<p>My son wants to study theoretical physics and he will likely be visiting next week. We are looking for info on </p>
<p>how approachable the profs are,
is the dept warm and fuzzy to their students,
do the students in the dept work well together,
do the students like their classes and actually attend them,
are there really cool professors,
etc. </p>
<p>All the stuff that asking questions at the official visits might not reveal. Appreciate any info.</p>
<p>I’m curious as well, having been accepted into the physics department</p>
<p>I spoke to the head of the physics department on friday. The guy is very approachable and funny. The department sends each of their students a weekly science newsletter with information about internships and physics related events. You get sent information about major get togethers, bbqs etc. </p>
<p>As far as academics goes, CMU is really a place you come to to actually learn the material(not to just get a piece of paper and have learned nothing). Expect to work hard and probably receive some b’s and c’s. But, its totally worth it. Also, you need to go to class to pass.</p>
<p>From my experience, the students tend to work together on problem sets. I would not recommend becoming reliant on other students for getting work done though. The tests focus on your ability to <em>KNOW</em> what is taught in the homeworks. You have to <em>understand</em> the concepts to do well.</p>
<p>If you would like to learn some other information that official visits dont reveal, let me know. Ive attached an email i got about a bbq for you to take a look at (these arent weekly or anything ,but they are frequent enough to matter). The staff tend to be enthusiastic about working with students.</p>
<hr>
<p>Attention Physics Department!</p>
<p>Join us Friday, April 2nd at 4:30 PM for the (N+3)th Bi-Annual Physics Department Barbecue and Pig-Herding Competition! (Note: one of these events is a lie)</p>
<p>Come hang out with the coolest department on campus, schmooze with faculty and stuff your faces with free food. It’s also supposed to be eighty degrees and sunny, so bust out the shorts, sun dresses and stunna shades.</p>
<p>Hope to see you all there!</p>
<hr>
<h2>Some more stuff I tend to get:</h2>
<p>Information about clubs, the newsletters. They seem to be pretty involved.</p>