first post?

Posted by: george on March 6, 2007

I'm am so excited

Posted by: Stefen on March 6, 2007

for some reason, that made me smile (the thought of getting a "package") :D

hope no one gets a paper cut! :D

Posted by: theresa on March 6, 2007

::sigh:: I have a track meet on the 17th, and I have to make the decision whether to check before or after I compete.

Posted by: Karin on March 6, 2007

my band trip that was going to go until 3 AM Friday the 16th was canceled. I'm bummed because now I'll be up all night like I was December 8th.

Posted by: Elizabeth on March 6, 2007

Great news know that the budget for undergraduate financial aid increased. This shows how MIT wants to give opportunities to all students, regardless their economic circumstances.
Congratulations!

Posted by: Susan Virgem on March 6, 2007

If I get accepted, and via such a wonderful education find myself exceedingly wealthy, I'm donating to the financial aid fund like crazy. Great schools shouldn't be held for rich. Thank you, MIT!

Posted by: Dan Herbert on March 6, 2007

It is sad that such a great school like MIT will increase their cost to get more money, but then for good PR they will also increase the financial aid, so they can say that they "are ensuring that an MIT undergraduate education is affordable to all of our admitted students, without regard to their economic circumstances," But what about the people that technically are higher income like me but live in a much more expensive area (the East San Francisco Bay Area suburbs) than places like South Dakota and the south.

A Monopoly using Price Discrimination at its best!!!
Sorry, your PR stunt didn't work on me.

But heck, when you are the best school in the world you can do what ever you want because people like me will still go no matter what.

Posted by: Scott on March 6, 2007

This is really great to hear that MIT strives to make their education affordable to everyone who is admitted. I come from a middle class family, and just by looking at the financial aid page of the MIT website I can say that the amount a student has to pay for MIT is actually less than many state schools that I have applied to. So, thank you MIT!

Posted by: Anthony Vila on March 6, 2007

Scott: I must say that I agree with you. MIT has these awful ideas that say, "help the poor, screw the rich" or "help the minority, screw the majority".

My income is $17,000/year (under the poverty line), and even I find this really unfair.

I have a friend who was born into a rich family but really doesn't want to put up with the costs of MIT. Why? This person knows that his parents will basically use the fact that they payed for his education later when they want something out of him; basically, blackmail with a twist. He doesn't want this, so he's going to a public school instead.

Actually, I know a lot of people like this, and I feel sorry for them because even though they got into MIT, they won't be able to go because MIT keeps pulling this kind of bullshit. I absolutely hate this attitude. It's pure discrimination.

Posted by: Jonathan on March 6, 2007

$34,986? Come on, tack on another 14 dollars! You guys kinda remind me of a gas station in that sense: 2.519 dollars per gallon, just add the tenth of a cent, lol. No offense, I kinda enjoy the humor, I'll go fritter away my fourteen dollars on something amazingly cool, like my $15 dollar parking ticket I got for parking in a visitor's spot at school.

Glad to hear, also, that financial aid went up! The more people who decide to go to MIT due to generous financial aid the better, nobody should have to turn down MIT because of lack of funding. w00t Barkowitz!

Posted by: Snively on March 6, 2007

Jonathan and Scott should apply somewhere other than MIT. Look, if you're unhappy with the premier technical institute in the world charging a lot to provide a stellar education, don't pay for it, go somewhere else. The way I see it, MIT can charge whatever they feel like, their goal is not to impress you. Their goal is to earn money to continue to fund their amazing school. That being said, they're being very nice by providing financial aid to anybody who applies for it, they don't have to!

If you want a cheaper education, don't apply to the best school in the world, honestly. Oh, and definitely don't complain about it using your first names on blog comments the week before admissions decisions, that's a no no

Posted by: Snively on March 6, 2007

I hate how they ticket you for parking in the wrong place at school. Where else are you supposed to park? =P

Posted by: Karin on March 6, 2007

To the people who are complaining about the tuition. It's called inflation doooods.

Posted by: dale on March 6, 2007

<3 I love that MIT is offering such great financial opportunities ^^ Honestly if I could (possibly) get in and didn't have financial aid I would still get a student loan (which would mean paying it off for like, the rest of my life, but going to MIT is worth it). That's not to say I wouldn't appreciate some good ol' financial aid though!

Posted by: Rebecca on March 6, 2007

Oops sorry about the blank post before *glares at computer*

Oops sorry about the blank post before *glares at computer*

<3 I love that MIT is offering such great financial opportunities ^^ Honestly if I could ever possibly get in and didn't have financial aid I would still get a student loan (which would mean paying it off for like, the rest of my life, but going to MIT is worth it). That's not to say I wouldn't appreciate some good ol' financial aid though!

Posted by: Rebecca on March 6, 2007

I think everybody needs to relax. If you assume that the increase was 4.1% exactly, the difference comes out to be about $1378. I'm pretty sure that if you already don't qualify for financial aid, the extra thousand dollars isn't going to break the bank. I don't qualify for financial aid either, but I think it's great that MIT is making it easier for people who don't have as much financial flexibility to afford a great education. Give the griping a rest.

@Jonathan: It seems to me that your friend's problems have more to do with his parents being awful than MIT's tuition. But that's just me.

@Snively: I admire the conspiracy theory, but I'm pretty sure that even if MIT cared, there's enough guys named Scott or Jonathan to make it non-useful. Email addresses, now, that might work...

Posted by: Meara on March 6, 2007

Matt

This is wonderful news. It makes me like MIT more.
But it's also increasing a chance of me getting a heart attack in case I get rejected.
By the way at what stage are the applications that have made it thus far? Have they reached the dean?

Posted by: Thuita Maina on March 7, 2007

Yes, i think many colleges are increasing tuition about 4-5 percent.

I don't remember....does MIT have the policy of entering tuition= graduating tuition (constant tuition all 4 years)


hmmm...I was wondering, if the financial aid tracking system says forms have not been received [FAFSA for ex] but they were sent many weeks ago and known to be received by other universities, does it correlate with an admission decision of a rejection?

Also, would someone happen to know if both the CSS-Profile and the FAFSA are required to be received before the financial aid office would bother to update that status?

