MIT’s transfer acceptance rate is seriously low. For the Class of 2028, only 1.5% of transfer applicants got in, which is even tighter than the school’s overall acceptance rate of 4.5%. That sounds intense, and it is, but don’t let the numbers scare you off completely. Getting into MIT as a transfer student is definitely not impossible.
In this blog, we’ll break down the numbers, walk you through what the transfer process looks like, and share some tips that can actually help you stand out. So stick around—you’re in the right place if you’re serious about giving it your best shot.
- What Is MIT’s Transfer Acceptance Rate?
- MIT Transfer Acceptance Rate Trends
- MIT Transfer Eligibility
- MIT Transfer Requirements
- MIT Transfer Application Deadline
- How to Get Accepted to MIT as a Transfer Student
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Takeaways
What Is MIT’s Transfer Acceptance Rate?
Getting into MIT as a transfer student has always been a long shot, and honestly, that hasn’t changed one bit for the Class of 2028. To give you a better idea of just how competitive it really is, let’s break down the numbers from the most recent transfer admission cycle:
| Transfer Applications | Transfer Applications Accepted | Transfer Acceptance Rate |
| 590 | 9 | 1.5% |
For the most recent transfer cycle, MIT received 590 transfer applications. Out of all those applicants, only 9 students were accepted. That works out to a transfer acceptance rate of just 1.5%, which shows just how insanely competitive it is to get in as a transfer student. And in the last four years, this year’s total number of applications has been the lowest.
MIT Transfer Acceptance Rate Trends
Let’s take a look at how MIT’s transfer acceptance rate has been in the last four years (as reported in MIT’s Common Data Set):
| Class | Transfer Applications | Transfer Applications Accepted | Transfer Acceptance Rate |
| 2028 | 590 | 9 | 1.5% |
| 2027 | 1,223 | 23 | 1.9% |
| 2026 | 1,514 | 21 | 1.4% |
| 2025 | 1,437 | 24 | 1.7% |
As you can see, transfer admissions to MIT have remained fiercely competitive over the past four years, with acceptance rates consistently under 2%. For the Class of 2028, MIT received 590 transfer applications and admitted just 9 students, resulting in a 1.5% acceptance rate—the second-lowest in this span.
While the number of applicants dropped sharply from the previous year, the already selective process became even more exclusive. These figures reflect MIT’s limited transfer capacity and its emphasis on admitting only those students who meet MIT’s rigorous academic and institutional fit criteria.
Looking back at prior years, the trend of extremely low acceptance continues. The Class of 2026 saw the highest number of applications—1,514—but only 21 were admitted, yielding the lowest acceptance rate of 1.4%. Even in the relatively more accessible Class of 2027, only 23 out of 1,223 applicants were accepted (1.9%).
For those aiming to transfer into MIT, these numbers emphasize the critical importance of outstanding academic performance, clear purpose for transferring, and alignment with MIT’s values and programs.
MIT transfer acceptance rate vs Ivy League schools
MIT’s transfer acceptance rate is one of the toughest out there, even when compared to other top schools such as the Ivy League schools. With a 1.5% transfer acceptance rate for the Class of 2028, here’s how it stacks up against some of the most selective colleges in the country:
| Ivy League School | Transfer Applications | Transfer Applications Accepted | Transfer Acceptance Rate |
| Harvard University | 1,892 | 15 | 0.8% |
| Yale University | 773 | 23 | 1.2% |
| Columbia University | 3,254 | 329 | 17.4% |
| Princeton University | 1,985 | 38 | 2% |
| Brown University | 2,987 | 215 | 11.4% |
| Dartmouth College | 932 | 62 | 3.3% |
| University of Pennsylvania | 3,885 | 178 | 9.4% |
| Cornell University | 7,218 | 670 | 35.4% |
When you look at the transfer acceptance rates for Ivy League schools, you’ll notice they vary a lot.
Harvard has the lowest transfer acceptance rate at just 0.8%, while Cornell has the highest by far at 35.4%. Yale is pretty selective too, with a 1.2% transfer acceptance rate. Columbia is on the more transfer-friendly side at 17.4%, and Brown isn’t too far behind at 11.4%. Princeton keeps it tough with a 2.0% rate, Dartmouth sits at 3.3%, and UPenn accepts around 9.4% of its transfer applicants.
Now, when you stack all that up against MIT’s transfer acceptance rate of 1.5% for the Class of 2028, it’s clear that MIT is just as selective and even more selective than many Ivies when it comes to transfers. MIT’s rate is lower than Columbia, Brown, Dartmouth, UPenn, and Cornell, and it’s pretty much on par with the likes of Harvard, Yale, and Princeton.
The numbers show that transferring into MIT is one of the toughest moves you can make in college admissions. The odds are extremely slim, and you’re competing against some of the best students out there.
But at the same time, it’s not impossible. If you’re serious about transferring, knowing the stakes can help you prepare a standout application that truly gives you a shot.
