How to prepare myself for college?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around preparing for college studies in Astronomy and Computer Technology, focusing on the necessary mathematics and science coursework. Participants share their experiences and concerns regarding math proficiency and the educational pathways available, including community college options.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in Astronomy and Computer Technology, noting the need for a strong foundation in Chemistry, Physics, and math, while feeling overwhelmed by their math skills.
  • Another participant emphasizes the necessity of a PhD for practicing astronomy, highlighting the importance of a quantitatively based undergraduate major, preferably in Physics.
  • Several participants mention the requirement of four years of college preparatory mathematics in high school and suggest community college as a viable option for those needing to build qualifications.
  • There are discussions about the potential of majoring in Chemistry with a minor in Physics, along with interests in Astrochemistry, though uncertainty about the difficulty of these paths is expressed.
  • Some participants encourage the idea of community college, asserting that the courses offered are comparable to high school and can help address any gaps in math knowledge.
  • Concerns about math anxiety are raised, with suggestions that effort and engagement can lead to a better understanding and enjoyment of math.
  • A participant shares their experience of finding math enjoyable when they understand the material, indicating a willingness to improve their skills in community college.
  • Another participant notes the importance of Algebra 1 and 2 knowledge for future science and engineering courses, suggesting that improvement in these areas is possible.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of math and science preparation for college, but there are varying opinions on the best approach to achieve this, particularly regarding the choice between community college and direct university admission. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific math requirements and the best strategies for overcoming math anxiety.

Contextual Notes

Participants express differing levels of confidence in their math abilities and readiness for college-level coursework. There are references to specific math courses taken in high school, but no consensus on the exact math skills needed for success in Astronomy or related fields.

Swazii
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I am interested in studying in the field of Astronomy/Computer Technology. I am very good for both. Two days ago, my school got a college fair which was very fun for me and I was speaking to a representative of Miami Dade Community College and she told me that I need first get a degree (or course) in Chemistry and/or Physics (I am very fond of both so that is fine) and I have to be really good at math. My world shattered. What math do I need to know I am as bad at math as Pinocchio is at lying. So I need to find everything out before it is too late. Thanks you kindly in advance.
 
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To become a practicing astronomer you will need to get a PhD in Physics or Astronomy. To do that, you will need a quantitvely based undergraduate major (Math, Chemistry, Physics, etc.) with Physics BS being highly preferred. Physics has a lot of math. You will need to know math for astronomy!
 
You need, at the very least, four years of college preparatory mathematics course work in high school; and there are additional requirements. In case you don't qualify for "university" right from high school, the community college option is a very good one for building any missing qualifications.
 
Ritzycat said:
To become a practicing astronomer you will need to get a PhD in Physics or Astronomy. To do that, you will need a quantitvely based undergraduate major (Math, Chemistry, Physics, etc.) with Physics BS being highly preferred. Physics has a lot of math. You will need to know math for astronomy!
I was thinking on going to the University and get Chemistry as a Major and Physics as a Minor. What do you think? I did some research and I like Astrochemistry also but not sure if it is easier (does sound easier) but then again I need to do a little more research.
 
symbolipoint said:
You need, at the very least, four years of college preparatory mathematics course work in high school; and there are additional requirements. In case you don't qualify for "university" right from high school, the community college option is a very good one for building any missing qualifications.
I will be going to community college also.
 
Swazii said:
I will be going to community college also.

Good! You should not feel as if you are missing much. The elementary level (including introductory-named) courses of the sciences in the community colleges are just as good as those you would have taken in high school. They are just stuffed into an 18-week time range. In case the c.c. counseling department assesses you and tells you to start your math at some level below what you studied at the time of your high school graduation, do what they tell you. The meaning is that you are not ready to continue beyond what you studied in high school.
 
At CC maybe you can find out why you haven't liked math so much. Is it boring to you? Were you not as good at it? If you are really set on astronomy you can find yourself to love math with enough effort. Good luck!
 
Swazii said:
I am interested in studying in the field of Astronomy/Computer Technology. I am very good for both. Two days ago, my school got a college fair which was very fun for me and I was speaking to a representative of Miami Dade Community College and she told me that I need first get a degree (or course) in Chemistry and/or Physics (I am very fond of both so that is fine) and I have to be really good at math. My world shattered. What math do I need to know I am as bad at math as Pinocchio is at lying. So I need to find everything out before it is too late. Thanks you kindly in advance.
The Mathematics seems to scare you more than anything else. Just how much or which Mathematics courses did you study in high school? Are you willing to repeat at the community college? Are you good at most of "Algebra 1" right now?

As long as you are willing to put in the effort to effectively learn the necessary qualifying mathematics, you may find that much of the accompanying skills will be a very very very helpful part of any of your Physics and other science courses you study.
 
Ritzycat said:
At CC maybe you can find out why you haven't liked math so much. Is it boring to you? Were you not as good at it? If you are really set on astronomy you can find yourself to love math with enough effort. Good luck!
Oh yes, math becomes fun when I know what I am doing. For example, today in Alg 2 the teacher was teaching was teaching polynomials and I did not understood it then he helped me understand it and I knew how to do it. Man I haven't had this much fun with math since freshman year. :)
 
  • #10
symbolipoint said:
The Mathematics seems to scare you more than anything else. Just how much or which Mathematics courses did you study in high school? Are you willing to repeat at the community college? Are you good at most of "Algebra 1" right now?

As long as you are willing to put in the effort to effectively learn the necessary qualifying mathematics, you may find that much of the accompanying skills will be a very very very helpful part of any of your Physics and other science courses you study.
In order from ninth to eleventh (the grade I am now) Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2. No I am not good at Algebra 1 but yes I am willing to retake them and to really learn it in community college.
 
  • #11
Swazii said:
In order from ninth to eleventh (the grade I am now) Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2. No I am not good at Algebra 1 but yes I am willing to retake them and to really learn it in community college.
The time is still early in the school year. Maybe you can improve in Algebra 1 as you study your current Algebra 2 course. The "2" course is a continuation of the "1" course, although some of the contents are a review of "1". You WILL use Algebra 1 & 2 knowledge in most of the science and engineering courses you study.
 
  • #12
symbolipoint said:
The time is still early in the school year. Maybe you can improve in Algebra 1 as you study your current Algebra 2 course. The "2" course is a continuation of the "1" course, although some of the contents are a review of "1". You WILL use Algebra 1 & 2 knowledge in most of the science and engineering courses you study.
Thanks for the useful information symbolipoint
 

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