FAQ

Interphase EDGE requires scholars to be on campus for the full 8 weeks, fostering an immersive experience. Interphase EDGEx features a mostly online summer component, and scholars in EDGEx join the on-campus cohort in week 6 for the final 2 weeks, culminating in an enriching in-person experience. This structure offers a blend of online flexibility and on-campus engagement, providing a comprehensive learning experience.

The number of students applying to the Interphase EDGE program has been increasing annually. However, the capacity to bring students to campus remains unchanged. Interphase EDGEx is the OME's initiative to accommodate as many students as possible within the Interphase program

The joint application will go live on the Interphase EDGE/x website https://ome.mit.edu/interphase-edge/scholar-application

All admitted MIT incoming first-year students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible to apply, but only enrolled students may participate.

Your application is only considered complete when you have submitted your online Interphase EDGE/x application, including your personal statement, by the application deadline.

You may email interphase [at] mit.edu (interphase[at]mit[dot]edu). We will try to respond to all questions within 48 hours except for questions submitted on weekends or holidays.

You can submit an application as soon as the online application opens, but it will not be reviewed until after you have been admitted to MIT. After admission, we review your Interphase EDGE/x application alongside your MIT application. A diverse selection committee will then determine which applicants will become Interphase EDGE/x scholars.

You are still strongly encouraged to apply, and we will make decisions on a case-by-case basis.

Notification will be sent to the email address provided on your application.

Absolutely! We are actively seeking students who are committed to a two-year engagement with the program. Our academic year programming revolves around pillars such as academic success, community building, and professional development. We aim to enhance student engagement and further strengthen our Interphase Alumni network. Your engagement, as well as alumni pride in being an "Interphaser," is integral to the continued success and vitality of our program. We are particularly interested in scholars who embody and contribute to this spirit!

If you are not selected as an Interphase EDGE/x scholar, rest assured that you can still fully participate in the diverse range of programs offered by the OME and MIT. Our extensive offerings, including TSR^2, The Standard, Mentor Advocate Partnership, Master Your Future, Pathways to Graduate School, The CRWN, and Laureates & Leaders, are tailored to support your professional and academic goals. We encourage you to explore and engage in these valuable programs to enhance your overall experience at MIT.

The Interphase EDGE/x program officially concludes at the end of the spring semester of your sophomore year. In May of your sophomore year, we will host a graduation ceremony to formally recognize and celebrate your achievements and contributions to Interphase programming. This ceremony serves as a culmination of your two-year journey with the program.

Your academic advisors will be the Interphase Administrative staff with whom you closely collaborate during the summer. The relationships you build over the summer will contribute to the strength of the advisor-advisee dynamic. Both Interphase EDGE and Interphase EDGEx scholars will experience a structured advising format, involving monthly one-on-one check-ins with your advisor for personalized academic guidance

All dates can be found on the Interphase EDGE/x site: https://ome.mit.edu/interphase-edge 

The summer portion of the Interphase EDGE/x Program typically runs from mid-June to mid-August. 

All applicants will receive notifications via the email provided on their application roughly two weeks after application portal closes. 

To secure your spot, you need to complete the Interphase EDGE/x Participant Confirmation webform by the deadline provided in our email. If you do not respond by the deadline, you will forfeit your spot. In such cases, applicants on the waitlist will be considered for admission into the program. The finalization of the cohort will be completed by the first week of June. 

We anticipate an approximate total of 90 students for the program, with 70 on-campus scholars and 20 participating online

Interphase EDGE/x classes kick off the second week of the program. Before the start of classes, scholars must participate in a mandatory 3-day Interphase orientation, which encompasses sessions with the Office of the First Year (OFY) and the Career Advising and Professional Development (CAPD)

You'll experience the full academic rigor of MIT through courses in calculus, chemistry, physics, communication/writing, and physical education

Interphase EDGEx scholars will engage in physics and calculus classes, actively participating in weekly hands-on technical projects. Furthermore, each scholar will finalize a Communications Capstone Project by the end of the summer, facilitating a smoother transition into MIT. In a new offering this year, Interphase EDGEx scholars will have the opportunity to partake in asynchronous Physical Education courses!

For Interphase EDGE (on-campus) scholars, the swim test is scheduled at the start of the Interphase summer during their orientation week. In contrast, Interphase EDGEx (remote) scholars will have the opportunity to complete their swim test during their first week on campus (week 7).

Yes. Interphase EDGE/x scholars will be extremely busy with their summer curriculum and should plan to take the first FEE exam. Read more information about the FEE.

No, you do not have to pay for the summer component of Interphase EDGE/x. However, it is recommended to bring money for personal and incidental items, such as bedding, towels, and personal care items for your dorm room

During the summer component of Interphase EDGE/x:

• First Summer:
  • Your student summer earnings expectation is fully waived for the required residential/on-campus component.
• Second Summer:
  • There is no required residential/on-campus component, but if you meet the program requirements, half of your summer earnings expectation will be waived.

For personalized information about this waiver and specific details, please reach out to MIT’s Student Financial Services.

Interphase EDGEx scholars will be brought to campus for two weeks, specifically during week 7 and week 8, preceding the conclusion of the summer programming. During this time, activities will be organized to facilitate the holistic integration of both remote scholars and on-campus cohorts

We do not generally allow early arrivals, however these are generally dealt with on a case by case bases. Please contact interphase [at] mit.edu for more information.

Yes, transportation is provided on arrival day only, starting as early as 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., from Logan Airport (BOS). If your arrival is after 4 p.m., you may need to make your own arrangements for transportation to campus. The MBTA train from the airport to MIT costs $2.75, and a taxi ride typically ranges between $30 and $35. Further details will be provided as the arrival date approaches.

Late arrivals are generally not allowed, considering the importance of the events and activities during the first week of the summer programming. If you have concerns or questions about your specific circumstances, please email interphase [at] mit.edu (interphase[at]mit[dot]edu) for further assistance

No. Your roommate will be selected for you.

No, the academic demands and scheduled social activities within the program are likely to occupy much of your time, leaving limited opportunities for socializing outside of the program

No, the summer program is demanding, and, unless there are rare or pre-arranged exceptions, you will not be permitted to go home. However, after moving into your fall dorm and the program ends, you are welcome to return home.