MIT has a coveted Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering Degree. But there is a problem - it demands 4 years of your life and a pristine track record. I have neither. I am but, an average graduate with biology major. And I will attempt to pass all the required subjects of this 4 year degree in 100 days[^1].

How?

MIT has been generous with open-sourcing[^2] their curriculum^3, lectures^4, exam papers, handouts and paraphernalia of academics. I have devised a course structure that follows the same requirements as imposed upon a MIT Graduate[^5]. I will watch the video lectures, take notes, do assignments and read suggested readings when provided and finally write exam paper for each subject[^6].

Am I missing the point?

It can be argued that the perks of MIT comes from its environment- alumni, faculty, interactions and ideas. I will admit that being amidst smartest of teachers and students as well will considerably impact the learning experience. But if I can’t have the cherry, does not mean I’ll throw away the cake. Yes, I will not have 1-on-1 evaluation or peer interactions or constructive feedback. I will still have lectures, lecture notes, assignments, recommended reading etc. from best of the faculties. The glass is half full.

1462 days => 100 days ???

Finishing the 4 year degree in 100 days will require ~15x speed up. If a real MIT graduate studies just 1 hour a day on average, I will have to study 15 hours. And if they study 1 hour and 36 minutes, I’m cooked (do the math). Top down approach will not work, we will have to rid our assumptions and start bottom up. With first principles. Skip next paragraph if math bores you. Just take my word that it might be slightly possible.
[^7]In cumulation, I’ve been self-condemned with 34 subject accounting to total of 293 units[^8]. I have 100 days. I can gratuitously put 8 hours a day towards this venture. That gives me 800 hours. Each unit would comprise of ~1 hour lecture. Lets add 1 hour of note taking and further reading. 2 hours for each unit = 586 hours. We have 800-586=214 hours left. That means we have 214/34~=6 hours for each subject, that I will have to prepare, write exams and evaluate the submission in. Sounds reasonable in theory, but I’ve made lot of assumptions that I’ll only know the verisimilitude of once I start.

What Now?

This was Day #0, where I spent ~5 hours going through the curriculum, requirements and syllabus to develop the course structure. I studied several interesting units while in the process. I have not developed a strict lesson plan. In the initial stage, I will aim to study 4 units a day on average. With first-hand experience I might contrive a realistic plan. I will post daily log with notes here. I’ll be glad if you join me in this. Thanks for reading.

Footnotes

[^1]: Inspired by Scott Young. https://www.scotthyoung.com/blog/myprojects/mit-challenge-2/

[^2]: It still tickles me with awe that I can access such treasure trove with just a few taps of my finger.

[^5]: Though, some liberty has been exercised given practical constraints.

[^6]: Some subjects have a different evaluation criteria such as demonstration.

[^7]: I am sure whatever plan I come up with will reveal crevices when put under practice. I intend to be flexible with the plan as my experience and perception evolves. I will keep version history of the same for future references.

[^8]: In MIT Lingo, unit means a topic or a chapter of a subject.