Posted by: NoOneInParticular on March 7, 2007

I personally appreciate this news very much because I come from a low income family. It's great news that MIT is making my education affordable. Now, Johnathan and Scott, don't you think it'd be discrimination if MIT becomes exclusively rich kids? I mean, poor kids need to have a chance to get an education too. This is the land of opportunities, where the poor can rise up in society. If colleges don't provide financial aid on a needbased basis then they're discriminating against the poor. They (the poor) shall never be able to rise in society nowaday because they wouldn't even be able to afford a state school education. Also, think about it, the cost is all relative to everyone's income. I mean, if your parents make a lot of money, the cost of MIT is proportional to their salaries and you'll probably still be able to live comfortably. Whereas for poor families like mine, after finaid, the cost is also proportional to my parent's salaries, but they'll have to live in a little less comfort than those who make a lot money (assuming that the student does not do any work to supplement his/her education and everything is based on parents contributions). So i think it all evens out in the end.

Posted by: KB on March 7, 2007

By the way Johnathan, if you find it so unfair, don't accept the finaid from MIT. Rebel for a cause, wouldn't that be great?

Posted by: KB on March 7, 2007

KB: I don't think you understand my argument. I think providing and increasing financial aid is great, and I'm in great support for that program.

My problem is with increasing the tuition for the rest of the more wealthier applicants. The tuition costs yearly for someone who doesn't receive financial aid is monstrous and increasing this amount doesn't help anyone but MIT... but it hurts many others.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not a Republican, and in no way do I support the rich getting richer... but I think this is a form of discrimination against them and I think it needs to stop. The tuition is high enough -- why don't they just leave it at that. And I'd hardly say that it's inflation... 4.1% is just too much to say that all of it's inflation.

What many don't understand is that the rich aren't that rich... hehe. I know a girl who wanted to go to UChicago but didn't get any financial aid even though her parents made only about $120,000 a year. At $50,000/year, after taxes and everything, this is really hard to keep up... I kind of feel sorry for her, as she wasn't able to go.

Posted by: Jonathan on March 7, 2007

Perhaps $50,000/year isn't very much for people who make stuff like $500,000/year, but I doubt many MIT applicants really make that much money. A surprising amount of people get screwed over just because of money.

And whoever mentioned that I should be worried about having my name posted here, MIT should know the IP address I'm posting this from and should therefore be able to track down who I am. Banning me from being admitted just because I disagree with a policy would be rather unfair, though, now wouldn't it be? I'm just standing up for the minority after all, as I think some of the things that are happening are unfair.

Posted by: Jonathan on March 7, 2007

"appling for financial aid"

"appling"

Maybe my English is horrible, but is that a spelling error p_0....

Posted by: james on March 7, 2007

i kind of see what jonathan means. i go to a private school now and both my bro and sis go to private school as well. whenver i apply for any need based financial aid, i usually don't qualify because my parents makes too much money. however, it is not like we are super rich and adding the cost of tuition for my bro/sis doesn't make things easier. i guess the ones who are really kind of getting the shaft are the middle class people (correct me if i'm wrong).

so yeah, its unfortunate that tuition rose, but with increased financial aid as well, i don't think it's anything to gripe about.

fingers crossed for d-day! t-minus 10 days and counting! good luck everyone!

Posted by: Josh V on March 7, 2007

Increasing finaid so that people from third world countries like me can benefit is great.

Posted by: Solomon on March 7, 2007

Hate to sidetrack the topic, but a friend of mine just got an answer from Priceton. He's a nice guy, and his grades are good, and I really do feel happy for him, but hell, when I said that I hoped I got into MIT, his answer was, well if you filled the reccomendations yourself, you'd have a better chance. Now, I've been brought up as a good kid (Unfortuantley, I know feel!). I don't cheat in tests and I refused to fill out the forms myself even though my teachers told me that they wouldn't mind it.
It seems to mean that the eleventh commandment is true, "Thou must not get caught." Anything else will do.

Posted by: Sarab on March 7, 2007

I created a group on facebook for MIT 07 applicants. its name is "MIT 07 Applicants".
go take a look at it.
Join it. it'll be fun
here:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2250308853

Posted by: Amjad on March 7, 2007

Sarab,

I know how you feel when it comes to honesty. Honesty is the best policy by which to live. Although your friend was accepted into Princeton, and although he/she may never be "caught", it will catch up to that person in the long run. Honesty will always pay off. Just give it time =). Good luck to you with admissions as we all anxiously wait!!!

Posted by: Tara on March 7, 2007

when is mit admit weekend?

Posted by: 0 on March 7, 2007

or when is mit prefrosh weekend?

Posted by: 0 on March 7, 2007

whats that stuff

Posted by: 0 on March 7, 2007

Thanks, Tara, will continue wallowing in self pity for the night and will wake up in the morning like nothing's happened.

Posted by: Sarab on March 7, 2007

Oh yeah and good luck to you too. Note to self; Remember manners!

Posted by: Sarab on March 7, 2007

Hey, my Fin. aid tracking page got crazy!!!:( It was indicating last 3 weeks that my International Aid Application form has been received,BUT now I see there written the opposite thing:(.
What should I do?
Am I supposed to send it again?

Posted by: Tiks on March 7, 2007

I can definitely empathize with Jonathan. Tuition is going up 4%, but my parents' income is only going up 2%. Moreover, as smack-in-the-middle members of the middle class, who have tried to save a bit for college, it doesn't look as though I'll get any financial aid. That leaves me with not particularly attractive options: opt for my first choice (MIT) and wipe out my parents savings, or accept offer of merit aid at a less desirable institution. The rich are always OK, and the "poor" are going to be looked after... but the middle class... well, yep, they get....

Posted by: anon on March 7, 2007

I think there is problem with fin. aid database. Last night it was showing my fin. aid application as recieved, now, it is showing is has "not received"?????????????/

Posted by: Anonymous on March 7, 2007

Hey! I've got the SAME problem with my fin aid application..! Yesterday it indicated "received", today it shows "not received"! What am I supposed to believe?

