Career in Physics: Is it Possible at 22?

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SUMMARY

Starting a career in physics at 22 years old is entirely feasible, especially for individuals planning to attend community college in California. While there is a decade of schooling ahead, age does not significantly impact graduate school acceptance or scholarship opportunities. Life circumstances, such as marriage and family, may pose challenges during the pursuit of a PhD, but personal management of these factors is crucial. English language proficiency and adaptation to California's lifestyle are immediate priorities for success.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of physics concepts
  • Proficiency in English language
  • Familiarity with community college systems in California
  • Time management skills for balancing academic and personal life
NEXT STEPS
  • Research community colleges in California offering physics programs
  • Explore resources for improving English language skills
  • Investigate scholarship opportunities for physics students
  • Learn about the academic lifestyle and challenges faced by graduate students in physics
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for aspiring physicists, students considering a late start in academia, and individuals navigating the transition to community college education in a new country.

Nephtysa
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Is it possible to consider a career in physics at 22 years old? I currently live in France and do not have any degrees but will move next year to California and go to a community college for starter. I was wondering if it is already too late ?
 
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About the only thing it's too late for at 22 is a Happy Meal.

From a practical point of view you'll have about a decade worth of schooling ahead of you. You'll be a few years behind kids who started out at 18 or so, but that itself is not going to have any influence on things like graduate school acceptance, scholarships, post-docs, etc. There are far bigger factors at play than your age.

What tends to be the rate limiting factor for most people is life itself. By the time you're finishing your PhD you'll likely be your early 30s. That's a time when a lot of people get married, start families, etc. and those things can complicate an academic lifestyle. But a lot of that comes down to personal choice and your ability to manage your circumstances.
 
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Nephtysa said:
Is it possible to consider a career in physics at 22 years old? I currently live in France and do not have any degrees but will move next year to California and go to a community college for starter. I was wondering if it is already too late ?
English language proficiency and adapting to life in California are the two most urgent first goals.
 
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