| @Sakky: One problem I have with the idea of some majors being easier than the others is that it compromises what seems to be an important idea at MIT.
Notice that there is no ranking at graduation, no latin honors, no honorary degrees, and that the brass rat ring is in a way a symbol of equality among the student body. It means that when you meet another MIT student, you can be sure that they have worked really really hard, and achieved a level of competence matched by few others.
This is what the reputation of the school rests upon, the idea that through and through the students have reached a very very very high bar of competence. It also inspires a sense of comradery, because you count on your peers to be able to share your burden and together move forward. A team is only as great as its weakest link. And ultimately history and life are conquered by the winners.
Now you suggest that all the kids who found engineering/science "too hard" go to Sloan. I feel that Sloan should not be designed as a safety net, but rather a school that really pushes forward the best of the best in terms of entrepreneurs.
I read an interesting article in the Tech very recently in which they were talking to the new admissions director. He said he was going to start slightly shifting the admissions office's focus to bring in kids who have a sincere interest in science, mathematics and technology. Even if they want to do other things, central is that they display a strong interest in science, mathematics and technology.
Also, 5 lengthy posts in a row? Damn. |