The admissions process at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), freshmen year courses, and the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) are discussed. MIT's admissions criteria include the College Board Achievement Test, Scholastic Aptitude Test scores, high school transcripts, essay replies by applicants, letters of recommendation, and interviews with MIT alumni. Faculty members and admissions staff read admissions folders and score the candidate according to the evidence of quality presented. There are no cutoff scores: each applicant is considered on individual merits. In addition to the preparation level of the student, evidence of intellectual persistence and creativity is of interest to the selection committee. Difficulties encountered by freshmen result from deficiencies in academic preparation and difficulties in budgeting time and setting priorities. Additionally, students have trouble undertaking or appreciating conceptual modeling. The UROP allows undergraduates to join faculty members in an inquiry so that they can learn by example the process of seeking answers and assimilating knowledge. The program also fosters meaningful student-faculty relationships and develops student maturity. Comments made by MIT undergraduates about their research education experience are included. (SW)