Recent content by contramundum

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    Geophysical or Petroleum Engineering?

    This is nothing but a poor attempt to rationalize what you know to be in stark contrast with your principles/morals. If you were a true environmentalist, as you say, the thought of majoring in petroleum engineering would disgust you. To answer your question, don't major in either.
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    Improve Algebra Skills: Software and Games for Juniors

    I used this for a little bit. http://www.wtamu.edu/academic/anns/mps/math/mathlab/col_algebra/index.htm
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    Math Books for Undergraduate Physics

    I would recommend not using Strang's Intro to Linear Algebra. I did not like that book at all. It was much too informal/conversational for my tastes. Perhaps you like that style though?
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    Trig and Calc-Based Physics. Which is easier?

    To provide a counter-example for the OP, in my general physics 1 class there were no "plug and chug" worksheets as Chunkysalsa describes. We were usually assigned about 15 problems per week out of the textbook (Physics by Giambattista).
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    Trig and Calc-Based Physics. Which is easier?

    It helps to take algebra/trig physics beforehand (if you've got the time for it). I say this because you're basically going through the same material again, just at a deeper level. I took general physics 1 last summer and now I'm taking calc-physics 1. I recognize/remember a lot of the...
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    Programs Too late to major in engineering, will physics do it?

    Playing catch-up with who? It's not a race. What's wrong with starting over as an engineering freshman/sophomore?
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    MN resident; U of MN or U of Mich for engineering?

    What about UW-Madison? They have an agreement with Minnesota residents in which they only pay slightly higher tuition than Wisconsin residents.
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    This Physics Textbook is Garbage

    Seconded. I use it for the required homework problems but that's it.
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    Improving Problem Solving Skills: Tips and Strategies

    Have you tried Mozart?
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    How can I become better at solving physics problems?

    As my physics professor tells me: 1. make a sketch of the problem 2. write down the variables (both known and unknown) 3. write down the concept (for example f=ma etc etc) 4. write down the working equation/s 5. solve the problem
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    Admissions What Should You Know About Admissions Essays and Statements of Purpose?

    I would talk about certain things that I would want to accomplish at said university, which professor/s I would hope to do research with and specifically what kind of research. Perhaps there are some clubs/organizations that are related to your major that you would want to get involved in as well.
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    A question on linear algebra text

    I have Strang's Intro to Linear Algebra third edition. It's much too wordy in my opinion. I stopped using it.
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    Physics Books for Basic Level: Where to Start?

    http://www.lightandmatter.com/books.html
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    Mechanics Book for self-teaching

    Most of the first-year physics courses for engineering students would use something like University Physics by Young and Freedman. You could also try An Intro to Mechanics by Kleppner and Kolenkow.
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    PreCalculus Review: Essential Topics for Quick Success

    radicals and rational exponents, factoring, exponential functions, log functions, graphs of functions, inequalities, and the things lisab mentioned.