I could not have imagined pursuing my PhD anywhere other than the ORC. I have been truly and thoroughly delighted by the unparalleled academic experience, the people that I’ve met, and the culture that I’ve become a part of. 

The ORC was everything I was looking for in a PhD program. Because you enter the program with an advisor, you explore and work on research projects from day one, and for me, this is where the ORC shined. Especially having been out of school and working for several years, I was eager to begin research but also a little nervous about transitioning smoothly back into an academic environment. The ORC has gone beyond and above in this sense; the courses have been thoughtful and well-designed, and the guidance and support from my advisor and fellow students have been incredibly helpful.

Where you pursue graduate studies will be your home for 4+ years, and so when applying to and choosing between programs, it is equally important to consider the program’s culture as it is to consider its academics. From welcome events and seminars to social gatherings and spontaneous office discussions on coursework and research (or on topics completely unrelated!), the ORC’s co-directors, faculty, and students have all made the ORC feel like home to me. Outside of the ORC, Boston and MIT are also wonderful places to call home. The university has boundless resources and opportunities for you to take advantage of, and the city offers many fun activities and nice restaurants to explore. I especially enjoyed organizing an overnight winter retreat to Killington Ski Resort with my fellow students and look forward to organizing many more.