| There are good reasons why very few students turn down MIT for State U. and that includes schools like Berkeley, UCLA or Michigan. Admission statistics show that less than 3% of admitted students chose a State U. over MIT.
Finances is generally not a compelling reason not to enroll as MIT engineering grads get some of the highest starting salaries in the country. In addition, many of the top employers of MIT grads do not even recruit at State U. Especially when the economy is shaky and employers are cutting back on new hires, places like MIT will be the last ones affected.
A $100,000 debt for a starting engineer from MIT is nothing compared to the incremental ROI from the MIT "brand". You may actually find quite a few employers covering a substantial portion of that debt as a sign-on bonus.
In regards to community spirit, MIT only has around 4,500 undergrads and you will end up knowing a large number of your classmates as everybody takes the same introductory classes and all students have to live on campus freshman year. A strong collaborative spirit is part of the MIT culture as much of the work is done in groups. Many students also join fraternities and sororities which provide a strong social network.
You would also be surprised at how many MIT students are involved in sports with over 41 varsity teams, and hundreds of other activities. MIT students tend to be driven types and virtually everyone is involved in at least one significant extra-curricular activity to provide a balance to the intense academics.
If you are good enough to be admitted to MIT, you can handle the challenge. The MIT experience is certainly transformational and the constant interaction with some of the most brilliant students and faculty in the world is an incredible thrill. if you turn it down you may always have the lingering question about what could have been. |