MIT Grading Scale: All You Need to Know

The MIT grading scale shows how student performance is measured at one of the most selective schools in the U.S. The school uses a 5.0 GPA system with standard A–F letter grades, with first-year students getting Pass or No Record (P/NR) grading to ease the transition.

If you want to get into MIT or are already enrolled, understanding grades helps you set realistic expectations. This blog explains how the MIT grading scale works and the other types of grades you may encounter. You’ll also find tips to thrive academically at this ultra-competitive school.

• What Is the MIT GPA Scale?
• Other Types of Grades at MIT
• How to Get Good Grades at MIT
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Is the MIT GPA Scale?

The MIT grade point average (GPA) is calculated on a 5.0 scale, which is different from the standard 4.0 scale used at most U.S. colleges. Here, a grade of A is worth 5 points, B is worth 4, C is worth 3, and so on. Both F and O (which represents absence) are worth 0 points.

Your cumulative GPA appears on both your grade report and transcript, while your term GPA only shows on your grade report. Here’s the breakdown of MIT’s grading scale:

When it comes to how MIT shows your grades, external transcripts remove all plus (+) and minus (-) modifiers. That means an A+ appears the same as an A–, and both are recorded simply as an A.

To calculate your GPA, you multiply the number of units in each class by the grade point value. For instance, if you take a 12-unit class and earn an A, you multiply 12 by 5 to get 60 points (12×5=60). You repeat this step for all your subjects, add the totals together, and then divide by the total number of units.

Note that GPAs are rounded to the first place after the decimal point. If the hundredth digit is 5 or higher, the tenth digit rounds up, so 4.75 becomes 4.8. If the hundredth digit is four or lower, the tenth digit rounds down, so 4.74 becomes 4.7.

MIT also uses its own credit system, where three MIT credit units equal one semester hour. For students who need to compare results outside MIT, the school provides a conversion to the standard 4.0 scale. Here’s how the grade values change:

This conversion allows for easier comparison between MIT grades and those at other universities.

First year grading

Your first year in college can feel overwhelming, so MIT’s grading scale is set up to give you some breathing room. Instead of being thrown straight into letter grades, first year grading starts with Pass/No Record grading during the fall and the Independent Activities Period (IAP).

In the spring, you’ll move to A, B, or C grades, with anything below that showing as No Record on your transcript. You won’t see the traditional A–F system until sophomore year.

Let me explain. During your first semester, any grade of C or higher counts as a Pass, and that’s all that shows up on both your internal and external transcripts.

If you get a D or F, it only appears on your internal record for advising purposes and disappears from your official transcript. Behind the scenes, your professors still give you “hidden” A, B, or C marks so you know how you’re doing, but these don’t count toward your GPA.

Now, things change a little in the spring. At that point, you’ll start earning A, B, or C grades that appear on both records, while D and F grades remain internal only. This is also when your GPA starts getting calculated, but remember, only your passing grades factor into it.

On top of that, you get access to Flexible P/NR. This option lets you turn up to 48 units into Pass/No Record at any point after your first term, even for classes that satisfy core or major requirements. You just have to make the choice after grades are posted, but before the Add Date of the following semester.

Once you hit sophomore year, you’ll be on the same A–F grading system as everyone else, and from then on, a D is considered passing.

Other Types of Grades at MIT

Now that you understand how GPA is calculated, it helps to know that MIT’s grading scale includes more than just letters and numbers. Alongside the standard A–F grades, you’ll also find special marks and notations that reflect ongoing work, hidden grades, or unique circumstances.

These symbols may not always directly affect your GPA, but they appear on your records and are important in how MIT reports your progress.

Incomplete (I)

An “I” grade stands for Incomplete work. This mark is given when you haven’t finished the required coursework by the end of the term. It doesn’t factor into your GPA right away, which means it buys you extra time to complete the work without penalty to your average.

Once you finish the missing work, your final grade appears next to the I, such as I/B if you earned a B. The I is then replaced with the actual grade on your transcript, making it a temporary placeholder rather than a permanent record.

