Starting community college, need advice.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around advice for a new community college student planning to major in physics and mathematics. Participants share insights on course selection, self-study strategies, and the challenges of course availability in community colleges.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about course load, asking if taking 15 credits (including College Chemistry, a math class, and German I) is too much.
  • Another participant suggests that only the original poster can determine their limits and recommends consulting a college counselor for tailored advice.
  • Several participants advocate for self-studying to potentially place higher in math, citing experiences from their own community colleges where course availability can be limited.
  • Concerns are raised about the availability of upper-level physics and math courses, with some participants noting that classes may be dropped if enrollment is insufficient.
  • One participant shares their personal experience of transferring early due to similar issues with course availability, highlighting both the stress and positive aspects of their community college experience.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of self-studying for math placement and the challenges posed by limited course offerings. However, there is no consensus on the optimal course load for the original poster.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention varying experiences with course availability and enrollment policies at different community colleges, indicating that these factors may influence individual decisions and experiences.

TheKracken
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I am out of high school now at the age 16 (took the California High school proficience exam) and now I will be going to the local community college next semester. I hope to major in physics+mathematics when I transfer. I have taken up to alegebra 2 (failed a semester of it though) so I will probably be placed in Intermideate alegebra but maybe I can self study and place higher? This next semester I would like to just ease into college as I didn't do the greatest in high school. I plan to take College chemistry (5) (not intro to chem but first semester chemistry :) ) A math class (3-5) and German I (5) does this seem to much? That is 15 credits yet seems like nothing. Any advice for me as I start my adventure towards physics would be very nice. I have a few months till next semester to prepare for the math placement test.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Anyone willing to help me out?
 
Only you can decide how much is too much for you. And, really, nothing you've asked us wouldn't be better asked of a counselor at your community college who knows the offerings better.
 
*review lectures the day you receive them

*work problems everyday

*read ahead

*play hard but not harder than you work

Have you tried khan academy for self study?
 
i would say you should definitely try self studying and trying to place higher for math, because if your community college is anything like mine, you might have a hard time getting the math or physics classes you need.
 
miglo said:
i would say you should definitely try self studying and trying to place higher for math, because if your community college is anything like mine, you might have a hard time getting the math or physics classes you need.

This is especially true with my CC; there is a severe lack of physics and math majors, so the upper-level courses are provided as needed, on a need-basis depending on how many students are eligible and want to take those classes for the semester. Sometimes when not enough students enroll before the deadline, they drop the course entirely so then you have a lack of classes to take because they don't offer any other upper-level classes or you've taken them already.
 
PhizKid said:
This is especially true with my CC; there is a severe lack of physics and math majors, so the upper-level courses are provided as needed, on a need-basis depending on how many students are eligible and want to take those classes for the semester. Sometimes when not enough students enroll before the deadline, they drop the course entirely so then you have a lack of classes to take because they don't offer any other upper-level classes or you've taken them already.

Exactly the same problem at my CC, which is why I am transferring early, before I get my AS degree. It's a shame, and it's been a bit stressful at times hoping my class doesn't get dropped, but I still don't regret going to my CC -- it has been a great experience.
 

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