So I got accepted into MIT in the EA round which made me super happy at first. But now I’m looking toward the future and it’s got me wondering and soul searching - what am I gonna do there?? Let me explain
First off MIT has all these cool majors, like it’s really hard to pick just one or two. If you visit their major page you’ll understand what I mean immediately. So I’m thinking about a major there, and for whatever reason I’m starting to lean more towards computer science, though I’ve been stuck between CS and ChemE. But here’s my actual dilemma: I’m trying to think towards a major, and I’m interested in CS, but I’ve never coded a day in my life. Like I’ve done nothing in a CS field at all. How would I fit into MITs CS program given my lack of experience in the field? Does it matter that I have zero experience in the area although I’m thinking about majoring in it? What are some ways I could test the waters in CS before I go to MIT next year, to see if I’ll even like it? Would you even recommend me to major in CS given my zero experience? Could any MIT students/alums/anyone who can help answer that question?
Dilemma 2: how is the social life at MIT? Will it be fun to go there? While I still care about my education, discovering my passion, and learning about things that I’m interested in, something j feel that MIT would offer me better than any other school, I care about the whole college experience social life almost as much. I don’t wanna go somewhere where I’ll miss out on that. Other than the cost, that’s my only real hang up for MIT. So someone tell me? How is it socially? I’ve heard everything from GREAT, to IT DEPENDS ON YOUR MAJOR, to NON EXISTENT. So if anyone could give me their opinion that’d be great! Thank you guys for answering my questions!!
You don’t have to make a final decision to attend until May 1. You will have even more time to choose a major. Try some free coding classes and see if you have an affinity for it.
First of all, relax. You have far more time to decide where you will end up than the majority of people who find out where they are admitted in March.
Second of all, congratulations! You have been admitted to one of the world’s greatest universities. As you would expect, it is excellent in every STEM field. But it is also excellent in fields such as business, economics, and philosophy.
Non-existent social setting? Ha! I guarantee that you would not need to worry about the social climate. Your views will definitely change by CPW. By the way, in case you haven’t decided yet, take the opportunity to attend CPW. It will be an excellent opportunity for any of your worries to be settled as you meet prospective Class of 2021 classmates (like me) and become comfortable with the environment of your potential home for the next four years.
I agree. Attend MIT and never look back. Enjoy. You have reached a very high point in life and are among the very few who can attend. Make the most of this opportunity that YOU have earned.
Dilemma 1: Codecademy.com is a really good site for beginners (I used it), if you want to learn C++, go to learncpp.com
Dilemma 2: What I’ve heard from my MIT friends is that your social life almost entirely depends on you, and the chances are very high that you’ll find a group to fit into
You don't designate a major until after your freshman year. So try things you might be interested in during your freshman year. IAP is a great time to do that. So, no need to stress about it at this time.
Your social life is a lot dependent on what you do. MIT has all kinds of opportunities to be social. Many students I know were the study hard, play hard types, but not all. The Boston and Cambridge areas have a lot of students around as there are many colleges in the area. Lots to do.
Our tour guide was a CS major who took her first CS class at MIT. She felt very comfortable in her major. She said that she wasn’t into all the hard core coding things like contests and such but in group work she felt like she had some of the strongest ideas and the skills to make them happen. We were very impressed by her!
You’re heading to MIT, one of the top schools in the world and home to a plethora of top-quality programs. Whether you choose CS or not, your chosen major will be top-shelf.
And yes, according to many posts on the topic that i’ve read through the years, students do not typically lack party opportunities. Your hard work will be rewarded with ample chances to cut loose and have fun.
So turn that frown upside-down and make greatness happen.
1.) I came in pretty uncertain of what I wanted to do. After a few months there, I knew. Just ask around; it’ll come to you real fast once you start asking upperclassmen, faculty, etc.
2.) Lol, obviously, we’re all antisocial freaks who PSet all day long (okay, please don’t take me seriously). I wouldn’t worry about it. MIT is big enough to have all sorts of people - social, a bit less social, a bit too social, etc. :)…