Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Acceptance Rate

Latest Update The most recent data indicates that MIT's acceptance rate for the Class of 2029 is 4.52%. This means that only about 4.5% of all applicants were admitted. Graduates from top undergraduate supply chain programs across the US receive tuition fellowships and conditional acceptance to the MIT Supply Chain Management master’s program.

MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) is one of the most prestigious and competitive universities in the world. For the Class of 2025, MIT received a record 33,240 applications. However, it admitted only 1,340 students. A 66% surge in applications played a key role in this change. In the Early Action round, 15,036 students applied, and 719 were admitted. The Regular Action round was even more selective, with 621 students admitted out of 18,204 applicants.

These figures highlight the intense competition and the high academic standards MIT upholds. For Indian students dreaming of fields like Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering,  Architecture or any other field, MIT offers some of the world’s most sought-after programs. Understanding the acceptance rate is just the first step toward a well-prepared application.

If you're aiming to join a globally top-ranked program at MIT, upGrad’s Study Abroad platform provides expert guidance.

MIT’s Overall Acceptance Rate For International Students

MIT attracts a diverse and talented international student body, reflecting its global reputation for excellence in science and engineering. While MIT does not publish acceptance rates specifically for international applicants, available data provides insight into the composition of its student population. For the 2024–2025 academic year, international students constitute 12% of the undergraduate population and 40% of the graduate population, totaling 3,430 students from over 130 countries. The overall percentile is displayed below:

Historical Acceptance Rates at MIT

MIT's acceptance rates have fluctuated over the decades. In the 1960s, the acceptance rate was 42%. Over time, as the number of applicants increased and the selection process became more competitive. In recent years, MIT's acceptance rate has hovered around 4%, underscoring its status as one of the leading universities for global education.

Class Year	Applicants	Admitted	Acceptance Rate
1960	3,745	1,582	42.2%
1965	3,580	1,532	42.8%
1970	4,460	1,537	34.5%
1975	4,726	2,106	44.6%
1980	5,677	1,809	31.9%
1985	5,743	1,885	32.8%
1990	6,423	2,051	31.9%
1995	7,958	2,112	26.5%
2000	10,672	1,729	16.2%
2025	33,240	1,340	4.0%
2026	33,767	1,337	4.0%
2027	26,914	1,259	4.7%
2028	28,232	1,275	4.5%
2029	29,282	1,324	4.5%

Source

Graduate vs Undergraduate Acceptance Rate at MIT

MIT’s undergraduate programs are among the most selective in the world. Graduate admissions are equally competitive. 

Criteria	Undergraduate Programs	Graduate Programs
Acceptance Rate	~4%	6% to 15% (varies by department)
Admission Policy	Need-blind for all applicants	Varies by department; merit-based
Country Quotas	None (global competition)	None
Key Evaluation Factors	Academics, extracurriculars, essays, SAT/ACT (optional)	Research experience, SOP, academic fit, letters of recommendation
Highly Competitive Programs	All, especially Engineering and Computer Science	Computer Science, AI, Mechanical Engineering, Sloan MBA
Focus of Selection	Holistic profile, passion, and problem-solving ability	Academic depth, research clarity, and faculty alignment

In both cases, MIT looks for individuals who show not just academic excellence but also a passion for solving real-life problems.

Acceptance Rates For Early & Regular Admission

MIT offers two primary application rounds for undergraduate admissions: Early Action (EA) and Regular Action (RA).  

Early Action (EA) at MIT is non-binding, which means you are not required to attend MIT if admitted. It allows students to apply by early November and receive their decision by mid-December. This option suits students who have strong academic records by the end of their junior year (Class 11 in India) and want an early response.

Regular Action (RA) is the traditional application route with a January deadline and decisions released by mid-March. It offers students more time to polish their applications and retake standardized tests if needed.

Class Year	Admission Round	Applicants	Admitted	Acceptance Rate
2025	Early Action	15,036	719	4.8%
	Regular Action	18,204	621	3.4%
2028	Early Action	12,563	661	5.3%
	Regular Action	15,669	614	3.9%
2029	Early Action	12,053	721	6.0%
	Regular Action	17,229	603	3.5%

Source

Factors Influencing MIT Acceptance Rate

MIT's acceptance rate is influenced by many reasons. Knowing what affects MIT’s acceptance rate helps applicants prepare better, align with admission criteria, and improve their chances. To start with, MIT offers programs like Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical and Ocean Engineering, and more popular courses shape how competitive admissions are. You can find more reasons below:

Rising Number of Applications & Fixed Class Size

Each year, MIT receives thousands of applications (over 33,000 for the Class of 2025 alone). However, the number of undergraduate seats has remained relatively constant at around 1,300 to 1,400 students per year. This imbalance between demand and capacity creates a bottleneck, making it harder for applicants to secure admission.

Test-Optional Policy & Holistic Review Process

MIT adopted a test-optional policy during the COVID-19 pandemic but reinstated SAT/ACT requirements in 2022. This move has narrowed the applicant pool to those with strong academic profiles.