Posted by: Ifigeneia Derekli on March 7, 2007

As a middle-class parent, I have to admit that we're feeling the pinch. I do think it's wonderful that MIT provides assistance to students whose families absolutely could not afford it. But to be frank, to afford what will probably become a $200,000 education for our first child and to still afford a college education for our younger child, we'll have to dig into retirement savings. What makes it tough is receiving endless letters from U.C. Berkeley's school of engineering, UCLA, etc., offering numerous merit scholarships. I wish MIT would at least honor her National Merit scholarship, but coming to MIT will mean letting even that go. It's a tough decision.

Posted by: Parent of EA on March 7, 2007

Guys, I think Fin. aid office has lost all the documents:-p!

Posted by: Tiks on March 7, 2007

Hey Matt. I checked MyMIT and found my Financial Aid Application form missing!! It must be lost IN the office since I mailed it with other materials which they had received...I have no idea if it is too late to send the form again. FAX or Express? I have tried to email to the FA office twice this week but no reply at all!

Posted by: Jack on March 7, 2007

Hey Matt. I checked MyMIT and found my Financial Aid Application form missing!! It must be lost IN the office since I mailed it with other materials which they had received...I have no idea if it is too late to send the form again. FAX or Express? I have tried to email to the FA office twice this week but no reply at all!

Posted by: Jack on March 7, 2007

That must be the explanation. What are we supposed to do? Fax or mail the form again? OMG...crazy things...

Posted by: Jack on March 7, 2007

Hey guys! The finaid office replied to my email and they told me:

"There is a glitch with the MyMIT portal today - a fix is being worked on. We do have all of your financial aid materials."

So, MOST PROBABLY they haven't lost your applications! (however do try to email them and make sure they have not lost anything)

Posted by: Ifigeneia Derekli on March 7, 2007

According to the FASFA, we're rich! Our daughter loves MIT and really wants to attend. If she gets in, I don't know how we can afford it.

Posted by: Mom on March 7, 2007

hey, what's going on with fin aid page , it says nothing is recieved although they had showed that they recieved my app. about 2 weeks ago.
can anyone tell me that it means the admission is rejected

Posted by: 0 on March 7, 2007

omg....my fin.aid tracking pg shows the same thing....international fin aid form n tax return not recvd....well....like Ifigeneia Derekli said...hope it isn't gone....
funny kinda prob though...!!!!
1st the application tracking page goes...n now this...hey MIT..!!!--i can only handle this many heart attacks...now please don't reject me tooooo!!!!!!!

Posted by: hmmm...in or out? on March 7, 2007

Reading all those blogs about financial aid missing documents made me log in and out of my mit to check my financial aid several times. But I didn't have such a problem as being said above.

Maybe the 'glitch' in the system is now fixed. So I'd ask you'll to check it once again. Besides, if it showed yesterday that MIT has your documents, you needn't worry as those hard-working, caring individuals in the fin aid office wouldn't lose it and they have answered Derekli that they have all of your documents.

Good Luck!

Posted by: AK on March 7, 2007

hey guys please join the 'MIT 07 Applicants' grp on facebook

Posted by: 0 on March 7, 2007

Who is this awesome amazing adorable admirable person
i mean you... anonymous
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2250308853

Posted by: Amjad on March 7, 2007

yeah guys join us

Posted by: Amjad on March 7, 2007

thats me

Posted by: bhushan on March 7, 2007

lol

Posted by: Amjad on March 7, 2007

The increase, as usual, will impact those of us in the middle the most. We are able to find or borrow the money for our child to attend. We most certainly cannot afford to pay $49,000. Loans, loans, loans. Now that we are in we have little choice. Please don't spout the financial aid increase, the very small amount we receive is no help at all.

Posted by: class of '10 dad on March 7, 2007

I agree with middle class people!
But instead of complaining, we could be looking for
other money ressources! Maybe other foundations, ...
D'you know any?

Posted by: Monika on March 7, 2007

With all due respect, I think this tuition increase is a lot less of a big deal than everybody seems to think. Tuition's only going up $1378. If you compensate for inflation (2.1%), it's only going up by $672. Compared to the rest of the money you're already paying to go to MIT, that's pocket change.

If paying for MIT wasn't going to be an issue with last year's tuition, I doubt it will be an issue with this year's tuition.

Posted by: Meara on March 7, 2007

Yeah, I gotta say, being "middle class" sorta sucks when it comes to financial aid. We're "too rich" to be awarded much aid, but we definitely can't afford tuition. I have an older sister who's in college now and she didn't get much aid. What's more, her school's $50,000/year! It's crazy, and with me being in college (whichever one that may be) next year, it's not going to be easy.

Posted by: 0 on March 7, 2007

To Meara,
For those of us in position of deciding whether to pay for a child to attend MIT, the tuition increase does make a difference. To our surprise, virtually every other university to which our daughter has applied has contacted her to offer merit scholarships. This isn't a choice between MIT and inferior schools -- this is a choice between MIT, CalTech, Berkeley, etc. The cost difference between Berkeley and MIT is enormous, for instance. She could graduate from UC Berkeley's School of Engineering with zero debt. As a family with a younger brother in the pipeline, we definitely have to weigh the finances, unfortunately.

Posted by: Parent of an EA on March 7, 2007

Wasn't there some school in Pennsylvania that raised its tuition and got more applicants?

Posted by: Matt on March 7, 2007

To Matt,
Yes, Ursinus College, a small liberal-arts college in Pennsylvania, raised its tuition and attracted more students. However, that headline is deceptive (this was in a New York Times article, and if you simply Google "Ursinus tuition raise more applicants", you'll find it). In addition to raising its tuition, Ursinus increased its student aid 20%. This included both need-based and merit aid.

Posted by: EA Parent on March 7, 2007

Good news is that i don't go on my band trip to Japan until AFTER the MIT decision deadline....If i was out of the country on the 17th I don't know what I'd do with myself!!

Posted by: Alyssa on March 7, 2007

I'm gonna be in Disney world next week for my senior class trip, won't be back till after midnight on technically the 18th. I get to come home to a decision.

Posted by: Kenechi on March 7, 2007

To Parent of an EA:

Your daughter's been accepted to MIT and offered merit-money at Berkeley and CalTech. Excuse me if I don't feel too sorry for you.

