Check out below for a list of various resources we've compiled on schoolwork, research, diversity in physics, and mental health. Know that help is always available and you should feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] if you have any questions.
Physics
- Snack and Solve every Wednesday from 6-9pm in the 8th floor Pupin Theory Center -- enjoy some free pizza while getting help from graduate TAs and your peers on your physics problem sets!
- PSP aims to bridge the gap between high school and college physics for those in need and interested in majoring in physics. More information can be found here
- Physics Help Room (413 Pupin) is staffed by graduate students: M - Tr: 1pm - 7pm ; Fr: 1-3 pm
- Spectra notes: we have compiled various notes and problem sets from past Columbia physics classes in this google drive folder. If you are preparing for an exam and want additional problems/different takes on your course material, check it out!
- Beyond the F=ma: the difficulty of physics classes reaches beyond the material and is heavily influenced by other forces (RE: gender, low income backgrounds, etc). It's important to know the science behind the science, so read more here! Not everyone knows as much as they might pretend to – if you’re feeling like you’re falling behind the rest of your class, know that most people in the class have felt like that at some point. Talk to your professor or mentor!
Math
-
Supper and Solves every Monday from 7-10pm in Math 508 co-hosted with WICS and AWM give students the opportunity to work on problem sets (and get free dinner) in a supportive environment
- Math Help Room:
- Calc IV and higher math: 406 Math (http://www.math.columbia.edu/general-information/help-rooms/406-math/) M-F 9-6pm.
- Calc I, II, and III: 502 Milstein Center (http://www.math.columbia.edu/general-information/help-rooms/502-milstein/) M-F 10-6pm
Tutoring
- Looking for a tutor? Reach out to us if you want us to connect you with one at [email protected]
- Professors' office hours: your professors are an incredible resource if you are struggling with course material, and office hours are essentially 1-on-1 tutoring with them! Make time to go each week or schedule an appointment time if you can’t go during their designated hours -- they will always be willing to help you! (Hint: usually not many people go to OHs, so be clever and take advantage of them!)
The pGRE is a comprehensive 100 multiple choice question exam administered by the ETS for graduate admissions. The GRE is usually offered three times a year, in September, October, and April. You can register for the GRE here -- keep in mind you must register at least one month in advance to avoid late fees. Below are some study resources we've compiled to make the GRE a less scary experience!
- Set of notes we've compiled on the main topics of the physics GRE
- UW Study Website: https://sites.google.com/a/uw.edu/physicsgre/home
- Physics GRE Forum: https://physicsgre.com/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=1057
- Ohio State pGRE Site: https://www.asc.ohio-state.edu/physics/ugs/livesite/ugs_gre.php
- Trinity University Study Guide: usna.edu/Users/physics/tank/Other/MajorFields_GRE_TestFolder/GRE_Review/GRE%20PHYSICS%20STUDY%20GUIDE_Ugolini.pdf
- Harvard pGRE page: http://www.hcs.harvard.edu/~physics/gre-resources/
- Alex Lang Blog: https://www.alexhunterlang.com/physics-gre
- Troy University Site: https://www.troy.edu/academics/colleges-schools/college-arts-sciences/departments/school-science-technology/chemistry-physics/physics/physics-gre.html
- CWRU Flashcards: https://physics.case.edu/flashcards/
- Arizona Powerpoint: https://lavinia.as.arizona.edu/~timestep/approaching-the-physics-gre.pdf
American Physical Society
American Physics Society has a useful page for Women and Minorities in Physics with links for :
- Conferences
- Grants
- Statistics
- Opportunities (internships, fellowships…)
- and helpful tips on effective practices and skills development
Read more for women here: https://www.aps.org/programs/women/index.cfm
Read more for minorities here: https://www.aps.org/programs/minorities/
Conferences for Undergraduate Women in Physics:
The next annual Conferences on Undergraduate Women in Physics (CUWiP) will be in January 2020. Details about the conferences and sites will be available next fall. Most of the costs to attend these conferences are covered by the host institution. Columbia will likely be able to cover registration and travel costs (up to $100) for physics students who attend the nearest conference.
Research Testimonials from the Board (2018-2019)
Research testimonials: how we found (and manage) research on and off campus
Other links:
- Female-Friendly Graduate Programs: http://www.aps.org/programs/women/female-friendly/index.cfm
- AIP Women in Physics Website: http://www.aip.org/statistics/trends/gendertrends.html
- Historical Contributions of Women to Physics: http://cwp.library.ucla.edu/
- American Association of University Women (AAUW) information: http://www.aauw.org/what-we-do/educational-funding-and-awards/
- National Society of Black Physicists: https://www.nsbp.org/
Columbia Spectra Reading List:
- Follow this link to check out some books and articles we and our members recommend: Book List
Resources from Kendall Mahn (MSU):
Women in Astronomy
- Check this blog out for stories and research on diversity in astronomy and astrophysics: Women in Astronomy Blog
Links to other student groups on campus that focus on underrepresented students in science and engineering:
- Society of Women Engineers: http://www.seas.columbia.edu/swe/
- Women in Science at Columbia: https://womeninscienceatcolumbia.org/
- National Society of Black Engineers at Columbia: https://outreach.engineering.columbia.edu/content/national-society-black-engineers
- CU Chapter of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/shpe/
- Columbia Women in Computer Science: https://cuwics.github.io/
Counseling and Psychological Services
If you are feeling overwhelmed and need help, please reach out to a professor, TA, friend, and/or CPS and make sure you are getting the support you need.
- More than 50% of undergraduates will visit CPS at least once in their 4 years at Columbia.
- How to make an appointment:
- Call counseling to request an appointment at 212-854-2878
- They will have an initial phone call interview to determine who to match you with (do you have preference or requests?)! This is super chill and nothing to worry about
- Then they will make you an appointment!
- Drop-in Counseling (hours vary per location)
- 100 Carman Hall
- Intercultural Resource Center, 552 W. 114th St.
- 210 East Campus
- Lerner 5
- 115 Hartley Hall
- 649 Jerome Greene Hall (Columbia Law School)
- 600 W. 113th St, Room 2BB
- 208 Uris Hall (Columbia Business School)
- Broadway Residence Hall, 556 W. 114th St., Room 102
- 530 Mudd Building
Columbia Websites to Check Out for Health and Wellness:
- Wellness resources: https://universitylife.columbia.edu/wellnessresources
- Columbia health events: https://health.columbia.edu/content/events
- Tips to help you succeed at Columbia: https://health.columbia.edu/content/links-success
- Alice! health: https://health.columbia.edu/content/alice-health-promotion#/cu_card_group-1271
- Nightiline Peer Listening: https://blogs.cuit.columbia.edu/nightline/
Columbia Resources for Discrimination and Harrassment:
Outside Wellness Resources:
- Headspace: free meditation app at https://www.headspace.com/
- NYC Parks: https://www.nycgovparks.org/events free exercise classes sometimes
- ClassPass: this is not an ad but they are currently advertising a free month! And this allows you to go to pretty much any gym/exercise studio in the city at https://classpass.com/
- Yoga to the People: https://yogatothepeople.com/upper-west-side/
Online Counseling:
- BetterHelp at www.betterhelp.com/Online Therapy with a Licensed Counselor. Available Anytime, Anywhere You Need It.
- Talkspace at www.talkspace.com/ confidential, affordable online therapy with professional, licensed therapists, wherever & whenever you need it