Frequently Asked Questions
About Pre-f(x) Trips
What is pre-function?
Pre-f(x) trips are student-led, non-academic trips that take place from the end of July to the beginning of September each year. The trips are led by 2nd year MBA students, so they’re also a great opportunity to connect with the previous class.
How many students go on pre-f(x) trips, and will I miss anything if I don’t attend?
Usually, the majority of the incoming class goes on some kind of a Pre-f(x) trip (both official ones planned by 2nd years and unofficial ones planned by incoming students). The trips vary in duration and timing to give as many people as possible the chance to attend. If you can’t make it, don’t worry, you’ll meet your classmates soon enough!
Can sloan fellows, mfins, executive mbas, and other non-two-year mba program students go on pre-f(x) trips?
At this time, Pre-f(x) trips are only for two-year MBA students and their SOs. These trips are designed to facilitate community before MBAs step on campus in the Fall, where they will spend all of the first semester together in core classes. As other degree programs will not partake in the same core classes as two-year MBAs, we prioritize two-year MBAs when filling the trips.
Can my SIGNIFICANT OTHER (SO) come on the trip?
Yes! We highly encourage it. There will be a place in the application to indicate whether your SO is planning to attend. Bringing an SO does not affect your chances of getting placed on any of the trips. We love SOs and they are as much a part of the Sloan fam as you.
Can my kids come on the trip?
We love kids, but sadly, we cannot accommodate them on the current list of Pre-f(x) trips. However, new this year, we are offering the ability to Make Your Own trip. You may propose a family-friendly trip for you and your classmates with children.
Can I attend more than 1 pre-f(x) trip?
Unfortunately, no. These trips are in high demand, so we allow each student (and their SO) to attend just one trip.
What does the trip and flight cost include?
Trip costs typically cover lodging, activities, in-country travel, and food and drink. We aim to make these trips as "closed wallet" as possible. You can expect some additional costs for optional activities and supplementary snacks. Flight costs are estimated round-trip from Boston, but you will be responsible for booking these yourself once you are assigned to a trip.
If I change my mind or have to cancel, can I get my deposit back?
Unfortunately, we are unable to refund deposits if you are no longer planning to attend your trip.
Who pays for trip leaders to lead each trip?
Trip leaders pay their own way; however, each trip leadership group is permitted to charge up to $50 per trip participant to offset personal costs (planning these trips is a TON of work!). Additionally, any unused funds collected in deposits will be returned to students or spent on additional activities for the group.
Pre-f(x) Trip Selection
What is the timeline for application and when do I find out about my trip?
Applications will open up on May 18 (once R3 decisions are out) and will close at 7 pm on June 1. You will find out which trip you are attending by June 10.
How are trips assigned?
In true MIT Sloan form, we've built an algorithm. It takes into account your preferences, trip diversity, trip capacity, and more. We will do our best to match you up with one of your top choices! Please keep in mind that trips ARE NOT first come first served, so if you don't get your trip preferences in until the deadline, you do not hurt your chances of getting on the trip of your dreams.
What happens if I indicate my top 5 choices, and I don't get any of them?
We will try very hard to make sure this doesn't happen, but we cannot make any promises. A handful of students last time did not receive any of their choices. We have done our best to accommodate as many spots as possible, but in the event you do not get a trip led by 2nd years, we will help facilitate trips led by 1st years.
Fall Academic Programming
What is Sloan Summer Series and do I need to attend?
Sloan Summer Series is a summer-long program of weekly virtual onboarding activities designed to prepare you for the MBA experience, which takes place from mid-June to late August. While it’s not required, it is recommended to help acclimate to Sloan. In addition, International students MUST attend one required international student orientation session in August (you only need to attend one of the two sessions). Almost every trip will allow international students to attend one of these sessions. Check out the MBA Program Sloan Groups Calendar for upcoming Summer Series Events.
Will any Pre-f(x) trips conflict with orientation / other Class of 2025 events?
No! Pre-f(x) trips are specifically planned to avoid conflicts with the Sloan academic calendar, including orientation for the Class of 2025. Any trips happening over Labor Day weekend with a start date of 8/31 will depart in the afternoon / evening after orientation ends.
Additional Information for Students in Special Circumstances
What do I need to know as an international student?
To begin, international students who wish to take part in the Pre-f(x) Trips must contact their MIT International Student Advisor, in the MIT International Students Office (ISO) before confirming any Pre-f(x) Trip plans.
The U.S. Federal Government has strict regulations around new international students (i.e., New, Transfer-In, and Return from Leave (RLOA)), traveling in their U.S. student immigration status before enrolling for classes at MIT.
Moreover, it is helpful to remind international students that while there is never an issue/procedure for an international student to exit/depart the U.S., there are required federal regulations and specific documentation required for entry into the U.S. For new international students to MIT, this has very specific requirements.
If a new international student enters the U.S., in their U.S. student immigration status (i.e., F -1 or J-1), then they must complete the below actions before they can exit the U.S.:
1. Submit the Online Check-In e-Forms in iMIT. This is required upon arrival to the U.S. for all New, Transfer-In, and Return from Leave (RLOA) international students.
2. Attend an ISO Immigration Orientation Session. This is required for all New, Transfer-In, and Return from Leave (RLOA) international students.
After an international student has completed the above to two actions, they can exit the U.S. However, as mentioned above, they can only re-enter the U.S. in their U.S. student immigration status after:
A. Their U.S. student immigration status (i.e., F-1 or J-1)/SEVIS Record has been activated.
- AND -
B. Their immigration document (i.e., F-1 Form I-20 or J-1 Form DS-2019) has been signed for travel.
Therefore, if an MIT international student enters the U.S. in their U.S. student immigration status (i.e., F -1 or J-1) during the 30-day window (i.e., before the start of the academic term/classes) and then exits the U.S. before the start of the academic term/classes, then U.S. federal regulations may not allow the student to return to the U.S. unless actions A and B listed above have occurred and the students is enrolled in classes (i.e., after September 5, 2023, MIT’s enrollment/registration day).
To conclude, entry into the U.S. in a U.S. student immigration status and travel outside the U.S. is possible, but only if the international student will re-enter the U.S. after September 5, 2023, with actions A and B listed above completed.
If you have any additional questions about this, please contact your MIT International Student Advisor, before confirming any Pre-f(x) Trip plans.
What do I need to know as a or waitlist student?
We may have a limited number of spots for our waitlist AdMITs across various trips. Your application process will be slightly different, but we will make sure to provide you with all the details when the time comes!
Did we miss something?
Feel free to contact us with any questions at mitsloan.prefx@gmail.com or post on Slack in the #2023-prefx channel.