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Please note: MIT and the admissions office will be closed Monday, February 17, for Presidents’ Day, and will open on Tuesday, February 18.

Why is it called the Brass Rat?

It’s the goal of every incoming student at MIT to get their own Brass Rat—MIT’s version of a class ring. The phrase “Brass Rat” is derived from the alleged resemblance of the brass beaver featured on the ring to a rat.

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