The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is globally recognized as one of the top institutions for engineering, mathematics, and science. Since its establishment in 1861, it has produced over 101 Nobel laureates and 8 Fields Medalists, reflecting its prestigious reputation.
With a highly selective acceptance rate of just 4%, gaining admission is incredibly competitive. Applicants must excel academically, participate in extracurricular activities, and submit strong essays and letters of recommendation, yet acceptance is never guaranteed.
Recently, a post on Reddit featuring an entrance exam from 1869 has gained significant attention. This was just eight years after MIT opened its doors. According to an MIT alumni website, the first class of students in 1865 was not required to take formal entrance exams; they only needed to be “properly prepared.” Eventually, an entrance test was introduced.
The viral test paper, emblazoned with “Massachusetts Institute of Technology” at the top, primarily showcases algebra questions. It is believed to have included additional sections on geometry, arithmetic, English, and calculus.
The historical significance of the test aside, the algebraic equations appear relatively simple, likely solvable by a high school student. This has sparked amusement among social media users, given that MIT is still a leader in technology today.
One Reddit 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 added, “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.”
