Freshman Credit Limit and Grading

There is a 54-unit credit limit for your first term at MIT. Since most MIT subjects are worth 12 units of credit, this is equivalent to 4 full subjects, plus an additional 6 units that you may or may not opt to use. Popular options for using the extra 6 units are a Freshman Advising Seminar or a music performance group like MIT Symphony or Concert Choir. Alternatively, you can just forgo the units to spend non-academic time on sports or student activities.

The only exceptions to the fall credit limit are enrollment in Mission 2010/12.000 Solving Complex Problems (9 units), 3.093 Information Exploration: Becoming a Savvy Scholar (3 units), or Seminar XL (either 3 or 6 units).

Physical education classes are based on a point system and do not count toward the unit total. ROTC classes also do not count toward the credit limit.

During the January Independent Activities Period (IAP), all students are subject to a 12-unit credit limit. During the second semester, freshmen are strictly limited to 57 units of credit.

Pass/No Record and ABC/No Record Grading

Why does MIT have a different grading system for freshmen?

You are entering into one of the most demanding academic environments in the world. The Pass/No Record and ABC/No Record grading system exists to help you make a smoother transition from high school to the fast-paced learning environment of MIT. P/NR and ABC/NR are designed to reduce the anxiety and pressure that freshmen often feel in their first year. P/NR and ABC/NR also provide an opportunity to learn how to balance academics with extracurricular activities.

MIT students come from very diverse school systems that provide different levels of preparation. P/NR focuses on the process of learning rather than the outcome, and ABC/NR eases you into being on grades, as you will be as an upperclassman.

What do Pass and No Record mean?

In your first semester, you will graded Pass or No Record. If you receive any grade of C or better, a P will be noted on your official transcript. If you receive a D or an F, there will be no record on your official external transcript, but D and F grades will show on your internal "hidden" grades as well as internally on WebSIS.

In your second semester, you will be graded A, B, or C or No Record. If you receive an A, B, or C in a subject, it will be noted on your official transcript. If you receive a D or an F, there will be no record on your official transcript, but D and F will show up internally on WebSIS. Your Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated only on grades of A, B, or C; D and F grades are not figured into your GPA.

Using Pass/No Record Grading Effectively

Beware of upperclass students who tell you that you don't need to worry about your academic performance during your first semester because you're on Pass/No record. Pass/No Record is not an excuse to coast through your first semester. It's important to take P/NR grading seriously. Departments have made it clear that they want their majors to have mastered the Science Core subjects and entry-level departmental subjects. These are the building-blocks for success in any major. If you don't master the material, you may find yourself struggling throughout your college years because you didn't learn the basic concepts.

The lack of recorded D and F grades is no reason not to take your studies seriously. Your freshman and upperclass advisors WILL see your internal grades. Your freshman internal grades are kept in the folder that follows you to your major advisor.

As well, there are consequences for getting a D or an F while you're on P/NR or ABC/NR. Freshmen who pass 42 or fewer credits are reviewed by the Office of Undergraduate Advising and Academic Programming (UAAP) at the end of the term, and may come up for review by the Committee on Academic Performance (CAP).

Pass/No Record grading should allow you to concentrate on learning, rather than competing with others or strategizing for a grade. You should measure your own progress and not compare yourself to your classmates.

Using ABC/No Record Grading Effectively

Once you are on ABC/NR grading, in the spring term, D and F grades will still not be recorded on your permanent record, but A, B, and C grades will be. See this as a "transitional" semester to being on full grades as an upperclassman.