Fuck college

[Carnivroar]

post here if finals are stressing the hell out of you and fucking with your gains.

[manisstrong]

finals were a while ago where i"m from lol.

GL

[Marotta]

Nah, I'm not too worried about mine.

[Carnivroar]

Fuck general ed courses.

[Marotta]

What's your program?

[mstrofbass]

lol @ being stressed about finals, particularly as an undergrad

[Carnivroar]

What's your program?

What? Major? Still don't know because I'm stuck doing these pointless gen ed courses like logic and polics & culture.


lol @ being stressed about finals, particularly as an undergrad

Why? Well I got a 5 page paper to write by thursday. I managed 2 paragraphs in 5 hours.

[Marotta]

Oh, you don't pick right away? With University we have to know when we apply (with most courses)

[Carnivroar]

Oh, you don't pick right away? With University we have to know when we apply (with most courses)

No, because regardless of one's major everyone has to take some 2-3 years of generel education courses. It's different in Canada?

[Carlos Daniel]

Same thing here in Brazil. The thing is, I'm in med school but I don't want to be a doctor. It's a long story. I had urology, surgery and orthopedics tests this week, and will have orthopedics and urology next week too. I managed to go to the gym only once this week and will try to go tomorrow morning. I hate to wake up early and to lift early but you gotta do what you gotta do.

[Carnivroar]

Same thing here in Brazil. The thing is, I'm in med school but I don't want to be a doctor. It's a long story. I had urology, surgery and orthopedics tests this week, and will have orthopedics and urology next week too. I managed to go to the gym only once this week and will try to go tomorrow morning. I hate to wake up early and to lift early but you gotta do what you gotta do.

So what are you in for?

[Marotta]

No, because regardless of one's major everyone has to take some 2-3 years of generel education courses. It's different in Canada?

Guess so, for Engineering, all first year engineers will have same courses, but life sciences, etc, will have different ones. Then in second year it gets specific for which branch of engineering.

[mstrofbass]

Why? Well I got a 5 page paper to write by thursday. I managed 2 paragraphs in 5 hours.

Because the jobs coming out of undergrad aren't really THAT competitive, and in real life, grades don't actually determine how successful you are. Looking back at undergrad, I'm not at all unhappy that my grades were shit, I only regret not getting more work experience.

[mstrofbass]

Guess so, for Engineering, all first year engineers will have same courses, but life sciences, etc, will have different ones. Then in second year it gets specific for which branch of engineering.

The goal is a "well-rounded" education...that means engineering students still have to take literature, government, economics, etc. Although I understand the reasoning behind it, I question whether, in today's world, it's the best way to do things.

[Carlos Daniel]

So what are you in for?

I kinda ended up in med school by accident. As I said, it's a long story. I'll tell you over beer when you come back to Brazil.

I'm gonna do research, get myself a Ph.D. and unravel the mysteries of neuroscience. Or something like that.

[Carnivroar]

The goal is a "well-rounded" education...that means engineering students still have to take literature, government, economics, etc. Although I understand the reasoning behind it, I question whether, in today's world, it's the best way to do things.

Well this "well-rounded" eduction does nothing but create students who are mediocre in their chosen area of interest, I think. I've had enough of it in high school.


I kinda ended up in med school by accident. As I said, it's a long story. I'll tell you over beer when you come back to Brazil.

I'm gonna do research, get myself a Ph.D. and unravel the mysteries of neuroscience. Or something like that.

Really? Haha. I've been thinking of going back to Brazil and studying there instead, actually.

[mstrofbass]

Well this "well-rounded" eduction does nothing but create students who are mediocre in their chosen area of interest, I think. I've had enough of it in high school.

I completely agree. The problem we get into is that as certain areas get more advanced, it requires more time to learn those areas in a manner that's even remotely close to comprehensive. I didn't have time for silly bullshit like learning Greek mythology. (Even though I loved that class...it wasn't exactly helpful.)

[Carlos Daniel]

Really? Haha. I've been thinking of going back to Brazil and studying there instead, actually.

What the fuck dude. I understand if you intend on living here after you get your degrees and stuff but for fuck's sake, get your Ph.D in the US (if you want to get one, that is).

[Carnivroar]

What the fuck dude. I understand if you intend on living here after you get your degrees and stuff but for fuck's sake, get your Ph.D in the US (if you want to get one, that is).

Why? Do people in Brazil tend to think that America has better education or something?

[Carlos Daniel]

I've been in US universities. You guys have elevators that actually work, for instance.

[Carnivroar]

I've been in US universities. You guys have elevators that actually work, for instance.

It's that bad? I've looked into some schools, they seem to have good study abroad programs, but admitedly I don't know anything about education in Brazil beyond middle school, or the equivalent...

[cyhulhupun]

I am done giving my finals and have graded everything. I just need to submit the final grades and I will be done. Believe me, professors enjoy the break as much as the students.

[Carnivroar]

I am done giving my finals and have graded everything. I just need to submit the final grades and I will be done. Believe me, professors enjoy the break as much as the students.

What do you teach?

[Alex Willess]

Finals killed my routine but I suppose it is my bitch ass that didn't eat sleep or lift enough. Not to worry, I have all of break with plenty of food and sleep to more than make up for my losses during finals. I wouldn't fret it. Life happens and it will happen again. Just so long as you go right back to lifting after finals week and keep at it you will be none the worse for wear. Lifting is long term. One or two weeks mean nothing unless you're competing.

[Carlos Daniel]

It's that bad? I've looked into some schools, they seem to have good study abroad programs, but admitedly I don't know anything about education in Brazil beyond middle school, or the equivalent...

