What *must* we know before going to mit

<p>I just had a few quick questions: </p>

<p>How exactly do grades work at MIT? Is everything on a curve? (ex. hypothetically say you recieve an 85 in a class. An 85 in high school speak would be a B but the class average is an 85, so does that mean you earn the ''average'' grade (a C or a B?)). </p>

<p>Also, I know that a lot of grading depends solely on the class/teacher, but in general tests/big projects take up a big chunk of the grade and psets/''homework'' (if at all looked at) is a minor part of the grade? </p>

<p>Also, any "must bring" items that are less thought of to bring to MIT/any "must know" advice/tips (the sort you wish you had known about before attending)?</p>

<p>I would say the average grade is a B. Class average on a test is usually considered a B. Don't let people tell you that anything within one standard deviation is a B- to a B+, it's really about half a standard deviation.</p>

<p>the people here are your best resource. you'll do psets with them, go partying with them, go insane with them, learn about yourself and the world you want to live in, as well as the one you unfortunately happen to live in, with them. they'll be there for you when you need it and when you don't. this place is intense, and looking at myself and how messed up i am even <em>with</em> all my wonderful lovers and friends...i can't imagine how anyone would work without that sort of network.</p>

<p>take the time to find people you're comfortable being yourself with, and who'll take you places you want to go, not in a mercenary sense but in an enlightening sense. it'll probably be worth it.</p>

<p>In theory, grades at MIT are not entirely on a curve... that is, the curve isn't supposed to screw you over. For the most part, professors won't say "20% of this class is going to get an A, 40% will get a B, etc" although they will tell you what the grades have historically turned out to be.</p>

<p>I've had a few classes which were straight-scaled (usu. 90%+ is an A), but there are a lot more which say "class average is a B, +/- 1 standard dev" (I'm course 7, our B's really are +/- 1 st dev)</p>

<p>Thanks very much! </p>

<p>Anyone else?</p>

<p>even if the problem sets aren't worth much (or anything), you should still do them to prepare for the exams.</p>

<p>Here's another thing I think everybody should know: you will probably fail a test (or a lot of tests) freshman year first term.</p>

<p>This is okay. You still belong here.</p>

<p>Just repeat a few times after me: PASS-NO RECORD.</p>

<p>Learn to cook before you go. I know that's not the type of information you were seeking, but it's good advice.</p>

<p>for that matter, you shouldn't come here expecting to get flawless grades. Not that you can't achieve it, just that there are more important things to think about.</p>

<p>i just want to make sure....the rooms are furnished, right?</p>

<p>yes they are</p>

<p>
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Learn to cook before you go. I know that's not the type of information you were seeking, but it's good advice.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Yeah, I lived on microwave meals for the entire first semester of freshman year. Not something I'd like to repeat.</p>

<p>Haha, I think the fail a test rule doesn't only apply to Freshman year. I've taken some pretty evil tests this semester. Average of 45?</p>

<p>I have never really seen a case where the curve hurts you, though I do imagine if everyone got 100s and you got a 13 that wouldn't look too good ;). Usually they give you a rough idea of how youre doing by giving you the test averages. But in the end, they curve the overall grades instead of the tests.</p>

<p>Oh, as for the deviation being B- to B+. That isn't always wrong either. It really depends on the class. For some it is, for others it isn't.</p>

<p>It is also *very probable that you willl fail a class at MIT</p>

<p>.:gasp!!:.</p>

<p>shhh, you're frightening the frosh :P</p>

<p>..........</p>

<p>that's so my job!</p>

<p>it's not really that likely.</p>

<p>argh yes we are really scared...=(</p>

<p>depends on whether you count "i'm failing, but oh, there's drop date", imo.</p>

<p>most people do pretty well, it's just that they also have ridiculously high standards, since a lot of the students here are used to getting 100s without trying, so they might not be doing as well as they want.</p>