Absent (O)

An “O” grade is given when you’re absent and unable to complete a subject. At MIT, this is treated the same as an F in terms of GPA, meaning it carries zero points. However, before a final grade can be awarded, the O has to be converted into an OX (absence excused) if your situation qualifies.

This mark is pretty serious because if left unresolved, it directly lowers your GPA. If you receive an O, you’re encouraged to resolve the absence through official channels so it doesn’t remain a failing mark.

Absence excused (OX)

An “OX” grade means an excused absence. Unlike the “O” grade, an OX doesn’t hurt your GPA because it isn’t calculated into your average. It acknowledges that you missed the class for valid reasons and gives you time to finish the required work.

When you complete the subject, the final grade replaces the OX. On your internal grade report, the OX remains visible alongside the new grade, but on external transcripts, the OX disappears, and only the final grade is shown.

In progress (J, U)

The marks J and U are used for ongoing work such as theses, Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) projects, internships, or special subjects that span more than one term. The J indicates that the work is in progress and satisfactory, while the U signals unsatisfactory performance.

Once you finish the course, the final grade appears in the term you completed, which is also retroactively applied to earlier terms. For example, if you earned an A in a thesis, it may show as J/A, meaning the J terms are now updated to reflect your A grade.

Transfer credit (S)

The “S” notation stands for transfer credit. It’s used when you bring in coursework from another institution that MIT has approved for credit. While the credit counts toward your degree, it doesn’t affect your GPA.

This distinction is important because it allows the school to recognize your prior learning without letting outside grading systems interfere with MIT’s grading scale. You get the credit, but your performance elsewhere won’t inflate or lower your MIT average.

Temporary grade (T)

A “T” grade is a temporary placeholder that appears only on your internal grade report. It’s used when a subject is still pending a final evaluation. The mark isn’t visible on your external transcript, which helps prevent confusion for anyone reviewing your record.

Once the course is graded, the T disappears, and the final grade appears on your internal and external records. It’s basically a short-term holding mark until your instructor submits the complete grade.

UROP notation (URN)

The “URN” mark applies when you participate in a UROP for pay or as a volunteer. It doesn’t count toward degree credit but is recorded as one unit of non-degree credit.

Having URN on your record highlights your participation in hands-on research, which is a major part of MIT’s culture. While it doesn’t change your GPA, it does add value to your transcript by showcasing your involvement in experiential learning.

Missing grade (**)

The double asterisk mark means a grade hasn’t been submitted yet. It shows up as “MG” (missing grade) on your transcript. This usually happens if an instructor hasn’t finished grading or if there’s an administrative delay.

While it might look concerning, the mark is temporary and will be replaced with the actual grade once it’s reported. Until then, it doesn’t affect your GPA.

Advanced Standing Exam (&)

The ampersand symbol refers to grades earned through Advanced Standing Exams (ASE), which allow you to test out of specific courses. ASE grades appear on your record but aren’t included in your GPA calculation.

This system gives students who’ve already mastered material before MIT a chance to advance more quickly without being penalized or rewarded in their GPA. It recognizes prior learning while keeping the GPA strictly tied to MIT coursework.

ROTC subject (#)

The pound sign notation applies to Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) courses. These subjects don’t count toward degree credit at MIT, and the grades aren’t figured into your GPA.

Even though they don’t affect your academic average, ROTC subjects still appear on your record and reflect the time and effort you dedicate to the program. They matter for your ROTC requirements but remain separate from your MIT GPA.

Registration issue (ZZ)

The “ZZ” mark is used when you didn’t register for a subject, but a grade was submitted anyway. No credit is awarded until a petition is approved to add the subject retroactively.

Until the petition is processed, the ZZ mark prevents the grade from appearing on your transcript. Once the issue is resolved, the subject and grade can be officially recognized.

How to Get Good Grades at MIT

Now that you know MIT’s grading scale, keeping your GPA up requires more than intelligence alone. Success depends on how you manage the intensity of the workload and make use of the resources around you.

Even the best-prepared students can feel challenged by the pace and rigor of MIT classes, so the key is finding strategies that help you keep up without burning out.

1. Understand your grades.

The first step to doing well is understanding both MIT’s grading scale and its academic standards or expectations.