It's complicated, we have not so good funding and you don't have to look very far to see that not a lot of high-impact papers come from Brazilian Universities. I suppose between a mediocre US university and a very good Brazilian one the Brazilian one would be the better choice but beyond that US universities are better.

[Marotta]

The goal is a "well-rounded" education...that means engineering students still have to take literature, government, economics, etc. Although I understand the reasoning behind it, I question whether, in today's world, it's the best way to do things.

We don't, we have one writing class, but even that is a course that is only taken by engineering and commerce students, people in other courses have a different one. No gov or economics.

[Carnivroar]

It's complicated, we have not so good funding and you don't have to look very far to see that not a lot of high-impact papers come from Brazilian Universities. I suppose between a mediocre US university and a very good Brazilian one the Brazilian one would be the better choice but beyond that US universities are better.

Are they expensive? My friend told me that I'd be elligible for a lot of scholarships if I have some education in the US, so I might as well get a degree here I think.


We don't, we have one writing class, but even that is a course that is only taken by engineering and commerce students, people in other courses have a different one. No gov or economics.

Lucky... after this year I have another 4 writing intensive classes to take... meaning I'll be taking these damned classes up until I graduate. It really, really sucks.

[Carlos Daniel]

Are they expensive? My friend told me that I'd be elligible for a lot of scholarships if I have some education in the US, so I might as well get a degree here I think.





Usually the good ones are public. But I think what you friend means is getting a government stipend during your grad school, not really a scholarship but I don't really know if private schools charge for grad school. Are you by any chance an american citizen?

[Carnivroar]

Usually the good ones are public. But I think what you friend means is getting a government stipend during your grad school, not really a scholarship but I don't really know if private schools charge for grad school. Are you by any chance an american citizen?

No I'm not. What would that change? It might be possible for me to get a citizenship in the next few years before I graduate.

[Carlos Daniel]

Some universities have scholarships that can only be given to American citizens and there's the whole visa thing and whatnot. If you're there it's easier for you to be called for an interview in case there is one and you probably wouldn't need to pass the TOEFL.

[Carnivroar]

Some universities have scholarships that can only be given to American citizens and there's the whole visa thing and whatnot. If you're there it's easier for you to be called for an interview in case there is one and you probably wouldn't need to pass the TOEFL.

I see. Thanks man. I'll look deeper into it eventually.

[mstrofbass]

We don't, we have one writing class, but even that is a course that is only taken by engineering and commerce students, people in other courses have a different one. No gov or economics.

We had to take either three years of a foreign language or "cross cultural" studies. I elected the latter and learned about stuff like greek mythology.

[Carnivroar]

We had to take either three years of a foreign language or "cross cultural" studies. I elected the latter and learned about stuff like greek mythology.

Why not the former? A language would be much more useful.

[mstrofbass]

Why not the former? A language would be much more useful.

Because it would have been something like 12 hours vs. 9 hours, and would require significantly more time outside of class.

[ILiftAlone]

Undergrad can be easy or hard depending on what you choose it to be. With all the teacher review sites I know people who just skate through college only taking classes that require minimal work. I guess thats cool, seems like a waste of money to me though. That being said Im looking forward to my last semester being a cake walk after this monster of a semester.

[BrotherIron]

I haven't had finals in many many years, lol. But yeah they sucked exp since I did 2 degrees (FI and CIS) in 5 years which meant a lot of hours studying while working fulltime. I'll probably get my Masters here in a year or two.

[Bloodninja666]

I went into college with the outlook of 'Cs earn degrees,' hence little stress..

[tertius]

I went into college with the outlook of 'Cs earn degrees,' hence little stress..

That really depends on your program. Many of the majors at IU would boot a student with a C average. All of the sciences, for starters. Combine that with lax admission standards, and you've got part of the reason the school has a dismal graduation rate.

[JC]

I've been in US universities. You guys have elevators that actually work, for instance.

in uk tower blocks, our public urinals have little buttons that will move the room to the required floor level

[Carlos Daniel]

in uk tower blocks, our public urinals have little buttons that will move the room to the required floor level

At least they move. But yes, I've heard in the UK the infrastructure is not as nice as in the US.

[JC]

i think it's more to do with what the population deems socially acceptable. i once saw a tampon (the sticky outside variant, not the internal affair) stuck to a swing in a childrens playpark. gotta love london!

[mstrofbass]

That really depends on your program. Many of the majors at IU would boot a student with a C average. All of the sciences, for starters. Combine that with lax admission standards, and you've got part of the reason the school has a dismal graduation rate.

Same at most decent universities, I think. UTexas would put you on academic probation for anything under something like a 2.2 GPA...pretty sure that's across the board, and some programs may have more stringent requirements.

[Greg C]

Just one this semester - Structural Dynamics. Open note/book, which always freaks me way the frick out for some reason. Done with tomorrow. Should pass about like a kidney stone I guess.

[Carnivroar]

Anybody ever took logic?

I can't stand that shit.

[mstrofbass]

Anybody ever took logic?

I can't stand that shit.

Required first year course for CS majors. Dropped it the first semester, retook it the second. I hated it during the class because it was such a rough intro, but by the time I was done with school I had learned it well enough that I loved it.

[Carlos Daniel]

Anybody ever took logic?

I can't stand that shit.

I actually studied it on my own. I liked it but I suppose it can be made into something horribly boring.

