Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Molecular Biology

Additional Information & Requirements

• SAT/ACT Update: MIT requires the SAT or ACT (without the optional essay or writing section) for both first-year and transfer applicants. Both paper and digital SAT formats are accepted. Although MIT doesn’t require a writing test, strong writing and communication skills are essential, and all undergraduates must meet a communication requirement integrated throughout their four years.
• SAT/ACT score reporting: MIT superscores the SAT, ACT, and English proficiency exams, considering the highest section scores across multiple sittings. Applicants should self-report all official full test sittings (not practice tests or superscore composites). Official score reports are not required during the application process; scores will be verified upon enrollment. You can update MIT with new test results after submitting your application.
• Admissions Statistic: We do not have cut off or recommended scores for the ACT or SAT as scores are evaluated within an applicant’s context. To view test score statistics from the most recent admissions year, visit our admissions statistics page.https://mitadmissions.org/apply/process/stats/
• English Language Proficiency: Since MIT’s instruction is in English, applicants must demonstrate strong English skills. Below are the minimum and recommended scores: TOEFL: Min 90 | Rec 100 IELTS: Min 7 | Rec 7.5 PTE Academic: Min 65 | Rec 70 Cambridge (C1/C2): Min 185 | Rec 190 Duolingo (DET): Min 120 | Rec 125.
• Activities: Please use our form, not a resume, to list your activities. There is only enough space to list four things—please choose the four that mean the most to you and tell us a bit about them.
• Writing Requirements: Our questions For the 2024–2025 application, we’re asking these short answer essay questions: What field of study appeals to you the most right now? (Note: Applicants select from a drop-down list.) Tell us more about why this field of study at MIT appeals to you. We know you lead a busy life, full of activities, many of which are required of you. Tell us about something you do simply for the pleasure of it. 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? 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. How did you manage a situation or challenge that you didn’t expect? What did you learn from it? Depending on the question, we’re looking for responses of approximately 100–200 words each. There is also one final, open-ended, additional-information text box where you can tell us anything else you think we really ought to know.
• Recommendations: MIT requires two teacher recommendations—ideally one from a math/science teacher and one from a humanities, social science, or language teacher. Choose teachers who know you well both academically and personally. We also require a School Counselor Report, which typically includes your transcript and school profile. If your counselor cannot provide a letter, that’s okay—it won’t hurt your application. You may submit one optional supplemental recommendation if it adds new insights beyond the required letters. Requests should be made through the MIT application portal, but recommenders can also use platforms like Naviance or SCOIR. Submit requests early to give recommenders enough time.
• Interview: MIT offers optional interviews through the Educational Council, a global network of alumni. If an Educational Counselor (EC) is available, they’ll contact you after you apply—usually via the email you provided. Interviews may be in person or virtual, depending on availability. Most interviews take place in November (Early Action) and January (Regular Action). If no interview is available, it will be waived without affecting your application. Interviews typically last around an hour and are informal. Be yourself, prepare to share your interests and experiences, and no need to dress up. Questions? Email: [email protected].
• Early vs Regular: MIT offers two application options: Early Action (EA) and Regular Action (RA). The only difference is the deadlines—there’s no preference or advantage to either. Early Action is non-binding and open to all applicants. You can apply elsewhere during EA unless another school has restrictions (e.g., single-choice or binding offers), which MIT expects you to honor. You can only apply once per entry year. If denied in Early Action, you cannot reapply in Regular Action.