Going Back to College Later in Life
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- čas přidán 24. 12. 2022
- In this video I answer a question I received from a viewer. He is 40 years old and is thinking about going back to college to study mathematics. Do you have any advice? If so, please leave a comment below.
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Thank you:)
I went back to school at the age of 41 and I'm now in my second year. It is possible! Just be prepared to have long conversations with kids half your age and remember, they are still learning also!
I'm doing the same this year and returning at 41 to studying physics.
I've returned to uni at 29 to study research physics and am currently double majoring in physics and math and computer science. It's absolutely the best decision of my life. I'll probably be over 40 when I finish everything and hopefully phd. It has its challenges not gonna lie, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. Life doesn't have to be linear and the same for everyone. There are many people my age in some of the classes I'm taking, even older. It's not such a taboo and weird thing as it might appear. And even if other people don't approve (many of my friends where not that supportive and thought I was crazy and should just settle down in mu boring unfulfilling life, do a job I hate, have kids and spend the rest of my life miserable) who cares. It's not their life. I would even argue that it's in a way better to be older - you're more mature, more committed, have better time management skills. When I first started uni at 18, I was all over the place. Slightly been pressured by parents to go study 'something useful I could get a good job with' instead of physics, ended up with a CS degree, became depressed, was failing classes, was not able to cope with all the stress, assignments, keep track of time and all I had to do, homeworks, studying...
Now, 15 years later, I'm able to (not always perfectly but more or less) successfully juggle part time job, 2 majors and even have time to have hobbies, go climbing, diving, caving.. during the weekends. It's not easy and can be very stressful, but when you aquire the right mind set, and you fully realise that THIS is something you really want from your life, you can absolutely do it.
The best advice I've read somewhere is - one day you'll be 40 anyway, but you can be 40 with a degree you want and doing something you love, or just be 40.
Awesome
That sounds exactly like my story too! I’m a bit older than you, in my early thirties, but the uni experience is way more smoother and nicer than it was when I was 18.
I'm in a similar situation, but I have no idea how you keep pace with all of that. What are the keys to your time-management wizardry?
I want to have a similar story to yours. I did go to university to study physics even tho my parents were completely against it. But as an introvert living far from home , pressure of doing well in school, the expectations of parents to find work and comparisons with others made me fall into depression. In end I dropped out and did and IT degree. I realized later that studying physics, astronomy and mathematics is the only thing that makes me happy. I have decided I will return to school again but this time with more maturity and confidence that I lacked before. Thank you for this comment it gave me more confidence that I can and will achieve what I want.
Really reminds me of the situation I'm in right now. I'm only 19 and love maths and physics but I'm studying CS right now even though it doesn't make me as happy as the other both. It's hard for me to quit it though because I have an internship that lasts until I have my degree so I think about getting my CS degree and then study math and physics at the same time if it'll not be too much for me. I read a lot of books every day after work so I hope I can make it.
I’m 40 as well. I’m going back to school to get a Physics degree with a minor in applied mathematics. I never obtained a bachelors so I have to start almost from scratch. It’s been a challenge. I’ve forgotten a lot of things. I’m facing the challenge head on. I’m comforted that I’m not the only one who is in the same situation as I am.
Hell yeah, great minds think alike! Or should I say, congruently.
I'm only 21 and starting college soon to get my BSc in Computer Science, and I already feel a bit ashamed for being 3 years older than most. So I have a lot of respect for you & the others in this comment section that are just saying fuck it and going for it, no matter how challenging it might be!
That's awesome. I'm 53 and I've been doing community college online. I thought about taking physics but I don't remember math. So here I am lol
I had completed 1 year of college when I married in 1959. Life took me to different locations and I became the mother of 3. But I always kept thinking I would go back to school. When I was 37, I realized that I could give myself a bachelor’s for my 40th birthday. I earned a Bachelor of General Studies, focused on the Americas. That was so enjoyable that I continued, earning a master’s in Archives & Records Management. I worked in my new profession for a couple of years, but found that I wanted to make a change, so I earned my doctorate in history. As a graduate student I was a teaching assistant and part time instructor. This led to full time work, for 15 years. I retired as a tenured associate prof. Of course this was a field that demands another type of research than the STEM fields, but I can’t see any reason why, whatever your preference might be, that if you are truly interested, you would not be able to undertake the effort. I’m 82 now, keeping my mind engaged by trying to learn the math I never got on my way through academia, which has made me a faithful visitor to this site. So go for it!
YES absolutely do it.
I started in my late 30s and am about to graduate in my early 40s next summer. It changed my life and my career completely; taking me from unstable low paid employment to a very stable very high earning career just before I have even completed the degree. Best decision I ever made.