[Patrick]

I've got to put in a good word for the American model of undergraduate education. There is massive utility in being well-rounded and taking a broad curriculum of general education classes is very helpful for that. If you work in the sciences you invariably come across international folks and the difference in the systems is pretty clear: students who do a bachelor's degree at a good European university are a little more ready to hit the ground running than most students finishing a bachelor's in the US. However, by the time PhDs are granted, a PhD through the American system produces someone much more capable and independent than at a comparable European institution. This has a lot to do with the length of time required for most programs and the requirements/expectations for degree candidates.

But going back the topic of general education requirements... I think the increasing complexity of the world requires rather than discourages more general education. There once was a time that teenagers could be counted among the worlds most accomplished thinkers, but that was when scholarship in general and science in particular were quite new. Nowadays you need to know so much more in the way of factual information to be able to make meaningful contributions or work at a cutting-edge level, regardless of your field of study. I took a fifth year as an undergraduate to finish a second degree and I'm supremely glad that I did. Aside from maybe one or two courses, everything I studied outside of my major has made me a better person and a better citizen.

[Carlos Daniel]

I'd like to give a Brazilian perspective on the matter.

The high-school curriculum here is quite broad: you don't get to choose which courses you take or not. So if you like history and intend to choose it as a major when you go to college, you still have to study organic chemistry, physics and math at a fairly advanced level during high-school. That sucks because most people that go to say, law school, won't remember a thing about aldehydes and whatnot, but it does force you to have a broad education which can make you more enlightened when you have to choose your major (which you have to do when you apply to the university in question). The downside is that there is a fuckload of stuff you end up having to study.

[Carnivroar]

I'd like to give a Brazilian perspective on the matter.

The high-school curriculum here is quite broad: you don't get to choose which courses you take or not. So if you like history and intend to choose it as a major when you go to college, you still have to study organic chemistry, physics and math at a fairly advanced level during high-school. That sucks because most people that go to say, law school, won't remember a thing about aldehydes and whatnot, but it does force you to have a broad education which can make you more enlightened when you have to choose your major (which you have to do when you apply to the university in question). The downside is that there is a fuckload of stuff you end up having to study.

How does this differ from America? Every high-school is like that.

But here's a question. In Brazil, say I want to major in Math, could I still take other classes if I'm interested?

And you know what, I guess our system here isn't that bad. Even though I have to take so many required classes, I can still take other random classes just out of interest. And if I was never required ot take a math class, I probably would have never decided to major in it.

[cyhulhupun]

What do you teach?
I teach College Prep Writing at the local community college. I also teach AP-Literature, English and Creative Writing in high school.

[Carlos Daniel]

How does this differ from America? Every high-school is like that.

But here's a question. In Brazil, say I want to major in Math, could I still take other classes if I'm interested?

And you know what, I guess our system here isn't that bad. Even though I have to take so many required classes, I can still take other random classes just out of interest. And if I was never required ot take a math class, I probably would have never decided to major in it.

From what I've heard you don't have to take somewhat advanced organic chemistry or physics in US high-schools, or am I mistaken on that matter?
Yes, you can take classes in say human anatomy if you are a math major, as long as you have fulfilled the pre-requisites (if there are any).

[mstrofbass]

From what I've heard you don't have to take somewhat advanced organic chemistry or physics in US high-schools, or am I mistaken on that matter?

You don't have to, but you usually CAN (depending on what you mean by "somewhat advanced"). The AP (advanced placement) courses are equivalent to first year courses in their respective subject, and you can take stuff like AP Chemistry, AP Calculus, AP Physics, etc. Plus, you can get credit depending on your entrance exam scores.

[Carlos Daniel]

You don't have to, but you usually CAN (depending on what you mean by "somewhat advanced"). The AP (advanced placement) courses are equivalent to first year courses in their respective subject, and you can take stuff like AP Chemistry, AP Calculus, AP Physics, etc. Plus, you can get credit depending on your entrance exam scores.

That's what I had in mind. In Brazil you have to take those courses (except for calculus I think, but I some real crazy organic chemistry during high-school), but I don't know if they are equivalent to first year university courses in the US.

[Patrick]

I teach College Prep Writing at the local community college. I also teach AP-Literature, English and Creative Writing in high school.

I'm grading right now and I want to poke myself in the face with my pen. These kids cannot write for shit.

[tertius]

I'm grading right now and I want to poke myself in the face with my pen. These kids cannot write for shit.

I know this feeling well.

[forgeforth]

I was a TA for part of undergrad as well as grad. I know what you mean. It's to the point where you question the literacy of the students, especially engineering students who are required to take writing-intensive (optional) courses. Engineering is great and all but there is a serious gap it seems in the literacy skills of its students. I think a university here in Canada was sued a while ago for producing engineers with such poor literacy/communication skills.

[Patrick]

I was a TA for part of undergrad as well as grad. I know what you mean. It's to the point where you question the literacy of the students, especially engineering students who are required to take writing-intensive (optional) courses. Engineering is great and all but there is a serious gap it seems in the literacy skills of its students. I think a university here in Canada was sued a while ago for producing engineers with such poor literacy/communication skills.

I was a massive douchebag in high school (some things never change, I suppose) but I recall very vividly an exchange during my senior year English class when I said something that was uncharacteristically wise. The teacher asked for a show of hands from people who were planning on going into writing-intensive majors or jobs. I put my hand up and explained I planned to study physics and that a great deal of the work is reading and writing. My head was so far up my ass at the time that I shouldn't get any credit for my answer but, having worked in research science for as long as I have, I am incredibly grateful I had that mindset from such an early stage. The fact is that, even in the hard sciences, if you can't read, write, and speak at a high level then all of the magic you can conjure up in a laboratory isn't worth a gnat's fart when it comes time to publish, attend conferences, and interview for jobs. A profoundly unique vision and productive research program only lead to tenure insofar as you are able to make other people know they exist.

