Duke University vs Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Massachusetts Institute of Technology is the more selective of the two at 5%, versus 6% at Duke University. Here is how they compare on selectivity, test scores, and what they weigh, plus a free way to estimate your odds at each.

Duke University
Most selective
6%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1570
Private · North Carolina
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Most selective
5%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1570
Private · Massachusetts

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

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

Duke University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology are almost equally selective (6% vs 5%), 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. Duke University leans more on alumni / legacy relation, geographical residence, while Massachusetts Institute of Technology puts more weight on class rank, standardized test scores, interview. The same profile can land differently at each, which is why a per-school estimate matters more than a single GPA.

On test scores, Duke University's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1570 and Massachusetts Institute of Technology's is around 1570. Their admitted ranges are nearly identical. Run your own numbers below to see where you stand at each.

What each school weighs

Factors either school weighs heavily, side by side.

FactorDuke UniversityMassachusetts Institute of Technology
Rigor of secondary school recordvery importantvery important
Academic GPAvery importantvery important
Class rankconsideredimportant
Standardized test scoresimportantvery important
Application essayvery importantvery important
Recommendationsvery importantvery important
Interviewconsideredimportant
Extracurricular activitiesvery importantvery important
Calculate your chances at both →

Frequently asked questions

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

Massachusetts Institute of Technology is harder to get into, with a 5% acceptance rate versus 6% at Duke University.

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

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

What are my chances at Duke 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.