We do not require you to have earned a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent before you enroll. As a university for students with unusual interests and aptitudes, our philosophy is: if you have surpassed the opportunities available to you in high school, and are both academically prepared and socially ready to begin your studies at MIT, we will consider your application for admission.
However, students who plan to apply to MIT before beginning their final year of high school 01 This is most often – but not necessarily – students who are applying during their junior year of high school. are subject to two additional constraints:
- We require you to apply during the Regular Action cycle. This will allow us to consider as much of your academic performance as possible when making decisions.
- Students who are admitted to MIT before their final year of high school are expected to enroll for the subsequent academic year.02 Such students may not return for their final year of high school or continue independent studies at other institutions.
In other words: apply to MIT when you are academically and socially ready to pursue an education at the Institute. There is no reason to rush, or to delay, other than what is right for you and your education.
- This is most often – but not necessarily – students who are applying during their junior year of high school. back to text ↑
- Such students may not return for their final year of high school or continue independent studies at other institutions. back to text ↑