Majors: Finance, Economics

Minor: Political Science

Email: emwang23@mit.edu

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Questions about Academics and COVID-19

 

What were your classes like in your first year or in your major/concentration, especially transitioning from Shen? 

Personally didn't find the transition too hard, though it was very different. I wasn't prepared for a lecture style, and especially for not having homework assignments but more so one problem set due a week. The content was also significantly harder, but definitely expected.

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What academic experiences have stood out to you at your college in either positive or negative ways?

Research really enriches your learning, and the best way to get an opportunity like that would be to reach out to your professors, even if you've never taken a class with them! Would also say that the best resource of college is the people, from the professors to the TAs to your fellow students.

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How was your online learning experience at your college? What resources did your college provide you during this time?

Flexible testing hours (you had a day to take a timed test at any time)

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What did your college do well or poorly to support students and communities when COVID-19 first hit?

Pretty poor transparency, but lots of student support financially. Support was mainly only there if you were willing to ask/look for it.

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Questions about Student Life

 

If students are interested in your major/concentration, what extracurricular activities do you recommend they do at your college?

Find a pre-professional business society! Personally involved in Sloan Business Club, Varsity Swimming, Women Business Leaders, Asian American Initiative - Organizer, Baker House Executive Council, Undergraduate Association, and Undergraduate Economics Association.

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What are common things to do on weekends? Do students commute back home for the weekend or are there events on campus?

Here. there are tons of social events on the weekends, and most students spend time with friends and get work done (parties, getting brunch with friends, meeting up for group projects, etc.)

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Are you involved in athletics at your college? How do you balance sports, academics, and extracurricular activities?

Yes! I'm a member of the varsity swimming and diving team. It's definitely a lot sometimes with academics and extracurriculars, but I've found that making the most of the time you have at each activity and really prioritizing things you're passionate about is most important. I think holding yourself accountable and setting a schedule of sorts is super helpful.

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Do you have a job during the school year, or is it common for students to have on-campus jobs? What is that experience like?

Yes, I was a student tour guide, worked in the packages desk for my dorm, and was involved in paid research. In my experience it's pretty common, and sometimes it could take up a lot of time. I was lucky that being a tour guide/desk worker meant you could choose your own hours and were both not time consuming at all, but paid research definitely took up more time than classes sometimes (though I found it super rewarding).

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Extra Questions

 

What advice would you give to current Shen students when applying to your college?

Write about and get involved in what you're passionate about; it'll show on your application.

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What makes your college special to you?

Absolutely, without a doubt, the people. I'm surrounded by brilliant minds every day and am always absolutely inspired by what everyone around me is working on.

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What do you wish you knew about your college when you were a senior at Shen?

I think it's easy to only know the stereotypes of each college, so I would recommend talking to current students if possible!

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Before COVID-19, what was the housing like at your college? What would you recommend to Shen seniors to find their roommates?

Freshman year you have to live on campus, and then after that you can (but don't have to, and it's about 50/50) move into a frat/sorority/apartment. I personally lived in a single freshman year, but I would recommend talking to people on social media to find roommates! And no worries if you're not best friends, I find that's not super common.

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How is the financial aid situation at your college?

Financial aid at MIT is pretty similar to financial aid at peer institutions (Caltech, the Ivy League, Stanford, etc.). From others I've heard it can be generous, but haven't personally had much experience.

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