A section of an 1869 Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) entrance exam became viral recently, posting on the subreddit r/Damnthatsinteresting. The image, consisting of basic algebra questions, surprised many social media users, considering MIT’s prestigious status today. Questions required students to solve simple equations and simplify two-variable expressions. Some users found the questions surprisingly easy, while others admitted they would struggle with them, even in the present day. Comments on Reddit ranged from amusement to surprise at the simplicity of the questions, with some noting that the exam likely got more challenging in other sections.
Many commentators on the Reddit post joked about how they could have easily attended MIT in 1869 based on the displayed algebra portion of the entrance exam. Some users acknowledged that the exam may have been relatively easier back then due to the lack of advanced calculators and technology, which would make these basic questions trickier to solve without assistance. Despite the exam appearing straightforward, some pointed out that getting accepted into MIT in the late 19th century likely required much more than just algebra skills, and subsequent sections of the exam were probably more challenging.
The viral nature of the 1869 MIT entrance exam was further discussed, with several users noting that the exam has been public for many years. In 2009, the MIT website shared an image of the test and highlighted the university’s early history, explaining that the first class of students in 1865 did not need to take formal entrance exams. However, by 1869, qualifying exams in subjects like English, Geometry, Algebra, and Arithmetic were implemented. The post also mentioned that present-day MIT acceptance rates are around 10%, indicating a much more competitive scenario compared to the institution’s early years.
Fox News Digital reached out to MIT for additional commentary on the historic entrance exam, but the university did not provide a response. The resurgence of interest in the 1869 exam has sparked discussions about how college admissions standards have evolved over the past century and a half. Some readers compared their modern-day skills to those required in the 19th-century exam, leading to reflections on educational advancements and changes in academic expectations. Despite the exam’s simplicity by today’s standards, it serves as a reminder of the rigorous academic requirements that MIT and other prestigious institutions have historically upheld.
Overall, the viral post of the 1869 MIT entrance exam has generated a mix of amusement, surprise, and reflection among social media users. The basic algebra questions from over 150 years ago have showcased how educational standards and entrance requirements have evolved over time. While some found the questions easy, others recognized the context of the era in which they were developed. The discussion around the exam sheds light on the historical academic practices at MIT and invites contemplation on the intersection of past and present educational systems.
