Columbia University vs Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Columbia University is the more selective of the two at 4%, versus 4% at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Here is how they compare on selectivity, test scores, and what they weigh, plus a free way to estimate your odds at each.

Columbia University
Most selective
4%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1560
Private · New York
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Most selective
4%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1570
Private · Massachusetts

Columbia University vs Massachusetts Institute of Technology: the differences that matter

How Columbia University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology stack up on selectivity, scores, and what they value.

Columbia University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology are almost equally selective (4% vs 4%), so neither is a clear safety relative to the other. Your odds at each come down to fit, not headline difficulty.

The two also read applications a little differently. Columbia University leans more on alumni / legacy relation, geographical residence, state residency, while Massachusetts Institute of Technology puts more weight on talent / ability. The same profile can land differently at each, which is why a per-school estimate matters more than a single GPA.

On test scores, Columbia University's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1560 and Massachusetts Institute of Technology's is around 1570. Admitted students at Massachusetts Institute of Technology post somewhat higher scores. Run your own numbers below to see where you stand at each.

What each school weighs

Factors either school weighs heavily, side by side.

FactorColumbia UniversityMassachusetts Institute of Technology
Rigor of secondary school recordvery importantvery important
Academic GPAvery importantvery important
Class rankimportantimportant
Standardized test scoresvery importantvery important
Application essayvery importantvery important
Recommendationsvery importantvery important
Interviewimportantimportant
Extracurricular activitiesvery importantvery important
Calculate your chances at both →

Frequently asked questions

Is Columbia University or Massachusetts Institute of Technology harder to get into?

Columbia University is harder to get into, with a 4% acceptance rate versus 4% at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

What's the difference in SAT scores between Columbia University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology?

Columbia University's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1560, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology's is around 1570.

What are my chances at Columbia University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology?

That depends on your full profile. CollegeCalcAI gives a free, personalized estimate for each school in a few minutes.