Is it possible or i am kidding my self?

  • Thread starter Thread starter brunopinto90
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Self
AI Thread Summary
A first-year college student in electronics engineering and computer science successfully self-studied four years of math in five months, achieving a score of 160 out of 200 on a national exam despite previously failing math. The student expresses concerns about the speed of their learning and whether it might hinder future understanding, particularly in algebra and calculus. While they have developed a passion for math and can solve problems well, they feel a lack of depth in their knowledge due to the rapid pace of their studies. Responses suggest that while fast learning can lead to gaps, ongoing practice and problem-solving will reinforce understanding. The consensus is to continue learning actively and address any weaknesses as they arise, ensuring a solid foundation in mathematics.
brunopinto90
Messages
15
Reaction score
3
Hello. I am in first year college studying electronics engineering and computer science and i am 20 years old.

I recently did the national mathematics exam to go to college and had 160 out of 200. Ironic, huh?

I failed math at 10 grade and stopped doing any math for 3 years. By the time of the exam i didnt know how to solve a first degree equation or add negative numbers. So i studied all the material tested in the exam, 4years worth on my own in 5 months from pre algebra - geometry - trigonometry to derivatives and complex numbers. I didnt study much deeply successions and statistics, didnt need.

I know i covered a lot of ground, mainly because i felt in love for math, proofs and rigor. I even read some stuff on langs basic mathematics book.

Now in college, taking integral calculus i have no problems in math, i love math. I put a lot of effort, prefering to understand, not just nemorize.

But am i kidding my self? Studying this fast will hurt me in the future? I want to know your sincere opinions.

Because sometimes i feel the strange notion that i should have done more exercises, read nore books,, again, have no problems though. Do you have the same feeling?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I think you'll be fine if you keep working hard and feel your way along.

If you want to confirm a thorough knowledge of high school math, sign up for ALEKS pre-calculus. Students who are strong in all the areas blow through it in a couple of weeks or less. Students who need some brushing up take a couple of months. The system is thorough.
 
brunopinto90 said:
But am i kidding my self? Studying this fast will hurt me in the future? I want to know your sincere opinions.

Yes, it might, but as long as you realize this, you should have no problems. You should realize that there definitely are certain things you're less good at and that you don't know in math. As long as you are prepared to identify and fill in the gaps, you should have no problem.

I hope this was a one time thing though. Studying this fast later on will harm you even more, since it will not be possible to study this way. Also, studying this fast means you'll remember concepts less well.

If you can find the time, work through Lang's basic mathematics book on a profoud and slow level. This might identify and fill in many gaps.
 
But the thing is, i solve the problems well, i learn new concepts fast cause i have developed the previous concepts. I have no issues recalling and my algebra skills hasnt stop me yet in learning calculus. While studying i became passionate about math, try to prove some theorems, formulas. So overall i became good at learning math.

But i just want to solve every exercise out there, i feel the urge to solve every exercise i see. Its not i don't understand, i just miss the material, cause i studied so fast. Is this normal?
 
I don't understand. You seem to get everything well and you can solve any exercise. So what is the problem?
 
I want to do more exercises and i feel the notion i don't understand, despite i do. I know, i sound contradictory.
 
brunopinto90 said:
But the thing is, i solve the problems well, i learn new concepts fast cause i have developed the previous concepts. I have no issues recalling and my algebra skills hasnt stop me yet in learning calculus.

Perhaps. But I've known a lot of students who were confident in their algebra skills because of calculus, but consistently demonstrated weak and underdeveloped algebra skills on their physics problems. Too many calculus courses are designed for success by students that are poor at algebra.

brunopinto90 said:
But i just want to solve every exercise out there, i feel the urge to solve every exercise i see. Its not i don't understand, i just miss the material, cause i studied so fast. Is this normal?

I wouldn't worry about normal, I would just move forward. Solving problems is important in the process of understanding. If you are moving, you are learning. You will learn more when your pencil is moving.
 
I will just move forward and ocasionally do some past exercises. I will focus now and when i encounter something i don't do quite well i
study. Like learn on the way strayegy
 

Similar threads

Studying How to self-study physics past High School Level?
3
Replies
102
Views
5K
Is this a good self-study program?
Replies
16
Views
2K
Self Learning Math/Physics
2
Replies
71
Views
668
Admissions Independent Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Math exams
Replies
17
Views
3K
Is it possible to switch from physics to maths after undergrad?
Replies
2
Views
2K
Studying How Can I Extend My Study Hours Beyond Four Per Day?
Replies
7
Views
2K
Studying How far can I get if I stick to self studying physics?
Replies
22
Views
6K
Studying Should I drop my dreams? (Daydreamer with underachieving abilities)
Replies
5
Views
2K
What are your thoughts on self-studying Goldstein?
Replies
10
Views
2K
Studying Chemistry or physics - which one is more suitable for self-studying?
Replies
14
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top