The Massachusetts Institute of Technology
“MIT is not for everyone.BrightBiology
MIT is not for everyone. If you are coming here for the prestige, then you would more then likely be happier at another school. MIT does have a few regular Joes and Janes, but a good number of students here were the top of their high school class; won national or regional science/math competitions; built robots when they were twelve; and so forth. Then they come to MIT and realize that they are just another face in the crowd. Some students find this a relief, others depressing. The course-work is hard, even those who major in the Humanities are required to take a year of Calculus and a year of Physics. Think of MIT as akin to going through SEAL training; you will be pushed to your absolute limits, and then pushed some more. If you stick with it, in the end you will know that you are one of the best. Receiving straight A's in high school is one thing, but here it is not that common. While it does happen from time to time most students receive B's and C's. If you strive for perfection, then you would be best served somewhere else. That sounds contradictory, but an unwritten mantra at MIT is that they expect you to fail, at something. The logic being that you learn from your mistakes and failure breeds perseverance.
view full review→Aug 02 2008
2nd Year Male -- Class 2010
Innovation: A+, Campus Aesthetics: C
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“MIT is a world not unlike every other:Quite BrightMechanical Engineering
MIT is a world not unlike every other: there are frat boys and sorority girls, there are athletes, there are nerds and geeks, and there is a large majority of normal, cool people. But they all know differential equations. If you can get over never being the smartest person in the room again, you'll be fine.
view full review→Jul 28 2008
2nd Year Male -- Class 2010
Education Quality: A+, Campus Aesthetics: B
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Recommended: Personality Type and College Choice
“A great thing about MIT is how down-to-earthBrightEconomics
A great thing about MIT is how down-to-earth and humble everyone is. A few months after knowing someone, you will sometimes discover that they were the US Math Champion, or has a patent, etc...I would not experience the same at surrounding schools such as BC or Harvard, where kids tend to be wealthier and snootier.
Of course everywhere you go, there will be those few know-it-alls, but I think people at MIT are very approachable. Also, on the side-note, although we aren't know for our looks and glamour, you will find great personality and some amazing, intelligent people filled with ideas. But overall, I think you can have some of the most interesting conversations with MIT people. In terms of academics, MIT is challenging, but DO-able. (much more do-able than I expected!) I'm not a genius, but I do know my priorities, which is what gets me through MIT. Also, I have great friends by my side that makes this school so much greater. I think some kids get caught up in getting their straight A's that they isolate themselves from making friends. Don't do this-- know the balance needed! I would much rather have a few B's here and there and be happy! (but obviously, don't do the opposite...like just go to frat parties 24/7 and get C's)
view full review→Jul 23 2008
2nd Year Female -- Class 2010
Useful Schoolwork: A+, Scholastic Success: F
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