It's official: my first semester at MIT is over. After finishing four finals in three days, I packed my bags and headed back home to South Bend. By the time you read this, I'll have been home for over a week - but as far as I can tell, not much has changed. And yet, at the same time, everything has. Including me.
A lot can happen in a semester, especially a semester at MIT. In retrospect, I realize that - in spite of reading the blogs, in spite of talking to upperclassmen and alumni, in spite of going to CPW - I really had very little idea of what college life is like. People talk a lot about the "transition" from high school to MIT. But the word transition implies some sort of slow, controllable change.
Let me tell you something: when you get to college, change is neither slow nor controllable - it's a process that you barely realize is happening. Growth comes in spurts and spasms, and it can hurt. The transition is not a straight line, it's a step function. And sometimes all you can do is just hang on.
Academically, I had a bit of rough time this semester, and the main reason was 8.012. At this point, you may be wondering (understandably), why did 8.012 make me so miserable...and for what matter, what is 8.012? Well, let me give you a little background.
As part of the GIRs (short for General Institute Requirements, a set of classes that everyone must take, or pass out of, in order to graduate from MIT), most freshmen take some sort of physics their first semester here. The vast majority take a course on classical mechanics called 8.01. Basically, 8.01 takes your typical college physics class and gives it a uniquely MIT twist called TEAL, which works for some people...and simply doesn't for others. (Karen has more to say on this topic.) For those who don't like 8.01, or who don't have quite as strong of a physics background, there's an alternative class called 8.01L, which covers the same material as 8.01 but at a slower pace.
And then there's 8.012, the accelerated version of 8.01, occasionally called Physics for Masochists...and for good reason. Even before actually coming to MIT, I had been warned about the class's notorious difficulty. As if that weren't enough, my parents, who have always been incredibly supportive of me and all my academic endeavors, expressed more than a little surprise when I told them about my decision. Their main point: why would I want to put myself through such a difficult class so early in my academic career, particularly when I had no ambition to be a physics major? "Well," I replied, "I think I have a pretty good preparation in physics from high school; and, besides, I really want to challenge myself this semester, to find out where my limits are."
So I signed up for 8.012, and - at first - life was good. I loved the professor and his lecture style, I liked my TA, I did well on all my problem sets. And then, just when everything seemed to be going so well...I failed the first test. I had never failed a test before, but this time, I absolutely blew it. Looking back, I know where I went wrong. I had a basic grasp of the necessary concepts, but I couldn't apply them to save my life. In other words: although I understood the fundamental physical laws, I was completely lost on the details of actually solving the problems. (I also completely blanked on how to do simple harmonic motion, which turned out to be crucial. Live and learn.)
Needless to say, this did not bode well for me. Do you guys know what fifth-week flags are? Basically, they're an official sign that you're struggling in a course - and, well, I got one in 8.012. At this point, being flagged was basically a formality, but it definitely solidified my understanding that this was pretty serious. I talked with my professor, my freshman advisor, and my parents at length about whether or not I should continue in 8.012 or drop down to regular 8.01. The unfortunate caveat: I had only two days to make my choice.
Thinking back to those 48 hours, when I was in the middle of making a decision that could potentially impact the rest of my academic career at MIT, one memory stands out particularly vividly. I remember running into one of my good friends who was also in 8.012, and going with her as she picked up an Add/Drop Form to switch into 8.01. As she took her form, she persuaded me into taking a blank form as well - just in case I decided to switch.
The irony of the situation? She had done far better on the test than I had.
Ultimately, I decided to stick with 8.012. I wasn't happy with my performance on the first test, but my problem set scores were strong, and I was determined to turn things around. Call it a curse, but I'm actually a very stubborn person at times (although I generally prefer to use the word tenacious), and I wasn't willing to give up on 8.012 just yet.
So I got working. I re-evaluated a lot of things in my life - how many extra-curriculars I was involved in, how I was spending my time outside of class, how I was preparing for 8.012 itself - and I made more than a few adjustments. I started going to my professor's office hours, I began to ask more questions during my recitations, and - most importantly of all - I ended up becoming part of a regular study group. Because our problem sets were due on Friday, we met every Thursday night at ten o'clock, like clockwork, and didn't go home until we'd worked out every problem together. Central to our success was the fact that we didn't simply share answers amongst one another. Rather, we actually worked with each other to make sure we all "got" every problem, from beginning to end, so we understood not just the solution, but the process behind it.
Fast forward to the middle of December. The second of our two tests had come and gone, as had our big project. (My study group and I tested the "urban legend" of whether or not a penny dropped from the Empire State Building can kill a person below. Our conclusion: yeah, it'll hurt. But kill you? Not likely.) Although the numbers indicated I was doing better than I had - and you know how we MIT students love numbers - I wasn't in the clear yet. One challenge remained: the 8.012 final exam.
