What is College: Definition and 1000 Discussions

A college (Latin: collegium) is an educational institution or a constituent part of one. A college may be a degree-awarding tertiary educational institution, a part of a collegiate or federal university, an institution offering vocational education, or a secondary school.
In most of the world, a college may be a high school or secondary school, a college of further education, a training institution that awards trade qualifications, a higher-education provider that does not have university status (often without its own degree-awarding powers), or a constituent part of a university. In the United States, a college offers undergraduate programs; it may be independent or the undergraduate program of a university, it is generally also used as a synonym for a university while in some instances a college may also be a residential college. A college in francophone countries—France (see secondary education in France), Belgium, and Switzerland—provides secondary education. However, the Collège de France is a prestigious advanced research institute in Paris.

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  1. 9

    Schools I do not understand college physics at all

    I'm in my second semester of my sophomore year at a community college. In my first semester, I took an Introduction to Physics class. I found it to be a little bit of a challenge, but my professor was really helpful, and with a little help, I could actually understand the material, and passed...
  2. T

    Schools Funding a Physics Engineering Club at my college.

    I am attempting to found a Physics Engineering club at my school (Appalachian State University) and we have come to the sticky issue of funding. We would like to keep dues as low as possible, but with the expected cost of workspace, projects, and start-up costs of tools, we are going to need a...
  3. A

    Schools Does one need Physics with calc or can one just take college physics

    At the university in my town they offer summer physics courses. Although only college physics and not physics with calculus. I have the option to take this and do the first half of physics. Will only taking physics without calc hinder my abilities for later classes in physics? The prerequisites...
  4. P

    Schools College Majors: engineering/mathematics

    Hello all, I am currently a sophomore in high school, but I am thinking about this now because I know that it will be a tough decision down the road. Basically, I love math, and would love to solve challenging integrals all day, but I know that this is a very naive desire. I have a few...
  5. reenmachine

    26 years old , never went to college , too late for a math career?

    I'm 26 years old , been thinking about going back to school for the last 2 years to pursue a career in mathematics. Never went to college , stopped my education at the end of high school where I had multiple personal problems that are now more or less solved.Always been strong at math since I...
  6. K

    Schools Economic difficulties force me to restart college

    I'm a 3rd year major in physics. Unfortunately, I come from a pretty poor family and I study away from home, and we've been hit by an economic disaster that forces me to abandon college. I'm pretty good in my studies, I got a scholarship and I was at the top 10 of the best students of my...
  7. I

    Schools What is on a college transcript.

    I recently applied to graduate school for mathematics and was denied because I don't meet all the class requirements and was told that it will be best to go to school for a year as a non degree student to make up these deficiencies. The story is that I changed my major from biology to...
  8. N

    Best Calculus book before college

    I am looking for a calculus book to help prepare me for college next year. Currently i am in AP calc AB but that class will end in about 2 weeks. Next year i will hopefully start in calc 2 if my credits transfer. I want to have mastered calc 1 and be at least most of the way into calc 2...
  9. J

    Schools College Grades Dropping - What's Going on?

    Hello, I am in the middle of a second degree from a less reputable university in Ontario, Canada. In my first degree (computer science), I had over 40 "A"-level grades (Something like 40 out of 50, with some voluntary withdrawals, because I became sick near the end of my degree.) My second...
  10. K

    Self-Study (books) vs. Formal Education (college, etc)

    Is Formal education the way to go? If so, why?
  11. L

    Schools What should i expect in physics in college?

    First off, sorry for wrong location of post. I am wondering what kind of stuff you guys do in college physics. Is it similar to AP Physics? What should I expect in the Biochemistry Major, I was looking at the suggested courses on my future college's website and I think it was something like Gen...
  12. S

    Schools Teaching physics in a community college

    As a new PhD in physics I am exploring all the options I have. It seems like teaching in a community college is rewarding, relaxed, and well paying (given that you are at certain parts of the country). Anybody taught at community college a full time instructor? How was it? How busy were...
  13. V

    Computer needed for engineering college

    I'm currently in a one semester away from finishing an associates degree at a community college and am planing to go to an engineering college. I am asking if anyone has an idea of what kinda of laptop i should buy (like specs too). I was thinking Mac or Alienware?
  14. C

    What can you do with a Physics degree after college?

    Well, I'm getting to that period where I need to really start thinking about what I want to do after college. I'm currently getting a double major in Physics and Spanish, but I have no idea what I want to do whatsoever. So what can you do right out of college with a Physics degree?
  15. A

    Schools Can College physics/with calc 1,2 be taken without just CP first

    Hello my name is andrew. I'm a high school sophmore. At the university in my town (I'm dual enrolled) they offer college physics 1,2 and college physics/with calc 1,2 I really want to take QM so I need to take the fastest route possible. Do I need both with or without calc, can I take just the...
  16. R

    Schools My college won't count a course for my GPA

    Hey guys, I have a question. I recently did an English test and passed it, and because that exam, I'm exempted from taking the English course (which is compulsory for the degree), but I passed it with a B and I'm worried that it would count in my GPA. My college says it won't count on it, but...
  17. C

    Schools 2.89 current GPA from good college?