And for purposes of clarification, I never said that MIT's tuition is cheap. It's just not any significant amount more expensive this year than it was last year. If MIT's tuition this year doesn't compare favorably with the other offers your daughter has received, last year's tuition wouldn't have either.

Posted by: Meara on March 7, 2007

Hello all,

Let's turn down the temperature a little bit. I'm sorry to have started a discussion that has gotten a little contentious.

As a student who came to MIT from a middle class background, I sympathize with many of you. I am, indeed, still paying back loans (through my 10 year reunion), though I see it as a small sacrifice for what I have received in return. Also, I do make annual gifts to MIT's financial aid fund, so that others may have the same opportunities I've been given.

I don't know if the American model of education costs is best, with parents shouldering a large burden for their children. But within this system, I am definitely committed to MIT's principles of need based aid, and meeting (by some definition) every family's full financial need. And I know from my experiences at MIT as a student and as an administrator that the vast majority of families genuinely are able to make it work; and for those for whom it doesn't work, they find many other wonderful options.

Meanwhile, I need to get back to reviewing applications. Decisions are coming soon!

-- Matt

Posted by: madmatt on March 7, 2007

I think the reason that this debate has become somewhat heated is because middle class people are beginning to question the assumption – made by somewhat sanctimonious commentators such as Meara, as well as by MIT itself -- that financial aid decisions are “fair.” For those families whose children are sufficiently fortunate to receive generous financial aid packages, or for those families who are definitely “wealthy,” the financial impact of funding an MIT education is relatively minimal. There are either no savings to be obliterated or there are enough to cushion 4 years of Cambridge life. But for many middle class families, the prospect of sending a child to MIT involves an enormous financial hit. My family’s savings will be wiped out. Wiped out – and perhaps my parents may even have to re-mortgage their (modest) home. Will any other class experience a similar “loss?” Errr… after reading the examples provided by the financial aid office, I think not. Of course, this is not just a phenomenon particular to MIT, but it does seem as though, increasingly, institutions such as MIT will just become the preserve of a rather large majority of significantly needy students coupled with a thin veneer of very wealthy ones. And that would be unfortunate – especially considering all the cant about “diversity.”
My suggestion: a more equitable distribution of funds to ensure that no one family has its savings (not including pensions) completely ravaged to finance an education. Universities may take a lot, but do they really have to take “everything?”

Posted by: anon on March 7, 2007

Ahh, decisions come out the day after my birthday. A nice birthday present will be an acceptance letter .

Posted by: Shawn on March 7, 2007

to anon: I'm definitely in the same boat as you - except my parents have (practically) nothing to begin with.. -I mean we're not poor enough to get pell grants or anything (technically I guess we're lower-middle class).. I just got my first aid package, and it really didn't give me all that much (my FAFSA report doesn't help much, either)- but basically my outlooks is that I definitely need to do some serious scholarship hunting...

Posted by: theresa on March 7, 2007

I was in everyone's spot two years ago. My son was an EA for the class of 09. I just finished my third round of FAFSA, CSS Profile and IDOC. The $ numbers are extremely painful. However, the people at MIT Financial Aid are the greatest. Really. When an Award Statement is received you swallow hard and then work on what is the best situation you can place yourself. My son is thriving. We chose not to make the money be the deciding factor. In addition to their aid, MIT provided my son with a well paying UROP this past summer. He also has secured outside scholarships. My husband and I make just over $40,000 (combined). MIT believed in our son and we believe in MIT. We went with our hearts and have no regrets. MIT is awesome.

Posted by: intleyes on March 7, 2007

Happy Birth Day SHAWN !!!

Posted by: The madman who makes people fly aka Captain SS Wan on March 7, 2007

Theresa, I wish you the best. And also best of luck to Meara and others still awaiting the RA decision. The point of my earlier post about merit-based offers from other places was simply this: We've been surprised to find that some institutions that claim not to offer merit aid do in fact offer it. I think this shift is occuring because some schools understand that middle-class families may need some help. MIT's endowment was up 23% last year. It's simply disappointing to hear that tuition is again rising in excess of inflation. Our daughter really, really wants to go to MIT. Ultimately, it will be her decision. She can go to Berkeley, graduate debt-free, and still have some funds for graduate school, or she can hunt for scholarships, work her way through MIT, and have no funds to support subsequent study. This will be a tough choice, but Meara is right -- no one needs to feel sorry for anyone facing a choice like this.

Posted by: EA Parent on March 7, 2007

Hi whats happening? My MIT financial aid tracking used to say "your application is complete at this time"

Now it says

The following documents have not been received in any form and are still required:

Required for Packaging

* Parent's 2005 Foreign Income Tax Return


What does it mean!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Is that document lost?

Posted by: The madman who makes people fly aka Captain SS Wan on March 7, 2007

OR does that mean even worse. MIT is seeking an excuse to ditch me ----- Like uncompleted formalities.... Resulting in a clean kick outta the institute? ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

Posted by: The madman who makes people fly aka Captain SS Wan on March 7, 2007

Thanks for the nice thoughts, EA Parent. I wish your daughter good luck :D.

Posted by: theresa on March 7, 2007

My disappointment was in the fact that they raised the cost of tuition and finical aid. What they should have done to be fair the the middle class is not to raise the tuition just so they can say that they have more money for financial aid.

I agree with EA Parent, class of '10 dad, anon, and Jonathan; financial aid just basically sucks for the middle class because it doesn't help enough to matter.

With the schools endowment increasing by 23% the school should be providing Merit Based Scholarship instead of more needs based financial aid. Merit based scholarship are great because they allow worthy people the opportunity to attend without wiping out their parents retirement.

This is a larger issue that does not pertain to just education it is just the arguments that happen all the time about taxes. The higher income pay for the lower income. I hate to say that i am a Economic conservative (Notice I said ECONOMIC conservative, i happen to take the liberal point of view when it comes to social issues) and that i feel that my parents worked very hard to earn should not have to be spent to off set the cost of lower income students.

Posted by: Scott on March 7, 2007

Accept me! I'm a middle class kid. I'll take the loans if I get to go to MIT!

