<p>I'm currently a freshman at MIT and to be honest I'm miserable. My first semester has been hell. I've had to drop a class, I'm barely passing my others, I've had to seek counseling with MIT Medical Mental Health, and I've just generally been depressed and unhappy. I feel like MIT has sucked the life out of me. I feel as though MIT has killed my dreams and ambitions and made me pessimistic and jaded. Perhaps worse than all of these things, I feel like I don't belong here. Before I came to MIT I had never experienced any of this. I've come to the conclusion that maybe I'm just not ready for MIT. If so, then all I'm doing is wasting my parents money, and the time and effort of countless amazing, intelligent people. I guess my question then is how feasible is it for someone to take some time off and get away from MIT for a semester or two? Is this uncommon or unprecedented?</p>
<p>No, it’s not uncommon. Take a break, return home, recharge, take a few classes locally, and keep in touch with MIT. If you leave in good standing, they will probably take you back. Or, you may find another campus to attend. Continue to seek counseling once you leave. Good luck!</p>
<p>It’s not uncommon - I know someone else in my dorm who had to withdraw from MIT for a year due to depression. </p>
<p>However, do realize that P/NR is there for a reason: to ease the transition from HS to MIT. I’ve heard mixed opinions on MIT Medical, you can also talk to friends or your GRT and they can give you advice on what to do. It’s normal to feel a bit stressed on some freshman classes (for me it was 8.012) but in the end it was worth it for me (I’m a junior now). </p>
<p>If you do decide to temporarily withdraw from MIT, use the time to relax, see where your ambitions lie, anything that Happy2Help said. Good luck!</p>
<p>Kudos for your self awareness. It displays maturity that no doubt helped you gain admission to MIT in the first place. If the University allows it, I think taking a semester off to recharge could be a great idea.</p>
<p>^MIT allows it. However you must withdraw for at least one semester.</p>
<p>This might be a helpful read for you, OP: <a href=“Boomeranging | MIT Admissions”>http://mitadmissions.org/blogs/entry/boomeranging</a></p>
<p>and if you ever want to get coffee and talk, just email me. </p>
<p>Seek out Active Minds on campus. They’re a group of really nice kids who can give you other ides for resources. Kudos to you for seeking out help early. Also know that dropping a class is not uncommon and that professors don’t like to fail freshman who show that they’re putting in an effort, ie go to office hours and get tutoring help. Also talk to Student Support Services (S3), they can be a huge help! Good luck!</p>
<p>I’m a graduate from long ago, but I remember that in my day it was quite common. I would estimate that from my close group of friends about 10% took at least a 1 semester break. The good news is that most returned and got their degree and were better students when they returned. Remember that education is a lifelong process and not a race, so if you need to take time away to regroup that’s perfectly reasonable.</p>