How Can I Assess University Math and Physics Departments Remotely?

[Whalstib]

Hi,
I'm a Geology major at University of Arizona. An excellent geoscience dept.! Ranked #1 for grad schools. I was impressed and signed up. I'm an out of state student paying out of state fees with help of FA.

My problem I've run into is it seems the math and physics depts. are in absolute disarray. I have confirmed this with about 2 dozen students, 3 instructors and my advisor. ALL tell me to take my undergrad physics and math at the local JC. But I can't because I'm out of state! FA won't pay me there and OOS tuition is too high for me. Arrrggghhhhh! My advisor actually said do not even consider taking these at UA! So just trying anyway is out of the question. Calculus is a 5 unit 5 day a week class which I'm ok with but if I drop I lose FA and there goes school altogether.

I had no idea I would run into this and am totally unprepared! I have to move on to the next level of classes and it seems impossible. i can't go skipping across the country looking for worthy math and physics depts so how does one assess them remotely?

I have spoken with some advisors at NAU and they say the program there is fine and in deed they actually list teachers for the classes not "staff". What ever decision I make will be for the next 3 years so I need to assure a decent undergrad program...

Any hints?

Thanks,

W

 

[twofish-quant]

FA won't pay me there and OOS tuition is too high for me.

Something that I would check first is to make absolutely sure that FA won't pay. In particular you really need to talk to someone from FA at the junior college, and just make sure that this is true.