How to Get Into MIT for Computer Science

Your comprehensive guide to navigating MIT's highly competitive EECS program admissions with proven strategies and insider insights

MIT's Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) department is widely regarded as the world's premier computer science program, consistently ranking #1 globally. Getting accepted is extraordinarily challenging, with Course 6 (EECS) receiving over 4,000 applications annually for roughly 300 undergraduate spots. However, with the right strategy, preparation, and understanding of what MIT values, you can significantly improve your chances of admission.

3.2%

Overall MIT acceptance rate

7.5%

EECS acceptance rate

1560

Average SAT score

4.17

Average GPA (unweighted)

Understanding MIT's EECS Program Structure

MIT doesn't admit students directly into computer science. Instead, all undergraduates are admitted to the Institute and choose their major (called a "course") during their first year. Course 6 (EECS) offers three tracks: 6-1 (Electrical Engineering), 6-2 (Electrical Engineering and Computer Science), and 6-3 (Computer Science and Engineering). Most CS-focused students choose 6-3 or 6-2.

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Course 6-1

Electrical Engineering focus with hardware design, circuits, and systems

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Course 6-2

Balanced EE and CS curriculum covering both hardware and software

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Course 6-3

Pure Computer Science with algorithms, AI, software engineering focus

How to Get Into MIT for Computer Science

Understanding MIT's EECS Program Structure

Course 6-1

Course 6-2

Course 6-3

Academic Requirements and Benchmarks