Does MIT Do Legacy Admissions?

Does MIT do legacy? The short answer is no. MIT doesn’t give preferential treatment to legacy applicants, unlike many other elite colleges.

MIT is all about keeping things fair and sticking to its reputation as a school built on merit and innovation. No matter how many generations of your family have walked its hallowed halls, you’ve got to earn your spot the same way everyone else does, by being exceptional.

In this article, we’ll unpack why MIT doesn’t consider legacy admissions, explore some stats (like the MIT Common Data Set and MIT deferral rates), and share tips on how to crush your MIT application.

• Why Doesn’t MIT Consider Legacy?
• The MIT Common Data Set
• What about the MIT Deferral Rate?
• How to Get into MIT
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

Why Doesn’t MIT Consider Legacy?

MIT is one of the few elite institutions that doesn’t have legacy admissions because it holds steadfast to a meritocratic admissions process. In plain terms, MIT’s admissions philosophy ensures that every applicant is evaluated solely on their individual achievements, talents, and potential, not their family connections.

This approach reflects MIT’s broader mission: to build a community of innovators, thinkers, and leaders who earn their place based on their own merits.

What is legacy acceptance anyway?

In most colleges, legacy applicants are those whose parents, grandparents, or even siblings have attended the same institution. At some schools, particularly Ivy League institutions, legacy status can give applicants an edge in the admissions process. This preference is justified as a way to maintain alumni loyalty or have multi-generational ties to the school.

A student applying to Harvard with a parent who graduated from the university might find their application given extra consideration during the review process. This preferential treatment has sparked debates about fairness, equity, and access to higher education. Based on the admissions at Harvard from 2010 to 2015, legacy applicants were admitted at a rate of 33%, higher than the overall acceptance rate of 6%.

Meanwhile, since the Class of 2012, Yale’s legacy admissions have generally ranged between 10% and 14%, peaking at 14% for the Class of 2025. And for the Class of 2026, Princeton’s legacy acceptance rate stood at 10%. Comparatively, in 2018, over 30% of applicants were admitted, higher than the overall admissions rate of just 5%.

The MIT Common Data Set

To really understand MIT’s admissions process, the MIT Common Data Set (CDS) is your go-to resource. It’s a treasure trove of stats, including the following.

• The overall acceptance rate (around 4% in recent years).
• Test score ranges (SAT scores of 790-800 in Math and 730-780 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing).
• Insights into how factors like GPA, essays, and extracurriculars are weighted.

With no legacy, MIT’s admissions process takes a holistic approach and evaluates applicants beyond just their test scores and academic achievements.

While numbers like grades and standardized tests are considered, MIT places emphasis on an applicant’s alignment with the institution’s values, culture, and community. The guiding principle of this process is that MIT admits individuals, not just numbers.

Despite this, MIT legacy is not a factor in the process, as the school focuses on merit and the potential for students to thrive in its environment.

Admissions statistics for the Class of 2028

The following data provides insights into MIT’s highly selective admissions process for the Class of 2028.

General

• First-year applications: 28,232
• First-year admits: 1,284
• Percentage admitted: 4.5%

Early Action

• Early Action applicants: 12,563
• Early Action admits: 661
• Deferred to Regular Action: 8,051
• Deferred applicants admitted during Regular Action: 206

Regular Action

• Regular Action applicants: 15,669
• Total considered during Regular Action (including deferred students): 23,720
• Regular Action admits (including deferred students): 614
• Offered a place on the waitlist: 590

Waitlist

• Applicants offered a place on the waitlist: 590
• Number admitted from the waitlist: 9

U.S. citizens and permanent residents

• Applied: 21,515
• Admitted: 1,155

International students

• Applied: 6,717
• Admitted: 129

Middle 50% score range of admitted students (25th–75th Percentiles)

• SAT Math: 780–800
• SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW): 740–780
• ACT Math: 35–36
• ACT Reading: 34–36
• ACT English: 35–36
• ACT Science: 34–36
• ACT Composite: 35–36

These numbers highlight the competition for a spot at MIT but don’t be discouraged. Admission decisions are about more than just statistics but who you are, your passions, and how you might contribute to the MIT community. MIT legacy remains out of the application process, as the school evaluates all applicants on an equal playing field.