Beyond scores, MIT evaluates students holistically. Their intellectual curiosity, leadership skills, originality, and impact on the world matter to the institution. While this approach allows for well-rounded selections, it also makes the process more feisty.

High International Interest Due to MIT’s Global Ranking

For the last 13 years, MIT has ranked as the top global university, which makes it a dream college for every aspirant. A significant portion of applications comes from high-achieving students worldwide, including a large number from India (288 admissions in 2024-2025). With no separate quotas for international students and limited seats overall, this high interest further intensifies the competition, keeping acceptance rates low year after year.

MIT Average Scores: SAT & ACT Scores

MIT reinstated the SAT and ACT requirements in 2022 to better evaluate academic readiness, especially in quantitative areas. These scores give the admissions team a consistent benchmark to compare students from diverse educational backgrounds. While MIT reviews applications holistically, strong SAT or ACT scores can strengthen your profile. For Indian students, these tests also help align local academic performance with global standards. Below is the average score of the students accepted into MIT: 

Test	Range
SAT Math	780- 800
SAT ERW	740 - 780
ACT Math	35 - 36
ACT Reading	34 - 36
ACT English	35 - 36
ACT Science	34 - 36
ACT Composite	35 - 36

Source

MIT Admission Requirements for International Students

MIT looks for students who excel academically and bring unique perspectives. Here’s what you need to prepare:

• Academic Records: Focus on strong grades in math, science, and core subjects. For graduate programs, maintain a high GPA in your field of study.
• Standardized Tests: Submit SAT/ACT scores if strong! They're optional but can boost your application. Check if your program requires the GRE. Most ask for TOEFL or IELTS if English isn’t your first language.
• Letters of Recommendation: Ask two teachers or professors who know you well to write your letters. Make sure they highlight your academic strengths, curiosity, and character. 
• Essays / Statement of Purpose (SOP): Use essays to share your goals, personality, and what drives you. For graduate programs, write a clear SOP that explains your research interests and why MIT is the right fit.

How To Stand Out in MIT's Admissions Process? 

Getting into MIT isn’t easy, but with the right approach, you can definitely strengthen your application. Here’s what you should focus on:

• Think Like a Problem-Solver: MIT isn't just looking for toppers—they want builders, tinkerers, and thinkers. Showcase how you solve problems, not just how you score marks.
• Own Your Story: Your essays and SOP aren’t just writing tasks—they’re your pitch. Be bold, be real. Show what makes your journey different and why MIT should be part of it.
• Build Before You Apply: Whether it’s a research paper, a tech prototype, a startup idea, or a social impact initiative—create something that matters.
• Find Mentors Who Believe in You: A recommendation that tells a story—how you led a project, lit up a classroom, or grew through failure—is more powerful than generic praise.
• Go Deep, Not Just Wide: Depth beats quantity. Instead of ten half-baked activities, pursue one or two interests with real passion and commitment.
• Use expert guidance: Platforms like upGrad can help you build a strong profile, craft standout SOPs, and navigate the application process effectively.

MIT V/S Stanford V/S Harvard: Which One Is Better?

MIT, Stanford, and Harvard are among the most prestigious and competitive universities in the world. Each comes with its own distinct academic strengths, campus environment, and post-graduation opportunities. A comparative understanding of these institutions enables prospective students to make informed decisions aligned with their academic goals and career aspirations. Rather than focusing solely on rankings or reputation, this comparison provides a broader perspective on what each university offers:

Factor	MIT	Stanford	Harvard
Academic Strengths	Engineering, Computer Science, AI	Technology, Startups, Interdisciplinary Innovation	Law, Business, Political Science, Humanities
Campus Culture	Intense, research-focused, problem-solving	Entrepreneurial, creative, Silicon Valley influence	Traditional, leadership-driven, academically diverse
Acceptance Rate	~4%	~4%	~3.4%
Career Opportunities	Tech, Engineering, Research	Startups, Big Tech, Venture Capital	Law, Finance, Consulting, Government
Global Reputation	Top-ranked in STEM and innovation	Highly respected for tech and entrepreneurship	World leader in academics and global leadership

Conclusion

For many students, especially from India, a university like MIT represents the pinnacle of academic ambition. While the path to admission is undoubtedly competitive, it often serves as a catalyst for personal growth and clearer career direction. Pursuing such a goal can bring out the best in a student, whether or not the final acceptance letter arrives.

That said, expert guidance can make a real difference. Explore upGrad’s Study Abroad programs to boost your chances of getting into MIT and other top global universities. upGrad offers personalized support for test prep, profile building, essay writing, and every step of the application strategy. We take the time to understand your background and goals, helping you craft a compelling and authentic application. Our experienced team works closely with you to highlight your strengths and navigate the complexities of admission. With upGrad, you gain a trusted partner dedicated to helping you realize your academic aspirations.

Connect with us today and make your dream possible with upGrad!