1548 admitted frosh for the Class of 2017
Yesterday evening, 898 high school seniors found extra reason to celebrate, besides the inherent mathiness of the date. As per tradition, MIT released admissions decisions for the fall’s incoming freshman class on Pi Day at precisely 6:28 p.m., or “tau o’clock,” in honor of pi’s bigger cousin constant.
Do you wanna dance?
The ArchiTEKS are something of a present day legend in the hip-hop scene. The members of this Houston-based crew were finalists of MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew competition, have collectively garnered millions of YouTube views, and are easily recognized by their unique, controlled movement style. They travel around the world to teach aspiring dancers, and came last weekend to MIT to perform and hold workshops as part of the Chinese Students’ Club Lunar New Year celebrations.
Feeling under pressure recently?
How can MIT students change expectations so they don’t compete against each other? Should undergraduates feel like underachievers if they are taking only four classes? Can a grad student work a 9–5 schedule without feeling like they are slacking? Are certain majors “less hardcore” than others? Where does the faculty fit into the picture of student stress?
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK: Experiencing Techfair 2013
“Please leave your resumes at home,” read Techfair’s preface to the event, reassuring students not to expect a stressful recruiting atmosphere.
Diversity discussions on the rise
Shamarah J. Hernandez ’12. Course 14. McCormick resident. What are the first thoughts that come to mind when you read those four facts about her? Oh, she must be a minority student? Course 14 … um, is she double majoring in something else?
Cambridge seeks to rebrand Central Sq.
Venturing into the city? Ever think of heading just a few blocks down from campus to Central Square instead, the geographic “heart of Cambridge?” Former Cambridge mayor David Maher and his Red Ribbon Commission on the Delights and Concerns of Central Square, appointed in June 2010, think there is more potential in this title than just the location. Following 16 months of work, last December, they published a report covering new proposals and ideas for Central’s future revitalization and development.
MIT, Pfizer break ground on 610 Main
Monday morning, MIT and pharmaceutical giant Pfizer celebrated the official groundbreaking of a new research center right next to campus. MIT President Susan J. Hockfield opened the ceremony, whose speakers included Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Pfizer President of Worldwide Research and Development Mikael Dolsten. With a mighty heave — literally — they and other participants shoveled dirt and took the first step toward what Hockfield described as “the best way to support innovation in Cambridge.”
Cambridge City Council candidates, part II
Tuesday, Nov. 8 marks election day in Cambridge. On Tuesday we profiled eight candidates for Cambridge City Council, and today we follow up with nine more. The following information was compiled from interviews with the candidates, or, if they did not respond to Tech inquiries, information from http://vote.rwinters.com (many thanks to Robert Winters!).
EXHIBIT REVIEW Whirring into motion
Tucked inside a dim corner of the MIT Museum, a fun surprise awaits the viewer, or more accurately, the participant — for Arthur Ganson’s motionless sculptures spring alive at the touch of a button or the push of a pedal with seemingly little more effort than a whir of gears.
INTERVIEW A chat with Philip Cohen
Sloan student Philip Cohen G has a new project — and with its original melodies, smooth bass, and powerful lyrics, it lies far outside the traditional business realm. Leaving, an album of 14 songs written by Cohen, was pre-released last month and is available on his website for free.
Leland Cheung runs for re-election
Leland Cheung, a former Sloan School of Management student who made headlines in 2009 for being the youngest person and first Asian-American elected to the Cambridge City Council, is running for re-election. This season, Cheung’s main initiatives include promoting the local economy, affordable housing, public education, energy conservation, and government transparency. Cambridge residents will head to the polls on Nov. 8.
MIT tackles hunger
What’s for lunch? Next Friday, participants in Hunger Strike will be tackling significantly larger-scale hunger issues. The planned 12-hour fast marks the conclusion of Hunger Week, a series of events and fundraisers sponsored by MIT Fighting World Hunger (MFWH). Community members are welcome to commit to the Strike by paying $5 for an event T-shirt.
For MIT150, Idea Bank reopens
The Idea Bank, an online forum for community members to give MIT comments and suggestions, is open again — this time to discuss the MIT150 festivities and collect ideas for future MIT150-inspired events. The Idea Bank is intended to foster ideas in a setting where students, faculty, staff, and alumni all have input.
Novartis & Pfizer to move near campus
Two pharmaceutical giants, Novartis and Pfizer, are getting closer to realizing their new complexes neighboring the MIT campus. Both sites will primarily house research facilities.
Diagnostic sees changes
For a majority of the class of 2015, the math diagnostic was the first academic hurdle to conquer at MIT. On Aug. 29, 700 freshmen sat for the two-hour exam, used to suggest class placement for their Physics I GIR course.
FredFest IV showcases local bands
Last Friday marked the fourth anniversary of FredFest — MIT’s largest outdoor concert — held in East Campus courtyard.