<p>IMSAgeek:- The basic assumption in this thread is that the problem sets dished out at Caltech are similar to the ones given out at high school, which provoke a mechanized approach to problem solving with little space for thought and rumination. If that is true of Caltech, I don’t think it is suitable for any science student! If the problem sets do allow a person to ‘think’, then a student will definitely grow as a result of that. That is akin to a more streamlined approach to fostering creativity and learning, and is the same as ruminating in one’s free time. And I think to interpret my approach toward homework as a ‘waste of time’ would be unnecessarily harsh phrasing! 
As I’ve stated before, I will be going from Asia, which is fairly mechanical in ‘homework’ matters, to the States, which I’m guessing is not. So I’m willing to learn otherwise.</p>
<p>mathboy98:- I completely agree with you. I guess the whole point of homework is to have the whole class move at a uniform pace, consisting of those who’re motivated enough to pursue science in their free time, and those who’re there just to get a degree, and might fail without some form of academic obligation. If the problems are creative, they might also help a person expand his horizons.</p>
<p>collegealum314: Couldn’t agree more with you. I’m just ultra-scared of being disillusioned and bored with science, like that MIT student.</p>