To put it bluntly, I studied harder for that test than I ever had in my life. I used every resource I had or could find on the Web. I took previous semesters' exams, I worked through problems I had missed on old problem sets and tests, I read and re-read the book. When exam day came, I sat down to take the test knowing I had prepared as best I could. For the next three hours - yes, final exams at MIT are three hours long! - I worked as quickly, almost feverishly, as I could to get down as much 8.012 knowledge as I knew. The final was...difficult, to say the least. But strangely enough, during the exam, something...rather extraordinary happened. For the first time all semester, I actually felt like a physicist. I was making connections that I had never before thought possible, solving problems in ways I wouldn't have believed I was capable.
When I walked out of the exam room, I honestly had no idea how I had done - whether I had failed or passed. But I couldn't help but feel that I had achieved some sort of victory. When I think back on the past semester, that sensation is one of the memories I treasure most. I know it's a paradox, that I would want to remember such a taxing experience. It's sort of like the dual meanings of IHTFP: sometimes, it's the worst experiences in your life that matter the most.
Ultimately, this story has a happy ending. I survived 8.012. I still have that Add/Drop Form I mentioned, and I plan on keeping it until the day I graduate...a memento, of sorts. Due to the Pass/No Record policy for first-semester freshmen, I won't know by what margin I passed until I return to MIT, at which point my advisor will personally reveal my secret grade. Whatever my final grade, though, my official transcript will always bear the simple, modest letter "P." And that's good enough for me.
Ultimately, though, this entry isn't just about me. It's about all of us freshmen here at the Institute: my comrades, my peers, my friends, who struggled with me and alongside me - not just in 8.012, but in all the classes MIT has to offer. I also want to take this opportunity to thank Caroline, Laurie, Stunes, Michael, Mark, Jenny, Jedediah, Itaru, Maddie, Rob, Beebe, Bob, Tanya, Josiah, Clara, and all the others who helped me along the way. Even if you never read this, I want you to know that you guys are my heroes - the real heroes of 8.012. Without you, I know I would never have passed.
All that said, I got a lot out of 8.012. I walked into the class with a strong grasp of single-variable calculus, plus one year of basic experience with mechanics and E&M from high school. Despite my difficulties, I walked out with a much more thorough understanding of mechanics and Newton's laws than I had ever thought possible. I still remember learning about momentum transfer (a.k.a. "how rockets work") as one of the first lectures where I truly "got" something, even though I know I'm never going to be a rocket scientist. Thanks to 8.012, I got my first taste of what "real physics" feels like. Because ultimately, it's not just about solving problem sets, but looking at the world and discovering models, equations, solutions. That's pretty special, and in fact that's why I fell in love with science in the first place.
If you choose to take 8.012 - and I would highly encourage all of you to consider it - you almost certainly will be challenged. But that's not a bad thing, in my book - the entire college experience is about challenging yourself, after all. And 8.012 is not impossible. You don't need multi-variable calculus or differential equations to beat it - although your work will be harder if you don't have a solid grasp of single-variable calculus. What you really need is to be smart, adaptive, and (most importantly) willing to work. Ultimately, 8.012 is designed to be rigorous...not to break you in half.
Because when you get right down to it, there's really no simpler way to put it: MIT is hard. And the transition can be difficult. But that's part of the reason Pass/No Record exists - to help ease that transition, to tone down the stress (but not the workload!) of the first semester. These past four months have, without a doubt, been the most challenging of my life - and the most rewarding. I've learned more about multi-variable calculus, biology, chemistry, and - of course - physics than I ever thought possible. And, perhaps even more importantly in the long run, I learned what it takes to survive at MIT. At least, I think I did. =)
As we head into the New Year, I want to wish all of you the best of luck on your applications. Wherever you find yourselves in the fall of 2008, I know you have the power and the potential, not simply to do well, but to excel. When the world kicks you down, get right up and kick it back, because life is too short to worry about what could have been. Learn from the past. Embrace the present. Look forward to the future. And, no matter what else happens, always - always - live your dreams.
Comments (Closed after 30 days to reduce spam)
And Paul, it's awesome that you stuck with it even though you were having trouble at first. I admire that sort of thing.
Would you recommend 8.012 over 8.01 then? And what kind of background in physics did you have?
--Marc R.
Posted by: Marc on December 31, 2007
Happy new year to all
Posted by: Udit on December 31, 2007
happy new year to all and wishing you all the best
Posted by: swagnik on December 31, 2007
MIT is definitely challenging and that's one of the ways it makes us grow and change faster than we imagine at first. It's good to reflect on this during breaks so we can actually come to terms with everything that happens during the term.
