SlicK21

So I am in a situation where I can commute an extra 30 miles to take the engineering physics series.

I am only contemplating this because:
-Physics at current institution is known as brutal. No lecture, mistakes on tests that must be figured out, unorganized, and rather difficult.

-Physics at other institute is hard, but teacher lectures, provides assistance all day, is rather ecstatic about teaching.

I don't want my gpa to take a hit, but at the same time I know people that have survived physics with an A at my school(insane amount of work though).

What would you do?

Honestly, I feel if I take physics at my current school I won't learn because its up to the student to learn(book, online videos, ask teacher), but if I am successful through the harsh amount of work, etc, I will probably have excellent time management skills, organization skills, and be able to handle more difficult classes of this nature.

TaciturnType

How long would it take you to commute? Could you use any of this time to study? If you're spending 1-2 hours 2-3 days a week commuting to the class, that time could be spent earning an A at your own institution. I know studying in place of travelling probably isn't thrilling, but you've mentioned the benefits yourself.

Is there no in-class lectured version of physics for engineers? It seems strange that such a large university (UW I'm guessing by some profile exploration) would only offer an online version.

If this is the case, do you know anyone else who might be taking the course? In your situation in particular, it could be helpful for you to motivate each other without the pressure of a professor.

SlicK21

I am a current community college student, possibly applying to UW.

Its an extra ~30/40 minutes each way so roughly 1 hour extra commute compared to where I am now.

Would that hour make a huge difference you think?

I am just worried that I won't be successful because of the nature of the class I am used to having teachers teach/lecture!

Basically the classes are different in that one is completely organized and lectures, help, physics teacher has engineering course experience. Good skills developed. Cons: extra 1 hour commute, OLD book(2003).

other class: Teacher isn't going to lecture, more work, harder class. Pros: probably will be similar to engineering courses? Book is great, less commute.


I guess I can watch MIT video lectures/get old exams if I take on option 2?

TaciturnType

Well that's a pretty bad situation. Both options are going to have some frustration, but I would seriously look into commuting. If the additional tuition and commuting cost of the class isn't too much, try seeing how it would fit in your schedule with other classes.

If it's going to prevent you from taking other important courses, I probably wouldn't go for it. If it doesn't, maybe try a simulated day. Are you taking courses now? You could try commuting to the other institution and doing some work there for however long the lecture would last, and then come back. You would only have to do this a couple times, but it would give you an idea of what travelling in the middle of a day of other classes would feel like.

Best of luck with transferring. MIT OCW is nice for some supplemental learning, but you shouldn't have too much online learning when working towards a college degree.