What is Concourse about?
Concourse is a special program for freshmen within MIT We like to think of ourselves as a small school within a large institute. Accordingly, classes--taught by distinguished professors--are small, creating a high degree of student-faculty, and student-student involvement.
Does being in Concourse mean that you can't take classes outside the program?
No. Only three core courses need be taken in Concourse in the fall, and only two in the spring. Normally, students also take "mainstream" classes in addition to the special Concourse offerings.
Is Concourse only for Freshman Year?
Yes. However, during the spring term and when there is space available, we allow former Concourse students to register for our humanities course.
Are Concourse classes scheduled so that they don't conflict with important classes in mainstream?
We do our best to schedule all lectures and recitations around popular mainstream classes.
When should I register for Concourse?
To register, you will need to sign up at Concourse's Orientation (9:30-11:30 am), Tuesday, September 1 in Room 16-128. Just mark the date on your calendar. The faculty will be present at that time and will describe the curriculum in detail and answer any questions that you may have. If we are oversubscribed, our students will be chosen by lottery.
What are the main advantages?
Small class size. Community. Lots of attention. Nightly tutoring. Instructors who know you as a person, and not just by name. Twenty-four hour access to the lounge and kitchen.
Disadvantages?
We don't really see any, though some students have felt that given the advantages above, Concourse is not the "real'' MIT. To that we say: It is! It is the way MIT should be. We create a supportive intellectual community in the first year so that you can go on and create a supportive intellectual community as you go forward with your education.
Are Concourse classes "watered down" 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 Humanities not only allow you to rack up some important HASS-D and CI credits, they also provide you with a solid grounding in thinking, reading, and writing.
Who oversees Concourse, and can I contact someone directly?
Professor Bernhardt Trout can be contacted at trout@mit.edu
Cheryl Butters can be contacted at cbutters@mit.edu