I don't mean this to be offensive, but I feel that somewhere along the way the idea of the scientist-as-Asperger's sufferer became so fetishized that kids were tacitly discouraged from learning how to communicate or run a comb through their hair, lest they lose the Einsteinian genius that separated them from the rest of society. I'm sure I draw on the best of scholarly tradition when I say: fuck that bullshit. Learn to write... you're a dolt if you can't do it.

[mstrofbass]

I don't mean this to be offensive, but I feel that somewhere along the way the idea of the scientist-as-Asperger's sufferer became so fetishized that kids were tacitly discouraged from learning how to communicate or run a comb through their hair, lest they lose the Einsteinian genius that separated them from the rest of society. I'm sure I draw on the best of scholarly tradition when I say: fuck that bullshit. Learn to write... you're a dolt if you can't do it.

I understand there's a need to learn to write, but how many liberal arts courses teach you how to write in a way that's adequate for a science research paper? I would think none. Just like technical writing...writing prose is absolutely useless...that's why technical writing courses are almost mandatory for people of, for example, computer science areas. Or in law school...being able to write well is an essential skill...being able to write like they teach in most English classes is absolutely worthless.

[forgeforth]

I was a massive douchebag in high school (some things never change, I suppose) but I recall very vividly an exchange during my senior year English class when I said something that was uncharacteristically wise. The teacher asked for a show of hands from people who were planning on going into writing-intensive majors or jobs. I put my hand up and explained I planned to study physics and that a great deal of the work is reading and writing. My head was so far up my ass at the time that I shouldn't get any credit for my answer but, having worked in research science for as long as I have, I am incredibly grateful I had that mindset from such an early stage. The fact is that, even in the hard sciences, if you can't read, write, and speak at a high level then all of the magic you can conjure up in a laboratory isn't worth a gnat's fart when it comes time to publish, attend conferences, and interview for jobs. A profoundly unique vision and productive research program only lead to tenure insofar as you are able to make other people know they exist.

I don't mean this to be offensive, but I feel that somewhere along the way the idea of the scientist-as-Asperger's sufferer became so fetishized that kids were tacitly discouraged from learning how to communicate or run a comb through their hair, lest they lose the Einsteinian genius that separated them from the rest of society. I'm sure I draw on the best of scholarly tradition when I say: fuck that bullshit. Learn to write... you're a dolt if you can't do it.

Absolutely. And to be quite honest with you, the best writers are often those who studied science, economics and philosophy. There's a running gag at my old university regarding the english department and how poorly its students write. I've often found that english majors aren't very good writers at all. I think analytical people make the best writers and generally speaking english departments don't produce analysts.


I understand there's a need to learn to write, but how many liberal arts courses teach you how to write in a way that's adequate for a science research paper? I would think none. Just like technical writing...writing prose is absolutely useless...that's why technical writing courses are almost mandatory for people of, for example, computer science areas. Or in law school...being able to write well is an essential skill...being able to write like they teach in most English classes is absolutely worthless.

Haha, I wrote my previous reply to Patrick without even reading this. This is exactly what I'm saying. I'd rep you if I could. Technical/analytical writing is what's useful and it's what produces the information firms need to go ahead with their objectives. I'm an Economic Analyst for a sector council and I only took one english course during undergrad. The conventions used in the course are rarely duplicated in the writing that matters. Excellent analytical skills produce excellent writing skills. Communication is essential, and I think that if you build your resume around excellent analytical, researching and writing skills, you'll be in high demand. The good news is that a lot of employers now expect to see proof of your "excellent" writing skills. I was asked for numerous samples; I was also required to critique a labour market intelligence report in under 15 minutes. If you can't communicate effectively, there's not a chance in hell you pass that test.

Huge difference between technical/analytical writing and the shit they do in english class.

[Carnivroar]

Absolutely. And to be quite honest with you, the best writers are often those who studied science, economics and philosophy. There's a running gag at my old university regarding the english department and how poorly its students write. I've often found that english majors aren't very good writers at all. I think analytical people make the best writers and generally speaking english departments don't produce analysts.



Haha, I wrote my previous reply to Patrick without even reading this. This is exactly what I'm saying. I'd rep you if I could. Technical/analytical writing is what's useful and it's what produces the information firms need to go ahead with their objectives. I'm an Economic Analyst for a sector council and I only took one english course during undergrad. The conventions used in the course are rarely duplicated in the writing that matters. Excellent analytical skills produce excellent writing skills. Communication is essential, and I think that if you build your resume around excellent analytical, researching and writing skills, you'll be in high demand. The good news is that a lot of employers now expect to see proof of your "excellent" writing skills. I was asked for numerous samples; I was also required to critique a labour market intelligence report in under 15 minutes. If you can't communicate effectively, there's not a chance in hell you pass that test.

Huge difference between technical/analytical writing and the shit they do in english class.

nice point of view. my writing improved a lot after i studied german because its grammar is so complex. grammar is very easy for me regardless of language (studied 4) but i still have trouble organizing ideas...

anyways 1 more final left! so far so good...

[meaty]

I'm free from exams!!! Done my first semester ever... what a relief. managed to stay lifting the whole time yeea

[Carnivroar]

finished that shit today... think ill get A B+ B+ B B-

Im stressed as fuck, 2010 sucked massive balls and now both my bike and laptop just broke

brb hybernating

[Mr.City]

Finals fucked me up pretty good.

