<p>The MIT pass/no-record (P/NR) freshman year grading system is a different discussion altogether from the AP credit discussion. P/NR allows students to adjust to the unbelieveably challenging atmosphere and expectations at MIT. I can attest to the fact that some of the top students from the top high schools in the country get to MIT and realize that they need to ramp-up their work ethic even further and learn to meet even higher expectations than they’ve placed on themselves in high school. P/NR lets them learn how to swim before they’re thrown into the ocean.</p>
<p>(Note: it is Pass/No-Record, not Pass/Fail. If a student does not pass a course freshman year, it doesn’t appear on their record. And there is a lot of advisor and academic support to help keep classes from disappearing off one’s record – the goal is to help everyone pass.)</p>