About how much time should it take for me to finish an undergrad problem set?

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In summary, the time it takes to complete an undergraduate problem set varies based on factors such as the complexity of the material, the student's familiarity with the subject, and the specific requirements of the assignment. On average, students may spend anywhere from a few hours to several days on a problem set, so it's important to plan accordingly and allow ample time for understanding and problem-solving.
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aissam
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I have program that i want to follow to try to self learn undergrad physics deeply but i find myself hating when i have to check the solution of a problem set but at the same time if i didn't do that i wouldnt have the time to do other problem sets. So i want to know how much it takes you guys to finish an undergrad physics problem set on average. Do you think 3 hours is a good estimate
 
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The usual rule of thumb is 3 hours of study for every hour in the classroom. So 3 hours per set is not a crazy number. Note that it may take more than 3 hours of clock time to do 3 hours of work.
 
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There is no one good number for that. In my undergrad thermodynamics class, I allowed 8 hours on a problem before moving on. That one class took as much study time as all of my other classes that semester. I was only able to finish about 2/3 of the problems in each set. But I got an A in the course.

Concentrate on understanding the concepts being taught. Some classes are harder than others, and take more time.
 
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thanks
 
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Do you have access to either a professor (mentor) or other similarly minded students at your level? That can make things much less frustrating.
 
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actually no
 
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aissam said:
I have program that i want to follow to try to self learn undergrad physics deeply but i find myself hating when i have to check the solution of a problem set but at the same time if i didn't do that i wouldnt have the time to do other problem sets. So i want to know how much it takes you guys to finish an undergrad physics problem set on average. Do you think 3 hours is a good estimate
Too too long ago; but three hours for most single problem-sets (exercises) is not enough. I do not say how long the time should be; only that three hour is not enough.
 
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FAQ: About how much time should it take for me to finish an undergrad problem set?

How long does it typically take to complete an undergraduate problem set?

The time it takes to complete an undergraduate problem set can vary widely depending on the subject and complexity, but on average, it might take anywhere from 2 to 5 hours.

What factors influence the time required to finish a problem set?

Several factors can influence the time required, including the difficulty of the problems, the student's familiarity with the material, study habits, and whether the problem set requires additional research or reading.

How can I manage my time effectively to complete problem sets more efficiently?

Effective time management strategies include breaking the problem set into smaller tasks, setting specific goals, eliminating distractions, and taking regular breaks to maintain focus and productivity.

Is it normal to spend more time on problem sets at the beginning of the semester?

Yes, it is normal to spend more time on problem sets at the beginning of the semester as you are getting accustomed to the material and the instructor's expectations. As you become more familiar with the coursework, the time required may decrease.

Should I work on problem sets alone or with a study group?

Both approaches have benefits. Working alone can help you develop individual problem-solving skills, while working with a study group can provide different perspectives and collaborative problem-solving techniques. It is often beneficial to combine both methods.

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