insertphysicspun

It's been 2 years since I graduated (spring 2010) and 4 years since my first-year courses (fall 2008). It's been a little while, which makes me feel like the courses would be helpful. Additionally, different universities/profs cover material differently so there is potential to gain important new perspectives. But my stomach sinks a little imagining sitting in a class similar to one that I took 4 years ago. The tuition is waived and I have a stipend, so money is not a concern.

It may be common, but you should consider whether it is a good use of your time. If you feel you are deficient in some area then perhaps you should devote time to studying that area independently. Classes are perhaps the most inefficient method imparting knowledge/skills. As a graduate student, treat your area of inquiry (whatever class you wanted to take) as a research endeavor. Go from passive learning to active learning. That's how you will have to learn new things in the real world.

I disagree with apologizing, that will just bring attention to it. Luckily, professors get so many of these types of emails and it is very likely yours was a drop in the bucket. He may remember you, but it's possible he will also conflate your email with others he has received. The point is, just start fresh. Mention in passing that you emailed him months ago, but also come ready with some of those questions that you never followed up with. Also, no one likes excuses so just let it go.

At my institution, you get a free shot at the prelim when you first arrive (physics PhD program). I have a master's from another institution and, since the prelim reflects one's first-year graduate education, I believe that I might be able to pass it given a summer of dedicated study. If I pass it, I could by-pass typical first-year courses. This is really a non-quandry because I think I will give it a shot, but I wonder whether it would be worth it to take first-year courses with the rest of my peers and really nail down the material once-and-for-all (i.e. take my time instead of rushing). On the flip-side, part of me thinks that taking the same courses over again (albeit from a different institution) is a rather daunting proposition. Any thoughts?

I completely understand your anxiety, but perhaps you could think of this new student as a boon to your research/education. Perhaps I am way off base, but if a new hot shot came into my group I would be slightly threatened. However, even though you are developing into a competitive researcher, you are also in grad school to learn as much as you can from every source/experience that you can get your hands on. Like ktel said, you could bounce ideas off of this person, learn what they know, and benefit from a fresh perspective. Unfortunately, you will always encounter new hot shots, but it is better to learn how to work with them rather than waste time comparing yourself to them.