So a bit of long overdue answers to your questions.

Chetan's question was the following: “I recently came across a scholarship offered at nsa.gov where, if accepted, nsa would cover my full tuition in exchange for working over the summer and for 1.5*# of years they pay for. However, the program allows for the participants to give up the scholarship and any obligations, so long as they pay back the tuition that nsa paid for.

My question is, if I'm accepted into this program, and I decide to leave in order to take classes over the summer/pursue research/work at a higher paying job, would MIT provide some financial assistance to help pay back the tuition I owe?”

The answer is that MIT is always able, ready and willing to assist students when their situations change, however we cannot make awards retroactively (except under extremely rare and unusual circumstances. So, if the decision to drop out of the program is made during an academic year, Chetan could apply for aid for that year, but we would not be able to reopen any closed academic year.

Katherine said “I read some of your poetry and it is extremely well-written. I'm pretty interested in English myself and I think poetry is a pretty awesome hobby. I have loved poetry ever since my third grade teacher made us memorize a poem every month we were in her class (Yes, I still remember all of them). Even though I can't write poetry, I'm lucky enough to understand and appreciate it. I guess I'll just have to stick to writing analytical essays about 19th century British Classics!“

Thanks! I appreciate the compliment and the feedback... Some of you have asked where is the new stuff (since the linked poetry is at its newest about 2 years old). It's coming, I promise you, but it is in rewrite mode so not yet ready for prime-time.

Meder whose question prompted the post on the international financial aid application process wanted to know my opinion of J.K. Rowling, especially as relates to J.R.R. Tolkien. They are certainly in two different leagues, in my opinion, but I do like both of their work. In a previous post I talked about my love of science fiction and my use of the Science Fiction Society library at MIT; I can just as soon be found reading Lemony Snickett as J.K. Rowling as George R.R. Martin as Isaac Asimov as Robert Jordan. I love it all! But each has its own particular interest for me. I like J.K. Rowling's work for the sense of wonder it builds and creates and for her creation of a world just lurking beneath our own. I find her conception of the wizard world in all of its breathtaking complexity and thoroughness fascinating. In many ways, the thoroughness of her work does compare with that of Tolkien. Hmmm, maybe you are on to something, Meder.

Sean asked “Are there any statistics on the number of accepted students who are financially unable to attend, after their aid is considered. Does such a figure exist? I was just curious(if it even exists).” We do not calculate such a figure, as we do not necessarily have a reason as to why a person chooses to attend another school if they do not come to MIT. What we do know is that we work very hard with each individual family to both make sure that our analysis of their financial circumstance is fair and accurate, and to provide payment options (including parent loans, payment plans, other alternative loans) so that families can find a way to afford their expense.

Jane wanted to know “About the travel cost for US students. How is that calculated? I mean, I have three ways I could get to MIT. I could drive 2-3 days, I could take the train, or I could fly. Which of these options would you use to calculate expenses?” We use a reasonable expectation of two round trip tickets back and forth by airplane, but “reasonable” being the operative word. You will see the travel cost on your financial aid award and you'll see what I mean. It will be enough to get you back and forth, but on Southwest, not on “Trump“ Air.

Now I've got to question an answer that one MIT staff member provided on a feedback page. When I asked for suggestions of topics you might want to hear more about, Kelly said “What you COULD do is talk a little bit about job opportunities, I suppose. Is there a work-study program, and do you have to sign up for it before you sign up for classes, or RIGHT after you get accepted, or what? And do you think a job outside of any school-sanctioned program is a good idea for students at MIT, especially freshman?“ Kelly, more will be coming on student employment in later posts but for a quick overview, we run an open job market on campus. What this means is that any student can apply for any job open in student employment, and there are always plenty of opportunities available (some long term, some for one semester, some for shorter periods of time). Minimum wage for students is $8.25 and some jobs pay much more. Of course, you can always get a UROP (Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program) and choose to take the UROP for pay rather than for credit. We also have opportunities for students to be paid for community service work off-campus (essentially think of this as paid volunteer work) whether this is during the year or at home during the summer, but you will need to be eligible for the community service programs based on your need level. In short, there are plenty of opportunities to work on campus. You'll find one that works for you.

Ben (who is a colleague of mine in the admissions office) proceeded to answer Kelly's question by saying that “For the record, the BEST student jobs on campus are in the admissions office. Just ask any of our interns! :-)“ I might have to respectfully disagree with him. The best jobs on campus for students are in Financial Aid!

So, two posts in one day! Busy today catching up... Keep on reading and commenting, and have a great weekend (and for early applicants, don't get toooooo stressed about the letters heading your way).

--Daniel