A recent entrance exam question from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) from 1869 has gone viral on social media, surprising many users with its seemingly basic algebra questions. The questions, which asked prospective students to solve simple algebraic equations, were considered beginner-level problems that are typically taught in U.S. high schools today. Despite being from over 150 years ago, some users expressed shock at how easy the questions seemed compared to current college admissions standards. Others, however, pointed out that the exam likely only represented a small portion of the admissions process.
Many social media users commented on the simplicity of the algebra questions, with some joking that they could have easily passed the exam in 1869 and gained admission to MIT. However, others admitted that even with today’s modern education standards, they may still struggle to answer the questions presented on the exam. Some users highlighted the fact that calculators were not available during that time period, making the emphasis on simple and calculation-free problem-solving techniques evident in the exam questions. Overall, the discussion on social media highlighted the differences in educational standards over the years and the evolving nature of college admissions.
Despite the recent attention the entrance exam has received, it has been publicly available for many years on the MIT website. The exam is from a time when the university’s acceptance rate was much higher and did not involve formal entrance exams, with the first class of students in 1865 only needing to be “properly prepared.” By 1869, the MIT Corporation had introduced qualifying exams in various subject areas, including English, Geometry, Algebra, and Arithmetic. This historical context provides insight into the changing landscape of college admissions and the increasing competitiveness of getting accepted into universities like MIT over the years.
The viral nature of the MIT entrance exam from 1869 sparked a broader conversation about educational standards and the history of college admissions. Some users pointed out that the exam only represented a single section on algebra and speculated that other subjects like analytical trigonometry and differential equations may have been more challenging. The exam’s availability online allowed users to reflect on how educational requirements have evolved, with formulas and problem-solving that were once standard now seen as basic or easy by today’s standards. The exam also highlighted the importance of critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a time without the aid of modern technology.
Overall, the reactions to the MIT entrance exam from 1869 on social media showcased a range of perspectives on the evolving nature of education and college admissions. While some users found the questions surprisingly easy, others acknowledged the historical context in which the exam was created and the different standards of the time. The discussion provided an opportunity for reflection on the changing expectations in education, from basic algebra in the 19th century to the complex subjects taught in universities today. As higher education continues to evolve, examples like the MIT entrance exam serve as a reminder of the historical roots and progression of academic standards over time.
