Questions and Answers about the Concourse Program
What is Concourse about?
Concourse is a unique program for freshmen within MIT. It focuses on integration of the disciplines, teaching the rigorous scientific subjects within the broader human framework. We are a small school within a large institute, playing a role similar to that of the colleges within Cambridge and Oxford. Because of the nature and aim of our education, classes are taught by highly dedicated teachers in an interactive learning environment with small class sizes. This creates a high degree of student-faculty, and student-student interaction and therein a superior learning experience.What are the requirements for participation?
In addition to be selected during the application process you will also need to select the Concourse Freshman Advising Seminar (FAS) by Friday, June 15. Once selected for the program you will be assigned a Concourse advisor and they will work with you during orientation to develop the best course schedule for you. In order to remain in Concourse you must participate in the seminar as well as enroll in the HASS class (CC.110), and take one additional class within Concourse.Does being in Concourse mean that you can't take classes outside the program?
No. Only three core courses (including the seminar) need be taken within Concourse in the fall and spring semesters. In order to complete General Institute Requirements (GIRs) Concourse students will take at least one “mainstream” class each semester.Is Concourse only for freshman year?
Yes, you must be a freshman to be in Concourse, but, space permitting, we allow all MIT students to take our HASS courses and our Friday Integration Seminar, “The Foundations of Modern Science and the Connection with the Whole of Human Knowledge.”Are Concourse classes scheduled so that they do not conflict with important classes in mainstream?
We do our best to schedule all lectures and recitations around popular mainstream classes. This effort is generally successful.When should I register for Concourse?
You need to sign up for the Concourse Freshman Advising Seminar by Friday, June 15. Please feel free to drop by building 16 to talk to us. In addition, we will be happy to contact you with more information about the program if you fill out this form.What are the main advantages?
Unique experience of rigorous technical learning within a broad, humanistic framework. Education for leadership and freedom. Small class size. Community. Individual attention. Nightly tutoring. Instructors who know you as a person, and not just by name. Twenty-four hour access to the lounge and kitchen.Are Concourse classes "remedial" versions of mainstream courses?
No. Our classes are as rigorous and demanding as any of the mainstream versions, and fully prepare you to succeed in whatever major you choose. Indeed, our Science Core will maximize your freedom of choice in your major field; and our offerings in our humanities courses provide you with a solid grounding in thinking, reading, and writing.Does Concourse offer a CI-HW?
No, at this time Concourse does not offer a CI-HW. If you are serious about joining Concourse and have a concern about this please contact us and we’ll discuss your options.Who oversees Concourse, and can I contact someone directly?
Program Director Professor Anne McCants can be contacted at amccants@mit.eduProgram Administrator Paula Cogliano can be contacted at pcog@mit.edu or via telephone at +1-617-253-3200.