Realistic math dreams for a nontraditional undergrad

In summary, The person wrote a summary of their experience as an undergraduate theater performance major who withdrew from the program after realizing they did not want to be an actor. They are currently attending a community college and plan to transfer to a four year university to pursue a degree in physics. They advise that while they love mathematics, aspiring to a degree in physics is a great choice as well. They advise that in order to succeed in mathematics, one must work hard and put in a lot of dedicated time.
  • #1
VirginiaRose
3
1
In what seems like another life I was a Theater Performance undergrad at a state university. I withdrew after 2 1/2 years in the program after I realized that I really didn't want to be an actor after all (turns out I kind of hate actors, go figure).

Anyway, long story short, I am currently enrolled full time at my local community college in a program to get my Associates of Science. I am planning to transfer to a 4 year university to get me B.Sc. in Physics.

I studied my butt off before my placement test and was able to place into Pre-Calc(this was a big deal, I failed Algebra II in high school because I didn't care. I didn't need math, I was going to be on Broadway!). I am continuing into Trig next semester, then taking Statistics over the summer and doing my second year in Calculus with Analytic Geometry (I and II). My question is, as someone who is interested in pursuing a degree in Physics, when I transfer to the 4 year will I be anywhere near where I need to be in mathematics? I started this race behind and I'm afraid I will be playing catch up for the rest of my academic career.

I love math (never thought I'd hear myself say that. It's amazing what caring can do for a subject) and am willing to take math forever and a day, I just want to make sure to keep my expectations within reason.

Thanks!
 
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  • #2
VirginiaRose said:
My question is, as someone who is interested in pursuing a degree in Physics, when I transfer to the 4 year will I be anywhere near where I need to be in mathematics?
What I don't understand, is that you say you love mathematics (great, I love it too!) but you are after a degree in physics. I'm not familiar with the education system in your country, but why don't you aim for a degree in mathematics directly? I mean, physics is a very nice choice as well, but if mathematics is what you enjoy most, I would go for that directly.
VirginiaRose said:
I started this race behind and I'm afraid I will be playing catch up for the rest of my academic career.
No, you will not.Yes, you will be a few years older than others, but in the long run that is not going to be a major factor. Your previous experiences and personal development also have value.
 
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  • #3
Krylov said:
What I don't understand, is that you say you love mathematics (great, I love it too!) but you are after a degree in physics. I'm not familiar with the education system in your country, but why don't you aim for a degree in mathematics directly? I mean, physics is a very nice choice as well, but if mathematics is what you enjoy most, I would go for that directly.

Excellent point :) I'm honestly leaving my options open, and maybe mathematics will be my path! I took a silly intro to physics class in high school that I enjoyed but I suppose I honestly can't say if physics will be my calling or not. Maybe math really is. I'll do some research into mathematics degrees too. Why not?

Thanks for the reply!
 
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  • #4
I'm a nontraditional student (26) who just got accepted to a good 4 year school for physics and mathematics. My goals were initially a PhD, and still may result in that, but I'm leaning more towards teaching high school while doing research on the side for myself. There are a lot of reasons why being nontraditional makes no difference on how you will do in Math. For one, the average PhD graduating from school is 34. Which means they probably started when they were 24 or older or just had a long stint out of school after undergrad. Another thing is that doing well in Math or Physics in school or in research is entirely dependent on your intuition, which most people have to build up through thousands of hours of hard work, which has nothing to do with age.

IMO, your expectations should be this:
1. You're going to have to make school your full time job by putting 40 hours a week into it. It's ok if you falter your first semester. I had a couple B's my first two semesters at my CC, but I got all A's beyond that because I busted my tail learning the material.

2. You need to read more than the required materials at your CC. Idk how your CC is, but mine had watered down courses in that the exams were trivial most of the time. In my E&M class for instance, very few people didn't get over 100%. Just getting an A in an easy class won't prepare you for your University experience. When you've finished your first one or two calculus courses, work through Apostol's book on single variable calculus. It will expose you to what real Math is like. If you decide physics is your thing, work through Kleppner and Kolenkow's book on Mechanics for the same effect.

3. When you get to your 4 year school, it will make no difference that you're nontraditional. If anything, it's a benefit, because you'll have developed a work ethic necessary to do well in your classes that a lot of the younger people won't have, so it may be easier to make a name for yourself.

4. Do research as an undergrad to see if a PhD is for you. Being in your 20's or 10's makes no difference here either. Whether or not you get a PhD is entirely dependent on how much you like research, so getting exposed early on is important. This means your grades will have to be good, so don't slack on the hours you're putting into your class.

5. Don't do anything that will get in the way of your school. This includes dating someone who stresses you out or having kids. I don't have kids, I don't intend to have kids, but a lot of people I've dated wanted them. Some people can do school and raise a child, but it's harder with Physics and Math than with most things. I know because I have a friend who was incredibly intelligent but was under constant stress due to his child and had to drop out twice as a result. I don't recommend trying it yourself. It's easier to get into situations like this when you're older, so do what's in your best interest, and be safe.

6. Take care of your health. Sleep well (8 hours), exercise, and eat right if you want your productivity to be good. Again, this is something that is impacted by your age. Your metabolism isn't as good as someone who's 18, so don't get slammed and eat nothing but ramen like they often try to do. This is a good guide to eating healthy cheaply as a student: http://imgur.com/gallery/pHUdq

7. Work just enough outside of school to pay for your life expenses, but also to save a little. I've been saving money for a while now and having an emergency fund for when stuff hits the fan is very important. If you can live at home and your folks aren't going to stress you out, do it, so that you can save more. It helps to think of your spending habits as if you're taking a vow of poverty and saving whatever you don't spend.

8. I made a post here outlining what my transfer process was like for another poster: https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/what-schools-would-accept.826096/#post-5188079

That thread is a good read, and take the words in it to heart.

In short, being nontraditional doesn't put you at any disadvantage other than your physical health and your responsibilities. Just work hard and you'll be fine.
 
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  • #5
Thank you for your thoroughly helpful reply! I appreciate it.

I will definitely look into mathematical studies on my own once I reach an appropriate level. Great advice.

I do have a long term boyfriend who has been nothing but supportive, hopefully that remains. Neither of us want children so we're in the clear there. We have dog who might as well be our child but I imagine the constraints on education are less

Again, thank you. I'm glad to hear my greatest fear was unfounded.
 

1. What is the definition of a "realistic math dream" for a nontraditional undergraduate?

A realistic math dream for a nontraditional undergraduate is a goal or aspiration related to mathematics that is achievable and relevant to their personal circumstances, such as career goals or academic interests.

2. What are some examples of realistic math dreams for nontraditional undergraduates?

Some examples of realistic math dreams for nontraditional undergraduates could include pursuing a degree in a math-related field, conducting research in a specific area of mathematics, or using mathematical skills in a non-traditional career path.

3. How can nontraditional undergraduates achieve their realistic math dreams?

Nontraditional undergraduates can achieve their realistic math dreams by setting specific and achievable goals, seeking out resources and support from mentors and advisors, and actively engaging in coursework, research, and other opportunities related to their dreams.

4. What challenges do nontraditional undergraduates face in pursuing their realistic math dreams?

Nontraditional undergraduates may face challenges such as managing family and work responsibilities while pursuing their education, feeling out of place in a traditional college environment, and not having access to the same resources and support as traditional students.

5. How can institutions and educators support nontraditional undergraduates in achieving their realistic math dreams?

Institutions and educators can support nontraditional undergraduates by providing flexible and accessible learning options, offering resources and support specifically tailored to nontraditional students, and creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for students from diverse backgrounds.

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