Happy New Year! I hope you're enjoying break.
Posted by: Omar '10 on December 31, 2007
Posted by: Edgar on December 31, 2007
Posted by: Noelle on December 31, 2007
(And I'm so excited about MIT!)
Posted by: Pam on December 31, 2007
Posted by: MJ on December 31, 2007
Sometimes I think of you as a very wise,old man disguised as a college student. Your words are truly an inspiration. I dont think anyone could have put the rigors of life at MIT into such a motivating perspective as you did. Kudos to you!
Posted by: Nihar on December 31, 2007
is that too pitiful for mit?
i'm an international student but i've done the APs for phy B and calculus AB and i got fives on those but my SAT 2 scores suck :(
Posted by: 0 on December 31, 2007
Posted by: Hunter '11 on December 31, 2007
Name any essay or short answer in my application and I will tell you why I hate it.
I'd sure wish Ben or Matt would answer some of our questions before the deadline - though..
But hey, if there's anyone who need a vacation when you look at all the work they've got ahead: Enjoy your break.
Posted by: E on December 31, 2007
If corresponding with MIT about this problem, please include this message. Thank you.
I just submitted part 2 and now THIS came
Posted by: OH NO on December 31, 2007
it says part 2 has been processed but it isn't 'ticked'
and yeah
that error message
i should ge do hara kiri :S
Posted by: Aditi on December 31, 2007
Posted by: Aditi on December 31, 2007
Posted by: E on December 31, 2007
it worked
i HATE my application, especially the essay....oh well...too late..
Posted by: Aditi on December 31, 2007
Posted by: OmarA on December 31, 2007
Now, with the application finally out of my head (I've been thinking, breathing, wondering and writing about MiT for about 10 months), the feeling I've got is great.
Not because of my essays, or my recommendations, or my grades. Not because I believe that I will be accepted into the Class of 2012. The numbers I face tell a different story - If I ever get in, then I'll have to knock out at least 20 other applicants.
But I've done as much as I could have done with my application. There's really not anything left for me to do, other that waiting. I will try and think of other things, try to get some fresh air and relax with my friends.
I wish all applicants, international or domestic the best of luck, and a happy new year!
Posted by: EV on December 31, 2007
I couldn't help but smile at that statement. It's true, but at the same time...you know. =p
I'm impressed with your tenacity for 8.012. Kudos to you.
Posted by: Oasis on December 31, 2007
I could recall a few times doing something like that. I got a C- for my high school ending exam, but an A on the actual thing. And for practically every math subject I did in college, I did so poorly in the semester that I needed full marks in the notoriously difficult finals to score an A.. and I'd get either an A- or B-, lol.
It both interests me and worries me that I'm hearing so many stories of survival in the first semester in so many universities lately. All from people whom I expected to dominate
Happy new year to everyone!
Posted by: Muz on December 31, 2007
Do you think having taken MV/Diff Eq before taking the physics class would have helped? Curious as to your thoughts as to whether it was the physics that hung you up or the math needed to do the physics...
Congrats on surviving and learning from the experience! Gotta love that firehose...
Posted by: anonymous on December 31, 2007
Btw, I hit the submit button!!! :D Yay for me :D
Posted by: Sanja on December 31, 2007
i am really bad at these essays...i have not even finalized them yet.......tomorrow is the last day to submit it right? or do we have to submit is before midnight today????
plss help with this...and is there any common problem that pops up when submitting part2?
Posted by: anonymous 2 on December 31, 2007
As far as my mathematical preparation goes, I took multi-variable calculus (it's called 18.02 here) concurrently with 8.012 - and, really, that helped immensely. Regarding differential equations, you need to know how to work with them in a very limited sense, but you never really solve any per se. So a better knowledge of differential equations probably wouldn't have helped me.
Again, I should have made this clearer, but my particular trouble was the physical concepts themselves, not the math behind the physics. The Physics Department recommends, and I completely agree, that you have "mastered" single-variable calculus before taking 8.012. This generally means testing out of 18.01 and into 18.02, via AP credit or some other method. (Having a little familiarity with vectors can also go a long way.)
Finally, if you're already wondering whether to take 8.012 over 8.01, I'd say you need to have three things to really benefit from 8.012. The first is a solid familiarity with basic physical concepts - Newton's laws, gravitation, kinematics, energy, etc. The second is a strong mathematical foundation that includes calculus. And the third is loving physics enough that you're willing to really, wholeheartedly commit yourself to what is one of the most intense classes freshmen will ever experience.
