<p>Course X doesn't require 8.02 for any of its classes, so in the worst-case scenario that you don't get 8.01x credit first semester, you won't be behind.</p>
<p>As carmel and kryptonsa36 have said, it's relatively easy to switch from the "icing on the cake" versions of 8.01, 18.0x, etc. to the "no frills" versions if you decide you're in over your head -- you just have to make the switch by Add Date, which is October 3 this semester. So there aren't really penalties to trying the harder version and switching after the first problem set or the first test if you decide it's too tough.</p>
<p>At the same time (and I'm speaking here as someone who took the no-frillsiest first semester possible), don't feel that you have to take something with extra numbers after it if you're not interested in doing so. The majority of freshmen just take 8.01, 8.02, etc.</p>
<p>The math diagnostic is pretty useless for determining if you would actually survive 8.012, in my personal opinion. It only tests things like algebra and geometry, where what you really need to do well in 8.012 is calculus.</p>
<p>oh, i didn't mean you should use it as a predictor of 8.012 success. just that if you do really badly on it you may need to convince your advisor to let you take the harder class. and hey, i think there were plenty of k&k problems that, after you managed to figure out how to set up and begin them, turned into a real headache of algebra and geometry.</p>
<p>Yeah, that's true. A friend of mine didn't do so hot on the diagnostic and had to fight her way into the class (where she did just fine and is now majoring in Course 8).</p>
<p>I also agree with you on the K&K problems. Although I imagine the 8.012 profs would have phrased them as "headaches of symmetry and coordinate systems" rather than "headaches of geometry and algebra." :D</p>
<p>Ok, just chiming in about the math diagnostic: utterly useless. Also, it depends on your advisor if it matters at all. What I mean is, some advisors will try to make you abide by the advice given based on your score, and others know how useless it is.</p>
<p>Case in point: I did mediocre on the math diagnostic, and got double 5s on AP Physics C. My advising folder had these two statements back to back: "Your AP scores allow you to test out of 8.01. Your math diagnostic score indicates that you should consider taking 8.01L."</p>