Is it too late to pursue a physics degree after a lackluster high school career?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the question of whether it is too late for individuals with a lackluster high school academic background to pursue a physics degree. Participants share personal experiences and offer advice regarding the transition back to education, particularly in the fields of physics and engineering.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about their past academic performance and questions whether it is too late to pursue physics, given their limited exposure to advanced math and science in high school.
  • Another participant shares a positive personal experience of transitioning from IT to physics, suggesting that if the subject interests the individual, they should pursue it.
  • A suggestion is made to start slowly, perhaps by taking a single night class in physics to gauge interest and workload before committing to a full degree program.
  • One participant advises beginning with math classes to ease back into problem-solving, emphasizing the importance of starting at an appropriate level based on placement tests.
  • A participant recounts their own experience of returning to education later in life, encouraging others to pursue their interests regardless of age or past academic struggles.
  • Another participant reflects on their journey of returning to physics after dropping out of high school, noting the value of personal growth but also expressing a desire for practical trade skills.
  • A participant shares their similar background, having graduated high school with poor grades and now considering a switch to an engineering degree, while feeling nervous about their math and physics skills.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that it is possible to pursue a physics degree regardless of past academic performance. However, there are differing opinions on the best approach to begin this journey, with some advocating for starting slowly and others encouraging a more direct approach.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about their mathematical and scientific preparedness, highlighting a range of experiences and backgrounds that influence their confidence in pursuing a physics degree.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering a return to education in physics or engineering, particularly those with non-traditional academic backgrounds or concerns about their previous performance in school.

mcgeehe
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I want to study physics but...

Here's my story as brief as possible.

I hated school until I graduated from HS never got "good" grades and never pushed myself what so ever. I did try community college out of HS but quit for various reasons.

Fast forward to the present. I'm 25 and planning on returning to college this fall. Recently physics has really been interesting me and I've considered studying it but it seems so daunting given my back ground.

I feel that I'm good with math and science but like I said before, I never cared until now, we are talking the highest level of science I went through in HS was physical science and biology and math was only up to algebra.

So what I want to know is, what can I do? Is it too late for me to start down this road? Will my horrible HS career hold me back? I'm at a major fork in the road and I know I need to choose a path but just don't know what to do. I also think maybe I should just learn a trade or something, i dunno.

Also, don't be afraid to be right up front, I will not be offended or hurt, but please don't be rude for the sake of being rude.
 
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I think that if it really does interrest you then you should give it a go,
I had a similar story, as I wanted to do IT for a long time but in the last 3 years of my high school time I started loving physics more and more.
To such an extent that I decided to study it.

Now I'm halfway my first year and have not a single regret yet :P
 


I see no reason you can't dive right in.

Sometimes, particularly if you have a day job and some responsibilities (kids, mortgage, etc.), it's a good idea to start slow. Take a single night school class in physics if that's an option and that will allow you to evaluate for yourself how much work doing a full degree is going to be and what the experience will be like.

Otherwise, if you're in a position to dedicate several years to being a full-time student, you can dive right in. First year physics programs tend to have a fairly broad curriculum and so if it turns out that physics isn't your thing, you will be in a good position to switch to a degree in engineering or one of the other sciences.
 


You absolutely can do it! I'd advise you to start with math classes, it's great for getting your brain back into problem-solving mode. But don't try to rush in and take a class beyond your reach. The college probably has a placement test - take it, and start where it says to start.

Good luck!
 


I'm 32, and I just went back for a degree in electrical engineering last year. Oh, and I dropped out of high school when I was fifteen and never even learned algebra.

Go for it. Your still young, and you only live once.
 


I also dropped out of high school. I went back for physics in my mid-twenties. It went good, got good grades and got my degree. But I kinda of wish I would have done a trade because as much as I like the personal growth and philosophic knowledge that the physics degree provides, I would also love to have an employable trade skill right now.
 


I am in the same situation my friend. Never got good grades in HS but did graduate. Spent 7 years in the Army. Trying the helicopter pilot road but have decided that it is not for me. Now am just about to make a decision on switching to an engineering degree. I am really interested in Coastal Engineering but nervous given my lack of experience in math and physics. Currently enrolled in a community college and am only in intermediate algebra. I'm 27 and I'm sure we are feeling the same thing.
 

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