About the Program

The Interphase EDGE/x (IP/x) program is a holistic experience that combines academics, community building, and the best of individual development.

The Interphase Scholar Program offers an enriching experience designed to prepare incoming first-year students for their academic journey at MIT. The program spans two years, commencing with an intensive eight-week summer component. During this period, scholars are exposed to innovative problem-solving strategies, connect with faculty members from various disciplines, and forge lasting relationships.

Scholars are encouraged to maximize their engagement with MIT resources throughout the subsequent two years, ensuring a comprehensive and fulfilling undergraduate experience. The program divides admitted scholars into two groups: Interphase EDGE (IP) and Interphase EDGEx (IPx).

  • Interphase EDGE (IP): Comprising 70 scholars, this group begins their summer component on campus at the end of June, dedicating eight weeks to acclimate to life at MIT.

  • Interphase EDGEx (IPx): Consisting of 20 scholars, this group starts their summer component virtually and joins their IP counterparts on campus during the sixth week of the program. IPx scholars spend a total of two weeks on campus during the summer component.

The IP/x classes aim to familiarize incoming students with MIT's academic environment. Scholars not only learn key concepts but also develop effective approaches to classes and study practices. Additionally, participants engage in non-academic workshops and group projects, facilitating an understanding of available resources and the early establishment of a supportive community. The program concludes a few weeks before the fall semester, with scholars seamlessly transitioning to their fall dorms, courtesy of the program.

Both Interphase EDGE and Interphase EDGEx scholars share identical academic year programming. This continuity ensures that all scholars receive a consistent and comprehensive educational experience throughout their time in the program. Please note that scholars applying to the program must explicitly opt-in for consideration in the Interphase EDGE/x Application to be eligible for the Interphase EDGEx (IPx) component.

Diversity is a cornerstone of the program, reflected in the composition of both Interphase EDGE (IP) and Interphase EDGEx (IPx) cohorts. The program actively seeks scholars from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, as well as those with unique life experiences. This commitment enhances the richness of the learning environment and contributes to the formation of a vibrant and supportive community.

The Interphase EDGE/x Experience

Summer Experience

During the summer, this program gives students an opportunity to get a first glimpse of what the next four years of their lives are going to be. Students get the chance to meet upperclassmen, participate in workshops, and explore campus. With the help of the Interphase EDGE/x staff, residential facilitators, and their fellow peers, scholars learn to successfully navigate through MIT by the end of the summer. Below is the list of courses that participants will enroll in during the summer component:

Physics

This course introduces classical mechanics: straight-line kinematics; vectors; motion in a plane; uniform circular motion; motion in three dimensions; Newton's laws; universal gravitation; collisions and conservation of momentum; work; kinetic and potential energy. Translational and rotational motion will be taught in parallel throughout the course. The emphasis is not so much on derivations as it is on the conceptual understanding of the underlying physics principles.

*A hands on, project based, version of this class will be offered to the IPx cohort.

Calculus

Calculus is the study of differentiation and integration of functions of a single or multi variable. Single variable topics include elementary functions; limits and continuity; differentiation, including rules, applications to graphing, rates, and extreme problems; indefinite integrals and integration techniques; definite integrals; fundamental theorem of calculus; applications of integration to geometry and science. Multi variable topics include scalar functions of several variables; partial derivatives; directional derivatives and gradients; double and triple integrals; determinants; matrices; vectors in 3-space; line and surface integrals in space; and (time permitting) conceptual understanding and applications of Divergence, Green's, and Stokes' theorems.

* A hands on, project based, version of this class will be offered to the IPx cohort.

Chemistry

Chemistry is designed to give students a fundamental working knowledge of chemistry that will aid to prepare them for their GIR chemistry course (either 3.091, 5.111, or 5.112). It is an introduction to chemistry, discussing basic principles of atomic and molecular electronic structure, stoichiometry, limiting reagents, thermodynamics, ideal gas and intermolecular interactions in gases and liquids, solutions, enthalpy, acid-base and redox equilibria. Problem-solving skills are developed throughout the course.

*Chemistry is not offered to IP/x Scholars

Communication & Writing

This course will help students improve their ability to write, present, work in teams, and communicate cross-culturally both during their next four years at MIT and in their careers after graduation. The course begins with the idea that communication is a rhetorical act: that is, the creation of any message — whether it is written or spoken — must begin with an understanding of the audience to whom it is being addressed and the purpose of the communication. The course will help students learn to construct and evaluate arguments by finding appropriate evidence, weave evidence together cohesively, and critically assess the strengths and weaknesses of different points of view.

Physical Education

Over the summer, scholars participate in one physical education class, which will count towards their MIT graduation requirement. This includes the opportunity to complete MIT’s mandatory swim requirement. If scholars successfully complete the swim test, they will be able to take either advanced swimming options, fitness and nutrition, or other options that vary from year to year.

Academic Year Experience

Academic Year 1:

During their first year at MIT, scholars engage in a structured support system provided by the Interphase Scholar Program. Scholars attend monthly meetings with their dedicated Interphase EDGE/x advisor to ensure scholars have access to the necessary resources and personalized guidance. In addition to these one-on-one sessions, students actively participate in workshops and networking events tailored to facilitate their journey to success. The focus of first-year workshops includes:

  • Study Skills
  • Time & Stress Management
  • Impostor Syndrome
  • Major Exploration
  • Industry Collaborations 
  • Introductions to Resources Across Campus (i.e., Office of the First Year, UROP, S^3, etc.)

Summer 2 (Non-Residential):

Sophomores are encouraged to follow an approved summer plan aligned with their professional goals and holistic development. The Interphase EDGE/x Sophomore Scholars retreat, scheduled for the spring of their sophomore year, is a mandatory event where scholars reconvene to connect with their peers and celebrate their contributions to the Interphase EDGE/x program

There is no required residential/on-campus component, but if you meet the program requirements for engagement, half of your summer earnings expectation will be waived

Academic Year 2:

In year two, sophomores continue to meet with their Interphase EDGE/x advisor, who serve as professional coaches, at least once per month. Scholars will also continue to participate in workshops and networking events that cater to their individual and the collective's growing needs. Sophomores may act as a resource for the first-year scholars as "informal" peer mentors. Sophomore workshops tend to focus on the following:

  • Professional Email Writing
  • Interview Preparation
  • Industry Collaborations
  • Introductions to Resources Across Campus (i.e., CAPD, PKG, S^3, etc.)