Rated the #2 university in the country by U.S. News & World Report, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) isn’t without a sense of humor. Following tradition and with a nod to its STEM focus, they released their Class of 2028 admissions data this year on Pi Day (March 14) for fun. According to their data, MIT received a total of 28,232 applications and offered admission to 1,275, resulting in a 4.52% acceptance rate. One major takeaway from these numbers is that while the number of applications to MIT increased, its acceptance rate decreased, underscoring the necessity for MIT hopefuls to take significant care and show intense dedication when applying to MIT.  

For Fall 2024, the detailed admission statistics released by MIT Admissions indicate a highly competitive environment. With 28,232 candidates hoping for a spot, the MIT acceptance rate reveals the exceptional nature of students applying and the stringent criteria by which MIT ranks them for admission.

Total Applicants: 28,232

Admitted Students: 1,275

Acceptance Rate: 4.52%

This year’s data show an increasingly competitive trend at MIT. Although the Institute saw an uptick in the number of applications received (4.9% more than the previous year), the rate of students admitted decreased (a change of -1.2%) as compared to the 2022-2023 admissions cycle. Candidates who applied Early Action saw a slightly higher acceptance rate than those who applied Regular Decision. 

In the face of intense competition for a spot at MIT, applicants should consider applying during the Early Action round to demonstrate their strong interest and suitability for the campus. Early Action candidates for the Class of 2028 enjoyed a comparatively higher acceptance rate of 5.26% than their Regular Decision counterparts at 3.92%. Both groups are battling declining acceptance rates at MIT, and need to submit standout applications that take into account the top priorities of MIT’s admissions committee.

Unlike many universities, MIT does not seem to favor in-state candidates over out-of-state candidates at any discernible rate. In fact, the largest number of students at MIT from any one state come from California, not Massachusetts.

Bucking the common post-pandemic trend, MIT reinstated its requirement for standardized test scores as part of its application process in March 2022. Among admitted students to MIT, half have an SAT score between 1520 and 1580 or an ACT score of 35 and 36. 

MIT saw a 4.9% jump in the number of applications received for the Class of 2028 when compared to the Class of 2027. And even though Early Action candidates still had a higher acceptance rate than Regular Decision candidates, that acceptance rate also dropped from 5.74% last year to 5.26% this year. 

MIT’s enrolled students come from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, four U.S. territories, and 136 foreign countries. The 2024 admissions cycle is the first one since the Supreme Court ruled race-based admissions criteria to be unconstitutional. MIT has not yet released statistics on the race or ethnicity of accepted students for the Class of 2028. 

MIT has one of the most global student bodies of any U.S. university. Students from 136 countries study undergraduate and graduate studies at MIT. In addition, it attracts students from all 50 states. 

Empowerly recognizes the complexities and uniquely competitive nature of gaining admission to MIT. Our tailored guidance and strategic planning can demystify the process, enhancing your application's strength and aligning your achievements with MIT's specific admissions criteria.

Founded in 1861 as a response to the industrial revolution, MIT has been at the forefront of global technology and science innovation for more than 150 years.  With world-class laboratory settings, unmatched research funding, and an active and engaged alumni, MIT offers STEM students access to resources they can’t find anywhere else. It has also maintained a highly rigorous admissions policy, seeking standout applicants who demonstrate a potential for advanced achievement. 

Unlike many universities in the U.S. at this moment in time, MIT requires candidates to submit standardized test scores. But it’s not just high scores and top grades that will get you in. MIT is looking for exceptional students who also demonstrate strong character and alignment with MIT’s mission of advancing knowledge in STEM and other fields for the betterment of humanity. Applicants must use other application package requirements such as compelling personal statements and strong letters of recommendation to show their suitability for MIT admission.

In a statement on MIT’s website following release of its Class of 2028 admissions data, Director of Special Projects Chris Peterson SM ‘13 said that admitted students were “united by a shared standard of rigorous academics, high character, and a strong match with MIT’s mission to use science, technology, and other areas of scholarship to work wisely, creatively, and effectively for the betterment of humankind.” Hopeful applicants should consider these words carefully, and strategize on how they can use the application package to tell the story of their achievements and objectives in a way that aligns with MIT’s stated criteria.