My biggest piece of advice is this: Don't skip classes because you feel behind in your life and are in a rush to graduate. Follow a proper progressive pathway. Twice I have had to go back and complete earlier classes because I bit off more than I could chew in a higher class. We have to put our ego aside and remember that it doesn't mean we aren't intelligent, but it takes practice and application to develop mathematical maturity and intuition properly.
Good luck to any of you in a similar situation.
What did you choose as a major if you don't mind my asking?
Nothing stops the arrow of time,
live with regret or do it…
there’s no in between.
This is the simplest binary.
don’t give up, don’t ever give up…
I went to college when I was 37 and graduated at 40. I didn't do very well at high school and was thought not intelligent enough to go to university by my peers at the time. But things change, and so does perspective, priorities and career paths. Heck, I even made the Dean's List! So if you want to go to college, and the act of going to college won't present insurmountable issues with other things in your life, then do it.
I have some good advice:
1 Save all your notes
2 Save all your college textbooks
3 DO NOT buy NEW textbooks, get USED textbooks because they are cheaper
4 Get organized with your math notes
5 Start from pre-algebra and work your way up
Everyone in this comment section is awesome . I love reading all of your stories about returning to school and pursing dream degrees . That is so inspiring . I am returning at 24 to pursue pre and post degrees in biology , and I enjoy studying physics and math on the side .
Happy holidays to you all . This channel is blessed with a lovely community
I went back to school to do a math degree when I was 32. I already have a degree in political science but I wanted to do something completely new. Honestly, going to uni as an adult is waaaay more fun than as a clueless 18 yo, and when I finish this degree I might go to grad school I’m enjoying it so much. Whether or not you do the degree, you’re still going to be 4 years older in 4 years - might as well do something useful, was my reasoning. It’s paying off well!!
I turn 29 in February, unfortunately I haven't achieved much in my twenties due to a confluence of factors (mainly untreated mental disorders) and I'd be lying if I said it wasn't daunting thinking about going to college so late. This video is very much appreciated because it's especially easy to feel like you've missed the boat if you don't follow society's expectations of when and how you should achieve your education and career goals.
Well, from this, it seems like you’re a great writer, so that’s an excellent advantage already! I think you will enjoy going back to school.
Our Son is turning 30 in February. Our daughter 2 years younger followed an academic path upon through graduate school. He seemed to need to figure out his self-identity first before this.
Even Maslow didn't assign specific heretical rank to affirmation, affiliation, and achievement.
Once basic physiological needs are meet, its up to the individual.
Take Elon Musk, superior sense of self empowerment (affirmation), utilitarian within social strata organically, but highly mixed with technology (affiliation), Billions.
General notes for Chris:
1. Start with taking the easier/easist course in the first sem. Do not overload yourself in the first semester if you can help it. Spend the first semester figuring out how you learn (is self-study enough or do you need study groups and/or help from TA, prof, and/or youtube vidoes etc.). This can take a semester or two; to develop study habits that work for you. ALso, in the first sememster you'll be figuring out the ropes of college bureaucracy, i.e. how to submit homeworks, where to pay tuition, registration, virtual collaboration, classrooms, chats etc. These too take up take time.
2. Taking courses does sound like a worthwhile thing to do. I would say start something, and even if circumstances force you to change course later, you still come out ahead i.e. you learnt something new, under a rigorous and structured environment via an instructor-lead course. (self-directed learning is not for everyone, I prefer instructor-lead courses and the formal structure that comes with a university-based course).
I went back in my 40's and got a Master's in Physics in the U.S. One thing I did first, was to take a refresher Calc and General Physics class at the local community college, partly for refresher and partly to test my resolve (at a much lower cost). Being able to commit to a learning schedule and doing well gave me the confidence to take the next step. It was a very strange feeling during the first week or two with so many younger students around me. But persevere through that and it quickly settles down into "routine". I was more of an anomaly at the community college, but in graduate school fellow students and staff were very accepting.
The first time I ever taught a math class, college algebra, was in 1976. One of my students in that class had taken his previous math class prior to the beginning of World War II before fleeing Nazi Germany along with his family.
I'm 66 and a retired NYC Fireman. I am about to start my journey in 7 days towards an online Math degree. 1st up is Discrete Mathematics (The 1st Math course I'm taking). I love your videos Math Sorcerer. You're a Great Inspiration !!! Thanks
😊
I'm in a similar situation... have started studying math online at age 50. Am starting with Discrete Math also! Where did you find it possible to do an online degree? I ave been looking but haven't found anywhere.
