Getting out of the math diagnostic

gonzaemi · 08-28-2009, 12:10 AM

Simple question: is there any way of getting out of doing the math diagnostic on Saturday (without any adverse consequences) if I don't even want to take 8.012? I really have a weak calculus background (at least compared to some at MIT, especially those who DO want to take 8.012), and I know I'll end up in 8.01 anyway. Any advice/thoughts appreciated.

PiperXP · 08-28-2009, 12:57 AM

Have you considered 8.01L? It's designed for those with weak calculus backgrounds.

gonzaemi · 08-28-2009, 01:31 AM

I have. But I'd still have to take the diagnostic, I'm guessing? Gah.

oasis · 08-28-2009, 05:49 AM

Why don't you want to take it? Laziness or fear of the test?

If it's the latter, let me assure you that the test is extremely simple. Mainly precalc stuff - nothing too advanced. I know people who got like a 20% on it and it's not factored into anything, so don't worry too much if you think your math is not up to par right now.

If it's just laziness of not wanting to show up, I think the worse that will happen is that you'll have no score for the math diagnostic in your advising folder and your adviser will have nothing to go on during course selection to "advise" you. I don't think you'll actually run into any solid consequences for missing the test - but personally, I thought it was just easier to show up and at least have some kind of score so you don't get questions or potentially have to retake it (I doubt it) later.

I personally thought the math diagnostic was pretty meaningless. I think it's just a way to have a "official" excuse to "weed out" overachievers who legitimately are not ready in math to take 8.012. I got a near perfect score on that math diagnostic and trust me, 8.012 would have totally killed me if I had stuck with it (I dropped after 3 weeks)....haha.

cubism4nerds · 08-28-2009, 01:03 PM

Hi!

I read somewhere (maybe MIT site, I don't remember exactly) about skipping the Math Diagnostic if you had 8.01 credit. I emailed MIT regarding this, and they said that they still want me to take the math diagnostic. SO, on that note...I'd highly encourage it. Though, like oasis, I doubt they would penalize you if you just didn't show up.

la montagne · 08-28-2009, 01:26 PM

I agree with Oasis; the math diagnostic is nothing to be scared of, and I can't think of any decent reason why someone would want to dodge taking it other than laziness. If it is laziness (which isn't what it sounds like from your post), I'd suggest going, working through the test as quickly and carelessly as you feel like, and leaving; that's what I did, and what a lot of my friends did. It's a meaningless test, but your adviser might be a little annoyed/think a little less of you if you just don't show up.