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First Year Student Awards

The purpose of these awards is to recognize the distinguished achievements of first year students in the class of 2026.

Any MIT student, faculty, or staff member may nominate a first year student for the Awards. Please review the criteria & eligibility section below for more information. 

CRITERIA AND GUIDELINES

The First Year Student Awards are given to students who have accomplished something remarkable within one of the categories listed below. Successful nominations should demonstrate that the student has made a significant and positive contribution to MIT in one or more of the following ways:

Athletics:
  • Student exemplifies true sportsmanship and is admired by his/her team (varisty or intramural)
  • Student played to the best of their ability and maintained a level of academic excellence
  • Student promoted school pride
Academics/Research:
  • Student participated in a high level of research 
  • Student was identified as a leader, helping others understand concepts 
Diversity & Culture:
  • Student engages in philosophical and practical educational opportunities
  • Student has made a contribution towards student life during the academic year
Entrepreneurship:

Student invested significant time to an idea or program 

Leadership:
  • Student worked with others in a common effort
  • Student enriched the quality of campus life
Performing Arts/Fine Arts:
  • Student has created or performed in an innovative project or activity
  • Student has composed, performed, or published a work or music ensemble
Service:
  • Student advocated for local/and or global justice issues
  • Student demonstrated the importance of making a better world for oneself & others
  • Student challenged themselves and others to serve others

Eligibility

  • Nominees must be members of the Class of 2026 in good academic standing and registered during spring 2022.
  • Nominations should be based on achievements between August 2022 and March 2023.
  • Typically, work done in a compensated capacity is not considered. However, extraordinary achievement by a student, who goes above and beyond the normal expectations of work may be considered. Please indicate in your nomination if this is the case.
  • Self-nominations will not be accepted.
  • Campaigns are not recommended.

To submit a nomination, complete the online nomination below by April 14. Nominations will only be accepted online, and late nominations will not be considered. Awards will be announced later in April followed by a presentation in May.