MIT Transfer Eligibility
Here’s a summary of the transfer eligibility requirements at MIT:
- Completed high school and at least one full year of college
- Completed two terms of full-time study at a college, university, community college, or technical institute
- No more than five terms of full-time study
- Only one application per academic year
If you want to transfer to MIT, you need to have finished high school and completed at least one full year of college before enrolling. If you’re still in high school (even if you’ve taken college courses), you’ll have to apply as a first-year student, not a transfer.
MIT only lets you apply once per entry year, meaning if you apply for the spring term, you can’t apply again for the fall of the same calendar year.
To be eligible, you must have completed at least two terms of full-time study at an accredited college, university, community college, or technical institute. On the flip side, if you’ve completed more than five full-time terms (about two and a half years of college) by the time you would enter MIT, you probably won’t be eligible to transfer because of their strict residency requirements.
If you studied part-time, you’ll need to calculate how that translates into full-time terms to check your eligibility. Also, if you already have a bachelor’s degree, MIT won’t let you apply for a second one—they don’t award second undergraduate degrees. Instead, you would need to look into their graduate, professional, or open learning programs.
MIT Transfer Requirements
Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll need to prepare if you’re serious about transferring to MIT:
Letters of recommendation
MIT asks for two academic letters of recommendation from your college professors or instructors. It’s a good idea if one of them teaches math or science.
School official report
You’ll also need a School Official Report from someone like your advisor, registrar, or another school official. The easiest way is to just use the electronic form inside the MIT transfer application to request it.
If your current (or most recent) school needs a hard copy, you can download a PDF version. Completed reports can be sent by email to [email protected], by fax to 617.687.9174, or by regular mail to MIT Admissions.
Transcripts
When you fill out your MIT transfer application, you’ll have to upload copies of your transcripts from every school you’ve attended, that includes all high schools, colleges, and universities.
Official transcripts are only needed after you get admitted and decide to enroll. Until then, just make sure you upload clear and complete copies.
Standardized tests
SAT or ACT scores are required for transfer applicants. The ACT writing section and SAT optional essay? No need to worry about those—MIT doesn’t require them. They’ll accept both the paper and digital versions of the SAT.
To stay on track:
- For spring entry, take your tests before October 31.
- For fall entry, make sure you test before March 31.
If you’ve taken the SAT or ACT more than once, good news: MIT superscores. They’ll take the highest score you earned in each section across all your test dates to put you in the best light possible.
Once you’re admitted, MIT will verify your official scores. If there’s any big difference between what you self-reported and what they receive officially, it could affect your admission.
MIT Transfer Application Deadline
If you’re aiming to transfer to MIT, timing is everything. For spring entry (February), your complete application and all supporting documents need to be in by October 15, 2024. Heads up, though: only U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents can apply for spring admission.
If you’re shooting for fall entry (September), you have a little more breathing room. The deadline for your full application is March 17, 2025.
Here’s a quick look at the MIT transfer timeline:
Spring entry
- October 15: Application deadline
- Mid-November: Admission decisions are sent out
- Mid-December: Enrollment deadline for accepted students
Fall entry
- March 17: Application deadline
- Early May: Admission decisions are sent out
- Early June: Enrollment deadline for accepted students
How to Get Accepted to MIT as a Transfer Student
Getting accepted to MIT as a transfer student is no small task, but knowing exactly what they’re looking for can help you build a strong application. Here’s a breakdown of the requirements you’ll need to focus on:
1. Secure strong letters of recommendation.
MIT requires two academic letters of recommendation from college professors or instructors. They strongly suggest that one letter should come from a math or science instructor, since MIT puts heavy emphasis on technical ability and analytical thinking.
Your recommenders should know you well, not just in terms of your grades but also how you approach challenges, how curious you are, and how you interact with the material. It’s way more effective if the letters feel personal and genuine rather than generic. If you have built strong relationships with your professors, especially in technical or problem-solving courses, this will be a big plus for your application.
You can also submit up to two additional letters from people like high school teachers, employers, or mentors, although these are optional. Only add these if they provide new and meaningful insights into who you are.
For example, if you had a summer internship where your supervisor saw your leadership skills in action, or you worked closely with a high school teacher on a major research project, an extra letter from them could give MIT a deeper look at your abilities outside the classroom.
2. Aim for a strong GPA and a rigorous course selection.
MIT doesn’t officially say you need a certain GPA to transfer, but they’re expecting your grades to be pretty exemplary.
Most successful transfer students have close to perfect academic records, with GPAs around 4.2 weighted. Basically, we’re talking about a transcript full of straight A’s in challenging classes like APs, IB courses, or honors classes.
But having a strong GPA isn’t the whole story. What you study matters just as much as the grades you earn. MIT expects transfer applicants to take on a seriously tough, technical course load at their current school. Classes like calculus, physics, chemistry, biology, and advanced math are must-haves. Sure, humanities, arts, and social sciences are important too, but they’ll be looking most closely at your math and science foundation.
If your transcript shows you’ve been taking tough courses and crushing them, you’ll stand out as someone who’s ready to thrive in MIT’s famously intense academic environment.
