During the 2023-24 application period, MIT received a total of 28,232 applications and offered admission to 1,275 applicants, resulting in an acceptance rate of 4.52%. This marks a 4.9% increase in the number of applicants compared to the previous year, while the number of admissions decreased by 1.2%.

MIT Regular Decisions Results

The number of regular applicants this year was 15,669, an increase of 4.5% over last year. Among a total of 23,721 regular + deferred admissions, 614 were admitted, and the admission rate was only 2.59%, which was basically the same as last year’s 2.51%.

MIT's early application admission rate of about 5% is already one of the lowest among top schools. If we add the regular and the deferred applications, the acceptance rate is only about 2.5%, which shows how fierce the competition actually is.

The number of people on the Waitlist has not been released yet. Waitlist admissions will begin as early as the 2nd week of May. Last year, only 32 students were admitted out of 146 waitlisted, with an even lower acceptance rate of 1.85%.

This year witnessed a surge in early applications to MIT, totaling 12,563—an increase of 5.36% from the previous year. Out of these, 661 applicants received early admission on December 16, reflecting an acceptance rate of 5.26%, slightly lower than the prior year's 5.74%. Despite the rise in applications, admissions dropped by 24.

Instead of reject them outright, each year MIT deferred a large number of early applications to regular admissions, to provide more opportunities for applicants. Among the early applicants, 64% (8,052 students) were deferred, a slight increase of 2% from last year. Meanwhile 25.9% (3,251 applicants) faced rejection and 599 individuals withdrew their applications.          

Admissions Trends, Insights and Expert Advice

MIT announced as early as March 2022—two years ahead of others—that it would reinstate standardized test score requirements, departing from the test-optional trend.

The MIT Admissions Department emphasizes the importance of academic excellence, strong character, and alignment with MIT's mission of advancing knowledge in science, technology, and other fields for the betterment of humanity. With an acceptance rate as low as 2%-5%, how would prospective MIT applicants make their mark?

MIT's answer is clear: "Be the Best of Yourself." Simply Being Yourself isn't enough; applicants must continuously push their boundaries and strive for excellence. To stand out, students should:

1. Explore their interests deeply and authentically, investing time to pursue subjects that resonate with them.

2. Prepare rigorously in all aspects, especially academically.

Jun Liu, a seasoned consultant with over 20 years of experience, stresses the importance of long-term investment in exploration and preparation. Finding one's passion and strengths takes time and multiple opportunities, requiring guidance and planning.

As the world's leading top engineering university, MIT's application requirements are clear:

It is necessary to lay a solid academic foundation in high school, including a solid foundation in mathematics, especially calculus, which is the foundation of many courses at MIT and is crucial. Physics classes are also important.

Academics and Course Selection

• Strong foundation in mathematics, particularly calculus.

• At least one year of physics

• At least one year of chemistry
• At least one year of biology
• 4 years of English
• Two years of foreign language
• Two years of history and/or social science

In general, when choosing courses, choose the subjects that interest you most and can best utilize your talents. And, choose the most challenging courses in the areas that interest you most .

Extracurricular Activities

Many universities in the United States require more than 10 extracurricular activities, but MIT only requires 4. MIT only wants to know the activities that are most important to you, that you are most interested in, and enjoy challenging the most. There is no need to list many projects that you think "MIT wants to see."

Chosen projects and activities should encourage creativity, leadership, teamwork, and mutual inspiration while helping everyone reach their fullest potential. Additionally, you should be ready to invest significant time and effort into these endeavors and find joy in doing so.

Academics and Course Selection

Many MIT applicants demonstrate a keen enthusiasm for mathematics and science. They actively seek out advanced coursework, both within and beyond the classroom, pushing the boundaries of their learning. Collaborating with like-minded peers, they relish the opportunity to delve deep into their subjects. It's worth noting that participation in competitions holds significant weight in MIT's evaluation process.

Summer Planning

For summer activities, the Admissions Department advises prospective MIT applicants to enroll in as many math, science, and engineering courses as feasible and engage in pertinent relevant practical projects.

In essence, MIT seeks applicants who not only excel academically but also demonstrate genuine curiosity, passion, and a commitment to pushing their limits.

Congratulation on our 7EDU students who are admitted by MIT!