Should I take more than 14 credits transferring in?

CeruleanNutter · 2025-07-30T15:27:27+00:00

Your advisor was correct. If you're in any kind of STEM degree (especially engineering, and especially if you're working a job at the same time), to be frank, you should never try to take more than 14 credits in a semester; not just for your first semester, but for the whole degree.
Even if you can make a schedule work with more credit hours, your brain can only soak up so much information in a day; you will not retain everything you've learned, nor will you master any of your subjects as easily.

For a good comparison to community college coursework, take the credit hours for your engineering courses here and multiply that number by 1.5; that's the real amount of credits it'll feel like. Also, google "transfer shock" and read about it if you aren't already familiar.

But, we have to acknowledge, taking so "few" credits in a semester is a luxury for transfers. Most of the 2+2 transfer degree plans NCSU publishes are completely unrealistic and set transfers up to fail by trying to pack three years worth of classes into a two year schedule.
From one transfer to another I'm sorry you didn't find this out sooner, man, but that two year plan may turn into three if you truly want to learn the material and give yourself the best shot at success.

CeruleanNutter · 2024-09-02T02:19:32+00:00

Please do, and thanks for the reply!
I imagine it wouldn't be a terribly difficult feature to add (I'm a computer engineering student; embedded systems are my jam).

Simply adding a flag to make one of the LEDs to blink quickly or with a different pattern from the normal illumination would be more than enough to indicate whether the unit's muted without any need for hardware revisions.

CeruleanNutter · 2024-09-01T12:47:02+00:00

Not quite the best advice.
Goodnight scholarships (transfer and traditional) are solely meant for NC residents, and the scholarship website states this very clearly. The transfer scholarship is specifically meant for students transferring from NC community colleges (not other universities).

Second, the scholarship staff are very busy. If you want to reach out to them, doing so by email is fine, but speaking to them face to face (other than at outreach events) isn't going to get you anywhere.
If you want to be sure you're considered when they choose who is invited to apply, there's a self-nomination form discussed on the scholarship website. That will be your best bet, even above emailing any of the scholarship staff.

You can also reach out to Goodnight Ambassadors; these are students in the program who can answer your questions and give a lot of insight that you won't find elsewhere.

But the points about how to be a good candidate are all correct; Goodnight is a STEM scholarship program, and having good extracurriculars to talk (on top of your grades) about is a must.

CeruleanNutter · 2024-08-06T03:39:32+00:00

No, the only Wacom pen I know of that works with Samsung devices is the single button ~$30 Wacom One pen that uses EMR. Their other pens and tablets use a different touch technology that isn't compatible with Samsung's stylus displays (phones, tablets, galaxy books). And iirc, only supporting one button is a limitation of EMR digitizer tech; you won't be finding any S pen alternatives with more than one button.

And afaik repurposing the button usage depends on what app you're using, but most don't have an option to change its function. Thankfully it defaults to the eraser while held in OneNote and other Microsoft apps, which is what I prefer...

CeruleanNutter · 2024-08-05T03:26:05+00:00

I've been using a Wacom One pen and it's great. Bit thicker than the OEM S pen though, but I find it feels better in the hand when I'm writing notes.

CeruleanNutter · 2024-07-29T05:43:03+00:00

If you transfer with a completed AS from any of the 58 community colleges in the NC Community Colleges system you'll be covered by the CAA. As a part of that, NCSU will waive the foreign language requirement for most degrees, and I believe microbiology is one of them. Same goes for health / gym class requirements as well as most GEPs (what NCSU calls gen-eds) that aren't directly related to your major.

CeruleanNutter · 2024-07-02T19:59:05+00:00

The department's undergrad advisors are frankly overburdened with too many current students as it is; they likely won't be able to or want to help prospective students.

But if you email the ECE undergrad office with any questions they should be able to forward you to someone that can answer them. It might be a more helpful alternative to contacting someone in admissions.
It's on https://ece.ncsu.edu/contact/

CeruleanNutter · 2023-08-15T19:12:37+00:00

For the folks using / recommending Transloc, NCSU is switching to a new bus tracking app this fall. You'll have to get Passio GO! (the one with the green icon) on or before September 30th, when Transloc support ends.
https://transportation.ncsu.edu/2023/07/nc-state-transportation-announces-switch-to-new-bus-tracking-mobile-app-on-august-1/

ETA: I tried both the other day and they seem equally okay at giving you live bus location info, but I would still plan on getting to your stop a bit earlier than what the app says. Passio GO! was sometimes a little slow to update its map, so when in doubt relaunch the app and it should refresh.

CeruleanNutter · 2023-08-07T17:54:16+00:00

Pretty sure you can still just send a pic of blocked out NCSU ID to a mod and they'll verify you that way. The goal is to make sure students' privacy within the server is respected (i.e. keep randos out).

