MIT Entrance Exam from 1869
A Reddit post showcasing the entrance exam question paper has gone viral. The exam paper, dated just eight years after MIT’s establishment, reflects a different approach to admissions. Initially, students who enrolled in 1865 were not required to take formal entrance exams; they only needed to be “properly prepared.” However, an entrance test was introduced later, and the 1869 paper includes an algebra section.
MIT Entrance Examination for 1869-1870
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Content of the Exam
The test bears the title “Massachusetts Institute of Technology” and presents algebraic equations that many find surprisingly simple. In addition to algebra, the original test reportedly included sections on geometry, arithmetic, English, and calculus.
Social Media Reactions
The reaction to the historical exam has been mixed, with many users on social media expressing amusement at the perceived simplicity of the questions. One user commented, “Good to know that I could have joined MIT in 1870. Yeah, these are surprisingly easy; I didn’t actually solve them, but there is nothing here I don’t know how to solve, and I only have high-school level math from decades ago.” Another user remarked, “None of the above problems require a calculator! They only require a basic understanding of Algebra. Most can be solved mentally without even requiring to put pen on paper to be honest.” A third commenter exclaimed, “HOLY MOLY I could get into MIT back in 1869.”
The viral entrance exam paper from MIT not only offers a fascinating look at the institute’s history but also highlights how educational standards and expectations have evolved over the years. While the challenges of admission remain high, this glimpse into the past reminds us that even the most elite institutions once embraced simpler measures of knowledge.