<p>So the math diagnostic for physics exam is used to tell you which 8.01 class you should take at MIT, and I know getting 5s on both AP Physics C exams qualifies one to either take 8.012 or go straight to 8.02, but someone was telling me that a 5 on AP Calc BC will also work for 8.012 eligibility. I can't seem to find this anywhere online though. </p>
<p>Does anyone know if it's true?</p>
<p>I was under the impression that the math diagnostic just provides a recommendation for where you should register in physics, and even if you don’t do that well on it, you can still take 8.012 if you think you can do it.</p>
<p>^Correct.</p>
<p>The results of the math diagnostic are yours to consider or ignore as you wish. Anyone who wants to take 8.012 can take it.</p>
<p>Wait…I thought it was now used as a cutoff…</p>
<p>“For the first time, math diagnostic exams were used not only as recommendations for freshmen enrollment in 8.01, 8.012, or 8.01L (Physics I) but also as a way to determine which freshmen were given spots in 8.012.” </p>
<p>From the Tech in 2007: [Freshman</a> Class FEE, Math Diagnostic, ASE Results Don?t Surprise - The Tech](<a href=“http://tech.mit.edu/V127/N39/freshmantests.html]Freshman”>http://tech.mit.edu/V127/N39/freshmantests.html)</p>
<p>Third paragraph.</p>
<p>Has it changed?</p>
<p>8.012 was oversubscribed in 2007. I’m not sure if it has been since then :)</p>
<p>So basically the only reason you’d actually have to pass the diagnostic to take 8.012 is if too many people sign up for it, necessitating a cut off?</p>
<p>^ That’s what’s been the case in the past.</p>
<p>Cool. Thanks! I’m still not sure if I even want to take it… I think my first semester might be tough enough already.</p>
<p>You can always show up to the first few classes, then switch to 8.01 if you decide you’d rather not take 8.012. </p>
<p>There will be a number of resources available during orientation to help you decide what versions of GIRs to take – first, you’ll meet lots of upperclassmen who have taken all the different variations of GIRs under the sun, and who are always happy to help freshmen sort through their choices. There will also be a presentation given by the professors of all the main freshman GIRs during orientation, where they’ll give more detail on what’s expected for their courses.</p>
<p>I don’t know whether anyone is still following this thread, but I am pretty sure the Math Diagnostic is actually being used as a screening mechanism. I don’t think it has to do with the size of 8.012 - at least from what I heard at the presentation thing where they talked about GIRs at Orientation.</p>
<p>One of our advisees wanted to take 8.012 with a low Math Diagnostic score, but then the instructor wouldn’t let him. He had to plead for a long time before they said they’ll allow it on a probationary basis (they have a right to remove him from the class at anytime). He ended up sticking with 8.01 though.</p>
<p>You don’t need calc for the Math Diagnostic. I’m actually not entire sure what the point of the exam is…I mean, I got a 97% on that test (one of the highest numeric percentages I’ve ever gotten at MIT…haha -____-) and I still struggled through 8.01 and 8.02 lol.</p>