 In 1970 , the then @-@ Dean of Institute Relations , Benson R. Snyder , published The Hidden Curriculum , arguing that education at MIT was often slighted in favor of following a set of unwritten expectations , and that graduating with good grades was more often the product of figuring out the system rather than a solid education . The successful student , according to Snyder , was the one who was able to discern which of the formal requirements were to be ignored in favor of which unstated norms . For example , organized student groups had compiled " course bibles " — collections of problem @-@ set and examination questions and answers for later students to use as references . This sort of gamesmanship , Snyder argued , hindered development of a creative intellect and contributed to student discontent and unrest . 
