Can high school students take classes at MIT?

Yes, high school students can take classes at MIT through specific programs like MIT PRIMES, WTP, and BWSI, or even apply as exceptional young adults to matriculate early, but there's no general open enrollment; options focus on advanced STEM, research, and specialized experiences rather than regular semester courses for credit without formal admission.

What classes does MIT want you to take in high school?

While MIT doesn't require specific high school courses for admission, it does recommend the following courses:

• One year of high school physics.
• One year of high school chemistry.
• One year of high school biology.
• Math, through calculus.
• Two years of a foreign language.
• Four years of English.

Can a 16 year old get into MIT?

MIT doesn't have any age requirements or limits. Each year we receive a small number of applications from young students who have outgrown their high school curriculum and feel ready for college.

What high school sends most kids to MIT?

Stuyvesant High School - A highly competitive public high school in New York City, with a strong focus on mathematics, science, and technology.

Does MIT accept non-traditional students?

Special students are non-degree students who take classes at MIT. You will apply through the program headquarters and should contact the program directly for information on registration procedures. In all programs, students must demonstrate their ability to handle MIT's rigorous academic standards.

MIT Admissions Workshop: Who Gets In? Behind the Scenes at MIT Admissions

Is MIT harder than the Ivy League?

Neither MIT nor the Ivy League is definitively "harder"; both offer extreme academic rigor, but they differ in focus, with MIT known for intense STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Math) and hands-on problem-solving, while Ivies often emphasize broader humanities and social sciences, though all are packed with top-tier students who find themselves challenged at a much higher level than in high school. MIT's challenge often comes from faster-paced, advanced introductory STEM courses and a highly collaborative, project-based learning environment, whereas Ivy difficulty stems from the sheer caliber of brilliant peers and demanding coursework across diverse fields, notes Quora users and Reddit users.
 

Is MIT free if you make under 200k?

Yes, MIT offers tuition-free education for undergraduate students from families with an income below $200,000 per year, starting with the 2025-2026 academic year, thanks to expanded financial aid that covers full tuition for most U.S. families. For families earning under $100,000 (with typical assets), parents are generally not expected to pay anything towards the total cost, including housing, dining, and books. 

Did Elon Musk graduate from MIT?

According to Forbes' Real Time Billionaires list, Musk has a net worth of $367 billion. Musk's educational background includes studying at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario and later transferring to the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated with a degree in physics and economics in 1995.

Is Yale or MIT harder to get into?

It's incredibly difficult to get into both Yale and MIT, but Yale often has a slightly lower acceptance rate, making it statistically harder by that measure, while MIT is known for its intense focus on STEM and equally rigorous demands for top-tier applicants, meaning difficulty is subjective and depends on a student's strengths and fit. Both are top-tier institutions with extremely competitive admissions, but they seek different strengths, with Yale being an Ivy (broader academics/humanities focus) and MIT a STEM powerhouse. 

What is the #1 hardest school to get into?

There isn't one single #1 hardest school, as it changes slightly by year and criteria, but Harvard University, Stanford University, MIT, and Caltech consistently rank among the top with extremely low acceptance rates (often 3-4%) and intense competition for spots, though other top global universities like Oxford and Tsinghua are also incredibly selective. Harvard is frequently cited as the hardest due to its high volume of applications and focus on global leadership potential, while Caltech is known for its extreme difficulty in STEM. 

What GPA do you need to get into MIT?

MIT doesn't have a strict minimum GPA, but competitive applicants usually have a GPA of 3.5 or higher, often near perfect (4.0+) in math and science, demonstrating top performance in rigorous courses like AP/IB math and physics to stand out, as admission is extremely selective and holistic. 

How to get 100% scholarship for MIT?

To get a 100% scholarship at MIT, focus on extreme financial need, as MIT is need-blind and meets 100% of demonstrated need through grants, not merit, meaning strong academics (top GPA, test scores, AP/IB), compelling essays, and outstanding extracurriculars are vital to get accepted first, after which your family's income (especially below $200k/year for tuition-free) determines the aid, requiring CSS Profile & IDOC for application. 

Can I get into MIT with a 1390 SAT?

Getting into MIT with a 1390 SAT is a significant challenge because it's well below their average (around 1540-1550), but not impossible if your entire application (essays, extracurriculars, GPA, recommendations) is exceptional, showcasing unique talent or overcoming significant hardship, as MIT values context and potential, not just scores. A strong Math score (700+) combined with outstanding non-test factors is crucial, but you should strongly consider retaking the SAT to get closer to the 1520-1570 range for better odds, according to PrepScholar and SoFlo SAT Tutoring. 