[forgeforth]

finished that shit today... think ill get A B+ B+ B B-

Im stressed as fuck, 2010 sucked massive balls and now both my bike and laptop just broke

brb hybernating

Probably the most difficult year of my life.

1) Finishing my Master's;
2) Stressing like massive shit trying to build my credentials/get relevant work experience;
3) May-June: 12 hour work days (8 hour internship and 4 hour commute, 5 days a week, earning just enough money to pay for the commute); June-August 12 hour work days (8 hours with government, 4 hour commute, 5 days a week) + studying for my Master's comprehensive exams in July during commute (15 hours worth of finals);
4) Had to move 3 times, including 6 hours up the road to accept new job;
5) Stress of starting a new job;
6) Doing everything on my own, without a shred of help from family, friends, etc;
7) Severe financial issues and stress;
7) All the while maintaining one of the only things I had left--barbell training.

I'll be shocked if I live till 65. The isolation has been quite the ordeal.

[Patrick]

I understand there's a need to learn to write, but how many liberal arts courses teach you how to write in a way that's adequate for a science research paper? I would think none. Just like technical writing...writing prose is absolutely useless...that's why technical writing courses are almost mandatory for people of, for example, computer science areas. Or in law school...being able to write well is an essential skill...being able to write like they teach in most English classes is absolutely worthless.

I don't think anyone here would argue that high school English is going to prepare someone for specialized writing, but do you really think you can get by as a writer if you can't hack it in Lit class? I've never needed to understand color imagery in the works of Robert Frost, so I agree with you there, but I very frequently need to express abstract ideas in a clear, concise way, structure complex arguments, and be able to point to examples that support my ideas. I think that, to a large extent, you could cut your writing teeth any place you practiced those things whether the subject is rhyme scheme, muons, or government structures.

[Carnivroar]

post here if finals are stressing the hell out of you and fucking with your gains.

bump for new semester

[Zenja]

I missed ~2 workouts due to end of semester stuff and it set me back 2 weeks in the gym. Grumble.

[william jackson]

My present college is pitiful. Fingers crossed for a real engineering school next semester.

[Ardek]

I just hate school. Finals aren't that bad, at least you don't have to sit down for 2 hours straight and at least then school is over.

I know most people hate school, but damn, I really hate school.

[Carnivroar]

I guess I don't have it that bad this year.

Only one class is stressing me. French literature. My prof is crazy, he gave us extra work on spring break on top of a final project (read a full length novel + 5 page paper) AND we have a final on top of that.

I'm predicting my grades to be A A A B B B- this year.

[Carlos Daniel]

I guess I don't have it that bad this year.

Only one class is stressing me. French literature. My prof is crazy, he gave us extra work on spring break on top of a final project (read a full length novel + 5 page paper) AND we have a final on top of that.

I'm predicting my grades to be A A A B B B- this year.

I studied in a french school from kindergarden to 8th grade, I know what you're dealing with.

[Carnivroar]

I studied in a french school from kindergarder to 8th grade, I know what you're dealing with.

Je ne savais pas que tu parlais français!

[Carlos Daniel]

Je ne savais pas que tu parlais français!

Oui je parle, cher ami.

[Carnivroar]

Oui je parle, cher ami.

C'est ta langue maternelle? Tu as donc un accent quand tu parles le portuguais?

[Carlos Daniel]

C'est ta langue maternelle? Tu as donc un accent quand tu parles le portuguais?

Non, je suis né en France mas j'ai vecu là-bas que pendant 6 mois, juste après je suis venu au Brésil et j'ai appris a parler ici. Cependent, j'ai fait mon cours preparatoir (1st grade) dans une école française ao Perou, mais j'avais déjà un bon portugais, donc quand je parle portugais je n'ai pas d'accent du tout. Quando je parle français j'ai un peu d'accent portugais, quand je parle englais aussi. Mais c'est pas du tout comparable a l'accent que les français ont quand ils parlent toutes les autres langues.

Damn, it's been quite a while since I've written anything in french, this is fucking hard.

[mstrofbass]

I hope all you bitches speaking French end up in a hell that's full of power racks...that are all taken by a bunch of msingh's curling in them.

[Carlos Daniel]

I hope all you bitches speaking French end up in a hell that's full of power racks...that are all taken by a bunch of msingh's curling in them.

As long as I don't have to write reports on French lit while I'm there, I'm cool with it.

[Carnivroar]

Non, je suis né en France mas j'ai vecu là-bas que pendant 6 mois, juste après je suis venu au Brésil et j'ai appris a parler ici. Cependent, j'ai fait mon cours preparatoir (1st grade) dans une école française ao Perou, mais j'avais déjà un bon portugais, donc quand je parle portugais je n'ai pas d'accent du tout. Quando je parle français j'ai un peu d'accent portugais, quand je parle englais aussi. Mais c'est pas du tout comparable a l'accent que les français ont quand ils parlent toutes les autres langues.

Damn, it's been quite a while since I've written anything in french, this is fucking hard.

Je vois. Moi aussi j'ai un grand accent portugais quand je parle le français, mais pas beaucoup en anglais. J'ai entendu parler que les gens qui parlent 3 langues ont beaucoup plus d'avantage à trouver un travail au Brésil, j'espère que c'est vrai.

Ravi de faire votre connaissance, monsieur.

[Carnivroar]

I hope all you bitches speaking French end up in a hell that's full of power racks...that are all taken by a bunch of msingh's curling in them.

