Overcome Academic Setbacks: Advice for Physics Student

[James_23]

Hello everyone, I am 21 years old and currently enrolled in a local Community College. I've withdrawn from two four year institutions, at the first school which was across the country from where I lived, I studied History and hated it so I withdrew. The following semester I enrolled at another school and studied biology for two quarters the last of which I completely stopped going to class. Since then I've been at a CC and have fallen in love with Math and Physics, I had no previous training in math or the sciences and have spent the last year catching up on classes I missed. I have done very well and have a good conceptual understanding of the subjects I've taken thus far (Chem, Bio, math, astro). I study independently of school as well. My desire is to get a degree in Physics and then possibly work for higher degrees in the field. My question is, considering my withdraws from previous schools, my age, and lack of experience in upper division classes what course of action would be best in helping me get into a reputable school to finish my degree? Needless to say I feel rather discouraged about my late start and checkered academic past but I am fully devoted to Physics now. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Andy Resnick]

Your best course of action is (and always was) to focus and do the best job you can right now. Focus on graduating with the best possible grades and extracurricular activities (i.e. research/laboratory experience). Then move onto a BS program, and again- focus and do the best job you can. Then move to a graduate program, but again- focus and do the best job you can.

There's really not much more to the process than that.

 

[lisab]

Your best course of action is (and always was) to focus and do the best job you can right now. Focus on graduating with the best possible grades and extracurricular activities (i.e. research/laboratory experience). Then move onto a BS program, and again- focus and do the best job you can. Then move to a graduate program, but again- focus and do the best job you can.

There's really not much more to the process than that.

I agree...just kick *** in the next few years.

And if you apply to a four-year school which allows you to write an essay as part of your application, you might briefly mention that you did have some false starts as a youth. But your grades, research experience, and recommendations show you have matured, and that you're completely focused on your goal.