3. Submit strong standardized test scores.
MIT is no longer test-optional, so if you’re applying as a transfer student, you’re required to submit either SAT or ACT scores. They accept both the paper and digital versions of the SAT, and you don’t need to worry about the SAT essay or the ACT writing section, those aren’t required.
MIT also superscores which means they’ll pull your best section scores from across all your test dates and combine them into your highest possible composite score. So if you crushed the Math section on one SAT and nailed Reading on another, MIT will put those best scores together.
If you get in, MIT will verify your official scores. Therefore, ensure that everything you self-report is 100% accurate, as any major discrepancies could impact your admission.
Now, let’s talk about the kind of scores you should be aiming for if you really want to be a strong contender. Based on MIT’s report in their Common Data Set for the Class of 2028, here are your targets:
| Test | 25th Percentile | 50th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
| SAT | 1520 | 1550 | 1570 |
| ACT | 34 | 35 | 36 |
If you’re aiming for MIT, you don’t just want to scrape by, you want to be hitting the top of those ranges. Think 1570+ on the SAT or a perfect 36 on the ACT.
So, how do you get there? Start prepping early, target your weaker sections first, and take full-length practice tests under real testing conditions. A lot of students also find that working with a tutor or following a structured prep program helps them stay consistent and build confidence. And don’t be afraid to retake the test if you know you can improve—remember, thanks to superscoring, every extra point counts.
4. Submit excellent essays that reflect who you truly are.
MIT does require short-answer essays for transfer applicants. They ask about your interests, your goals, why MIT is a good fit for you, and how you see yourself contributing to the community. Thoughtful, authentic responses are key here.
All MIT transfer applicants are required to answer the following five main essay prompts:
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- Please discuss why you are considering transferring from your current college or university, and how MIT aligns with your goals. 225 words or fewer
- While some reach their goals following well-trodden paths, others blaze their own trails, achieving the unexpected. In what ways have you done something different than what was expected in your educational journey? 225 words or fewer
- MIT brings people with diverse backgrounds together to collaborate, from tackling the world’s biggest challenges to lending a helping hand. Describe one way you have collaborated with others to learn from them, with them, or contribute to your community together. 225 words or fewer
- How did you manage a situation or challenge that you didn’t expect? What did you learn from it? 225 words or fewer
- No application can meet the needs of every individual. If there is significant information that you were not able to include elsewhere in the application, you may include it here.
There are also a couple of optional prompts you can respond to if you want to share more about any barriers to your education or provide additional information you think MIT should know.
5. Prioritize extracurricular activities that show your strength and passion.
MIT asks for a list of your extracurricular activities, internships, research, work experience, and any other meaningful commitments. They care about what you’ve done outside of class just as much as what you’ve done inside it.
Think of things like undergraduate research programs (UROPs), competitive math or science teams (like Math Olympiad, Science Bowl, or FIRST Robotics), coding projects or hackathons, or engineering internships. If you’ve been involved in makerspaces, open-source projects, or even created your own startup or nonprofit, that’s the kind of initiative MIT loves to see.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is MIT’s transfer acceptance rate?
MIT’s transfer acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 is 1.5%, making it one of the most competitive transfer admissions rates in the country.
2. What are the best majors or programs at MIT for transfer students?
MIT is most known for its programs in engineering, computer science, mathematics, and physics, which are consistently ranked among the best globally. Popular majors for transfer students include Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS), Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Biological Engineering, and Economics.
3. Is it harder to get into MIT as a transfer student or as a first-year applicant?
It’s actually harder as a transfer. The regular undergraduate acceptance rate is around 4.5%, while the transfer acceptance rate is even lower at around 1.5%.
4. What GPA do you need to transfer to MIT?
MIT doesn’t list a minimum GPA, but most successful transfer applicants have close to perfect academic records, often with GPAs around 4.2 weighted and mostly A’s in tough classes like AP, IB, or honors courses.
5. Does MIT favor certain majors or programs for transfer applicants?
Not officially, but most successful transfer students apply into powerhouse programs like Engineering, Computer Science (EECS), Mathematics, Physics, and Biological Engineering, where MIT is strongest globally.
Takeaways
Transferring to MIT is extremely competitive, and the requirements show just how high the standards are. Knowing the numbers, eligibility rules, and what MIT expects helps you understand what it really takes to stand out in one of the toughest transfer processes out there.
- MIT’s transfer acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 is just 1.5%, making it even harder to get in as a transfer than as a first-year applicant.
- A strong GPA is critical, with most accepted students earning around a 4.2 weighted GPA and excelling in highly rigorous courses like calculus, physics, chemistry, and advanced math.
- You need to submit strong standardized test scores, aiming for a 1570+ on the SAT or a perfect 36 on the ACT to be competitive.
- Transfer applicants must also show depth through meaningful activities, like participating in research projects, joining competitive STEM teams, interning in engineering or tech fields, or working on independent innovation projects.
- Working with a college admissions expert can make a huge difference. They can help you build a strong MIT transfer application, stay on top of deadlines, polish your essays, and make sure every part of your application shows the best version of you.