    I'm an undergrad at RPI and I currently have a 2.89 GPA. I'm a senior so I'm currently applying for jobs. Haven't gotten any replies so far. I majored in Bioinformatics. Is it possible for me to get a job in this field? I will only have a 2.99 by the time I graduate and I think by that time, all...
  18. P

    Schools I'm about to go to college and, well I'm good friends with physics

    So here is my current state: I am int the 12th class (that is senior), in Romania. My connection with physics is good, certified by me participating at national physics contests, having some notable results(of course, this is not an absolute argument).So I thought about aiming for a career in...
  19. D

    National companies hiring recent college graduates?

    I'm looking for some big companies (big as in not regionally specific in the US) who are currently hiring (soon to be) college graduates. A friend of mine suggested Raytheon since he got a job with them last year after graduating. Any further suggestions/companies similar to this? I'll be...
  20. A

    Schools Can I send a research paper to college?

    Hi, I'm 14 and i like physics too much to just stick with the Newton laws at school, I learned Calculus and Special Relativity, and now I'm learning Mathematical Background for Quantum, I was wondering... After I learn Quantum can I send a research to college (my dad gave me this idea)? And if I...
  21. L

    Schools Choosing between Rollins College and UCF for Math Undergrad

    Physics Forum; I am getting ready to graduate with my AA in Mathematics from a CC in Orlando. The CC feeds directly into the University of Central Florida (UCF) but I also have a choice of attending Rollins College. The available information on the two programs isn't vast, so any input you...
  22. N

    Schools High school student doing college physics

    I am an high school student starting grade 11 this year . I have been interested in physics since class 6 and i have been studying advanced physics since then . IN grade 9 and 10 i have read and solved problems from Resnick,halliday and walker's book ( which i think is a undergrad book isn't...
  23. S

    Schools Math Programs Summer Before College

    I'm a prospective math major going to college next fall. Are there any cheap or free math programs available for a graduating high school senior during the summer? Research sounds exciting but I'd be fine with just learning material. By the end of the year I'll have learned basic abstract...
  24. bcrowell

    Intro Physics College Physics by OpenStax College

    Author: OpenStax College Title: College Physics Download Link: http://cnx.org/content/col11406/1.7/ Prerequisities: Contents:
  25. M

    6 months after dropping out of college - my tips

    It's been six months since I dropped out of college to bootstrap my financial research startup. I had an old thread about this and received a lot of advice against it, then the thread got deleted. Some had come forward to PM me asking how I've been doing since, and I figured it would be useful...
  26. D

    Schools Physics or Computer Science? Starting college late and I welcome your opinions

    Hi all! BLUF: I'm starting school rather late (I'm 25) and I'm very interested in Physics and Computer Science. Logically, CS seems like a better fit for me due to my hobbies, but my heart is set on Physics. BACKGROUND: I'm just now starting school at 25 after being in the Air Force for...
  27. H

    Schools Freshman at my local community college

    Let me start this off by informing you a little about myself. I am a Freshman at my local community college. I am majoring in Biological Science (that's the only science major of study here; kind of covers it all.) I am majoring in Physics as my field of study, however. Physics has always...
  28. B

    Schools Should I go for theoretical physics in college?

    I'm in the 10th grade and i am trying to decide what to study in college. I am really good in physics, math, and chemistry. The thing is that i am very much interested in astronomy and stuff like quantum mechanics and string theory. A lot of people keep telling to study something more...
  29. R

    Schools What are the Best Universities for Studying Physics and Playing Basketball?

    Hi i am from Greece and my name is Anthony Kalogirou and i am in year 12 (17 years old ) In May i am taking my exams so i can enroll myself at the Greek physics university . From a little kid i always loved maths and physics so from my early age i decided to become a physicist . I have...
  30. T

    American college students are increasingly likely to describe themselves as gifted

    American college students are increasingly likely to describe themselves as "gifted" http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-20756247 Well, I'm an undergraduate freshman and I would say I'm above average (relative to all 18 year olds in Canada). I would also say I'm above average (relative to my...
  31. SrVishi

    Schools Help, going to college soon and need advice.

    As the title explains, I am soon going to attend college and I would like some advice one can give for an upcoming physics/mathematics major. 1)What are some things/extracurricular activities/programs/etc. that you recommend a physics student do in his undergraduate years to maximize both...
  32. E

    Schools Need an engineer's perspective on a college essay

    Hello! I am new to the forums! (Love the F=MA and P=MV questions that they ask you when registering!) I need some feedback on an essay that I am writing for the UVa supplement. Would someone be willing to help? The prompt is- If you were given funding for a small engineering project, what...
  33. N

    Schools Falsifying signature in college. Consequence?

