Frequently Asked Questions

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• FAQ / Academics and research

  What is the HASS Requirement?

  100% of MIT undergraduates study the humanities, arts, and social sciences. At MIT, we consider the humanities, arts, and social sciences essential—for educating young engineers, scientists, thinkers, and citizens; for…
• FAQ / Academics and research

  Where can I find info on the School of Engineering?

  The MIT School of Engineering is world renowned. Covering everything from ocean engineering to aeronautics, there’s something exciting going on in every department, lab, and classroom. There’s way too much…
• FAQ / Academics and research

  What programs fall under the School of Architecture & Planning?

  Architecture was one of the four original departments at MIT, and it was the first signal that MIT would not be narrowly defined in science and technology. Through recognition of…
• FAQ / Life and culture

  Does MIT offer club sports?

  There are more than 30 different club sports at MIT. Each club is either instructional or competition focused by nature. Many of the competition focused clubs have excelled at both regional and…
• FAQ / Academics and research

  Can first-year students conduct research?

  Research at MIT aims to develop innovative solutions to the world’s most daunting challenges. From addressing the energy needs of tomorrow to improving cancer therapies, MIT’s research efforts are enhanced…
• FAQ / Life and culture

  What is Concourse?

  Concourse is a unique community of first-year students committed to learning in a small interactive group environment with dedicated teachers. Concourse offers small classes in the math and science GIRs…
• FAQ / Academics and research

  Can anyone join the Experimental Study Group (ESG)?

  Experimental Study Group (ESG) offers instruction in the core first-year subjects of biology, chemistry, math, and physics through small, discussion-based classes designed for students who are interested in taking an active…
• FAQ / Academics and research

  What type of first-year learning communities are available?

  MIT undergrads come from every state in the country and approximately 75 countries across the globe. Every student brings something special to the community, and each learns in their unique…
• FAQ / Academics and research

  What schools can I cross-register with?

  If you find something that you’re interested in studying that isn’t available at MIT, you have the option to cross-register at Harvard, Wellesley College, and MassArt.
• FAQ / Academics and research

  What are GIRs?

  All MIT undergraduates must complete General Institute Requirements (GIRs). Basically, you must take two semesters of math, two semesters of physics, a semester of biology, a semester of chemistry, and a selection…
• FAQ / Life and culture

  Are volunteer opportunities available?

  At the Priscilla King Gray Public Service Center (PKG Center), you can connect with a variety of public service projects in local, national, and global communities. The PKG Center can also…
• FAQ / Life and culture

  What student disabilities services are available?

  MIT is committed to the principle of equal opportunity for students with disabilities. Our objective is to ensure that qualified students with disabilities receive equal access to all of the…
• FAQ / Life and culture

  Is campus safe?

  MIT has its own police department on campus to ensure the safety and well-being of the entire MIT community. “The MIT Police mission is to deliver total quality service to…
• FAQ / Life and culture

  Is there an MIT Flying Club?

  The MIT Flying Club, headquartered in AeroAstro, motivates, encourages and facilitates affordable, hands-on experiences in full-scale flying for the MIT community. Open to pilots and non-pilots, the club offers regular…
• FAQ / Life and culture

  Can I join the Design/Build/Fly Team?

  The MIT Design/Build/Fly team is composed mostly of undergraduate students, but is also open to graduate students, who compete in the annual AIAA Design/Build/Fly competition. The competition involves designing, manufacturing,…
• FAQ / Prepare for MIT

  Will I receive AP/IB college credit?

  MIT doesn’t require applicants to take advanced courses beyond what is commonly available in high school. However, many of our students, either through their schools or on their own, have…
• FAQ / Life and culture

  Is there a medical facility on campus?

  MIT has its own on-campus medical facilities providing a complete healthcare center serving the health and wellness needs of the entire MIT community. Our on-campus resources provide personalized care for…
• FAQ / Life and culture

  What other student resources are available?

  MIT offers a myriad of health and well-being support resources for students. See the DoingWell site for more info.
• FAQ / Life and culture

  What other student activities can I do?

  You can do anything we already offer on campus, or you can start your own “thing” at MIT! Check out Campus & Student Activities to see what’s going on around campus, or…
• FAQ / Life and culture

  Who is the President of MIT?

  Sally A. Kornbluth is the 18th President of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Kornbluth follows L. Rafael Reif, who led MIT for a decade and stepped down as president at the end…