Prefreshmen, Discover Electrical Engineering and Computer Science @ MIT
Since 1996, incoming MIT Freshmen have been given special opportunities to get involved with the MIT community via what are now called the Freshman Pre-Orientation Programs (FPOPs). This is the sixth year of theDiscover Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Program. Explore this site and stay tuned to this site as our class of (roughly 40) students discovers what EECS is all about.
While you might imagine that Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) is limited to "circuit hackers" and "code monkeys," in reality EECS graduates can be found in almost every field of academia and industry, including communications, biology, manufacturing, energy systems, finance, physics, and many more. MIT's EECS program is designed to give you the breadth of problem solving tools and creative thinking you need to tackle any of these fields, and there are great opportunities to specialize and apply these skills in the department as you advance. In the Discover Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (DEECS) program, you will experience the strength of Course VI first-hand, and you’ll see what makes us the most popular department at MIT.
During the week, we will focus on three things: familiarizing you with the department through research presentations, lab tours, and a robot project, introducing you to other students and faculty, and showing you around MIT and the Boston area. DEECS provides an excellent introduction to the department. The program is designed to be both challenging and exciting, regardless of whether you have been programming and wiring for years or just have an interest in the field. The program kicks off with a puzzle/scavenger hunt, giving you an overview of what the department has to offer.
While you work with the other freshmen and our student staff. Throughout the five days, you will see demonstrations of cutting-edge research in a variety of labs across campus. You will also work in groups of three to build and program a LEGO robot; this is a great opportunity to learn and apply core EECS skills while you see if the department may be the right fit for you. During DEECS, you will spend five days with 38 other freshmen who are also new to MIT, giving you a great opportunity to make new friends before orientation even starts. You will also get to know our DEECS counselors, current EECS undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty. They will be able to answer any questions that you have, including how to plan your first academic year, how to get involved with research, and what it is like to be a Course VI student.
We will also give you an introduction to MIT and Boston. You will get to know your way around campus and visit two science museums. We will bring you many varieties of interesting and nutritious food. You will have dinner in Harvard Square one night and venture into Boston another night. There will be opportunities for soccer, ultimate frisbee, movies, visiting a nearby shopping mall, and other activities. All in all, we want to help you become comfortable with the people and opportunities that will shape your MIT experience.