dag89

Well I can't help you with your title question, but at least I can inform you that you aren't the only one with MIT impostor syndrome! I'm visiting Stanford right now trying to decide between Stanford or MIT MSME. I was similarly shocked that MIT wanted me, and things just keep getting crazier: I now have two MIT professors offering me projects that sound really cool, and I worry a ton about whether I'll actually stand up to the expectations they have for me as an MIT admit. I'm seriously tempted to take the expensive, quicker, thesis-free (safer) Stanford option that probably won't lead to a PhD, instead of the intense-sounding MIT MS that could easily become an epic PhD if I end up having what it takes (and enjoy research more than I believe I will...) or could suck really bad for 2 years if I don't have what it takes....