Academics &
Exploration

Details on credit MIT may grant for certain AP and other exams, as well as how to seek transfer credit. Policies outlined are current for this year’s entering Class of 2023 and are subject to change for future entering classes.

• Advanced Placement
• International Examinations
• Transfer Credit
• Advanced Standing Exams
• Physics (8.01) and Math (18.01) Placement

First-year students are graded differently and subject to credit limits.

• Class of 2023 Experimental Grading and Credit Limit Options
• First-Year Credit Limits
• First-Year Grading Policies

All MIT undergraduates must complete the General Institute Requirements (GIRs) detailed in this section.

• Science Core
• Communication Requirement
• Humanities, Arts, & Social Sciences (HASS) Requirement
• Physical Education Requirement

Learn all about MIT's learning communities - Concourse, ESG & Terrascope.

• Terrascope
• Concourse
• ESG

Details on planning your subjects and schedule, including information on discovery subjects, registration and more.

• Discovery & Exploration Subjects
• Registering with Your Advisor
• Typical First-Year Schedule

First-year undergraduates will have an opportunity to declare a major during the spring term. This section provides information and advice to help you explore your major options.

• Options
• Advice from Upperclassmen and Alumni
• Profiles, Exploration Classes, and Blogs By Course
• Other Resources

Programs and learning opportunities that are joined by a common theme: mens et manus, mind and hand.

• Explore D-Lab
• Explore Edgerton
• Go Global
• Explore Service