Well you piece of shit of law students can go here http://www.hispanicallyspeakingnews.com/notitas-de-noticias/details/nudist-gym-opens-in-spains-basque-country-video/7159/ for eternity.

[Carlos Daniel]

Je vois. Moi aussi j'ai un grand accent portugais quand je parle le français, mais pas beaucoup en anglais. J'ai entendu parler que les gens qui parlent 3 langues ont beaucoup plus d'avantage à trouver un travail au Brésil, j'espère que c'est vrai.

Ravi de faire votre connaissance, monsieur.

I really have no idea, I intend to work in academia, which means I have to speak English well and that's it. But I'm sure it doesn't hurt to speak a lot of languages.

[Carnivroar]

I really have no idea, I intend to work in academia, which means I have to speak English well and that's it. But I'm sure it doesn't hurt to speak a lot of languages.

I guess it's more for business, which would be my back up plan. I think I want to go to an engineering school there after I finish my math/physics degree. I don't want to become a teacher.

[mstrofbass]

Well you piece of shit of law students can go here http://www.hispanicallyspeakingnews.com/notitas-de-noticias/details/nudist-gym-opens-in-spains-basque-country-video/7159/ for eternity.

I was laughing before the page loaded

[Carlos Daniel]

I guess it's more for business, which would be my back up plan. I think I want to go to an engineering school there after I finish my math/physics degree. I don't want to become a teacher.

Have you considered becoming a professor/researcher then (assuming that by teacher you mean high school or something)? Just keep the thought in the back of your head as you go though your undergrad courses. So, you intend to come back to Brazil to get an engineering degree?

[IFuckSeagulls]

Got econ and organic on monday, cell phys on wednesday and psych on thurs.

[Carnivroar]

Got econ and organic on monday, cell phys on wednesday and psych on thurs.

sounds tough as hell

[Carnivroar]

Have you considered becoming a professor/researcher then (assuming that by teacher you mean high school or something)? Just keep the thought in the back of your head as you go though your undergrad courses. So, you intend to come back to Brazil to get an engineering degree?

yeah I have no choice but to return

can't wait actually

as for what i'll do, i'm not too worried about it, i'm sure something will come up

[Carlos Daniel]

yeah I have no choice but to return

can't wait actually

as for what i'll do, i'm not too worried about it, i'm sure something will come up

So, you don't like the US or do you just miss Brazil?

[Carnivroar]

So, you don't like the US or do you just miss Brazil?

A bit of both.

Mom wants to go back ASAP so I gotta go too. Also the Olympics.

I'm afraid the only good place to find a job is in São Paulo but I'm not too enthousiastic about living in that shithole of a place lol.

[Carlos Daniel]

A bit of both.

Mom wants to go back ASAP so I gotta go too. Also the Olympics.

I'm afraid the only good place to find a job is in São Paulo but I'm not too enthousiastic about living in that shithole of a place lol.

It has been suggested that Rio is better.

[tertius]

I guess I don't have it that bad this year.

Only one class is stressing me. French literature. My prof is crazy, he gave us extra work on spring break on top of a final project (read a full length novel + 5 page paper) AND we have a final on top of that.

I'm predicting my grades to be A A A B B B- this year.

Just wait until you go to grad school...

[IFuckSeagulls]

sounds tough as hell

Organic has a massive curve on it. its out of 70, and then they double your score and thats your percent for the exam. Downside: national average on that exam is a 30/70....

Psych is online so thats manageable.

Cell phys and econ might be rough..

[mstrofbass]

Organic has a massive curve on it. its out of 70, and then they double your score and thats your percent for the exam. Downside: national average on that exam is a 30/70....

Psych is online so thats manageable.

Cell phys and econ might be rough..

Sounds like my Physics for Engineering Majors course. My 43 (overall grade) netted me a B.

[IFuckSeagulls]

Sounds like my Physics for Engineering Majors course. My 43 (overall grade) netted me a B.

Its what you get for wanting to be a chiro i guess...

[Carnivroar]

Should get a BS in physics or a double BA in math and physics?

[IFuckSeagulls]

Should get a BS in physics or a double BA in math and physics?

Usually, BA goes into teaching.

So.... do you wanna work with adolescents, or a company/research?

With the BS route, you'll probably have to go to grad school, or even a Ph.D to be making big money... that is if you're a greedy fucker like me.

[mstrofbass]

Should get a BS in physics or a double BA in math and physics?

That's a good question. Most employers see a BS as >>>> than a BA...but I suspect if they saw a double BA they'd be pretty impressed.

I think a BS in physics and a minor in math will be best.

[Carnivroar]

Usually, BA goes into teaching.

So.... do you wanna work with adolescents, or a company?

Company...

[Carnivroar]

That's a good question. Most employers see a BS as >>>> than a BA...but I suspect if they saw a double BA they'd be pretty impressed.

I think a BS in physics and a minor in math will be best.

Yeah I was thinking that a BA in math would "make up" for the (worthless?) BA in physics. I think a BS would be too tough for me; I like the subject but I never took a physics course before.

[IFuckSeagulls]

Took my econ final... not too bad. multi choice were a bitch though.... organic at 3:30.

[IFuckSeagulls]

perfect score on organic final.

went from a C- to an A-.

hell yea.

[Carnivroar]

Cool story bro


Here's another dilemma

Should I transfer to another school, risk losing a lot of credits and only get to do one major... but it's a very good school.

Or stay where I am, get a double major, but it's not a very reputable school especially for math and physics?