Remember that every application is a chance to reflect on your journey and future goals. Whether or not MIT becomes your destination, the process itself can be a meaningful step toward your dreams.

What about the MIT Deferral Rate?

At MIT, being deferred after applying Early Action doesn’t mean the door is closed. It’s more like being given a second audition. In fact, MIT defers a substantial portion of Early Action applicants, with over 60–70% typically being moved to the Regular Action pool. This might sound daunting, but recognize that a deferral is not a rejection but an opportunity.

Being deferred is a chance to demonstrate your persistence and growth. MIT values applicants who continue to strive for excellence, even when faced with uncertainty. As MIT doesn’t do legacy to influence your application, guaranteeing that every applicant is assessed purely on their achievements and potential is the admission norm.

Use this period wisely:

• Academic updates. If your grades have improved since you submitted your application, send an updated transcript or a note from your school counselor. MIT legacy is not taken into account, so showcasing academic progress is key to strengthening your application.
• Extracurricular achievements. Have you taken on new leadership roles, won awards, or completed a project? Share these milestones in a letter of continued interest. For instance, if you led your robotics team to a championship or organized a community STEM workshop, let the idea of MIT legacy not influence you. Instead, highlight your accomplishments.
• Personal projects. Highlight meaningful personal endeavors. Did you build a new app, publish research, or start a nonprofit initiative? These show your passion and initiative. MIT doesn’t do legacy, so you can focus on how your updates demonstrate growth and fit with MIT’s values.

MIT also encourages deferred students to reflect on their application and consider what additional information might strengthen it. Keep your updates concise and relevant, focusing on what demonstrates growth and aligns with MIT’s values.

Remember, deferral doesn’t diminish your potential or worth as an applicant. Each year, MIT admits a number of students from the deferred pool, and this process does not favor MIT legacy applicants. Your resilience, creativity, and dedication during this time can make all the difference.

How Hard Is It to Get Into MIT?

It’s really hard. With an overall acceptance rate of around 4% for years, MIT is one of the most selective schools in the world. Adding to its exclusivity, MIT doesn’t do legacy admissions. 

With an acceptance rate of just 4.5% for the Class of 2028, getting into MIT is undeniably one of the most challenging feats in college admissions. 

What is MIT’s acceptance rate?

MIT received 28,232 applications and admitted only 1,284 students in the Class of 2028. This resulted in a 4.5% acceptance rate. Breaking it down further, 1,275 students were admitted through Regular and Early Action, while nine were offered spots from the waitlist. 

How does MIT’s acceptance rate compare to the Ivy League?

Although MIT is not part of the Ivy League, its acceptance rate rivals, or even surpasses, the competitiveness of top Ivy League schools. A 4.5% acceptance rate puts MIT firmly in the same league as these prestigious institutions and showcases its elite status in higher education in the U.S.

MIT Regular Decision (Regular Action) acceptance rate

MIT refers to its Regular Decision process as Regular Action. For the Class of 2028, the Regular Action acceptance rate was a mere 3.9%. Out of 15,669 applicants, only 614 were admitted, making it an even tougher path than the overall acceptance rate of 4.5%. This number is lower compared to Early Action.

MIT Early Action acceptance rate

If you’re considering applying to MIT, Early Action (EA) might slightly improve your odds. For the Class of 2028, the Early Action acceptance rate stood at 5.3%. Of 12,563 EA applications, 661 students were admitted. While slightly higher than the Regular Decision rate of 3.9%, the difference is marginal.

While the odds may seem unnerving, remember that the admissions process is designed to find students who genuinely fit MIT’s ethos and are ready to thrive in its challenging and dynamic environment. At MIT, your chances aren’t affected by MIT legacy acceptance as there is none, making it a merit-based process through and through. 

How to Get into MIT

Here’s the million-dollar question: How do you actually get into MIT? There’s no magic formula, but there are proven ways to strengthen your application and stand out in a sea of brilliance.

To get into MIT, you need to demonstrate exceptional academic achievements, deep passion, meaningful impact, and a genuine fit with the institute’s collaborative and innovative culture. 

And most importantly, MIT doesn’t do legacy admissions, so every applicant competes on the strength of their individual accomplishments.

