Applied to MIT, not to a course
MIT says you apply to the entire university, not to a specific major, and all first-year students begin undeclared.
Undergraduate · MIT Course 14-1
MIT Course 14-1 Economics: statistics and econometrics in the required core
MIT does not admit applicants to a course. Applicants apply to the university as a whole and all first-year students begin undeclared. The degree chart for Economics (Course 14-1) puts statistics and econometrics in the required core alongside the two principles subjects, then asks for a macroeconomics subject, an intermediate choice, four economics electives and a thesis that may be replaced by an extra elective. A detail for UK applicants is the stated AP substitution rule.
Official information · read 31 October 2026, no entry-year label
What MIT says about MIT Course 14-1
Taken from the MIT Course Catalog's degree chart for Course 14-1 and MIT Admissions' Majors & Minors, Tests & Scores and International pages, read on 31 October 2026. The pages carry no entry-year label, so for a 2028-entry application every statement below is evidence for the previous cycle and may change; check MIT's pages for the 2028-entry details.
A quantitative core
Principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics, statistical methods and econometric data science are required.
A thesis that can be swapped
The thesis may be replaced by an additional elective subject in economics.
Four economics electives
Students select four elective subjects in economics.
The SAT or ACT is required
MIT requires the SAT or the ACT for first-year students and asks that predicted grades be sent if available.
Official sources
- MIT Admissions: Majors & Minorsmitadmissions.org
- MIT Course Catalog: Economics (Course 14-1)catalog.mit.edu
- MIT Admissions: Tests & Scoresmitadmissions.org
Read on 2 November 2026 on the MIT Course Catalog's degree chart for Course 14-1 and MIT Admissions' Majors & Minors, Tests & Scores and International pages, which describes 2027 entry. The pages carry no entry-year label. The department's own website, the subject descriptions, deadlines and financial aid were not read and are not stated.
The degree
What the degree chart says Course 14-1 is
The catalogue's degree chart for the SB in Economics lists required subjects in microeconomics, macroeconomics, statistical methods, econometric data science and a thesis, then a selection of two to three subjects including a macroeconomics subject and two communication-intensive subjects, one intermediate choice such as microeconomic theory or game theory, and four electives. It notes that students with a score of 5 on the Economics AP exam may substitute 14.03 for 14.01.
Is it the right course?
Course 14-1 beside Course 14-2 and Course 15-3 Finance
The catalogue lists these as separate degrees, so the choice is made after admission. Avandy's comparison is general and relies on the degree titles and charts.
Course 14-1 fits if
you want economics with statistics and econometrics as the core.
Course 14-2 fits if
you want the mathematical economics route in the same department. Avandy's guide to Course 14-2 covers it.
Course 15-3 Finance fits if
you want finance in the business school. Avandy's MIT Course 15-3 guide covers it.
Admission and testing
An MIT application, an SAT or ACT and A levels or the IB
MIT requires the SAT or the ACT for first-year students. It asks that transcripts include the results of external examinations such as the IB or A Levels required for university entrance in your home country, and that predicted grades be sent if available; only admitted students are required to send final grades. Course 14-1 is not a separate application. This guide states no score.
A decision framework
Three questions before you commit
This is Avandy's own framework, not MIT's.
How quantitative do you want the degree to be?
The core includes statistical methods and econometric data science.
Would a thesis appeal?
The thesis may be replaced by an additional economics elective.
Can you plan the SAT or ACT alongside your A levels or IB?
MIT requires the SAT or the ACT for first-year students.
Planning for 2028 entry
Planning for 2028 entry: what carries over and what is awaiting publication
MIT's pages carry no entry-year label, so nothing on them is confirmed for 2028 entry. Use them to understand the structure of the application, then check MIT's own pages for the 2028-entry details.
The requirements and descriptions on the pages read on 31 October 2026, which carry no entry-year label
These are the best guide to what to prepare. MIT has not confirmed them for 2028 entry.
Deadlines, fees, financial aid and any department prerequisites not quoted here: not stated
This guide has not read them. Check MIT for the values that apply to your application year.
What to do now
Read the Course 14-1 degree chart and plan the SAT or ACT alongside your A levels or IB.
Support
Independent support with planning your own application
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology or any of its colleges or departments. Preparation sits within the Avandy Trinity Advisory Model: a Strategic Admissions Consultant, a PhD-level Academic Mentor and a Subject-specific Tutor, working to the actual requirements of each course. Support here is limited to understanding the requirements and planning the applicant's own work; Avandy does not write or edit essays, does not submit any materials and has no partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. No outcome is promised.
Questions
Questions applicants ask
Can I apply directly to MIT Course 14-1?
No. MIT says you apply to the entire university, not to a specific major or school, and all first-year students begin undeclared.
Can I apply directly to Economics at MIT?
No. MIT says you apply to the entire university, not to a specific major, and all first-year students begin undeclared.
Is a thesis compulsory?
The degree chart lists a thesis in the required subjects but notes it may be replaced by an additional elective subject in economics.
Do I need the SAT or ACT?
MIT says it requires the SAT or the ACT for first-year students.
Do A levels and the IB count?
MIT asks that transcripts include external examination results such as the IB or A Levels and that predicted grades be sent if available.
Are these the rules for 2028 entry?
No. They are MIT's wording with no entry-year label. Check MIT's pages again when MIT publishes its 2028-entry requirements.
Students and families
Talk to us about MIT Course 14-1
Tell us about the student's curriculum, how much statistics and econometrics they want, whether the thesis appeals and their SAT or ACT plan, the universities on the list, and the intended year of entry. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare.