Thank you very much for your response. It was exactly the information I was looking for and should help me be completely prepared for the start of my semester.
I should have phrased my wording better. I did not mean to infer that my general relativity course should imply I do not need to read...
My question is directed at anyone who currently is enrolled or was enrolled in Penn States PHD program as well as any faculty. Any other advise though would of course be appreciated. I was wondering what am I expected to be proficient in or to know prior to me starting in the fall semester...