MIT recommends that all applicants demonstrate their abilities in relevant academic fields. Although not mandatory, completing the following subjects can increase your competitiveness:
- Four years of English
- Mathematics up to and including calculus
- Two or more years of history/social studies
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
Even if you haven’t studied all these subjects, you can still apply to MIT.
2. Application Timeline
Most American students start applying to MIT at the beginning of their final year of high school. International students follow the same timeline. Successful applicants will need to submit their final exam scores. Most applicants are between 17-19 years old. Some students may be younger if they started school early, while others may be older due to mandatory military service after high school in their home countries.
Students who are already enrolled in other universities, whether in the US or abroad, must apply to MIT as transfer students.
3. How MIT Reviews International Applicants
Many talented and gifted students apply to MIT, but the school only admits a small fraction. Each year, over 4,000 international students apply, but fewer than 150 are admitted. MIT limits the number of international students it admits because the school provides substantial financial aid. MIT practices need-blind admissions, meaning that students are not disadvantaged in the admissions process based on their financial situation. The school meets the full financial need of admitted students, providing the necessary financial support to cover their education.
Although the competition is fierce, MIT still admits many outstanding students from around the world each year. MIT students come from 116 different countries, with about 9% of undergraduates and 40% of graduate students being international. The large international student community ensures that students feel at home regardless of their country of origin.
4. How to Apply
To apply to MIT, you must complete standardized tests and the application process. Due to practical constraints, interview opportunities outside the US are limited. If you live outside the US and cannot find an interview opportunity, you can inquire with the school, but interviews are not guaranteed.
5. Required Exams for Applicants
International students or domestic students whose first language is not English have two options for standardized testing. MIT has no preference between these options, allowing students to choose the one that suits them best.
- Option 1: SAT or ACT, and two SAT Subject Tests: one in math (Level 1 or 2) and one in science (Physics, Chemistry, or Biology).
- Option 2: TOEFL (MIT does not accept IELTS), and two SAT Subject Tests: one in math (Level 1 or 2) and one in science (Physics, Chemistry, or Biology). This option is suitable for students from non-English-speaking countries or those who have not been taught in English for at least five years.
Native English speakers need to take the SAT or ACT and two SAT Subject Tests: one in math (Level 1 or 2) and one in science (Physics, Chemistry, or Biology).
All applicants must meet MIT’s testing requirements. Scores from other exams (such as IB or A-Levels) are not accepted. In regions like Iran and China, where some students cannot take the SAT or ACT, MIT considers waiving some of these requirements.
MIT does not set minimum scores for the SAT, ACT, or SAT Subject Tests, but you can refer to recent score ranges for guidance. However, MIT has minimum requirements for TOEFL scores to ensure applicants are proficient in English since MIT does not offer ESL (English as a Second Language) courses. The minimum TOEFL scores are as follows:
- Paper-based TOEFL (PBT): Minimum 577, Recommended 600+
- Internet-based TOEFL (iBT): Minimum 90, Recommended 100+
Your test scores must be sent directly from the testing agencies; MIT does not accept self-reported scores or scores listed on school transcripts. It is recommended to designate MIT as a score recipient when taking your tests to ensure timely receipt of your scores. If you take tests in January, you must designate MIT as a score recipient. MIT’s codes are: SAT and TOEFL: 3514, ACT: 1858.
By meeting these requirements and preparing your application carefully, you can improve your chances of being admitted to MIT and starting your journey at one of the world’s leading institutions.