How can I become an astrophysicist?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the pathway to becoming an astrophysicist, focusing on educational requirements and opportunities for a homeschooled individual in the UK. Participants explore the challenges of college admissions, particularly for non-traditional students, and inquire about equivalent educational institutions in the UK compared to US community colleges.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about the difficulty of gaining admission to a good college for higher-level physics and mathematics as a 21-year-old homeschooled student studying only three subjects.
  • Another participant questions the existence of UK institutions similar to US community colleges and seeks clarification on the differences between community colleges and universities regarding course offerings.
  • A response highlights that US community colleges provide opportunities for students with non-traditional educational backgrounds to earn credits before transferring to larger universities, suggesting that a similar option could be beneficial in the UK.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not reach a consensus on the best path forward for the participant seeking advice, and multiple viewpoints regarding educational pathways and institutional equivalents remain present.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not provided specific information about the admissions criteria for UK colleges or the exact nature of alternative educational institutions, leaving some assumptions and definitions unresolved.

Aman Trivedi
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Hi,
I'm currently in the midst of completing my IGCSEs. I'm 19, and get homeschooled. I dropped out of regular schooling 4 years ago because I was not sure what I wanted to do ahead. I'm now very certain as to what I want to achieve. The issue is I'm currently studying only 3 subjects; physics, chemistry and mathematics extended. After my exams I wish to take up AS- AL physics and math for the next two years with O level chemistry. I'm currently studying through Wolsey hall, Oxford. My concern is how hard would it be for a 21 year old homeschooled person to get into a good college to study higher level physics and mathematics? Taking into account I'm only doing 3 subjects as of now. Also could you tell me if there's anything additional I could do to improve my chances of getting into a college?
 
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Aman Trivedi said:
Hi,
I'm currently in the midst of completing my IGCSEs. I'm 19, and get homeschooled. I dropped out of regular schooling 4 years ago because I was not sure what I wanted to do ahead. I'm now very certain as to what I want to achieve. The issue is I'm currently studying only 3 subjects; physics, chemistry and mathematics extended. After my exams I wish to take up AS- AL physics and math for the next two years with O level chemistry. I'm currently studying through Wolsey hall, Oxford. My concern is how hard would it be for a 21 year old homeschooled person to get into a good college to study higher level physics and mathematics? Taking into account I'm only doing 3 subjects as of now. Also could you tell me if there's anything additional I could do to improve my chances of getting into a college?

Does the UK have anything equivalent to US community colleges?
 
Student100 said:
Does the UK have anything equivalent to US community colleges?

I'm not from UK so I'm not sure. Why do you ask? Also what's the difference between community college and universities in terms of courses? Thank you (:
 
Aman Trivedi said:
I'm not from UK so I'm not sure. Why do you ask? Also what's the difference between community college and universities in terms of courses? Thank you (:

Ah.

The courses are nearly the same, but in the US community colleges give students who've had non-traditional or less than ideal educations a chance to transfer to larger universities later on after earning college credits.

If something exists like that where you're from it could be beneficial and a possible route to eventually go to the college of your choice.
 

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