Starting Physics College at 24: Is it Too Late?

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In summary: NOW!In summary, the conversation involves a person considering studying physics at the age of 24 and is worried about being too old to start. However, others in the conversation share their own experiences of starting physics at a later age and assure the person that age should not be a barrier to learning. They also mention the importance of having strong math skills for studying physics. Overall, the conversation encourages the person to pursue their passion for physics.
  • #1
kendo_man
2
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Well... first of all, I'm not from U.S. and english is not my native language. So please excuse any crude grammar mistake. Besides, the way college institutions here work might differ a little bit.

Anyways.
I'm seriously considering starting Physics college.
Problem is I kinda spent my life thinking it was impossible and I focused on other subjects. After high school I went to a law school for 1.5 years and then to a linguistic school for another 2 years, only to realize that altough i liked the subject I didnt want to spend my life working with that.
after that I spent 2 years idly (which was a probably a terrible mistake)

Now I intend to study physics, but the thing is, I'm already 24. Most people I see or hear about start at 18 or something.

I want to know if I am just too old for this or if there is hope.


Thanks for the attention
 
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  • #3
No, you aren't too old. Go for it, and best of luck to you!
 
  • #4
Hey, OP, I guess we have a lot in common. I just turned 25, as well, am not from the US, have a Law degree and have worked in the field for a year and a half only to realize I don't want to do this for the rest of my life. I also realized Physics is where my true passions lie. I probably already made a topic on the same question you just posed as I was worrying about the same thing. Well, you know what? I'm a first year Physics student now and I don't regret it one bit. Not yet at least :smile:
 
  • #5
I am nearing 30, and doing excellent in the study of physics. It just took a little while to get back into the swing of things. I was initially worried about this at first, but after a while I noticed that there are many other people in the same situation.
 
  • #6
The only thing that changes when you get older is how fast you can learn. If you feel you can still learn (that is teach an old dog new tricks) then go for it.
 
  • #7
kendo_man said:
Well... first of all, I'm not from U.S. and english is not my native language. So please excuse any crude grammar mistake. Besides, the way college institutions here work might differ a little bit.

Anyways.
I'm seriously considering starting Physics college.
Problem is I kinda spent my life thinking it was impossible and I focused on other subjects. After high school I went to a law school for 1.5 years and then to a linguistic school for another 2 years, only to realize that altough i liked the subject I didnt want to spend my life working with that.
after that I spent 2 years idly (which was a probably a terrible mistake)

Now I intend to study physics, but the thing is, I'm already 24. Most people I see or hear about start at 18 or something.

I want to know if I am just too old for this or if there is hope.

Thanks for the attention

Mozart was playing piano at 5 years, so given your rule, everyone at 14 or 18 is too old to learn to play piano.

Go for it.
 
  • #8
I agree, age is no barrier to learning.

qsa said:
if your math is very good, no problem.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Cayley

I am not sure why you mention someone who won Senior Wrangler and the first Smith's prize at Cambridge around the age of 21?
 
  • #9
kendo_man said:
Besides, the way college institutions here work might differ a little bit.

So don't you think it might help to give us some idea of where you are? We might actually have someone from there who can give you advice! :smile:
 
  • #10
Sankaku said:
I agree, age is no barrier to learning.



I am not sure why you mention someone who won Senior Wrangler and the first Smith's prize at Cambridge around the age of 21?



I just wanted to point out that people can have multiple passions that are far away from each other and yet practice them(even together).Cayley was a lawyer. But I do emphasize having the minimum technical skills like math, because if you do not have it at an early age it is very hard to play a catch up. And physics is very dependant on good math for undergrad let alone the real interesting part of physics in the high end like LQG,string ...etc.
 
  • #11
kendo_man said:
Well... first of all, I'm not from U.S. and english is not my native language. So please excuse any crude grammar mistake. Besides, the way college institutions here work might differ a little bit.

Anyways.
I'm seriously considering starting Physics college.
Problem is I kinda spent my life thinking it was impossible and I focused on other subjects. After high school I went to a law school for 1.5 years and then to a linguistic school for another 2 years, only to realize that altough i liked the subject I didnt want to spend my life working with that.
after that I spent 2 years idly (which was a probably a terrible mistake)

Now I intend to study physics, but the thing is, I'm already 24. Most people I see or hear about start at 18 or something.