[gzt]

Reputation is good. But it really depends on what you want to do. If you want to get some dickhead job, either one is probably okay. If you want to go to grad school in physics, the one where you can do research is the answer (and it's probably the good one). If you want to get a shiny consulting job, the good school. But good is a matter of degree - do you mean like Harvard/Stanford/Chicago good, or (some university people don't actually recognize) good?

[Carnivroar]

Reputation is good. But it really depends on what you want to do. If you want to get some dickhead job, either one is probably okay. If you want to go to grad school in physics, the one where you can do research is the answer (and it's probably the good one). If you want to get a shiny consulting job, the good school. But good is a matter of degree - do you mean like Harvard/Stanford/Chicago good, or (some university people don't actually recognize) good?

Good as in it's one of the best tech school from the NYC public universities. It's still very humble and cheap, but at least Michio Kaku teaches there.

[Tiburon]

post here if finals are stressing the hell out of you and fucking with your gains.

HAHAHAHAH try having kids and a wife and a mortgage and water in your basement

[Carnivroar]

Just learned that my school offers a B.S in Exercise Science

Should have done that instead

Oh well I guess it would only involve material worthy of the "Joined a new gym last night..." thread.

Someone has experience with university exercise courses?

[Carnivroar]

HAHAHAHAH try having kids and a wife and a mortgage and water in your basement

Hah that made me laugh

[Cmanuel]

Just learned that my school offers a B.S in Exercise Science

Should have done that instead

Oh well I guess it would only involve material worthy of the "Joined a new gym last night..." thread.

Someone has experience with university exercise courses?

Stick with the mathematics/science based approach. I looked into exercise science at one point and honestly, the majority of people in the major were just looking for an easy ride. It reflected on their job outlook as well, which is very poor.

[Carnivroar]

Stick with the mathematics/science based approach. I looked into exercise science at one point and honestly, the majority of people in the major were just looking for an easy ride. It reflected on their job outlook as well, which is very poor.

Yeah I already decided against it.

[Zee-man]

Not all curriculums have 2-3 years of general education crap. A much more rigorous degree or focus, such as engineerings, requires immediately diving into the meat of the material in order to graduate in 4 years with a degree. I had only 1 open class in my 4 years of college that allowed me to pick a "gen. ed." course, all the rest of my "electives" were engineering based and decided my focus.

That is the difference between going the Liberal Arts route and the technical route. It is also the difference in going to a Liberal Arts school and a technical school.

I would recommend you not get stressed about Liberal Arts courses, or learn to deal with it, because when you are in your 300 and 400 level classes, that's when shit gets tough. 100 and 200 level classes are overall a pushover and basically weed out the people who go to college just to party, or go to actually at least put in some kind of effort.

Good luck with finals.

[Carnivroar]

Not all curriculums have 2-3 years of general education crap. A much more rigorous degree or focus, such as engineerings, requires immediately diving into the meat of the material in order to graduate in 4 years with a degree. I had only 1 open class in my 4 years of college that allowed me to pick a "gen. ed." course, all the rest of my "electives" were engineering based and decided my focus.

That is the difference between going the Liberal Arts route and the technical route. It is also the difference in going to a Liberal Arts school and a technical school.

I would recommend you not get stressed about Liberal Arts courses, or learn to deal with it, because when you are in your 300 and 400 level classes, that's when shit gets tough. 100 and 200 level classes are overall a pushover and basically weed out the people who go to college just to party, or go to actually at least put in some kind of effort.

Good luck with finals.

Thanks. I already got over the worst part.

Gotta take a stupid writing intensive course this summer though, and every summer until I graduate... ugh.

[Carnivroar]

Starting Strengthers what should I do?

math B.A + physics B.S

comp sci B.S + physics B.A

Physics B.S + comp sci B.A

[Patrick]

The answer depends very heavily on what you want to do with your degree and also on the particular courses of study offered by your school. For instance, if your physics department offers a concentration in computational physics then you might not benefit from studying computer science, unless you really want to develop algorithms as the "meat" if your future career. Similarly, if you just want to be able to solve quantitative problems then a math department with an applied mathematics focus might suit your needs perfectly, so on and so forth. At the same time, a full math degree is going to involve classes that are proof-based, and might be more theoretical than you would want. It would also be helpful to know the difference between a BA and a BS in any of the given subjects and how that translates to preparation for doing what you want to do with your degree.

EDIT - I have to throw in a plug though: my physics education allows insane flexibility when it comes to picking up new fields, for what that's worth.

[hsilman]

Starting Strengthers what should I do?

math B.A + physics B.S

comp sci B.S + physics B.A

Physics B.S + comp sci B.A

in my experience, the last two don't make a difference professionally.

You'll be doing a lot of supplementary math doing a physics degree, so I'd just pick one of the last two, and after you graduate you can tack on a few courses and get a math BA if you want one.

[Carnivroar]

Sounds good. This whole time I wanted a math degree just for the sake of it, like a challenge. I like pure maths but I don't think I'd want to work in the field as a professor/researcher. Comp sci is more practical. I'm taking programming this summer and I'm liking it so far.

[Greg C]

Starting Strengthers what should I do?

math B.A + physics B.S

comp sci B.S + physics B.A

Physics B.S + comp sci B.A

Depends on what you want to do after, I would think. So what's the plan?

[t0rment]

Depends on what you want to do after, I would think. So what's the plan?

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg303/t0rmentlsd/A-Beautiful-Mind-scenes.jpg

[Carnivroar]

picture

where is this from?


Depends on what you want to do after, I would think. So what's the plan?

wish I knew

[mstrofbass]

I think everyone should stop answering until he figures out wtf he wants to do. Until then it's a moving target.