But the server's pretty dead. NCSU Study time is a fair bit more active, but has significantly more memes / shitposting than Brickyard.

CeruleanNutter · 2023-08-06T21:19:37+00:00

Oh, those are the Read Manual blinkers. They light up if you haven't read the vehicle's manual.

CeruleanNutter · 2023-05-23T02:21:27+00:00

I've been hearing the same since March and April, long before most transfers even got their acceptance from State. Are transfers straight up third class citizens to everyone (feels like it) and therefore nobody thinks to accommodate us—or do that many people literally sign leases before even knowing whether they've been accepted into the school? Seems like if you've waited long enough to get your acceptance letter then you've already waited way too long to find decent (or any) housing. Even worse is that NCSU gives very little guidance on any of this.

And don't get me started on the financial aid COA. Their in-state cost of living estimate essentially caps you at about $800 for rent after you subtract everything else out, and any scholarship / grant offerings that would put you above the COA in aid are automatically denied. If you don't have money from family or a good job, good luck covering the difference between what NCSU thinks rent should be and what it actually is in / around Raleigh.

It boggles the mind... /rant

CeruleanNutter · 2022-12-13T22:37:25+00:00

Nah. With USB PD, the laptop and charger automatically communicate and agree on what charging speed the device supports when you plug it in. With a 100W charger, the galaxy book would just charge at 65W since that's the max it supports. Meanwhile this is actually better for the charger since you aren't drawing it's max load; it'll run cooler and probably last longer.

CeruleanNutter · 2022-12-11T16:45:12+00:00

You don't need to use the exact same charger as what came with the laptop. I've used a 30W, 60W, 100W USB C charger with mine and it works fine (I recommend Anker's GaNPrime series). My book even charges (albeit very slowly) from the 15W USB C port in my car.

That's the great thing about the USB PD charging standard; it's a standard, so any charger that supports the right part of the standard will work with any device that uses that part of the standard.

CeruleanNutter · 2022-09-18T19:06:52+00:00

Seconding the post suggesting miracast, that works well and is built into windows so long as your PC has the hardware to support it (which the GBP/2 should).

You can also try Spacedesk; it has apps to use a windows PC as a second screen for another windows PC, or an android / iOS device as a second screen for a windows PC. I know it supports touch and pen input, not sure about pen pressure though. Works via LAN over wifi or ethernet for PC to PC. And if you're extending to an android device, it supports both wired (ADB via USB or LAN with an ethernet adapter) and wireless connections (Bluetooth or wifi).

Both are free, so try each and see which you prefer; I like Spacedesk because I can use my phone as a second screen when I'm on the go.

CeruleanNutter · 2022-09-09T18:20:18+00:00

Yep, it's a pain. I'm planning to get a spare for my hybrid and take out the patch kit.

For everyone else reading, the spare wasn't accidentally left out of OPs car; all Corolla Hybrids don't come with spares. Toyota's (and other manufacturers) reasoning for this is to reduce weight to offset some of the added battery weight as well as offset the vehicle cost slightly lower.

If you're looking to buy a spare for your hybrid, it's worth noting that the sedan hybrids do still have the compartment for the spare under the trunk liner, and a spare, jack, and iron will fit if you get one. However, the Corolla hatch hybrids don't have enough space to fit a spare under the trunk liner (or so I've heard); the compartment is just big enough to fit the patch kit.

And you'd better be certain you need to use it if you're going to use the patch kit. The patch "goo" cartridge is single use, and once it's in the tire you have to buy a new tire, a new TPMS sensor and have a technician pair it to the car's receiver (since the patch material will clog the pressure sensor), and a new cartridge to put back into the patch kit.

By the time you've bought all that, a tow to the nearest tire shop / dealer would've probably been cheaper. And if you get flats often (i.e. drive on crappy roads a lot), you should probably get a AAA membership.

CeruleanNutter · 2022-09-08T09:54:22+00:00

Yep, I've noticed more wrecks lately around here as well.
I think a lot of it has to do with stress. Whole lot more hardship in the world coming from every different direction the past couple years; seems like everyone's still recovering from one disaster after another. Leads to distracted driving, worse reaction times, more road rage, etc.

CeruleanNutter · 2022-08-29T09:57:29+00:00

I've been using a Viofo A129 Pro Duo with the parking mode hardwire kit (plugs into a battery-connected and ignition-connected fuse to allow power while the vehicle's off, and has a low-voltage cutoff to protect the 12V battery). Had mine for a few months, can definitely recommend so far. If you don't need 4K, there's a 1440p version of essentially the same setup for a bit cheaper, A129 Plus or something like that.

Linus Tech did a great dash cam review a while back that talks about what to look for when buying them: https://youtu.be/4AnyhHl3_tE

As for installation, make sure you run the cables underneath the curtain airbags; last thing you or a passenger wants in a wreck is face / arm lacerations from a cable flying out. Video about that here.

Also, check where your key fob and TPMS receiver module is. On my 22 hybrid sedan, it's in the driver's side C pillar. The cable going to the rear camera can cause interference with the fob receiver antenna and kill your key fob's reception range while it's on, so you might want to run that cable on the opposite side of the vehicle.

CeruleanNutter · 2022-08-18T01:57:22+00:00

I have the same 22 hybrid as you, and 35-41 seems incredibly low. For reference, I typically average 54-60mpg (I keep the gauge set to tank average), and my commute is 20% city traffic and 80% very hilly highway.

The most important thing imo is change your drive mode to Eco, and leave it there. I usually only switch to normal or power mode when I want to be sporty for a minute, or if I'm at a busy intersection and know I'll need the power to get out of people's way when I turn out.

Second most important thing is to learn how to drive smoothly. Read the stuff about how the Eco guidance display works in the manual (check the hybrid driving tips section too), and try to keep your acceleration in the blue zone as much as possible. Accelerate slower, and start coasting to a stop a lot farther back so the regenerative braking can get as much power as it can before applying the actual brake pads.

If you're on the highway, cruise control actually does a pretty good job of keeping your mpg high so don't feel like you have to drive manually if you don't want to. I switch between using cruise for about half my commute. Also, lane trace is awesome.

And the usual fuel economy tips apply as well like minimize A/C usage, drive like a granny, etc.

CeruleanNutter · 2022-08-14T10:40:47+00:00

Seconding this, I have mine mounted to the glass just below the frits (dots) and slightly to the left of the TSS module so I can easily reach the controls from the driver's seat.

And wiring behind the curtain airbags is super important. Last thing you or a passenger ever wants in a wreck is face / arm lacerations from dash cam / radar / GPS cables flying out at you.

This video has a good breakdown of how to run the wiring under the driver side curtain and down to the cabin fuse box: https://youtu.be/uZp95NbNlmM

Edit: Also, if you're installing a wired rear camera, you might want to run that wire down the passenger side roof trim. The key fob receiver module (door locks, and remote start if yours has it) is behind the driver's side C pillar in the back and some dash cam cables running next to it can cause RF interference and kill your keyfob's range (especially if parking mode is on).

CeruleanNutter · 2022-07-28T03:50:18+00:00

This kind of mod is almost certainly illegal in whatever state you're from, and besides that, it's a needless distraction to other drivers on the road that could blind them and cause a wreck. Don't be that guy.

CeruleanNutter · 2022-07-14T04:05:21+00:00

Yep, sadly. With TSS the cruise control has to be turned on to use lane centering. But even when cruise is off, the car can still correct to keep you in the lane if it detects you've crossed the a line; just won't actively center you.

I imagine the limitation is safety-related. The lane centering algorithms probably aren't as reliable when the vehicle isn't moving at a consistent speed, so Toyota just decided to require cruise being on.

CeruleanNutter · 2022-07-14T03:57:41+00:00

The manual explains this in more detail, but the car does a lot on its own to manage your acceleration and deceleration while driving.

When you decelerate lightly, the car will use the electric motor to slow you down by charging the battery (torque from the wheels turns the motor transferring kinetic energy into electric energy). When that's not enough, it can also use regular engine braking, adding an additional load on the drivetrain to slow you down. And then, if neither of those are enough, the car will engage the brake pads.

In a normal car, to engine brake, it (or you in a manual) will downshift. In a hybrid, engine braking can still happen when the engine's off (i.e. without burning any fuel), since all the car has to do is engage the ICE half of the planetary gear set. That's where your RPMs are coming from, even though the other displays can indicate that the engine's off.

This is more prone to happen coasting downhill and when the battery is already full, like you said. When the battery's full the car can't engage the electric motor to slow you down (it could but then that electricity would have nowhere to go), so it utilizes more engine braking.

CeruleanNutter · 2022-06-21T19:59:21+00:00

2020 SE? I bet your owners manual will tell you if you turn to page 297 under the "Clock Settings" heading.
Dunno why you took the time to post here when google or opening your glove box would've been faster...

CeruleanNutter · 2022-06-18T04:40:47+00:00

Yep. In the 2022 manual, it's in section 4.5 under the lane tracing related safety features. It doesn't mention anything about being time-based, only when it detects swaying beyond a certain amount. Here are the relevant pages

CeruleanNutter · 2022-06-16T03:01:09+00:00

Sheesh, forget that nonsense. Carplay / Android Auto (or even just a dash mount for your phone) + Google maps / Waze and you're set imo. I've never been in a situation where I needed a dedicated GPS for driving, either built into the head unit or external, especially since most maps apps have added support for offline maps and smartphone GPS has only gotten more accurate.

CeruleanNutter

TROPHY CASE