<p>How long do SURFs usually last. My family wants to visit India next summer (for a month or so right after finals), and I was wondering if I could do both the visit and a SURF.</p>
<p>Hey and SilvaRua, I PM'd you a while ago about getting textbooks; can you still tell me where to get them? Thanks a bunch.</p>
<p>
[QUOTE]
My family wants to visit India next summer (for a month or so right after finals), and I was wondering if I could do both the visit and a SURF.
[/QUOTE]
</p>
<p>Absolutely. Most people take time off during parts of SURF, and a month during the beginning is probably fine.</p>
<p>SURF is (officially) 10 weeks.</p>
<p>I was planning on doing Biology for my SURF. I will definitely contact the profs like you said. Is there any rough estimate as to how early you should start emailing them?
Also, do you know about those research seminars for bio and chem? b/c I might end up opting for Ch3a over Bi 2 instead.</p>
<p>I went to the engineering one (E 2). It was decently interesting and there was free pizza. I don't think it's really useful for getting research in the sense of increasing your chances but it is useful to see what research is being done and perhaps find something that you're interested in.</p>
<p>I talked to my prof for SURF in December, and I was definitely one of the most early people to speak to him.</p>
<p>Would taking both Math2 and Ma/CS6 at the same time as a freshman be "too much"?</p>
<p>I think the typical answer would be: You're on pass/fail, get as much out of the way as you can!</p>
<p>
[quote]
Would taking both Math2 and Ma/CS6 at the same time as a freshman be "too much"?
[/quote]
It depends on the student, but you can take</a> a look for yourself. There's always drop day and the joys of pass/fail as well.</p>
<p>Around 5 frosh took Ma 6 last year. 15-20 took Ma 5ab. 10-15 took Ma 2ab. It's not that abnormal. I think most (everyone?) who knows enough math to pass out of Ma 1 takes Ma 5 or 6.</p>
<p>When you say you talked to your prof, did you look up different profs in your field of interest and see their research interests, and then email/meet the prof that interested you the most? Thanks for your help!</p>
<p>Also, does anyone know when we physically take the Physics placement exam once we arrive on campus?</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Yes, that's exactly what happens most of the time. </p>
<p>
[QUOTE]
Also, does anyone know when we physically take the Physics placement exam once we arrive on campus?
[/QUOTE]
</p>
<p>You receive the exam with a bunch of other pre-frosh material. You have to hand it in within a week of receiving it, if I remember correctly.</p>
<p>Something bad happened... :)
Right before leaving to Caltech, I got sick...so I'm stuck in my house with high fever...That's why I don't think I'd be able to handle a six hour flight from NY to CA and then keep functioning with FinAid, meetings, dinners, etc. </p>
<p>If it turns out I can't come for the Orientation week, how bad will it be (besides, of course, missing on a lot of opportunities)? Oh, to add weight to the decision, I still have to write WAFT...</p>
<p>So...what should I do and whom should I call?</p>
<p>Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>Calling the deans' office (<a href="http://www.deans.caltech.edu/contact.htm%5B/url%5D">http://www.deans.caltech.edu/contact.htm</a>) might be your best bet. They handle accommodations for students who get sick on campus and would probably be happy to help you out with the logistics, and they'll be able to explain exactly what you'll need to do regarding housing, finaid, etc. when you do arrive.</p>
<p>Missing orientation won't be a huge deal; you'll have plenty of opportunities to meet people during Rotation. And as much as it sucks to miss out on the first week, it's probably a better plan than spending it miserably sick. Don't panic! And get well soon =)</p>
<p>Thanks, flierdeke!</p>
<p>Yes, I decided to call the dean's office shortly after I've posted here. They nicely told me that I should really-really try to come on time. But it's fine because I'm much better now</p>
<p>Thanks again</p>
<p>What is the time frame for moving to new room/house after rotation ends Saturday/Sunday?</p>
<p>Is it too late to take the physics placement test?</p>
<p>(I thought Phys 1 would be beneficial. And then I actually went to class. =/)</p>
<p>The physics placement test was due on Monday. They released the results on Wednesday.</p>
<p><a href="I%20thought%20Phys%201%20would%20be%20beneficial.%20And%20then%20I%20actually%20went%20to%20class.%20=/">quote</a>
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Yeah, the beginning is kind of boring, but I think [read: hope] that once Goodstein feels everyone has more or less equal background, things will start to get more interesting. I mean, the dude was teaching for quite a while (did he?) and has a lot of experience in dealing with us, froshes. And since students haven't voted him out yet, Ph 1a will turn out to be worth it, methinks.</p>
<p>Again, this is just my idealistic hope since I didn't pass out of 1a :)</p>
<p>Enjoy the easy physics while it lasts, prefrosh.</p>