Posted by: 0 on March 7, 2007

Scott, I don't think your tuition is used to pay for the poor's tuition. The money MIT is using for their finaid comes from funds raised by MIT and donations from alumni. Poor people work hard too. With all due respect, I do understand that you just don't think it's fair to pay for others, but I think you're looking at it from the wrong angle. You're not paying for anyone if you're paying full tuition for MIT. In a way, the poor kids are paying in full too, but they just happen to receive money from nice people like the MIT alumni and other donors. By the way, MIT doesn't always cover everything. People like me have to put in a conscious effort to supplement our education even though we receive finaid. I work, I search for scholarships and grants, write numerous essays, and I'm planning on taking out loans if MIT does not meet my needs. I don't depend on my parents to pay for my education. they have their own lives to take care of. we're becoming adults, its about time we take our futures into our own hands and bear part of the burden to ease it off their shoulders. take out a few loans to cover parts of the cost so that it becomes affordable for them. I feel that your education is your responsibility because the person that it benefits in the long run is you. If you can't afford it, you need to work for it. So I am working for it. I know that my parents cannot afford it, so I am taking the FULL burden on myself. To be honest, I am willing to take out loans to pay for MIT in full in exchange for an its education because I value it that much.

Posted by: 0 on March 7, 2007

I checked the portal. the form's still missing...and no replies form the Office...

Posted by: Jack on March 8, 2007

hey jack
its same with me

Posted by: bhushan on March 8, 2007

when marilee jones came to seattle for the mit info night, she talked a little about financial aid. she said that the thing with implementing merit based scholarships at MIT is that so many people would qualify for it that mit would go broke. if you think about it, it's true--there are so many talented applicants that everyone would probably qualify for some form of merit based aid. this is not to say, however, that it might not work if mit significantly raised the criteria of a merit based system to a more competitive level....

i don't know. i guess i just see it as whatever socioeconomic background one may come from, inevitably going to college is going to affect the wallets of everyone--just some more than others. and you know, that's life. life is not fair, so one just has to make the best out of his/her situation (whether it be by trying to work with the system or by trying to change it).

T minus 9 days and counting... {=[ (i'm hella anxious/nervous! ahhhhhhh!)

Posted by: Josh V on March 8, 2007

read this it will give u relief

From Where You Are Now To Where You've Always Been


in a temple at Delphi, in Greece, spiritual seekers meditate before a stone tablet with the words "Know Thyself"inscribed on it.

This message was given by Socrates to seekers of truth more than 2,000 years ago. The same message has been given in different words in different cultures by philosophers like Adi Shankara, Ramana Maharshi, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Rajchandra: Ask yourself, "Who am I?". Others have said: "Know the knower".

Who is this person we are told we have to know — or, what is the significance of the message, Know Thyself? The answer is that the person who you have to know, is the true you, the one who is the observer of your thoughts, your body and the world around you.

Bliss can only be experienced when you become yourself and that is all you need to aspire for despite all your weaknesses and deficiencies.

The journey begins from the place where you are to the place where you have always been. You have to experience your presence and know that you are the master of your mind, senses and body. In Gurdjieff's words, "Life is real, only then, when I am".

Ultimately, the mind has to merge into its source, which is pure consciousness.How do you start this journey from the gross to the subtle? The first step would be to accept your present state of being.

With the help of wishful thinking, every person has created an image of himself. The role of ego would have to be understood in creating this self-image. Most of us live in a world of self-deception and wear a mask. This mask will have to be thrown off.

You become the observer of the mind and negative thoughts like anger, jealousy, sadness and greed. The stimulus may be external but the reaction is from within you.

There is some space between the stimulus and your reaction and you have control over this space. This control is your freedom of choice to avoid negative thoughts.
Let not the mind dictate your actions because the mind is a good servant but a bad master. The quieting of mind by avoiding negative thoughts will result in biochemical processes which manifest as the well-being of your body.

The soul is made of love and when you return to love, it becomes the mother of divine qualities like compassion, kindness, selfless and tenderness.

Once you begin to separate from your false identities like your body, thoughts, desires and external happenings, you realise that bliss is the result of the suspension of mental activities.

Anxiety results from desires and expectations. Awareness has to be created so that the mind does not slip back to its old habits. With this awareness your journey on the spiritual path gains greater momentum.

If the mind remains tied up in knots of negative thoughts, there will be no progress.What would be needed to remain steadfast in abiding calm and undisturbed bliss?

The answer can be found in the practice of meditation. Meditation should not be a time-bound action but a permanent state of total awareness and being.

Absolute tranquillity is in the present moment. There is no limit to this moment and there are no time divisions. In this state, the past, present and future have contracted themselves into a single moment. In the words of the Mother: "To know is good; to live is better and to be that is perfection".

Posted by: bhushan on March 8, 2007

I'm in the same boat as the Anonymous poster four comments above me. Middle class, EFC just over the cost of attendance, the works.

I applied to another school in Boston for a hefty full-ride scholarship complete with grant money to conduct research as an undergrad. While the chances of me getting the scholarship aren't much higher than my chances of getting into my top choice school(s), my parents have made it clear that turning down that full ride, should I receive it, would be a major sticking point.

This worried me. Like a significant portion of us, MIT has been my absolute *dream* since childhood. Living 30 minutes from the hub for most of my life only compounds that. I can't say enough how enamored I am with the school and how much I've instilled the same thoughts in my parents. Naturally it was a shocker to hear that even if I got into my first choice, they'd rather me take the full ride at the lesser school. This really, really worried me. Did my parents not understand how this has been my single goal for the past N years?

I thought about this for a little bit and arrived at the same conclusion: I'm going where I want to go the most, and if it means I have to work my butt off to do so, then I will. It's ultimately my decision to make, and if I want to be working 30-40hrs during all my breaks and summers, then I plan on doing it.

Glad to hear there are others that feel this way.

Posted by: kevinfromMA on March 8, 2007

To anon:

I actually agree with you. I'm sorry if I came off a bit strong; sometimes I tend to lobby a little too hard for my point and the shading gets lost. Apparently my language is a bit more sweeping than I had realized; I'll try to be more circumspect in the future.

Here's to hoping that everyone here is accepted to and can afford to attend the school of their choice!

Posted by: Meara on March 8, 2007

I'd request people over here to use English only, so that all of us can understand what's discussed.

Posted by: 0 on March 8, 2007

Any idea what is going on in the Admissions office these days? I mean, is the international committee on?