Great questions, everyone - I hope this helps clarify things. One of the most enjoyable parts of my job as a blogger is getting to give pre-frosh and prospective students advice on classes. Once decisions are released (!) and the new freshmen get closer to choosing their own schedules, I'm sure the other bloggers and I will be putting together entries on the various ways to tackle the GIRs. In the meantime, though, you can check this awesome entry by Keri.
Posted by: Paul on December 31, 2007
Posted by: Anonymous on December 31, 2007
What kind of curriculum is in each class?
Keep in mind that I have absolutely no interest in being a math major.
Posted by: Kim on December 31, 2007
@ the anonymous international above: 760 is quite a respectable score for the Physics SAT II. Either way, though, remember that scores are only one part of the application, and not even the most important part.
Posted by: Paul on December 31, 2007
i know this is a stupid question but i just wanna make sure soo...
the deadline for the applications is 1st jan....so we should submit it before midnight tomorrow or today??
please help.........
Posted by: help....... on December 31, 2007
Happy New Year, Australia!
Posted by: archimedes on December 31, 2007
Before Midnight today, good luck!
Posted by: Snively on December 31, 2007
Another good luck!
Posted by: Snively on December 31, 2007
@ Kim: Personally, my advice would be to take the credit for 18.01 and head into 18.02 - especially if you don't want to be a math major. Without a doubt, you need to have mastered most single-variable concepts before you can learn multi-variable calculus...so I might recommend looking at the OpenCourseWare for both subjects (18.01, 18.02) and seeing how much looks familiar. Those sites will also give you syllabi, which will explain the curricula of both classes far better than I can here.
Even if you have forgotten some of 18.01, it'll probably come back to you pretty quickly. However, if you want to make sure you know single-variable calculus at an MIT standard before progressing onwards, a common solution is to take the 18.01A/18.02A sequence, which reviews single-variable calculus at an accelerated pace in six weeks. The last six weeks of fall term cover the first half of 18.02; then you complete the second half of 18.02 either during IAP or the first half of spring semester. A few fellow freshmen in my fraternity took 18.01A/18.02A, and they seemed to enjoy it. More info is available from the Math Department.
Posted by: Paul on December 31, 2007
Posted by: laetridelfo on December 31, 2007
Posted by: Solstice on December 31, 2007
@Paul- I was refreshing my RSS feeds this morning and as soon as I saw "What though the Odds," I just thought, oh, must be Paul. I have to admit, I was expecting some sort of Notre Dame reference, though.
Congrats on 8.012, though I might have already wished you that. Eh, even if I have, it deserves two.
Posted by: Shannon '12 on December 31, 2007
Posted by: carmen on December 31, 2007
and @everyone who hasn't submitted, good luck! Right now i'm pretty glad I submitted back in October. Can't wait for March!
Posted by: Morgan '12? on December 31, 2007
@ Solstice: Mm...good question, I've been trying to answer it for myself for quite a while now. Ask me again in a few weeks.
@ Carmen: Sorry to hear that! The choice to retake the AP is up to you, but MIT does indeed offer advanced placement exams (they're called Advanced Standing Exams here) for several subjects, which you can take during Orientation. Later in the year, there'll be a "Class of 2012" site with a lot more info on all this sort of thing. For now, you can learn a little more about them here.
Posted by: Paul on December 31, 2007
Posted by: Michelle '12 on December 31, 2007
Posted by: '11 on December 31, 2007
That was how a blog should be. Really enjoyed the look into the life of a freshman.
It sounds like 8.012 is one heck of a challenge but I really like how you mentioned that you had a group of people going through it with you. That is key.
Just finished my app. Now I just need to go ace the SAT and ACT. Stoked!
Happy New Year everyone!
Posted by: Kai on December 31, 2007
Posted by: 0 on December 31, 2007
Fellow applicants: In the raving storms of life, and struggle for success (whatever that means to you)not everybody gets on the safety boat at once. And if you don't get on the first,the second might pick you up. And the second may have much more candies.
All I'm saying is as you put your final touches, put your souls in it. Give it your best. Thats all thats required of you. and the rest...
As for me I've done my best and I believe tomorrow isn't just bright but blazing. Best wishes.
HAPPY NEW YEAR, WORLD.
Posted by: Desmond on December 31, 2007
And random question but, I gave my school the required forms and such to send to MIT but they haven't been processed or checkmarked off. They don't need to be by tomorrow...hopefully...or do they?
Posted by: Sara on December 31, 2007
@ Sara: MIT's January 1 deadline is a postmark deadline. It's not that surprising the boxes aren't checked off, as there's a lot of paper that the Admissions Office has to process right around now.
Posted by: Paul on December 31, 2007
I had a similar experience. Thanks for sharing
Posted by: Dave on December 31, 2007
And I forgot to say Happy New Year!!!!
