Coursework and test requirements
We recommend that prospective transfer students take a variety of mathematics and science courses before applying, taking full advantage of their institution’s offerings in these areas. To prepare for MIT’s academic program, we recommend that transfer students complete the following college courses before entering MIT:
- Single variable calculus
- Multivariable calculus
- Calculus-based physics
- Introductory biology
- Introductory chemistry
If you received college credit through advanced exams (AP, IB, etc.), then you should enroll at the appropriate level for each of the disciplines mentioned above.
Core graduation requirements
General Institute Requirements for undergraduate students of all majors at MIT include a science core that consists of two semesters of college calculus and calculus-based physics, and one semester each of chemistry and biology. For more details about the GIRs, please refer to the MIT Bulletin.
GPA
There is no minimum required GPA, but competitive applicants generally have a GPA of 3.5 or above, and mostly A’s in mathematics and science courses.
Testing must be completed by the October test date for spring (February) entry and by the March test date for fall (September) entry. These dates change each year and are set by the testing agency. Click here for specifics on our testing requirements.
Activities
Choose your activities because they really delight, intrigue, and challenge you, not because you think they’ll look impressive on your application. Go out of your way to find projects, research, activities, internships, and experiences that stimulate your creativity and leadership, that connect you with peers who bring out your best, and that please you so much you don’t mind the work involved.
Credit transfer
If we admit you as a transfer student, you can expect to receive credit for subjects of study that are substantively equivalent to corresponding MIT subjects. If your academic record doesn’t appear to merit credit in a certain subject, you may be allowed to demonstrate that you are entitled to such credit by passing an Advanced Standing Examination.
Academic credit is not assessed until after you are admitted to MIT, at which point it is evaluated by the relevant academic departments. If you would like to compare the courses offered at your institution to those offered at MIT, you can refer to the MIT Bulletin (Course and Degree Catalog).
Transfer students typically lose at least one semester of coursework. Most students enter MIT as sophomores, regardless of the amount of coursework they completed at their previous college(s).