What is the hardest class at MIT?

There's no single "hardest" class at MIT, as it depends on the student, but Physics Junior Lab (8.13) is famously demanding for its intense workload (20-60 hrs/week) and experimental rigor, while Software Construction (6.031) is known for crushing time commitment and high standards, and introductory CS/Math courses (like 6.006, 18.01A/18.02A) are brutal due to fast pacing and complex concepts. Other contenders often mentioned include Architecture studios (like the balsa wood cube final) and advanced systems courses. 

How much does it cost to go to MIT for 4 years?

For 2025-2026, the sticker price for four years at MIT is around $340,000-$360,000 (including tuition, fees, room, and board), but most families pay significantly less due to generous need-based aid, with the median aid recipient paying about $10,000-$13,000 annually, and many graduating debt-free. MIT's financial aid covers 100% of demonstrated need for all four years, making it affordable for many students regardless of family income, with some middle-class families paying very little. 

Is MIT higher than Harvard?

MIT is often ranked higher than Harvard in overall and STEM-focused rankings, leading in fields like engineering and technology, while Harvard typically leads in law, business, and humanities; recent surveys show MIT as a top "dream school," but rankings vary by publication, with both being elite institutions. For instance, QS ranks MIT #1 and Harvard #4 globally (2025), while U.S. News ranks MIT #2 and Harvard #3 in the U.S. (2025).
 

Where do the 1% go to college?

The 1% of the wealthiest Americans disproportionately attend highly selective, elite universities, particularly Ivy League schools (Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Dartmouth, Brown, Penn, Columbia) and other top institutions like MIT, Stanford, Duke, and UChicago, where they make up a large percentage of the student body, often outnumbering students from the bottom 60% of income earners combined. Liberal arts colleges and prestigious public universities also attract many wealthy students, with specific examples including WashU St. Louis, UVA, UCLA, UC Berkeley, Vanderbilt, and Johns Hopkins.
 

What is the safest Ivy League school?

Brown may offer the happiest campus culture, and Princeton might provide the safest environment, but gaining admission to any Ivy requires exceptional academic credentials, distinctive achievements, and often advantageous circumstances beyond your control.

Is Princeton or MIT harder to get into?

Both schools are extremely selective, with acceptance rates around 4–5%. MIT tends to attract more STEM-heavy applicants, while Princeton receives a broader range across humanities and sciences. Neither is “easier” or “harder” to get into—it depends on your profile and fit.

Did Jeff Bezos go to MIT?

Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S. Bezos was born in Albuquerque and raised in Houston and Miami. He graduated from Princeton University in 1986 with a degree in engineering.

Did Donald Trump graduate from college?

Yes, Donald Trump graduated from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1968, earning a Bachelor of Science in economics; he transferred there after starting at Fordham University and completed his degree, though he did not graduate with honors. 

What is Elon Musk diagnosed with?

Elon Musk publicly shared that he has Asperger's syndrome, a form of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), during his 2021 appearance as host of Saturday Night Live, noting it explained his unusual communication and intense focus, which he linked to his drive in business. While Asperger's isn't a formal diagnosis anymore (merged into ASD), Musk's self-disclosure highlighted traits like literal thinking, difficulty with social cues, and exceptional concentration, which he feels have been assets in his work with SpaceX and Tesla.
 

How rare is a full ride to MIT?

A full-ride (covering all costs) at MIT is not rare for students from lower/middle-income families, thanks to their generous, need-based aid; for families earning under $100k, MIT covers everything, while those under $200k get tuition-free attendance, but for other students, full rides are extremely rare, as MIT is need-blind and meets 100% of demonstrated need without loans, but it's not a merit-based system.
 

Who are some famous MIT alumni?

MIT Notable Alumni: 10 of the Most Successful MIT Graduates

• Buzz Aldrin. Buzz Aldrin is a former astronaut, engineer, and fighter pilot. ...
• Kofi Atta Annan. ...
• Payal Kadakia. ...
• Jonah Peretti. ...
• Shirley Ann Jackson. ...
• Andrea Wong. ...
• Drew Houston. ...
• Richard Feynman.

What happens if you get into Harvard but can't afford it?

We make a promise to every admitted student: your financial circumstances will not keep you from Harvard. With our generous financial aid program, a commitment to economic diversity, and a breadth of tools and resources, our office helps make sure nothing stands in the way of your Harvard education.