Posted by: 0 on March 8, 2007

Sorry to high jack your post guys. But can you please help.

Any idea what are other good schools, in and around Boston Area to consider. I am looking for Mecahnical Engineering. How about Northeastern? Any comments?

Posted by: 0 on March 8, 2007

Senor Matt ...

My MIT financial aid tracking used to say "your application is complete at this time"

Now it says

The following documents have not been received in any form and are still required:

Required for Packaging

* Parent's 2005 Foreign Income Tax Return


What does it mean!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Is that document lost?

OR does that mean even worse. MIT is seeking an excuse to ditch me ----- Like uncompleted formalities.... Resulting in a clean kick outta the institute? ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????









Por favor respondar pronto.
Please please help us by responding..

Posted by: The madman who makes people fly aka Captain SS Wan on March 8, 2007

Being a seasoned reject, I know how painful it would be for most of you who post here. Please understand that desire causes anger and sorrow. Spend less time on these blogs and more on your coursework.

Posted by: Seasoned Applicant Vineet on March 8, 2007

This is quite a time - admissions decisions, national ranks, etc . I find it exciting and frightening at the same time. Exciting because I'm finally getting answers after months of wondering, frightening because sometimes the response isn't the one I wanted to hear.

Posted by: Guyomar on March 8, 2007

i apolozise for that Abhis(abhiseks) stuff

Posted by: bhushan on March 8, 2007

Namastae Matt
How many international applicants will MIT admit
this year?

Posted by: Mr. am I Tea?= MIT on March 8, 2007

Merea and Anon.:
I admire your decision, but its a very personal one and at high risk.
My father returned from UCLA yesterday, and he told me he had seen different examples there:
An international student who graduates this year an
with his first years salar he can easily pay back the money.
Another girl he talked to got ill, so she can't work and can't pay back her loan.

I wish you, that your risk is worth to be taken.

Posted by: Monika on March 8, 2007

MIT told me they really lost my ISFAA form... how come???

Posted by: Jack on March 8, 2007

Hick... there were 106 responses. now 94 (NCM)

Posted by: The madman who makes people fly aka Captain SS Wan on March 8, 2007

Hi

CAn some one tell me where can I track my details of financial aid from?

Posted by: Anurag on March 8, 2007

Yeah, the number of posts decreased...

censorship FTW

Posted by: 0 on March 8, 2007

wats FTW

Posted by: 0 on March 8, 2007

For the Win -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/For_the_win

Posted by: kevin on March 8, 2007

It seems like financial aid is pretty important these days. Maybe thats sad since education is a human right and should be free regardless!

Then again, 100 million children never get the chance to attend primary school, much less a university. So maybe its not really worthwhile to have any debates about the merits of MIT's new program.

I think we should let is suffice to say its good that maybe some more people will be able to afford to go, and that many people will have more money to spend or invest, but that the policy isn't perfect, so people have legitimate concerns.

Posted by: Steve on March 8, 2007

On a bright side, for the first time in my life I'm glad my mom isn't making more than she is right now (despite constant complaints from her) because I think given our circumstances I can get a pretty good amount of financial aid.

On the other hand, Even if I cannot, I'm willing to get a loan because MIT is definitely worth it.

That is, of course, given I am accepted (still a junior this year ^.~)

Posted by: Rebecca on March 8, 2007

I have to agree with Rebecca, above. Yes, MIT costs. But my parents, who don't make an enormous amount of money, are cutting back on everything so my sister and I can go to college in addition to hoping for a good financial aid package. Also, they already know that I will be taking out loans of my own (please God MIT accepts me). MIT is definitely worth the cost; the value of the knowledge acquired there and the sense of capable curiosity expressed is worth far, far more.

Ifigeneia Derekli! Wow! Good luck; I really, really hope you get in, even if I don't.

Posted by: Susan Shepherd on March 8, 2007

decisions.mit.edu is up again.guys go confirm your ability to receive decisions online. I am eager to know my stand. Yes I said eager. If I make it, it would be one of the happiest days in my life.

Posted by: Solomon on March 8, 2007

the site is online...

Posted by: Basant on March 8, 2007

If I get into MIT great! Else I will go for auditions to Indian Idol, on 18th or 19th in Delhi

Posted by: Anonymous on March 9, 2007

If I get into MIT great! Else I will go for auditions to Indian Idol, on 18th or 19th in Delhi

Posted by: Mr. Happy go Lucky : P on March 9, 2007

Thank god they increased the aid. I was worried that even if I was accepted, I wouldnt be able to meet up with the education cost. But it is also a bit sad they increased the fees. Still, inflation had to play its part.
By the way, Anurag, are u indian?

Posted by: Ishan on March 9, 2007

well, sometimes its a little funny to read these blogs as an international student. im from germany, and in germany, at least my state, it is forbidden by law to charge money for education, which basically means you get away with nothing. then some states, including the one i live in, now try to charge 500€/semester and everyone in germany started to scream!! were even charging our government because our basic law states that its forbidden!! what a huge difference! it seems totally ridiculous to be angry about something like that while american universities charge more than 30,000 a year!! but do they really need that money? i mean, our universities are ok as they are, so what do american universities do with all that additional money? do they spend it for fin aid, or what? id really like to know that

Posted by: german applicant on March 9, 2007

After reading all these blogs & replies to them I wonder what is more important seeing ur child get into his dream college or worring how to finance it.Well I guess both are important but to me I first hope he gets into his dream institute MIT in the first go as somehow all through his years in school he has struggled very hard to get whatever he has acheived & the journey has not been easy. I hope now having come this far when decisions are about a week to go the palpitations,the jitters,the hardwork,the running around for formalities pay off & we get a green signal----as it would then definitely be worth getting into the premiur institute of the world,once that is acheived then think of the financial aspect as by now I think we all know how much we can afford for our children education & I am sure MIT will surely help out with the rest.All the best to all applicants

Posted by: Parent of RA on March 9, 2007

YES Ishan I am

Posted by: 0 on March 9, 2007

hey...ishan...madman...anurag..me indian 2!!!!'yelloo!!!!come on to the chat site na...
here's the link...


http://www.whitehatdesign.com/chat/

Posted by: Arwen on March 9, 2007

Just more than a week left.

