How to MIT

Laker's Hot Takes

The only principle is to do the actually best thing at every time.

1. Prereqs don't exist

Take whatever is the actually best class for you. Maybe that is the prereq, or maybe it’s straight to the class itself. Assume that you can thrive in a fascinating class; aim high, make friends, and drop if you need. It just takes an email to the professor. Examples: start with 6.121 (without 6.120), 8.05 (without 8.04), 18.701 (without 18.700).

2. Soft skills matter more

At MIT you are already technically brilliant; what will matter is getting people excited about your brilliant idea. Learn to speak to an audience. Learn to advocate for yourself. Become inspired and practice inspiring other people. “I'll take this HASS because it’s easy” is the wrong mindset.

3. Say "no" more often

If you always say “yes,” you won’t have space for the actually best thing when it comes along. So don't join some clubs. Don't take some offers. Like Marie Kondo, ask yourself if a task sparks joy. If not, throw it out.

4. Choose classes, then major

People sometimes make the mistake of deciding on a major, then taking requirements they don't love only to switch and regret they hadn't done classes they enjoy from the start. Take classes that get you up in the morning and change how you think. Decide your major from your classes, not the other way around.

5. GPA doesn't matter

When deciding the best class for you to take, ignore grades. 100% of the value of a class is the value you get out of the class—not the grade it gives you. No one will remember your grades in five years. Your first employer won’t care. PhD admissions will care that you exceed a basic threshold. Go for the harder class if it lets you learn more.

6. Sit at random tables

The most valuable part of MIT is not the math, biology, or research skills: it is the people you meet. And everyone here is fantastic. Make it your mission to meet people and dig up what makes them amazing. One simple way: at dining halls, sit at tables with people you don't know.

7. Ask friends for classes

You likely don't know the best class for you to take. Early in the semester, ask your friends for their favorite class. Go to a few lectures. Switch in if you love it. Be spontaneous and open to advice from older students.

8. Pave your own path

Filter all the advice you hear with critical thinking. Upperclassman advice is not gospel. When you make decisions, aim for personal growth. Think from first principles about what advances your life mission.

9. Find people who disagree

You learn from people who think differently from you. Listen to them. Figure out how they think. It's okay to get offended. Dare we say it's a good sign. You don't need to seek disagreement all the time, but it will help you grow.

10. Be nice

You will get further in life if you hold yourself to high standards in day-to-day ethics. Tell the truth and lift others up, especially when nobody is looking. Bluster is brittle. Niceness wins friends and lets you build a better world.

Thank you to Andrii Zahorodnii for contributing ideas.