<p>The civil war idea is correct. </p>
<p>Fewer girls apply to MIT because it’s just a truth of our society that most girls are not interested in science/engineering. Therefore, the rate of accepted girls is higher; however, there is a greater process of self-selection in the that only very qualified girls seem to apply whereas more unqualified males do, so it ends up being about equal. </p>
<p>And people sheesh, MIT has been around a hell of a lot longer than the 1950s. George Eastman, of Eastman Kodak… even hear of him? Along with several other alums from 'round the turn of the century. <em>sigh</em></p>