A certificate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) can do wonders for your career. That’s because the learning institution is one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Founded two centuries ago, MIT has set itself apart as a leader in technology, engineering and science. Over the years, this university has participated in various ground-breaking studies and research. If you have ever wondered what makes MIT so special, here are 12 facts about the institution to get you started:
1. The 1970 – 2000 MIT Blackjack Team Made Millions Using Math to Beat Opponents
During the late 80s, 90s and early 2000s, a group of MIT students and alumni made millions by employing mathematical skills in blackjack. Backed by anonymous investors, the players would check into expensive hotels before making a kill in the casinos. The MIT blackjack team played big stakes and cashed out lots of rewards. They were so good that there is a documentary about them.
2. The Second Man to Walk on the Moon Had a PhD from MIT
MIT’s alumni list comprises of overachievers in a wide range of industries. Take Buzz Aldrin, for instance. The second man to step foot on the moon had a PhD from MIT. He made history as the first astronaut with a doctoral degree.
3. MIT Owns Majority of Bose Corporation Shares
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is the majority shareholder of Bose, the famous audio equipment manufacturer. Amar Bose, the founder, donated these shares. However, the shares owned by MIT are on the condition that they can’t be used to vote. Also, they can not be sold.
4. MIT Offers a Pirate Certificate
Undergraduate students who complete their physical and general wellness education are awarded a certificate in Piracy. This is not a stand-alone certificate but is awarded mainly for entertainment. MIT introduced this certificate to encourage students to participate in physical classes. It, however, doesn’t grant one the authority to engage in pirate activities.
5. MIT Students Must Pass a Swim Test to Graduate
In the 1940s, MIT introduced a swim test that students must complete to graduate. It’s not the only institution with such a requirement; Columbia University and Dartmouth College also have a compulsory swim test. This test requires students to swim 100 yards, with speed and style not important. The goal is to the course. Students who do not participate in this test must sign up for a swim course.
6. MIT Offers Free Online Courses
Every year, MIT launches new free courses. The aim is to make education and knowledge available even to those who may not have money for tuition. While these courses are constantly changing, they revolve around technology and science.
7. Will Smith Did Not Turn Down a Scholarship from MIT
There is a common myth that renowned actor Will Smith turned down a scholarship from MIT. The truth is that Will Smith never applied to MIT. He didn’t apply to any college because he was focused on his rap career. However, Will’s mother, who was part of his school board, had a connection with MIT, which wanted to admit Smith to a pre-engineering summer program for high school kids. As it turns out, Will Smith didn’t attend this program, either.
8. MIT Invented a System that Provides Cooling Without Electricity
In 2019, the researchers at MIT made an impressive invention. They created a device that can cool things down by almost 13 degrees Celsius without the help of electricity. Interestingly, this device does not have moving parts and relies on radiation to cool things down.
It’s made out of cheap polyethylene foam insulation and was tested at the MIT campus and Chile’s Atacama Desert. The team intends to use this device to offer cooling properties in remote areas and for those living off-grid.
9. Caltech and MIT Have Been Beefing for Years
Despite being thousands of miles apart, Caltech and MIT have had an intense rivalry since 2005. Ever since, they have done numerous pranks on each other. One of the most notable ones was when MIT students posed as movers, stole Caltech’s 100+ year-old cannon, and transported it to Cambridge.
Another awesome prank pulled off by Caltech was during a freshman fair when they handed out shirts printed by MIT at the front. At the back, they were written, “Because not everyone can go to Caltech”. Caltech had handed out about 400 t-shirts before this prank was discovered.
10. There is a Carton of Milk That’s Been in MIT for Two Decades
In Random Hall, there was a 20+ year-old resident called the Milk. It’s a carton of Milk that has moved across the floors for years. This cult-like Milk was bought in 1994 by Justin Cave. He forgot about it and rediscovered it ten months later and threw a birthday party for it.
After that, Justin Cave and his friends couldn’t throw away the carton of Milk. A year later, the residents of Random Hall decided to enroll the Milk for the Ugliest Manifestation on Campus (UMOC) award. It was not accepted into the draw, but the students wore a milk costume, winning the UMOC. It won this award three times and became a permanent resident. Unfortunately, the Milk went missing on August 20, 2022.
11. The Guy Who Invented Pop-up Ads is from MIT
Most people agree that pop-up ads are one of the most annoying forms of advertising. Unfortunately, they were introduced by an MIT grad called Ethan Zuckerman in 1997. In 2014, Ethan publicly apologized for this invention and explained in detail that he didn’t have malicious intentions.
12. The First Online Transaction was Between MIT and Stanford University Students
MIT and Stanford University students made history by being the first people to make an online transaction. More interestingly, the product being sold was a tiny bag of marijuana. The students at both colleges accessed their AI labs to access the Arpanet network, where they organized a meeting place to buy and sell the weed. There was no online transaction of money. This happened in 1972.