Posted by: Sara on December 31, 2007
Posted by: 0 on December 31, 2007
SAT CR: 780
SAT Math: 630
SAT Writing: 690
SAT II Math II: 590
SAT II Math I: 640
SAT II Biology: 680
ACT English: 33
ACT Math: 29
ACT Reading: 31
ACT Science: 29
ACT Composite: 31
So as you can see, my math/science scores weren't all that great and I was accepted.
So seriously, stop worrying about it.
Posted by: Hank R. on December 31, 2007
THIS IS NOT COLLEGE CONFIDENTIAL.
Put those numbers away. AWAY. Away, I say!!! *runs screaming horrified to a more sane website*
Posted by: 0 on December 31, 2007
I heard the average for the first test was in the 40s
and the average for the final was 58!!
that is one scary number since everyone in the class are already best of the best!
Congratz! Doesn't it feel sooo good after you realized that you really survived it?
Have a great year next year!
Posted by: 0 on December 31, 2007
Posted by: carmen on December 31, 2007
In all seriousness, though, admissions is not about the numbers - it is about <a>the match</a>, pure and simple. In the eyes of MIT's admissions readers, you are not defined by your scores, but by the sum and total of your experiences. Everything matters, and although I know scores seem to loom very large in the college admissions scene, they are really just one small part of "everything."
My blog has very few rules, but one of them is that I don't do "chances." Because they simply don't work.
In other news - I've updated the entry slightly with thoughts on what I "got out" of 8.012 and some tips for prospectives or pre-frosh thinking about taking the course. You can find these new reflections in the third and fourth paragraphs from the bottom. (Summary: I learned a lot, you should think about taking it too.)
Posted by: Paul on December 31, 2007
do you all actually feel like you're working all the time, or do you actually have some slightly reasonable amount of time to chill. i just got in EA and i'm planning on going, but i'm definately not a genius so i'll probably be spending a lot of time studying. i have no problem with working really hard as long as i have some decent amount of time to do other things..
Posted by: jandro on December 31, 2007
i really really thank you for posting those figures here. i have scores a little better than those but tehy are not the best according to me. but there must be something really good in your application and your essay that you were accepted. i request you to give us some tips regarding that if u would like to. how did you make your application pleasing.
and i admire your cr score truly..
Posted by: anonymous on December 31, 2007
Also did you know your study group buddies before the course or did you guys just decide to get together one day?
Lastly, HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Posted by: Jing Jing on December 31, 2007
Yaaaayyy!! PHYSICS!! Physics Physics Physics
I can't wait!
Posted by: Anon9'12 :) on December 31, 2007
Posted by: Hank R. on December 31, 2007
Absolutely! There's tons of time to do really awesome stuff! I passed all of my classes AND went to Red Sox riots, saw a Broadway musical (Wicked, amazing), saw a standup comedian, had snowball fights (more on that to come), beat Mario Galaxy (twice-ish), wander Boston, went to the Museum of Fine Arts, and all sorts of other stuff. No worries, people at MIT have a bunch of time to do other things, otherwise we'd all go insane
Posted by: Snively on December 31, 2007
I had a similar experience the last marking period in AP physics. I wasn't used to doing work for science of math classes, as long as I paid attention in class, an A came naturally; however, launching right into AP without any background in physics was bit of a surprise. After the second test, I realized I would have to do all of the homework to catch up to where the rest of my class was (They had taken mechanics before.) In the end I got a middle B, but most of all, I felt like a physicist and enjoyed doing the problems.
I also like the explanation gave for why anyone would take 8.012 (I hope I can take it, it sounds fun). If you have the pass or no record option, why not see where your limits are; it's better freshman year because you don't get a grade, and you can set your goals from how hard the class was. I think the whole entry gets at the essence of challenging yourself, and getting right back up if you fail. It's the only why to see how far you can go.
Posted by: Dan C. on December 31, 2007
Posted by: 0 on December 31, 2007
Thanks so much, Cody Dean
lilchicken_dean2@yahoo.com
Posted by: Cody Dean on December 31, 2007
I think this is true for any college, really. The workload may be especially challenging at MTI, but we manage. As Snively said - socializing and exploring Boston are just two of the many ways MIT students keep ourselves sane...along with playing sports, participating in extra-curriculars, building disco dance floors - stuff like that. It's not all fun and games, of course. To repeat something Derrick said earlier, since I think it's a rather profound way of looking at life, everything has an opportunity cost. You can't do everything, and sometimes you have to make sacrifices to do well in your courses - to find a balance between work and play, in other words. In the end, it usually works out all right.
@ Jing Jing: In the work-play balance, I consider blogging to be part of my "play."
