MIT has a strong culture of student collaboration and believes that students should work together to solve problems—because that’s how problems are solved in the real world—with teams of people working together to reach a common goal.

As a student, you can study with any (or all!) of MIT's five schools and one college: Engineering, Science, Management, Architecture, Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, and Computing. You apply to MIT, not to a school or major. Exploration is encouraged for first-year students, and you won’t choose a major until your sophomore year. The Office of the First Year (OFY) oversees academic planning, advising, and resources for first-year students, including MIT's Learning Communities and First Generation Program.

MIT's most surprising majors include Asian and Asian Diaspora Studies, Management, Music, Women's and Gender Studies, Theater Arts, and Urban Studies and Planning. While music, the arts, and athletics may not be the first thing to come to mind when you think of MIT, they are very much a vibrant part of the MIT community! As a student, you’ll be able to explore a world of interests—acapella groups, dance teams, musical theater, the Borderline mural project, and almost any sport you can think of (including Quidditch). And, of course, because MIT is a school of makers, thinkers, and innovators—if MIT doesn't have what you are interested in—you can form your own group. During Independent Activities Period (IAP), a special 4-week period in January, students can pursue their own educational interests and goals.

Folks at MIT are always innovating, making, and discovering new things. MIT's Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) gives students the chance to work on cutting-edge research, and over 90% of students do. Whether on campus or off (MIT is only one mile from downtown Boston!), there is so much to explore about MIT.  Consider this your starting point as you get to know MIT! 

Fun Fact: Did you know that MIT is known for its clever hacks? What is a hack anyway? Hacking is a tradition at MIT and part of its culture. It is the stealth implementation of harmless pranks and creative inventions that are quirky, clever, and amusing.