INDEPENDENT ACTIVITIES PERIOD (IAP) CREDIT LIMIT

All MIT undergraduates are subject to a 12-unit credit limit during IAP.

The Independent Activities Period aims to provide "a welcome break from the academic routine of the fall and spring semesters. It offers opportunities for creativity and flexibility in teaching and learning. Students are encouraged to set their own educational agendas, pursue independent projects, meet with faculty, or pursue many other options not possible during the semester." (Quoted from IAP website.) The 12-unit limit was imposed precisely to prevent students from committing to so much "academic routine" that creativity and flexibility get squeezed out.

See the IAP website for specific information on how Subjects That Extend Into IAP interact with the credit limit.

PETITIONS TO EXCEED THE IAP CREDIT LIMIT

Petitions to exceed the IAP Credit Limit should be submitted at the end of the Fall Term and will be reviewed during IAP.

Petitions to exceed the IAP Credit Limit include several statements.

• Student Statement:
  
  Explain in specific terms how much time you expect to spend on each subject and how that will fit in with other commitments. Provide evidence that indicates your ability to complete a heavier load successfully.
  
  
• Advisor Statement:
  
  Your advisor should indicate the degree to which s/he supports your request, and provide any clarifying or corroborating information that may help the Committee's decision.
  
  
• Instructor Statements:
  
  The instructor of each subject you propose to take for credit should explain how many hours of work s/he expects, and the degree to which s/he supports your request.

Note that the CAP very rarely allows any exceptions to the IAP Credit Limit. An exception might be granted for a student expecting to complete a degree with an IAP overload.

See the Petition Process section of this site for general information on preparing a petition, submission deadlines, and petition review.

Download Petition to Exceed IAP Credit Limit (PDF)

If you have any questions on the IAP Credit Limit, please contact CAP.