Well, to be honest, my study group sort of just happened one night. Four or five of us ended up in this one classroom somewhere off the Infinite, and we realized we were much better off working together than alone - so we kept coming back.
Posted by: Paul on December 31, 2007
Cody: When you say "visiting MIT," I'm going to guess you mean taking the tour, listening to the information session, that sort of thing. In that case, sophomores are most definitely welcome. And most do bring their parents, yes - considering they're usually the ones responsible for transporting you.
If you're referring to the overnight program, you can find more information here. Unfortunately, overnight visitors are limited to admitted students during March and April, so keep that in mind as you make your plans.
Posted by: Paul on December 31, 2007
Though, throwing it out there, all of my SAT II's were in the 600 range. That's right, NO 700s ON SAT IIs.
Posted by: Hunter '11 on December 31, 2007
Posted by: Hawkins on January 1, 2008
Paul you are awesome man.Thank you very much writing this and keep blogging as often as you can because I like your messages
Posted by: Inshaf on January 1, 2008
Posted by: milena '11 on January 1, 2008
your blogs are really awesome and helpful...
infact you are the only one who responds to the questions we applicants ask so quick...thanks a ton for this.!!
i wish u and everyone else a very happy new year!!!!!
Posted by: moni on January 1, 2008
Posted by: Anjaney on January 1, 2008
Posted by: 0 on January 1, 2008
YAY PAUL!
YOU'RE AMAZING!
how are we supposed to wait till april
how????
:(
Posted by: 0 on January 1, 2008
Posted by: Hunter '11 on January 1, 2008
Posted by: AB on January 1, 2008
Posted by: Lina on January 1, 2008
Congratulations, Paul!
(Finally SUBMITTED, too!)
Posted by: Priya on January 1, 2008
I know this is not the best place to ask this but I'm really kinda panicking now...
Anyway, I've read your entry and I'm really tempted to apply for MIT...I've got everything ready BUT! When I tried to pay online using credit card, the website keep telling me Credit Card number invalid! I just used the same credit card 5 minutes ago to pay for online payments for other college applications as well and it worked fine on other websites!
Could someone please help me? Really desperate now as the time is drawing near...
Thank you very much!
~~Hal
Posted by: Hal on January 1, 2008
Snively and Paul both answered this pretty well, although Snively neglected to mention that he's also on the varsity pistol team.
As for my own work-life balance: I'm on the sailing team, play viola in a chamber music group, and volunteer on the ambulance. I also passed 54 units this term (with at least a couple A's). That still leaves time to cook most of my own food, spend time with my friends and boyfriend, bake chocolate cake every few weeks, waste time online, and watch a movie or two each week. And yes, I do sleep, maybe 6 hours per night average over the entire semester.
On the other hand, if you choose to spend every waking hour on your coursework, that is also possible. It's a matter of setting your priorities, and maybe every once in a while deciding that going out to dinner with your friends is more important than finishing a problem set.
Posted by: Clara '10 on January 1, 2008
Congratulations! I read your post and was immediately brought back to my experience in the beginning of my junior year in ap calculus (yes, it was single variable, don't judge!). Out of stubbornness (or tenacity as you called it - which I might have to start doing myself...), I chose to persevere as you did. I experienced all that you shared and I can second the fact that those feelings of weakness that are so trivial and even humorous in retrospect lead to real, indisputable growth.
I wish you luck with the rest of your MIT career. Maybe I'll see you next year?
+paul k
Posted by: paul k on January 1, 2008
@ AB: RA decisions last year were released about noon on Saturday, March 17. I didn't check mine for a couple days, actually...but, anyhow, this year's release should be sometime around that date. I know it can seem a long wait, but trust me, you'll find ways to fill the time. :D
Posted by: Paul on January 1, 2008
Posted by: anion on January 1, 2008
I wuv you too, Paul.
ps. I wouldn't have passed without you, either. =D
Posted by: Caroline on January 1, 2008
i'm so scared about MIT. even if i get in, i don't know if i can handle it. Physics C is getting hard, and i'm really starting to doubt myself. and i think 'if i can't even handle high school physics, how can i handle a school like MIT?'
but reading your blog makes me want to go and pick up my physics book and try to learn everything i've been messing up so bad.
Posted by: kayla on January 1, 2008
Paul, thanks for answering my question (though I know a few others asked it) at length. I definitely am considering 8.012 as a serious option. Despite the difficulty, it really sounds like it was worth it for you and ultimately like it was a cool class.
So now the real thing I have to hammer out with myself for next year is whether I'd rather take 8.012 or 18.014 .. or, horror of horrors, both. Is there anyone out there with some 18.014 experience who can shed some light on the subject? Paul, didn't you have some friends in 18.022 .. what's that like? I like physics a lot, but ultimately I like math more .. so, its a tough call (luckily one I don't have to make yet).
