I Didn't Know They Had Girls at MIT: MIT Diary

This MIT diary is an exceptional woman’s witty, entertaining account of her successes and setbacks in the male world of mid-twentieth century science education. Californian Judith Selvidge is independent, curious, contrarian, and looking for fresh challenges. “Is it different? Is it difficult? Sign me up!” could be her mantra. When I Didn’t Know They Had Girls at MIT opens in 1960, Selvidge is enjoying a glamorous year abroad, studying at the University of Geneva and skiing in the Alps. Deciding that to meet her secret goal of becoming a renaissance woman she needs more scientific knowledge, she successfully applies to transfer to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Will she face more challenges than she bargained for?

Selvidge arrives in Cambridge just as the Institute launches a yearlong celebration of its 100th birthday. The Times of London reports on these events under the headline, “One Hundred Years of Hard Work.” At MIT she encounters many diligent classmates—nearly all of whom are men. Indeed, the undergraduate men outnumber the women by 50 to one. Remarks a friendly student from Georgia during a chemistry lecture: “It sure is nice sittin’ next to someone wearin’ perfume for a change.” Selvidge’s practice being an alien while in Europe should come in handy in her new academic setting.

Meanwhile, in the outside world, the Cold War is heating up, the Soviet Union leads the U.S. in the space race, and the computer revolution has begun—opening new opportunities for women and for men.

Discover what it’s like to be among the “few” at this special time and place. Get an insider’s view of MIT, without having to do the homework.