Testing requirement
We require the SAT or the ACT for both prospective first year and transfer students. We do not require the ACT writing section or the SAT optional essay. We accept both the paper and digital SAT.
While MIT does not require the ACT writing section or SAT optional essay, MIT does value writing and communication highly. We believe that students in any field should learn to write prose that is clear, organized, and eloquent, and to convincingly present facts, data, and ideas. As such, all MIT undergraduates must fulfill a communication requirement that integrates instruction and practice in writing and speaking into all four years and across all parts of MIT’s undergraduate program.
Resources for free test preparation
Khan Academy,01Khan Academy is now recognized by the College Board as their official test preparation source, fully integrated with their suite of assessments.offers personalized—and free—SAT test prep. Founded by MIT alum, Sal Khan, Khan Academy offers world-class instruction to anyone, online, for free. Their personalized practice recommendations will help you build your own practice plan, let you take practice tests, and give you tips for taking the test. They also offer AP prep, should you be considering AP exams.
ACT also offers free test preparation guides and practice exams.
schoolhouse.world is a free peer tutoring platform that offers SAT tutoring and SAT prep classes online. They also offer live, one-on-one support from tutors who are certified to help in math—from pre-algebra to calculus—all at no cost.
For non-native English speakers
For non-native Englishspeakers, we strongly recommend providing the results of an English proficiency exam if you have beenusing English for fewer than 5 years or do not speak English at home or in school, so that we may considerthat information alongside the rest of your application. We accept the following English proficiency exams:
Competitive scores
We do not have cut off or recommended scores for the ACT or SAT as scores are evaluated within an applicant’s context. To view test score statistics from the most recent admissions year, visit our admissions statistics page.
We do have minimum and recommended scores for our English language tests. These minimums are in place to ensure your level of English proficiency. Because English is the language of instruction at MIT, all students must show that they will thrive in our community.
| TOEFL | Minimum: 90 | Recommended: 100 |
| IELTS | Minimum: 7 | Recommended: 7.5 |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic | Minimum: 65 | Recommended: 70 |
| Cambridge English Qualifications (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency) | Minimum: 185 | Recommended: 190 |
| Duolingo English Test (DET) | Minimum: 120 | Recommended: 125 |
Superscore
If you take the same test multiple times, we will consider the highest score achieved in each section. We do this in order to consider all applicants in their best light.
Students should report official full sittings (including future sittings) of the SAT, ACT, or English proficiency exams on the application. For each examination, required subscores are indicated with an asterisk. They should not list practice results or enter a superscore as a single sitting. Students should self-report scores from all exams taken, and MIT will consider the super-score in our review process.
Self-reported scores
We do not require applicants to officially send their SAT, ACT, or English proficiency test scores as part of their application. Instead, you will self-report your scores on the application, and we’ll verify these scores upon enrollment. There will be an opportunity to update us with any test results that become available after your application is submitted.
Testing deadlines
In order to apply for first-year admission, you must take the required tests before November 30 for Early Action, and before December 31 for Regular Action. We will also accept English language proficiency test scores for RA applicants through the January test dates.
Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and other standardized exams
Students should self-report scores for standardized exams they have taken or plan to take, such as Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, A-level, Baccalauréat, etc., on the Test scores section of the application. We do not require applicants to officially send scores as part of their application, and instead have a verification process upon enrollment.
FAQs
The school subscribes to a holistic admissions process and doesn't have minimum MIT GPA requirements. However, due to the caliber of students accepted, you should aim for a weighted GPA of over 4.17. Strong MIT essays will also be key to a successful “how to get into MIT” strategy.
How do universities use test scores? ›
SAT/ACT scores are one consideration in the admissions process. They typically review your scores by examining your SAT/ACT test results to determine how well you perform on standardized exams. They compare candidates from various schools using this data to gauge your readiness for college-level work.
Why does MIT require test scores? ›
—to ensure that you are prepared for MIT. In part because of the strength of our applicant pool, the majority of our applicants are very well prepared to succeed at MIT.
Do test scores help college admissions? ›
Test scores are more reliable than high school grades, partly because of grade inflation in recent years. Without test scores, admissions officers sometimes have a hard time distinguishing between applicants who are likely to do well at elite colleges and those who are likely to struggle.
Is a 3.8 GPA too low for Ivy League? ›
So how much is good enough? Average GPAs at Ivy League schools start at 3.9. Therefore, it's best to aspire for a 4.0 to play it safe. But as long as you have a GPA close to this, your GPA likely won't hold you back in the admissions process.
Does Harvard accept 4.7 GPA? ›
Most students admitted to Harvard have an unweighted GPA of 4.18 or above, so you'll need to have at least a 4.2 to be seriously evaluated. To meet the Harvard requirements, you'll have to score primarily A's on your high school courses.
Do colleges look more at GPA or ACT? ›
While GPA is gaining more importance in college admissions decisions, as some schools deemphasize test scores, that doesn't mean you should neglect standardized testing. While the SAT and ACT aren't the best indicator of your success in college, they generally remain an important part of the admission process.
Does Harvard consider test scores? ›
Harvard first announced a shift to test-optional admissions in June 2020, removing the requirement for applicants to the Class of 2025 to submit standardized test scores amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, before it extended the policy to the Class of 2026.
Does Harvard take test scores? ›
When you apply for admission, you can choose whether or not our review of your application will include your standardized test scores (SAT and ACT). If your scores already are on file before you apply and you choose at the time of your application to proceed without scores, we will not consider those scores.
How much does MIT care about test scores? ›
MIT SAT Score Analysis
In other words, a 1520 places you below average, while a 1570 will move you up to above average. There's no absolute SAT requirement at MIT, but they really want to see at least a 1520 to have a chance at being considered.
Cornell University Extends Test-Optional and Score-Free Testing Policy for First-year Applicants for Fall 2025. Since April 2020, Cornell has not required first-year applicants to submit SAT or ACT exam scores.
Does Princeton require all SAT scores? ›
Princeton has no minimum test score requirement for admission; rather, all of the information in each student's application is considered in context.
Is it better to apply with or without test scores? ›
If your standardized test scores are competitive compared to the school's other applicants, then submit them. If they are not, you may want to apply test-optional.
Do colleges prefer SAT or ACT? ›
Colleges don't have a preference between the SAT or ACT so it's important to know how to choose the test that's right for you. Both tests are widely accepted across U.S. colleges—including those that are test optional.
Can you get into college with bad test scores? ›
Many colleges consider your application holistically, which means they look at more than just your test scores. They'll take into account your grades, extracurriculars, essays, and letters of recommendation. So, if you have strong credentials in those areas, that can help balance out a lower SAT score.
Is a 3.8 Good Enough for MIT? ›
This school did not officially report its average GPA, but we've estimated it here using data from over 1,000 schools.) With a GPA of 4.19, MIT requires you to be at the top of your class. You'll need nearly straight A's in all your classes to compete with other applicants.
What is the lowest GPA MIT has accepted? ›
There is no minimum required GPA, but competitive applicants generally have a GPA of 3.5 or above, and mostly A's in mathematics and science courses.
Can 3.8 GPA get into Harvard? ›
GPA Requirements
Harvard University does not have a strict minimum GPA requirement for undergraduate admissions. However, admitted students typically have very high GPAs, ranging from 3.8 to 4.0, with an average GPA of 3.9.
Does MIT accept 3.7 GPA? ›
There's no minimum required GPA; however, competitive applicants typically have a 3.5 GPA or above, and mostly As in math and science courses.