Anyway, happy new year all!!
~Donald Guy
Posted by: donaldGuy '12 on January 1, 2008
so i'm wishing the results are coming out on march 15.
i think it's highly probable because from looking at previous years, results come out on saturdays, and because this year is a leap year, the 15th is a saturday!
Posted by: dan on January 1, 2008
MIT's "traditional" regular mailing date is Pi day, March 14.. so .. if you are talking online decisions.. could be.
Good Luck ^_^
Posted by: donaldGuy '12 on January 1, 2008
@ Donald: No problem! I had several friends in 18.022, most of whom found it pretty challenging. (One friend in particular tried to do both 8.012 and 18.022, but after a few weeks she switched into 18.02. She ended up kicking 18.02's butt, actually. Especially with the GIRs, it's pretty easy to experiment with the different levels available.) That being said, my general impression was that it's a good course.
As I've said before, the other bloggers and I are most likely going to be pooling our collective knowledge about the GIRs sometime down the line (anywhere between April and August) in a series of blog entries. The MIT First Year<a> site can also be invaluable. It isn't ready for Class of 2012 yet, but you'll still find the older material to be of use.</a>
Posted by: Paul on January 1, 2008
Posted by: Sam on January 1, 2008
Posted by: Paul on January 1, 2008
Any news on the expansion of class size for 2012?
Posted by: anion on January 1, 2008
I am an Ea admit and I have been looking at MITs AP policy. I took Physics C last year and got double 5s, but I know I could not work a rocket momentum problem (never could), though I could work most intermediate level physics problems( almost all double dot, all one dot, only some triple dot in Tipler - if you're familiar with that textbook) problems - My main question is am I prepared for the next level of physics in MIT or should I opt to retake one of the physics courses?
Posted by: 0 on January 1, 2008
As to the mention of 18.022, I took both 18.022 and 8.012. I struggled a lot in 8.012, but fully loved 18.022, and to me, it was nothing in comparison with 8.012.
Good job on passing Caroline!
Posted by: Tanya '11 on January 1, 2008
(P.S. - also, when they say you have to "enjoy Physics" to take 8.012, they mean it. You can't be apathetic towards Physics, or ambivalent towards Physics, or vaguely gravitated towards Physics; you have to actively LIKE Physics. I made the mistake of only sort-of-liking Physics, as well as the mistake of going in with no calculus-based Physics know-how, and I was miserable. However, I did manage to pass - take from that what you will.)
Posted by: Michael L. on January 1, 2008
I'll offer my own story as well, one that perhaps will be frowned upon, but whatever. I dropped 8.012 after the first test, which I got a 28(!)/100 on. The pass mark for that test was a 30, and I was positive that with some more effort I'd be able to pass 8.012; however, I decided that I'd much rather spend my 15/hours of week of class time and psets doing other things, since I just didn't care about Physics that much. I switched to 8.01 and breezed through; I hardly went to class (my online gradebook says I went to 8.01 five times, but I could've sworn I went six or seven
Posted by: rko on January 1, 2008
rko: Thanks, man. I appreciate you sharing your story, it's a good one.
Posted by: Paul on January 1, 2008
Posted by: Spencer on January 2, 2008
And, I hit the submit button yesterday! Yay!
Posted by: 0 on January 2, 2008
btw...does the authors of the book teach the class? cuz that would be really awesome
Posted by: Anonymous on January 2, 2008
Posted by: Steph on January 2, 2008
1) there is very good reason to take 18.014 if you're interested in math at MIT. It's really not at all about taking as many advanced classes as possible, your undergraduate years are much better spent getting a really solid foundation. If you're interested in math your'e likely interested in grad school. Ask any graduate school counselor, which is better? Learning calculus with theory well (and only you can really say if you've learned it well- pick up Apostle, do you get it?), or taking a few grad classes before you graduate. 9 out of 10 dentists agree, learn the basics.
If you're interested in math, you're in for a real shocker if you start off with 18.100 and haven't had an extensive theory background in high school. 18.100(A,B,C) (real analysis) is required for almost every higher level (theory) math course- every. And there is no intro, it's sink or swim. Like, you think 8.012 is bad? My friends who got A's in 8.012 got C's in 18.100B. Where does 18.014/18.024 come in? They're what prepare you for theoretical math courses like 100B, they're what tell you if you actually enjoy doing that kind of thing. These kinds of math most kids don't encounter in high school. If you don't have experience in rigorous theory, for god's sake please take 18.014/24 on pass-no record and find out your weaknesses and really work out the kinks before continuing. 18.02 won't give you that, nor even 18.022. Don't end up with a C or a D or an F on your transcript in a basic course (like 100) so that you have grad courses to show off on your transcript.
