Short answer: the middle 50% of first-year students who enrolled at Massachusetts Institute of Technology scored about 1520 to 1580 on the SAT, with an average of 1560. That means a quarter of enrolled first-years scored 1520 or lower and a quarter scored 1580 or higher. These numbers come from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
MIT at a glance
SAT middle 50%: 1520 to 1580 | Average: 1560
Reading and Writing: 740 to 780 | Math: 780 to 800
ACT middle 50%: 34 to 36
Admission rate: 4.5%
MIT SAT scores by section
| Section | 25th percentile | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | 740 | 780 |
| Math | 780 | 800 |
| Total (sum of sections) | 1520 | 1580 |
The total row adds the two section numbers, so treat it as a close estimate, not an exact percentile of total scores. For comparison, the average SAT score for the class of 2026 was 1045 (528 Reading and Writing, 517 Math), according to College Board.
Does MIT require the SAT?
Yes. MIT suspended its requirement for the 2020 and 2021 cycles, then announced in March 2022 that it would require the SAT or ACT again. The requirement has been in place since the 2022 to 2023 cycle, for first-year and transfer applicants.
- Why MIT requires it: MIT says its research showed scores help predict who will succeed in its required math and science courses. Every MIT student takes two semesters of calculus and two of calculus-based physics.
- Superscoring: MIT superscores. Self-report scores from every test you took.
- No cutoffs: there are no cutoff or recommended scores.
- Deadlines: take the test before November 30 for Early Action and before December 31 for Regular Action.
- Not needed: the SAT essay is not required.
What SAT score should you aim for?
MIT’s Math range is 780 to 800, so a 780 is only the 25th percentile. For MIT, Math is the section that matters most. MIT says it looks for readiness for calculus and physics, and its range shows that.
A total of 1520 or higher puts you inside MIT’s middle 50%. Because MIT superscores, it combines your best Math from one test date with your best Reading and Writing from another. That makes a focused Math retake a smart move if Math is your weaker side.
Where do you stand against MIT’s range?
Take a free full-length practice test and compare your section scores to 780 (Reading and Writing) and 800 (Math).
How to close the gap
- Find your weaker section by comparing each score to MIT’s 75th percentile above.
- Practice at the top difficulty level. Scores in this range come from getting the hardest questions right. Try these hard SAT math questions and this hard SAT English practice test.
- Drill your weak skills in Targeted Practice.
- Compare schools with similar ranges in the College Finder.
Frequently asked questions
What SAT score do you need for MIT?
There is no cutoff, but the middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored about 1520 to 1580.
What is the average SAT score at MIT?
College Scorecard lists an average of 1560.
Does MIT require the SAT?
Yes. MIT has required the SAT or ACT since the 2022-23 cycle, superscores, and has no cutoff score.
SAT scores by college
This guide is part of SAT Scores by College: Middle 50% and Testing Policy for 43 Schools.
Related guides:
- Penn State SAT Scores: Middle 50% Is 1240-1420
- Yale SAT Scores: Middle 50% Is 1470-1570
- UF SAT Scores: Admitted Middle 50% Is 1420-1520
- Stanford SAT Scores: Submitted Middle 50% Is 1520-1570
- NYU SAT Scores: Middle 50% Is 1480-1560
- What Do SAT Scores Mean? How to Read Your Score Report
- Lowest Possible SAT Score: 400, and What a Low Score Means
Explore every SAT hub
- Digital SAT Complete Guide Format, scoring and a full study plan
- Advanced Math and Vocabulary Hub Hard math topics and high-value words
- SAT Grammar Guide Every grammar and punctuation rule
- SAT Reading Guide Reading question types and strategies
- SAT Practice Tests Guide Official tests and how to use them
- Desmos Guide Calculator shortcuts for SAT Math
- SAT Scores by College Ranges and testing policies for 43 schools
- PSAT Guide PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, PSAT 8/9 and National Merit
- Test Strategy Hub Timing, pacing and prep resources
- SAT Predictions Questions most likely to repeat
Sources
- U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (latest admissions data, accessed October 2026).
- MIT Admissions, We are reinstating our SAT/ACT requirement.
- MIT Admissions, Tests and scores.
- MIT Admissions, How does MIT consider test scores? Does MIT superscore?.
- College Board Newsroom, Class of 2026 SAT results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What SAT score do you need for MIT?
There is no cutoff, but the middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored about 1520 to 1580.
What is the average SAT score at MIT?
College Scorecard lists an average of 1560.
Does MIT require the SAT?
Yes. MIT has required the SAT or ACT since the 2022-23 cycle, superscores, and has no cutoff score.