So here we sit, Snively and I, and we are about to LiveBlog Ben's Info Session.

So some technology problems, but I am back.

So, we are in 26-100 and watching Ben give the "pre-pre-pre-frosh" a live info session. Snively and I agreed to liveblog the event as it seemed like a nice chance to crash the session.

See Snively post for a blow by blow. I'll do the more whole-picture view.

Speaking of which pictures are coming.

Quote 1 "Rogers pictured a place where a biology major would be walking down the hall reading his text and a chemistry major would be coming down from the other side of the hall reading his text. They would bump into each other and, boom, bio-chemsitry was born".

Looks like about 40-50 people are here (parents, students, random admissions counselors, etc). The Admissions Office runs these sessions every day twice a day (10:00 and 2:00) and when they expect a big crowd they move the session to a room on campus which can hold more people. Today is one of those days.

Ben was a little flummoxed by the fact that Snively and I showed up, but he got used to it quick. As you see on Snively's post (who, by the way, I finally met today) he has spent some time talking about culture of MIT, history, academic programs, and now he is turning to student life.

Quote 2 (about athletics) "We are really good at sports that involve weapons and water."

Quote 3 (about Ben) "I don't have a coordinated bone in my body" -- so Ben doesn't do anything having to do with weapons or water, I guess.

Quote 4 "Hacks are the students reminding the administration that they are smarter than us."

Here is Snively typing:

And another Snively shot:

Quote 5, regarding selection "We are looking for excellence, not perfection".

So, do you think at the end of his sesison I can ask the whole crowd to gather around him for a final photo shot? Hmm. Think I'll try.

Ben has now threatened me twice with pulling me up to speak about financial aid at MIT. We'll see....

Now he is doing the dirt on the admissions application and what you should and shouldn't put on the app (and the process). Again, see Snively's post as he is getting more of the information.

Funny thing as I sit here in the room. Behind Ben is a blackboard with the words "www.mitadmissions.org" and "Admissions Reception Center 10-100", but on the side board is Bryan Nance's email address. Guess who must have done the last session?

And now he's off to financial aid. Ben is discussing our need-blind status and explaining need-blind and need-based.

Quote 6, "MIT is tuition free for anyone with $75,000 or less. We had a parent Monday who said, 'well that must mean I need to quit my job so that I can get aid.' That is not the case at all!"

Now he is launching into how we determine your family contribution. How do we meet your self-help-- student loans, student employment, and also outside scholarships since we like to reward you for your outside scholarship receipt.

Where does most of the money come from? MIT scholarship and grants is the primary source of your financial aid.

Study abroad -- let's go. "We now have study abroad, research abroad, internship abroad, summer abroad. Basically if you want to go abroad we'll find a way."

Many abroad opportunities during off periods (summer and IAP) as well. See global.mit.edu for info about MIT in the world and global.mit.edu/go for information on how to go abroad.

Quote 7 (in response to "MIT or Caltech?" question), "Choose where you go based on the culture and the people and where you feel most at home." Boston completely caters to students (probably the best city to attend college in the world).

So, the tour guides are here waiting to pick up the group... but Ben is still dragging on... :) Seems like there is more yet to go. (time check is 2:54).

Quote 8 "If you love the people you are surrounded by then everything else matters less".

So, yet again, Snively proves he is a better blogger than me. I look at his entry and I am depressed.... How did he get all of this information on there so fast? I am impressed (seriously).

And now I see Snively reading my post (hah!)... Little does he know that I've been looking at his this whole time!

Dorms, Frats, Sororities, ILGs, let's talk about housing (it came up as a question)...

Quote 9 "East campus dorms aren't quite as new, aren't quite as modern, but you have the flexibility to be creative with your living space... People who spent time in high school blowing stuff up in their parent's basement would be happy in East campus."

And finally, some group photos: