For your homework solutions, there is an option for you to apply for "standard bearer credit."'

Basically, if you think that your homework solution is great (who doesn't?!), then you can apply for this credit. See (5) below, to learn how.

For a problem of the homework (up to a certain number of problems, see (5) below), if you think your solution is nearly perfect, and can serve as a standard solution, then you can apply for this credit. If you think that you have thoroughly solved a certain problem, and have expressed your understanding neatly, then it should definitely be considered for this credit.

The following requirements must be met.

1. Your solution must receive the minimum number (whose maximum is about 3) of minor corrections from me, among all candidate solutions for the same problem.
2. Your solution must be neatly written. No need for typesetting at all. Just need to be more than just readable, and need to show good organization. Mundane, but quite important.
3. Your solution must be simple enough, while not omitting all necessary key physical/mathematical arguments.
4. If two solutions are too similar looking, verbatim, then they will be disqualified for this credit, to say the least. Remember, you can and should help one another by discussing problems, but when you write down your solutions, you should do so in your own language and style, i.e., after filtering and assimilating everything through your mind.

5. You can apply for this credit, up to half the total number of problems (round it up, if the total number of problems is an odd number) per homework. You cannot apply for credit for part of a problem. Indicate your application by writing "(PS)" (potential solution) at the beginning of your solution. Or, just email me which solutions you think are potential solutions. If your solution is of the same great quality as another solution, based on criteria (1,2,3), then multiple solutions can get credit for the same problem.

How much credit can you get? You will receive a double credit for each solution of yours that pass the criteria (1,2,3). In my estimate, this means that if you receive (close to) maximum possible standard bearer credits, then you will certainly do well in the final, and, even if you do somewhat poorly in the final, you most likely will be "easily saved."

Criteria will be somewhat relaxed for notably difficult problems, if any.

You will know that you won, if I use a photo-copy of your solution for the solutions posted. If your solution is not used, it does not mean that you did not win -- see (5). In any case, I will let you know when I return your solutions.