Can You Get Into Grad School Without an Undergrad Degree?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the possibility of gaining admission to graduate school without an undergraduate degree, particularly in the fields of physics and mathematics. Participants explore the requirements for undergraduate education and alternative pathways to higher education.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that it is unlikely to gain admission to graduate school without an undergraduate degree.
  • Others propose that completing a four-year degree in a shorter time frame, such as one or two years, is generally not feasible, with some suggesting three years might be possible under certain conditions.
  • Concerns are raised about the depth of understanding that can be achieved if one rushes through an undergraduate program.
  • Some participants mention that community colleges may offer a pathway to eventually transfer to a university, even for those with non-traditional backgrounds.
  • There are suggestions that obtaining a GED could be an alternative for those lacking high school records, allowing them to pursue further education.
  • One participant expresses a personal sentiment about pursuing physics and mathematics as a hobby rather than a career, reflecting on their past educational challenges.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of hard work and dedication in mastering subjects like mathematics and physics, noting that expertise requires significant effort over time.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that gaining admission to graduate school without an undergraduate degree is highly unlikely. However, there are multiple views on the feasibility of completing an undergraduate degree in a shorter time frame, as well as differing opinions on alternative educational pathways.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention specific requirements for universities, such as high school transcripts, which may vary by institution. There is also a recognition that educational pathways can differ based on individual circumstances and regional practices.

mythraven
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is there even a chance to get into a grad school without an undergrad degree?
 
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I think it's safe to say no
 
if it is impossible to get in grad school without an undergrad degree, is there a way to finish a 4-year undergrad physics/math degree in 1 or 2 years??
 
mythraven said:
if it is impossible to get in grad school without an undergrad degree, is there a way to finish a 4-year undergrad physics/math degree in 1 or 2 years??


Pretty much no. 3 years maybe, 2 years if you transfer in already having a large number of credits. Not from square zero though.
 
They call it a four-year degree, because... well, because it usually takes about four years.

They call it graduate school, because... well, because it's for people who have graduated from an undergraduate degree program.

- Warren
 
is there a way to finish a 4-year undergrad physics/math degree in 1 or 2 years??

no, nor would you want to. It's not how fast you do things, its how well you do them. And you won't be able to get a good and deep understanding of what your learning unless you take the time to really think about your coursework, not just complete it.
 
um, no undergraduate degree? no it would not be possible to finish the requirements of one in 2 years...3 yes not 2, but becareful some 3 yr programmes are only for general science. Some schools offer 2 year degrees if you already have an undergrad. You'll be taking a 2nd degree.
 
hi, thanks for all your replies. I guess I have to drop the hope of entering a university for math and physic:cry:
I will still keep it as a hobby but more than just a hobby. Since I don't really want to be something - all I need is the pleasure that physics and math bring to me, I think keeping them in my own little world might be enough.
 
Why can't you go to a university? I know lot's of adults who work full and go to school part time. Are you special?
 
  • #10
mythraven said:
hi, thanks for all your replies. I guess I have to drop the hope of entering a university for math and physic:cry:
I will still keep it as a hobby but more than just a hobby. Since I don't really want to be something - all I need is the pleasure that physics and math bring to me, I think keeping them in my own little world might be enough.

Why do you have to give up your dream? Why can't you just go to a school for undergrad and major in math and physics?
 
  • #11
d_leet said:
Why do you have to give up your dream? Why can't you just go to a school for undergrad and major in math and physics?

if i could, I would go to unversity, regardless how busy i would be (i am a game programmer)...but it is quite impossible for me to get all the high school information now, most of the universities require that, so I don't think any university would accept me if i can't even find a high school officer to evaluate me...as simple as that, I ****ed up in high school 2 or 3 years ago because I spent most of my time in physics and philosophy, either ignore or scream at whoever wanted me to stop my own study...after graduating from high school, i paid for my rebellion.
 
  • #12
mythraven said:
if i could, I would go to unversity, regardless how busy i would be (i am a game programmer)...but it is quite impossible for me to get all the high school information now, most of the universities require that, so I don't think any university would accept me if i can't even find a high school officer to evaluate me...as simple as that, I ****ed up in high school 2 or 3 years ago because I spent most of my time in physics and philosophy, either ignore or scream at whoever wanted me to stop my own study...after graduating from high school, i paid for my rebellion.


Well I would think that as long as you did graduate from high school you would be able to call the school and have that information sent to a university if you were to apply, otherwise you could try for a GED and take the SATs and apply to colleges.
 
  • #13
if your really determined to get into physics then you can always start out at a community college and then transfer out to a real university.
 
  • #14
If you don't have access to your high school records, you can take a GED and get the equivalent. Then go to a community college and get your first two years and finally go to the University and get your final two years. If you already know your stuff, that should be easy.

The truth is that there is no Royal Road to Mathematics or Physics. You got to work. A recent Scientific American article stated that it takes about 10 years of heavy work to become an expert in a subject. There is no easy way around that. Being an amateur is fine and fun, but if you expect anyone to pay you or spend money on you(and that is what you are talking about with graduate school), then you have to earn the right.
 
  • #15
CPL.Luke said:
if your really determined to get into physics then you can always start out at a community college and then transfer out to a real university.
In California, that's how people with less than average grades get into school. They don't ask for your HS transcripts. At least they didn't ask for mine. Granted, that could be because it was 20 years since I'd been in HS.
 

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