I want to know if I am just too old for this or if there is hope.


Thanks for the attention

Hi!

I began my physics degree at the age of 25 and finished it at the age of 29 with a First Class Honours (It took 4 years at that time to com-plete it in the country where i am from). Dont be worried about your age. in fact its even a plus as you have more maturity to really appreciate the stuff.

Good luck!
 
  • #12
kendo_man said:
Now I intend to study physics, but the thing is, I'm already 24.

I've got socks older than you are. You've got a ways to go before you are too old for anything... so go start already!
 
  • #13
qsa said:
I just wanted to point out that people can have multiple passions that are far away from each other and yet practice them(even together).Cayley was a lawyer. But I do emphasize having the minimum technical skills like math, because if you do not have it at an early age it is very hard to play a catch up. And physics is very dependant on good math for undergrad let alone the real interesting part of physics in the high end like LQG,string ...etc.
Yes, multiple passions are entirely possible. I understand that Cayley published hundreds of mathematics papers while he was a lawyer, so it was hardly like he was 'starting over' when he returned to academia.

Mathematics is very important, as you say, and many people returning to the sciences at university seriously underestimate how much mathematics they need to do. However, with discipline, it is completely possible to start from scratch. It just takes a lot of work...
 
  • #14
First of all thank you evryone for your encouraging words.

now, let's see...
qsa said:
if your math is very good, no problem.
well, what if my math is not "very good" but just "good"?


jtbell said:
So don't you think it might help to give us some idea of where you are? We might actually have someone from there who can give you advice! :smile:
I'm from Brazil.
 
  • #15
I thought you would be at least 35 when I opened the thread. 24 is hardly "too old".
 
  • #16
kendo_man said:
First of all thank you evryone for your encouraging words.

now, let's see...

well, what if my math is not "very good" but just "good"?



I'm from Brazil.

well, then you have to work a bit harder. Some people thrive on challenge some get de-motivated, just make sure you are of the former.
 
  • #17
Ryker said:
Hey, OP, I guess we have a lot in common. I just turned 25, as well, am not from the US, have a Law degree and have worked in the field for a year and a half only to realize I don't want to do this for the rest of my life. I also realized Physics is where my true passions lie. I probably already made a topic on the same question you just posed as I was worrying about the same thing. Well, you know what? I'm a first year Physics student now and I don't regret it one bit. Not yet at least :smile:

Hey substitute "finance" for "law", and you got exactly my life!:smile:
 
  • #18
In 4 years, you are going to be 28. Would you rather be 28 with or without a physics degree?
 
  • #19
Vanadium 50 said:
In 4 years, you are going to be 28. Would you rather be 28 with or without a physics degree?

That's one of the reasons that convinced me I should start studying. A few months ago I wasn't sure if I should do it or not, and feeling like I was too old played a big part in that. I didn't want to be the oldest person in a class full of kids. Reading the posts on here and speaking with a university convinced me that it's never too late! I'm now in college studying maths, physics and chemistry in order to meet the entry requirements for uni next year. Funnily enough, I'm actually one of the youngest in my class! I'm 23, where as the oldest is mid 40s. I absolutely love it!

Also, my guidance tutor is in her 50s and she only recently completed a masters degree in psychology. That helped reassure me too.
 

FAQ: Starting Physics College at 24: Is it Too Late?

Is 24 years old too late to start studying physics in college?

No, it is not too late. Many people begin their college education at a later age for various reasons. What matters most is your dedication and passion for the subject.

Will starting college at 24 put me at a disadvantage compared to younger students?

It may seem like you are at a disadvantage initially, but your life experiences and maturity can actually give you an advantage in understanding complex concepts and managing your time effectively.

Are there any specific challenges that I may face as an older student in a physics program?

One potential challenge could be adjusting to the fast-paced and rigorous nature of a physics program. However, with determination and support from professors and peers, you can overcome any challenges.

Will I be able to catch up with the coursework and succeed in a physics program at this age?

Yes, you can catch up and succeed. It may require some extra effort and time, but with hard work and dedication, you can achieve your academic goals in physics.

Are there any benefits to starting physics college at 24?

Yes, there are several potential benefits. As an older student, you may have more life experience and a clearer understanding of your career goals. This can help you stay focused and motivated in your studies. Additionally, you may also bring a unique perspective and diverse background to the classroom, enhancing the learning experience for yourself and your peers.

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