Best of Luck All Applicants!!

Posted by: AK on March 9, 2007

Hey, Susan Shepherd! What a great surprise! I knew you were applying but, still, it was a surprise..! Really, I wish you best of luck!! I hope we both get in, it would be great seeing each other again at college!

And, of course, good luck to everyone!!

Posted by: Ifigeneia Derekli on March 9, 2007

Why is it such a shock that parents are expected to pay for their children's education? They have had 18 years to save. Don't tell me you couldn't. I bet you had cable, cell phones, and all sorts of unnecessary items. If schools didn't offer financial aid, they wouldn't have to charge so much. Why should I pay extra, because some couldn't bother to save?

Posted by: 0 on March 9, 2007

To "german applicant"

Here, in the United States, the government doesn't control most of the industries. It regulates, but doesn't operate. Therefore, education costs. We have a very capitalistic society and economy, so money drives everything. They spend the money on the buildings, the tools, to pay the professors, etc.
It is annoying that American schools cost so much, but sometimes, like MIT, it can be worth it.

Posted by: Anon on March 9, 2007

Last time I checked, Anon to "German Applicant," half of Germany never took up Marx and the half that did gave it up.

Since when did the Germans seize the means of production?

Posted by: 0 on March 9, 2007

We make $500,000 dollars a year and $50,000 is still a large amount!!! My parents are nagging me to search for scholarships

Posted by: anonymous on March 9, 2007

Hey, Matt, I was wondering if you could help me out with this. I got a letter from Marilee Jones, the Dean of Admissions, through the mail. There was a code on the bottom of the letter that I need to use to join MIT's mailing list. I went to the website to sign up, but when I typed in my code and birthday, I got an error message telling me to check my code.

Hope you or someone else from admissions can get back to me, thanks!

Posted by: Qichen on March 9, 2007

I know that Germany isn't Marxist. America just is extremely capitalistic and money driven. I guess the government here in America just doesn't have the funding for free university-level education. Plus, MIT is a private insitution, which cuts government funding to the institute.

Posted by: Anon on March 9, 2007

hey yaca what is that r u gon made or what

Posted by: 0 on March 10, 2007

hay sarab--
i dont think the regular princeton decisions are out yet.how come your friend got into princeton?

Posted by: 0 on March 10, 2007

It's disgusting. Outsiders are spamming this place.

Posted by: 0 on March 10, 2007

Hi Matt

Regarding Indian applicants, do you even look at applications without any international/national awards etc.?? Are the essays of each Indian applicant read?? Can a student be admitted purely on his passion??

Thanks

Posted by: MAD-AS-MATT on March 10, 2007

me wonderin that 2...i think it all boils down to "the match between you and MIT...:...ain't it so matt???;)

Posted by: Arwen on March 10, 2007

i was wonderin about that 2...i think it all boils down to "the match between you and MIT...:...ain't it so matt???;)

Posted by: Arwen on March 10, 2007

sorry about the double post...was correcting my grammar...not hat its particularly spotless now...

Posted by: Arwen on March 10, 2007

Matt!!!!!...admit meeeeeeeeeeeee ...plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz....plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz....plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...plzzzzzzzzzz...i'll do watever...i'll pay...but plzzzzzzzzz take me!!!!!
hell...decisions' a week away...i'm not sure i'll have the guts to check!!!!!mightas well use this as an outlet for my anxiety....:)
...in the meantime....any other indians going for the Iron Maiden concert???....imagine checking desicions right after that!!!...something like an all-time high to an all-time low if i find out i'm rejected at that time........
sorry,Matt, about the useless long posts...but some 10 odd years bk...u went thru this..

Posted by: Arwen on March 10, 2007

ummm..everytime i think i should leave a post.. to share my anxiety with u fellas ..just dont get the words out..matt sir, can u plz make clear as to how "applications are reviewed in context with an applicant's situation as affected by family and geography"..i guess these were the words on the application ..as decisions are near and mathematics preparation in full swing(boards)..i am pretty much worried(the words are too mediocre)..infact i am going maniac with each passing day ...will someone help??

Posted by: kanika on March 10, 2007

To "Anon to German applicant"

well, at first, germany is capitalistic, too. its just that this law is about public schools and universities, but since 99 percent of the are in fact public, I posted it in a generalized meaning. Of course the states don´t control the private institutions. Also, our industries aren´t controlled by the state either.

now to the topic: I don´t know where you´ve been and when, but i´d say you´re living in a different world. germany is the third biggest economy in the world, the greatest exporter and second greatest importer world wide. we are leading when it comes to technology, chemistry-just think of BASF or Bayer-or car industry-Audi, VW, BMW, Mercedes, Opel, Porsche.
and if i´m not much mistaken you´d never have been able to land on the moon or even thought of it, so...

Posted by: German applicant on March 10, 2007

All I'm trying to say is that American schools get less funding. I found this from an article at http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/02/college_costs.html

"While businesses are structured to keep costs as low as possible, Ehrenberg maintains that colleges today operate on a starkly different model. They actually have an incentive to spend money.

"In private higher education, the quest is to be as good as you can," Ehrenberg told ConsumerAffairs.Com. "Tuition increases in private higher education reflect increased expenditures per student, in real terms."

Public colleges and universities are raising their tuition as well, he says, because of reduced support from state governments. But there's also the supply and demand factor."

I agree that American schools cost a lot of money and I wish they cost less. It sucks.

Posted by: Anon on March 10, 2007

is it just me, or did anyone else (and i don't know about international applicants) not realize that admissions decisions are coming out on st patrick's day?

ohhh man. i'm going to need all that irish luck!

Posted by: Josh V on March 10, 2007

May the luck of the Irish be with you all.

Posted by: Parent on March 10, 2007

Hey, Josh V. . .

Was that MIT homepage graphic the other day designed by you? How many Josh V's are out there?

Posted by: Snively on March 10, 2007

My parents have to pay full tuition for both my sister and me, which totals up to $100,000 a year, and they are not complaining!

So stop all this nonsense. Just accept your family's current economic status and be happy that you all have food on the table everyday, which is 100 times more fortunate than that of most people in the world.

