Apply to the university, begin undeclared
MIT says you apply to the entire university and all first-year students begin undeclared, free to choose any course of study without further admission procedures.
Undergraduate · MIT
MIT Mathematics (Course 18): entered after arriving, structured around advanced subjects
MIT does not admit students to a major: every first-year student begins undeclared and may choose any course of study without further admission procedures. Mathematics is Course 18, with a sibling Mathematics with Computer Science (18-C), and the Course Catalog's degree chart requires eleven subjects of which at least seven must be advanced Course 18 subjects. For an A-level or IB applicant, the questions are what the chart asks, how the major is reached and what MIT requires, including the SAT or ACT. This guide claims no direct admission to Course 18.
Official information · read 31 October 2026, no entry-year label
What MIT says about MIT Course 18
Taken from MIT Admissions' Majors & Minors, Tests & Scores and International pages and the MIT Course Catalog's Course 18 degree chart, 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.
Eleven subjects, seven advanced
At least 7 of the 11 subjects for the major must be advanced Course 18 subjects.
Six 12-unit subjects to select
The chart asks for six 12-unit subjects, all with Course 18 numbers.
A linear algebra rule
If 18.701 fulfils Linear Algebra, another subject must fulfil the Advanced Mathematical Subject requirement.
SAT or ACT required; A Levels and IB named
MIT requires the SAT or the ACT and asks for the transcript to include external exams such as the IB or A Levels.
Official sources
- MIT Admissions: Majors & Minorsmitadmissions.org
- MIT Course Catalog: Mathematics (SB, Course 18)catalog.mit.edu
- MIT Admissions: Tests & Scoresmitadmissions.org
Read on 31 October 2026 on MIT Admissions' Majors & Minors, Tests & Scores and International pages and the MIT Course Catalog's Course 18 degree chart, which describes 2027 entry. The pages carry no entry-year label. MIT's Mathematics department pages, the option and specialisation detail, the subject descriptions behind the chart, deadlines and financial aid were not read and are not stated.
The major
What the Catalog chart asks for
The Course Catalog lists Mathematics (SB, Course 18) with a sibling, Mathematics with Computer Science (Course 18-C). The chart sits on MIT's General Institute Requirements, with one restricted elective in science and technology satisfiable by 18.05, 18.600 or 6.3700. In the major, students select six 12-unit subjects, none without a Course 18 number, and at least seven of the 11 subjects must be advanced. A rule on 18.701 and the Advanced Mathematical Subject requirement is noted. This guide did not read the options or subject descriptions.
Is it the right major?
Course 18, 18-C or a related course
MIT describes each as a separate course of study, so the choice is made after arriving. Avandy's comparison is general.
Course 18 fits if
your interest is mathematics itself, with a heavy proportion of advanced subjects.
18-C fits if
you want mathematics combined with computer science.
Computing courses fit if
your interest is computing. Avandy's MIT Course 6-3 and 6-4 guide covers them.
Admission and testing
SAT or ACT, with A Levels and the IB named
MIT says it requires the SAT or the ACT for first-year and transfer applicants. For international applicants, the transcript should include results of external examinations such as the IB or A Levels, with predicted grades sent if available. This guide states no score.
A decision framework
Three questions before you commit
This is Avandy's own framework, not MIT's.
Do you want mostly advanced mathematics?
Seven of eleven subjects must be advanced.
Are you comfortable choosing a course later?
MIT applicants begin undeclared.
Can you plan the SAT or ACT with your A levels or IB?
MIT requires one of them.
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 18 degree chart and plan the SAT or ACT.
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 Mathematics?
No. MIT says you apply to the entire university, not to a specific major or school, and all first-year students begin undeclared.
How many advanced subjects does Course 18 need?
The chart says at least 7 of the 11 subjects must be advanced Course 18 subjects.
Is there a computer science variant?
The Catalog lists Mathematics with Computer Science as Course 18-C.
Does MIT consider A Levels and the IB?
Yes. The transcript should include results of external exams such as the IB or A Levels, with predicted grades sent if available.
Do I need the SAT or ACT?
MIT says it requires the SAT or the ACT for first-year and transfer applicants.
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 18
Tell us about the student's curriculum, their mathematics, how they would choose among mathematics specialisations 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.