[simonsky]

damn catabolic college, i made a gamble for next semester. my college is too far so commuting takes about 1.5-2hours. but if i decided to join a dorm, i won't have enough time to be able to train and eat as much. i then decided to make all my 18 units crammed on tuesdays and thursdays so i only go to school for 2 days.

am i prioritizing barbell training too much haha...

[Greg C]

wish I knew

Yeah, this is not uncommon. Maybe make a top ten list of ideas, and then try to figure what fits best within that grouping? Or just pick the two you like best, and then find the careers that can be followed in that area (although I've know several people who have had successful careers that had nothing to do with their "higher" educations).

[Mark E. Hurling]

Funny this should come up just now. Our daughter graduates next week with a BS in sociology. I'm not sure she knows what she wants to do and some of the black belts and I were talking about this yesterday. Most people end up working in some other field that their degree is in. I was out of school for 4 years and ran into some of my class mates one homecoming weekend. They didn't recognize me in uniform (I was on duty) right off until I took off the hat. They asked what my degree was, criminal justice. This got a good laugh from all of them since they were all working in other fields than their degree. Random sample 1 out of 5. This happened in the 70's, so what you're perplexed about is not a recent phenomenon. Dearly Beloved and I knew what we wanted to do and we did it. After yesterday's talk at the dojo and now these recent posts, I realize just how unusual that is.

[matclone]

Most people end up working in some other field that their degree is in.

It's certainly not unusual to find someone working in another field. The degree itself has value, no matter the subject, not only in its exposure to, and practice dealing with ideas, but in demonstrating to potential employers that you have the wherewithal to finish a long-term project.

[brianb]

I read this a couple of weeks ago: Study tells students what their major is worth (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43139089/ns/business-personal_finance/)



Study tells students what their major is worth

Some disciplines can end up making 300 percent more than the lowest paying ones
By KATHY MATHESON

PHILADELPHIA — The choice of undergraduate major in college is strongly tied to a student's future earnings, with the highest-paying majors providing salaries of about 300 percent more than the lowest-paying, according to a study released Tuesday.

Based on first-of-its-kind Census data, the report by Georgetown University in Washington also found that majors are highly segregated by race and gender.
College graduates overall make 84 percent more over a lifetime than those with only high school diplomas, the study said. But further analysis of 171 majors shows that various undergraduate majors can lead to significantly different median wages.

Petroleum engineering majors make about $120,000 a year, compared with $29,000 annually for counseling psychology majors, researchers found. Math and computer science majors earn $98,000 in salary while early childhood education majors get paid about $36,000.

"It's important that you go to college and get a (bachelor's degree), but it's almost three to four times more important what you take," said Anthony Carnevale, director of Georgetown's Center on Education and the Workforce. "The majors that are most popular are not the ones that make the most money."

"What's it Worth? The Economic Value of College Majors" analyzes data from the 2009 American Community Survey, whose results were released last year. It's the first time the Census asked individuals about their undergraduate majors, enabling researchers to tie in salary data, Carnevale said.

The study found that white men are concentrated in the highest-earning majors, including engineering and pharmaceutical sciences, while women gravitate toward the lowest-earning majors like education, art and social work.

The report also categorized the 171 majors into 15 fields, discovering different majors led to different industries. About 43 percent of law and public policy majors end up in public administration, but only 13 percent of social science majors do. A higher portion of social science majors end up in finance, researchers found.

(read the rest of the article from my link above. it's got bullet points and tables and stuff )

[Carnivroar]

"Math and computer science majors earn $98,000 in salary ... "

That's good

Fortunately for me I'm going that way out of interest, not based on salary

[Carnivroar]

Should I stay at my small liberal arts college and get a double major or should I transfer to a better technical school and get a single major and lose dozens of credits and have to repeat many requirements?

[brianb]

Technical school, single major.

[mstrofbass]

Technical school, single major.

+5

[Carnivroar]

What if the major is the same in both schools... but the technical school just has a better name... Michio Kaku teaches there. Could still take as many classes as I want there, but my diploma won't be from there.

[matclone]

You're not really giving complete information, like how far along you are in the program, what the schools are, the relative costs, or whether you like the school you're in. Generally, it's not a good idea to drop out of one program and enter another (of the same type) because of what you mention: the loss of credits.

[Carnivroar]

You're not really giving complete information, like how far along you are in the program, what the schools are, the relative costs, or whether you like the school you're in. Generally, it's not a good idea to drop out of one program and enter another (of the same type) because of what you mention: the loss of credits.

Just completed my general education courses (about 60 credits) save for a few online classes, still taking the intro classes for all 3 possible majors (comp sci physics math) which are calculus etc. Haven't gotten specific yet.

[matclone]

Then you're well along--about halfway--and unless the schools have a reciprocal agreement, you'd likely to lose a shitload of credits, or more accurately, have to make up a bunch of new ones.

[Carnivroar]

Then you're well along--about halfway--and unless the schools have a reciprocal agreement, you'd likely to lose a shitload of credits, or more accurately, have to make up a bunch of new ones.

Yeah I'd say I'm halfway

What's a reciprocal agreement?

If I transfer I'd have to take about a year of classes to make up for the lost credits, which will eliminate the possibilty of having a double major

I can still take classes at the better school though... also I heard they have bumper plates

[matclone]

Yeah, bumper plates. That's a good reason to transfer.

Some schools have agreements that they will accept some portion of another's degree or something as satisfying certain requirements. For example, I've seen this between a community college and state university (in the same State of course).