Posted by: stopcomplaining on March 10, 2007

snively...that wasn't me.

Posted by: Josh V on March 10, 2007

@Josh V...
thanks...now i know who i'll be praying too.......:D:D:D

Posted by: Arwen on March 10, 2007

Could anybody please tell what's St. Patricks's day?

Posted by: Sleepy on March 10, 2007

sleepy--

st pat's day is a "holiday"/the feast day celebrating saint patrick, who was irish. thats pretty much all i can tell you.

people in the us (idk about internationally) wear green on that day (so they won't be pinched b/c its "tradition" that if you don't wear green on st pat's day, you get pinched).
and that day is usually associated with LUCK (thats why it is interesting that decisions come out on that day. maybe we'll all be lucky?!) and the irish and pots of gold and leprechauns and rainbows.

google the holiday and you'll find loads of info on it...

Posted by: Josh V on March 11, 2007

Thanks Josh V. for the info
.................zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Posted by: Sleepy on March 11, 2007

"Hi Matt

Regarding Indian applicants, do you even look at applications without any international/national awards etc.?? Are the essays of each Indian applicant read?? Can a student be admitted purely on his passion??

Thanks"

Yahhh I was asking the same! Please answer Senor Madmatt

Posted by: The madman who makes people fly aka Captain SS Wan on March 11, 2007

Dear Sir,

My name is Manan Suri . Presently I am studying at BITS - PILANI DUBAI CAMPUS . I have already completed 3 Semesters with a
Cummulative G.P.A of 3.9
I am interested in joining MIT as a UNDER GRADUATE TRANSFER STUDENT (fall 2007) for completing my ELECTRICAL Engineering.

Accordingly I have forwarded my Application along with all the necessary documents to the OFFICE OF ADDMISSIONS.

I belong to a middle class family and can afford maximum 15000 USD .a year . I will be needing financial assistance to study at MIT .
Could you please let me know as to what type of and how much FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE/AID I can get ?
and how to apply for the same ?

I will be grateful to you for this help .

Thanking you

with regards


MANAN SURI

Posted by: Manan on March 11, 2007

Hi Manan

Please go through the MIT Financial Aid website.

Best of Luck!

Posted by: Matt McGann '00 on March 11, 2007

kanika: I think what they mean by context is that since schools normally (maybe not normally, I don't know) send a school report with information about what types of classes are offered, etc..
I guess they check to see what kind of classes are offered, and what kinds of classes you've taken - basically to see if you've taken advantage of the opportunity given --- again, this is my guess (and my guidance counselor's guess too --) :D good luck to everyone!! (ironically I had to march in a St. Patrick's Day parade today - my town always does it early :D)

Posted by: theresa on March 11, 2007

I have a serious question:

If I come to MIT the on the 16th, will you give me my rejection letter in person instead of mailing it??
I'm impatient

Posted by: Hannah on March 11, 2007

oh! what a grant for me. I will offer half to you matt if your help me to get just 25% of total mit grant

Posted by: Kuldeep on March 13, 2007

thnx for responding theresa...so all those competing in the international pool are competing aginst every body in the int^l pool..right..not only the ones from their own country..???

Posted by: kanika on March 13, 2007

Hi Matt

Regarding Indian applicants, do you even look at applications without any international/national awards etc.?? Are the essays of each Indian applicant read?? Can a student be admitted purely on his passion??

Thanks

Posted by: MAD-AS-MATT on March 13, 2007

i have the same question as someone before...the captain I think...why does my financial application show that I am missing something now...whereas it used to say that my application was complete?
This is more than stressful! Please, I would like to know what is happening...
thanks !

Posted by: Montezumist on March 13, 2007

150th post! I'm that damned good.

Posted by: 0 on March 13, 2007

Hello! Matt!
I'm a permanent resident of Canada.Can I ask if I am eligible for the early action program in 2008?

Posted by: Tina on March 13, 2007

Dear Sir,
Thanks a lot for your prompt reply.I have sent all the required documents and application material to the admissions department well on time.Please let me know how do transfer applicants track their status.I have no clue weather my application is received/under processing etc.Will I get any applicant Id.How do i know weather my application fee is accepted or not??
thanking you
Manan Suri

Posted by: Manan on March 14, 2007

For some reason, I get the feeling that the post two above mine is NOT from a genuine MIT staff member.

I wonder why?

Perhaps it was posted by Ashish Manchanda (commenter just above), considering there was only a five minute interval between postings, whereas the comments up till that point were becoming more sparse?

Posted by: 0 on March 14, 2007

In India, will the decisions be available at 2130 or 2230 on 170307??

Posted by: 0 on March 14, 2007

This is a response to Snively's comment. You state that "MIT can charge whatever they feel like, their goal is not to impress you." This is an incorrect way of viewing the admissions process. MIT accepts students for their post academic potential. What that means is that it sees you as a person who can contribute to groundbreaking research (which adds to MIT's reputation) as well as superbly apt individual who will make money (which adds to MIT's endowment fund if you choose to donate back to MIT). With that in mind, MIT as both a profit driven and research inspired institute, they want you to come and they use financial aid packages to entice and lure you to come for the benefit of MIT herself. Yes, they want you to come, and they need to impress you. THEY WANT YOU TO ENROLL AT MIT, which is why they accepted you. The primary method of luring you to matriculate to MIT instead of the other colleges you've applied and gotten accepted into is to offer financial aid packages that allows you to pay less and suffer less in monetary's loans and values sake.
If MIT choose to charge whatever amount they feel like, sure they will be profit off of each student's tuition but the amount of students enrolling will be inversely proportional to the cost of each student's education. They will lose talented students, which will hurt their institution by a. damaging the capability of garderning ground breaking research (which is why MIT is famous in the first place), and b. strain the output of talented and skilled graduates who could serve as high level positioned workers. Both of these consequences will hurt MIT's future as both an institution for education and profit if they do charge as much as they wanted to because no one in the right mind would pay for an inflated overpriced education.

Posted by: RW on March 14, 2007

how do transfer applicants track their application status at mit???

Posted by: aayush on March 14, 2007

My application tracking stated that MIT haven't received my parent's income tax return, although I have sent it altogether with the ISFA form on or around the deadline.

What should I do?

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