    Hi all There is a group member who falsifying the other team members' signature on the contribution table. The contribution table is used to divide up the group mark for each group members for a project. Without the other team members' consents, he falsify others' signature. Just...
  34. B

    Schools Is taking trigonometry and college algebra at the same time a bad idea?

    My professor is advising me against this. Also my friend who is an ME is advising against this as well. I am not sure why. I enjoy math and grasp the concepts pretty fast. A little history, I was a nursing major, but soon realized I wanted more than that. I was then torn between becoming a...
  35. P

    Could I get a tenure track faculty position at a small liberal arts college or

    small engineering school? I currently attend Oakland University's PhD program. Formerly I was in a larger more well known PhD program but that didn't work out. I got sick and had to leave and decided to stay in my home state of Michigan for my PhD. My dream is to become an excellent...
  36. K

    Schools College math requirements for non-science majors

    What are the math requirements for those not majoring in science, engineering, or finance? Are non-science majors still required to take physics?
  37. T

    Schools High School Student Preparing for College

    Hello all! I am a 14 year old student attending an elite private school in North Texas and I aspire to someday become a theoretical physicist. I currently take mostly AP classes and am doing better than a good portion of my peers. I have knowledge of high school math (taught it all to myself...
  38. G

    Schools Prestige of Undergraduate College and Grad School Admission

    I am a rising senior in a well regarded Pittsburgh area public school. When I enter college next year I will be majoring in Physics with a minor (possible double major) in Computer Science. I would like to eventually be involved in research at a major institution and plan to get my PhD in...
  39. H

    Schools Preparing for college in high school.

    Currently I am a freshman in high school in the United States. I have been interested in physics for a while and have been studying on my own. Last summer I studied calculus using Calculus by James Stewart, which covered differentiation, integration, multivariable, and vector calculus. I have...
  40. A

    Preparing for Grad School: Tips for My Last 3 Semesters of College

    Hey all! I'm a little lost as to what I should get done in my last three semesters of college. I do plan on going to grad school and will take the GRE next spring, but I currently have no idea as to what else I should be getting done to prepare. I have passing interest in materials science and...
  41. P

    Schools Advice for College: Pursuing Medicine and Math Degrees

    Hello everyone, My name is Jacob. I am currently a sophomore in high school in America, so I will start applying to colleges in about a year (scary!). Anyways, I was wondering about what I should study in college and grad school. Right now, I am planning on taking lots of biology and chem...
  42. E

    Schools As someone who hasn't gone to college yet,

    What is the best way for me to get a hands-on lab experience in the area? I'm a junior in high school, and I'm not sure how I could get some personal experience in lab (for any field of science.) I was considering email nearby colleges or laboratories, but I don't know if they'll allow a high...
  43. F

    Schools College calculus vs AP Calc AB

    Hi guys, I'm deciding a career in the biological sciences but will need calculus 1 and II. knowing that many of you are probably in college or in your fields, I want to know how similar Calc 1 and college calc are. I'm really bad at Calc this year, currently with a B- and want to know how much...
  44. A

    Programs Applying to College as a Physics Major: Is My Math Up to Par?

    I am currently a senior in high school applying to college. My question is whether or not o should apply undecided or as a physics major. I know I want to be a physicist but my math grades have been a bit shaky. I've improve my math grades this year and I'm getting a c plus in adv precalculus...
  45. A

    Schools To continue with college or not?

    Of course I understand that ultimately, I am the only person responsible for answering that question, and I am the only person who can answer that question. But I would like some advice and guidance. I am currently a sophomore who is lost in what she wants to do. I am very very very passionate...
  46. Z

    Admissions Applying for a public college

    Hi guys , Is applying to a public college for an undergraduate physics program a good idea if I want to specialize in theoretical physics in the future and do research ? How much does it cost on average ? I don't have the money for other universities and I didn't graduate from a US high school...
  47. C

    Schools King's College London Maths/physics presitge

    I'm currently a sixth form student and have recently been accepted to KCL to study mathematics. I'm seriously considering accepting the offer but before I want to know how is the department generally viewed? Would I still be able to go on to a "better" institution after my degree to do a PhD? If...
  48. J

    Schools College drop out, Good choice educationally?

    I am a sophomore math and physics major who would like to go to study biological physics as a graduate student. My aim is not to go into the medical field, i.e. Hospitals, pediatricians etc. but my interest generally is to research ways to prolong the human lifespan. Lately I have been thinking...
  49. B

    Schools I really writing college essays

    It is about that time in senior year where all my biggest decisions are about to be made. Yea, I'm filling out college applications. Here are my current MAIN choices in ranking of how badly I want to attend: EDIT: I'm majoring in Physics if that matters 1. University of Washington in Seattle...
  50. B

    Schools What do chemical engineers build in college?

    I know that in undergrad (at least in my school), mechanical engineers usually have their projects on things like robots, cars, UAV, trebuchets, etc. Electrical engineers usually build clocks, calculators, data encrypters, wireless systems, ALU, motors, generators, lamps etc. Civil engineers...
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