Institute for Data, Systems, and Society

For all applicants:

Applicants to SES have the option to submit GRE scores. Ultimately, whether or not to do so is a judgement call applicants must make for themselves. If applicants are able to submit GRE scores and believe it enhances their application, then it is recommended to meet or surpass the following minimum Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores (in the current scoring format):

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) – optional

• General test is optional
• Recommended minimum scores:
  • 157 on the Verbal section (150 for non-native English speakers)
    • For older testing formats this translates to roughly the 75th percentile for native English speakers, and the 45th percentile for non-native English speakers.
  • 159 on the Quantitative section
    • For older testing formats, this translates to roughly the 75th percentile.
  • and 4.0 on the Analytical Writing section. Note that these are minimal expectations and admission to SES is competitive.
• Institute code: 3514
• Current scores only; scores must be less than 5 years old

Note: GRE scores are optional. Review the test score policy in full at our website. All submitted test scores will be considered application materials during the application review process.

For international applicants:

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

• Minimum score expected: 7.5
• Electronic scores sent to: Massachusetts Institute of Technology Graduate
• Current scores only; scores must be less than 2 years old

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

• Minimum score required: 110 (iBT) or 5.5 (iBT26)
• Institute code: 3514
• Current scores only; scores must be less than 2 years old

Duolingo English Test (DET)

• Minimum score required: 140
• Electronic scores send to: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Graduate Admissions
• Current scores only; scores must be less than 2 years old

Cambridge English Qualification (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency)

• Minimum score required: 191
• Electronic scores send to: Massachusetts Institute of Technology Graduate
• Current scores only; scores must be less than 2 years old

Department ELP Waiver Policy

International applicants to the Institute for Data, Systems, and Society may request an English Language Proficiency Test waiver for their SES PhD application if they meet one or both of the following criteria:

1. Applicant’s main language of instruction was English in their primary and secondary schools (i.e., from age 6 through age 18)
2. Applicant has been residing in the U.S. (or a country where English is an official language) for a minimum of three years and has earned a degree from an accredited institution where English is the main language of instruction.

If you believe you meet the criteria to request a waiver, you may do so directly in your SES application. In your request, you must provide documentation or other evidence of your Medium of Instruction and/or your residency in an English-speaking country. All academic history and unofficial transcripts should be submitted in the Academic History section of your application prior to requesting a waiver.

Review the Graduate Admissions English language proficiency (ELP) test score policy here.

Test Score Verification

All test scores shared with MIT must be verified by the testing agency in order to be reviewed. If you do not see your score verification status change upon submission, you may request assistance with test score verification in your application status portal. While valid scores must be submitted by the application deadline, all test scores must be verified by January 31, 2027.

IDSS works to ensure all students are fully funded for the duration of their program, contingent upon satisfactory progress. Full funding includes tuition, stipend, and the MIT Student Health Insurance Plan (health insurance). Please see the IDSS website for more information.