Looking back, I could not think of another place that I would enjoy as much as the ORC to complete my PhD study. Personally, the ORC gave me access to a close-knit community of talented, caring and hard-working people. The peers and faculties not only support my aspirations and endeavors, but also motivate me to become a better person every day. Academically, the ORC provides unparalleled research opportunities. Here, you are challenged to understand the fundamentals of important problems and to create innovative solutions that can truly make impacts in the world. Close to many major firms and other research universities, the ORC will allow you to collaborate within and beyond the MIT campus. If you have ambitious ideas you would like to see into action, the ORC is definitely the place for you.

One advice for perspective students is to choose your advisor carefully. Besides academic research interests, think of someone who you can trust personally, a mentor whose core values align with yours. The style of their advising also plays a crucial part of your interaction with them: would you like to have someone more engaged, or someone more “hands-off”? Reach out to current or former students to find out.

After living in California for 8 years, I was ready to venture out to new exciting places, especially the East Coast. It was no surprise to me that I instantly fall in love with Boston as soon as I arrived. Around the Cambridge area, there are countless beautiful hiking destinations as well as natural parks, such as the Middlesex Fells Reservation and Boston Commons. When winter comes, you also have access to a wealth of skiing resorts and ice skating rinks close by as well. Overall, the people here are kind and sincere, and there are many fun activities to keep yourself busy.