2) I think maybe a trap that kids fall into with these physics classes 8.012/8.022 etc etc is that they believe they will be ANYTHING like AP Physics, and that APs is a necessary preparation for it. Just from personal experience I've noticed that people coming in with lots of enthusiasm and the minimal physics background tend to do the best. It's because they don't expect anything, and really try to learn every bit of information thrown at them as opposed to falling into the trap of "oh, i saw this in high school, I know how to do these problems".
Posted by: lulu on January 2, 2008
Also, to reinforce something Lulu said - 8.012 was indeed hugely different than my "AP" physics course in high-school. From that matter, basically all classes at MIT are going to be far more advanced than your high-school courses. (That's what you came for MIT for, after all.)
Even though some stuff will look familiar - and this holds true for all the freshman classes - that's not going to last long. Don't be arrogant. Don't get lazy just because it's Pass/No Record. Work hard, and it'll pay dividends. Slack off - and, to be honest, you'll probably survive anyway. But you'll never know what you missed.
Posted by: Paul on January 2, 2008
Posted by: unknown? on January 2, 2008
The reason I always advise freshmen against 18.014 is that it locks you into taking 18.024 and 18.034 in your second semester, because neither of these classes are offered in the fall. For the 80% of frosh under the credit limit, this prevents them from taking an intro class in another course, such as 5.12 or 2.001. That means if you get to 18.100 and you decide that you don't like math anymore, it's already your sophomore year, you don't have a major, and you haven't taken any major classes outside of math. I came into MIT thinking I wanted to be a math major, but if I hadn't taken 5.12 (Organic Chemistry) during my freshman year, it would have been much harder to change my major sophomore year.
Sorry, I just have an irrational hatred of 18.014.
Posted by: Sam on January 2, 2008
Posted by: unknown? on January 2, 2008
Posted by: phreaker on January 2, 2008
Thanks so much for both your opinions it gave me much more to chew on then just the catalog descriptions.. I'm still uncertain of what I'll do but I'll keep thinking about it. I do have a real interest in math, but only as a second major (a major I will legitimately care about and have a passion for, but slightly inferior to my "main" choice).
The problem is that that "main" major will likely be VI, 6-2 to be exact. And I've heard a lot about how difficult that can be. I don't want to get stuck without getting 6.01 in by fall of sophomore year at latest.. 6.042J/18.062J also looks very interesting to me.
To give a little more background, I have a 5 on BC Calc and I'm in a Multivariable/DiffEq class this year.. granted I'm sure its not as high quality as MIT could provide, but testing out of 18.02 is not entirely impossible.
Anyway, not sure what other questions would be good, but if you can think of any other perspective/advice/comment that might be helpful, let me know.
Thanks so much,
~Donald
Posted by: donaldGuy '12 on January 2, 2008
the lesson here is math people find physics hard and physics people find math hard. I still think if there's any doubt you should take it, it's only one more class and you can always switch out, no one is locked into 18.024/34, most people never take 34 and you can abandon the series any time for 18.02(2)(3)...
Posted by: lulu on January 2, 2008
Posted by: 0 on January 2, 2008
For those who are really good at Math or Physics and will be entering MIT, why don't you pass 18.01/8.01 GIR by APs and take 18.02/8.02 ASE during orientation. In that way, you can have more options taking some advanced courses during freshman year. That is how my kid did in 2006.
Posted by: Fred on January 2, 2008
Posted by: intleyes on January 2, 2008
I Wow. --Shivers--
I <3 Physics, don't get me wrong, but... Wow.
UGH!!!! Why is March so FAR AWAY!?!?!?
Posted by: E. Rosser on January 3, 2008
Posted by: MIT Parent on January 3, 2008
NOW
not that i have any real hope
but STILL
Posted by: 0 on January 3, 2008
Posted by: MIT2012 on January 3, 2008
@ unknown?: Yes, Ben Jones will personally come to your house and murder you in your sleep for comma splicing. =P Seriously, no, you'll be fine. If it's a typo or something, don't worry about it. If it's an actual error (like saying "I torture students after school" instead of "I tutor students"), then you may want to drop Admissions an email. :D
Posted by: Paul on January 3, 2008
Can you tell me how the UROP program works and how to get one at a cool place like Langer Lab?
Posted by: Anonymous on January 4, 2008
Posted by: Paul on January 4, 2008
Though there's no 'luck' in action in the admission process, still
BEST OF LUCK EVERYONE!!!
. .
V
Posted by: Tanmay on January 4, 2008
Hope you're having a great early 2008!
Posted by: Hyun Jin on January 4, 2008
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