MIT uses its own application portal, not the Common App or Coalition App. Through this portal, you’ll submit your application, track its progress, and make updates.

Application requirements

MIT has no legacy, so all candidates are evaluated equally based on their merits. Here’s what you’ll need to apply:

• Transcript of records. Submit your high school transcript, showing your GPA and course rigor.
• Letters of recommendation. Provide two teacher recommendations (one from math/science and one from humanities/social sciences) and one from your counselor.
• Application essays. Write five short-answer essays, each 100–200 words.
• Extracurricular activities. List up to four activities that reflect leadership, passion, or unique talents.
• Standardized test scores. Submit either SAT or ACT scores to demonstrate academic readiness.
• Interview (optional). Interviews are offered when possible but are not required.
• MIT maker portfolio (optional). Showcase research, arts, or projects through SlideRoom if applicable.

MIT legacy status doesn’t influence these requirements or give applicants an edge that keeps the process competitive for everyone.

MIT GPA expectations

While MIT doesn’t set a minimum GPA, most admitted students have exceptional grades. Advanced coursework, such as AP or IB classes, can help you stand out.

The average admitted GPA is around 4.2 (weighted). Nearly all students (97%) are in the top 10% of their graduating class, with 100% in the top 25%.

MIT SAT scores

MIT requires SAT or ACT scores, viewing them as a critical indicator of readiness for their rigorous programs. While no minimum score is listed, competitive applicants tend to score in the top percentiles.

Below are the composite numbers of the scores:

MIT ACT scores

Most admitted students score between 30 and 36 on the ACT, with 99.7% of students scoring within this range. High scores across all sections are typical among successful applicants.

Below is the overview of the ACT scores: 

Getting into MIT is incredibly competitive, requiring excellent grades, strong test scores (75th percentile), and a standout application. Since MIT doesn’t do legacy, your achievements and unique qualities carry the full weight of your application. Highlight your passions, talents, and dedication to make your application as compelling as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What GPA do I need to get into MIT?

MIT doesn’t have an official minimum GPA requirement for applicants. However, most admitted students have a weighted GPA of around 4.2 and are at the top of their class. Because MIT doesn’t do legacy admissions, your academic performance and advanced coursework, like AP or IB, strengthen your profile.

2. Does MIT have Early Action?

Yes, MIT offers a non-binding Early Action option for applicants. This allows students to apply early while still exploring other schools. Early Action can slightly improve your chances, but it remains a highly competitive process. MIT doesn’t do legacy so it won’t influence their Early Action decision.

3. Does MIT use the Common App or Coalition App?

No, MIT does not use the Common App or Coalition App for its admissions process. Instead, it has its own dedicated application portal. This independent approach aligns with the school’s admissions philosophy, which also excludes MIT legacy admissions to ensure a level playing field for all applicants.

4. Can I reapply if I’m not admitted?

Yes, students who are not admitted can reapply as transfer applicants. Many successful transfer students use the time to improve their academic records and gain more experience. Persistence and growth are valued by MIT. No legacy affects transfer admissions.

5. Does MIT require standardized test scores?

Yes, MIT requires applicants to submit either SAT or ACT scores. These scores are an important part of evaluating your readiness for MIT’s rigorous academic programs. Since MIT doesn’t do legacy, your test scores are considered one of the key factors in demonstrating your academic abilities, with successful applicants typically scoring in the top percentiles.

Takeaways

• MIT doesn’t do legacy. In principle, everyone is judged equally. This means that your achievements, not family connections, will be the deciding factor in your admission.
• MIT still requires SAT or ACT scores, unlike some schools that have gone test-optional. High scores demonstrate readiness for the university’s rigorous academic environment.
• Stats like the MIT Common Data Set can help you understand what the admissions office is looking for. This resource gives insights into accepted students’ test scores, GPA, and other key factors. MIT legacy does not factor into these statistics.
• Most admitted students have a weighted GPA around 4.2 and rank in the top 10% of their class. Taking advanced courses like AP or IB can help make your application stand out. This is so while MIT legacy is out of the picture in your application.
• Need help navigating the process? Reach out to a college admissions counselor for expert advice to guide you through the complexities of MIT admissions.