What’s MIT’s community actually like?
Hey everyone. I just got my transfer rejection this cycle. I’m considering reapplying next year, but before I do I want to understand what MIT is actually like beyond the brochure.
My specific question: what kind of people make up MIT’s community day-to-day? On YouTube you see people with insane projects and accomplishments getting accepted. But are there also people who are just genuinely curious, hardworking, and ambitious without a childhood full of awards and projects? What’s the culture actually like (collaborative or competitive)? Do people build things together or is everyone heads down on their own thing?
I’m a mechanical engineering hopeful, international student, first year at community college with research experience. I genuinely believe MIT is the right place for me, but I want that belief to be based on reality, not reputation.