The Committee on Academic Performance (CAP) ensures that every department follows fair rules when it comes to grading. They don’t set one rigid cutoff for everyone because MIT understands that every student’s situation is different.

MIT generally expects you to finish your degree in four years, averaging about 48 units each semester. To stay in good standing, the CAP usually looks for at least 36 units with a term GPA above 3.0 on the 5.0 scale. Sometimes, depending on your circumstances, you may be expected to aim higher.

If you fall short of these expectations, the CAP doesn’t automatically penalize you. Instead, they review your performance in context. They consider not only your grades, but also how many classes you took, how difficult those classes were, how much progress you’re making toward your degree, and any personal or medical issues that may have affected your work.

Understanding these expectations can help you set realistic goals, manage your workload, and avoid surprises later on.

2. Ask questions (a lot).

MIT is a top-notch school known for its contributions to science, technology, and engineering. The school values curiosity, which is summed up in its belief in “discovery and exploration, invention and making.” That’s why it looks for students with the same drive to learn and explore.

One of the best ways to build that understanding is by asking questions when unsure. Professors appreciate this because it helps the whole class, not just you.

A lecture is only one way of learning, and your questions give professors feedback on what to explain more clearly in the future. By speaking up, you improve your own knowledge while also supporting your classmates.

It can be tricky to know when to ask for help. A useful rule of thumb is to give yourself 10 to 15 minutes to work on a problem. If you’re not making progress, that’s when you ask a question, talk with a classmate, or visit office hours. You can also step away and return later with a fresh perspective, but if you remain stuck, asking is the best move.

3. Make the most of resources.

Success in college comes from working not only hard but also smart. The school offers many resources designed to help you do exactly that, and learning how to use them well can make a big difference in your experience.

One of the most valuable resources you have is upperclassmen. By junior or senior year, they’ve faced most of the challenges you’re now encountering. Ask them about anything from coursework to choosing a major. If they don’t know the answer, they usually know someone who does. Many enjoy helping, as long as you genuinely want to learn.

Another powerful resource is collaboration. Working on problem sets (psets) with friends or classmates is common (and encouraged!) at MIT, and many friendships start this way. Explaining problems to others also deepens your own understanding, which makes group study especially effective.

You also have online tools like Piazza, a forum where students and instructors answer questions and post announcements. It’s super helpful in large classes, since multiple people often struggle with the same problem.

4. Take a break whenever you can.

Yes, this is important. Taking regular breaks is one of the best ways to protect both your physical and mental health while handling the intense workload at MIT. Without regular breaks to recharge, it’s far too easy to burn out.

Start by rediscovering the things you love outside of academics. Before MIT, you probably had a passion or hobby that brought you joy, whether it was soccer, drawing, photography, or something else entirely. Making time for those activities gives you a healthy outlet to manage stress and keeps your life balanced.

Remember, college isn’t just about grades or achievements but also growth in every sense. Building habits that protect your well-being will help you enjoy your time at MIT and perform better in the classroom too.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What GPA is needed for MIT?

There’s no official GPA needed for MIT, but admitted students are usually top academic performers. Most competitive applicants have a 3.5 GPA or higher, with strong A’s in math and science courses.

2. What is the MIT grading system?

MIT’s grading system uses a 5.0 GPA scale where A = 5, B = 4, C = 3, D = 2, and F or O = 0. The first year includes Pass/No Record grading to help students adjust.

3. What do MIT grading scale percentages mean?

MIT grading scale percentages aren’t fixed across the school. Each professor sets their own standards, and final results are reported on MIT’s grading scale, which follows the 5.0 system where A = 5 and F = 0.

Takeaways

• MIT’s grading scale uses a 5.0 system, with A = 5, B = 4, C = 3, D = 2, and F or O = 0.
• First-year grading starts with Pass/No Record to ease the transition into MIT’s demanding coursework.
• Other grades, such as I, O, or OX, are used to handle special cases or ongoing subjects.
• Strong grades at MIT require understanding how your grades are measured, asking questions, making the most of resources, and taking breaks to avoid burnout.
• If you want to get into MIT, working with an admissions expert can help you craft stronger essays, highlight your achievements, and stand out in a highly competitive pool.