@@juliejones45 Hi Julie... There are a few. I chose Southern New Hampshire University. I was accepted there and Indiana University East (Both have online Undergraduate Math degrees available). The SNHU advisors are extremely professional and a tremendous help. The terms are 8 weeks long each....(8 modules per class/1 module per week).. and run pretty much back to back throughout the year (6 semesters per year). The tuition is also very reasonable comparatively. Let me know if you want their information and how I could get it to you. Jeff
Thanks@@jeffreybrauchler1291, I'll look into those programs. Good luck with your studies :)
@@juliejones45 You Too
I graduated high school at age 17, then went to college and got my two-year degree. Then at 35 I went back and finished my four year degree. In my view, the
trade off is that at 17 I still absorbed facts like a sponge,but had no discipline. When I was older, it was harder to absorb the knowledge, but I actually had developed the self-discipline to do the work.Finding the balance is the hard part. I would advise anyone, including my 17-year old self, to take a couple of years and experience the real world life so that you can see the point in doing the work.
It's never too late to learn new things!
Just went back to school full time at age 31, it was hard, but so far it's been great! big up swing for me in life, and I'm happier where I am now than I was last year.
Hello Chris,
Apart from what Sorcerer said, if you don't feel getting back to college is alright for you, there is no problem as far as mathematics is concerned. If you work hard enough, study hard enough, stay consistent you can teach yourself some pretty advanced mathematics. Once you think you've come quite further ahead in the game(to the extent that you can create new mathematics), you can start writing to math professors and researchers from over the globe -- especially those who match your interests. They really are very responsive and helpful.
Best wishes!
I just finished my 4th semester pursuing a PhD in Electrical Engineering and recently turned 50. I have a prior bachelor’s degree that provided some background but not all that was needed. This has led to some significant struggles and, at times, made me question my decision. My biggest piece of advice that I can give is that when your feeling exhausted and possibly want to give up, just tell yourself that you need to finish the semester first and then reevaluate that feeling. My experience is that you will look back after the semester and want to stay in the fight!
Great comment thank you!!
I'm 64 and a first-year student in physics. It's doable
Awesome!
I recently started pursuing a master's degree at age 32, nearly a decade after dropping out of a PhD program. I am not a mathematics or physics student, but I am in the sciences and the curricula I've pursued have always involved a decent amount of math coursework. Overall, I was quite nervous about returning to school after such an extended time outside of the academic setting, but my first semester back went remarkably well, with my grades ending up being the strongest I've ever achieved at the university level. First of all, the time you have spent outside of the academic setting is an asset. Really! I was offered a scholarship that I was NOT expecting, most likely due to my professional experience, and my peers in my program have commented on how I seem to be so sure of what I want to get out of the program and my studies. (...even though I don't feel that way at all! The future remains mysterious, somewhat scary, yet full of so much possibility.)
As far as specific recommendations... Personally, after not having engaged with math for some time, I do tend to need a little extra time and effort to get back into the mindset. For me, that meant engaging with some solid beginner material (for whatever level and subject seemed appropriate, whether it was algebra, calculus, or statistics). It didn't need to be exhaustive engagement by any means -- your time is a valuable resource -- but enough to work through some problems and get those particular analytical gears moving again. As soon as you have access to syllabi for the courses you would be taking, I recommend taking note of each topic you'll encounter in each course as well as where you can find more information (including good practice problems!) related to that topic if you need it, whether that's a particular section of a textbook or a good online course, etc. For me, this was especially helpful early on in the semester and was less necessary as the semester progressed, after I had gotten into the swing of things. I would say this is especially useful for those math courses that do not assign a required textbook! Best of luck to you. :)
I just finished up my junior year 1st semester in Electrical Engineering and I'm 34. I tell my classmates that it's both easier and harder at the same time. My maturity level makes staying focused a lot easier, but it has been a challenge. I'm married and have two small children and that makes it tough, but also provides a great support system. It can be done, and I can't wait to have my children see me walk across the stage to get my degree. That's a special privalledge you get when going back later, if you have kids. I might even pursue a graduate degree.
Learning is a life long process. It is never too late to go back to school. I went back to school when I was 33 years old. Those were the best years of my life.
Yes. Consider your living environment, your study space, and your health. If you are considering changing your residence for school, be sure you have enough space for your stuff and for studying. Living in a dormitory with students half your age is not a situation I would recommend. Study space requires quiet surroundings, which may be a challenge in some areas. Finally, being a student requires a lot of bodily energy, about which most students are unaware because they are so young. Your metabolism is important, and should not be underestimated. Being overweight, or obese, can have negative effects on study success. Your social success, that is, your ability to get along with your fellow students, needs some consideration, too. You will be among people young enough to be your children, and that changes the interpersonal dynamics. So, think about that, and be prepared for challenging, and perhaps stressful, interactions. Be careful. Academics will take effort, perhaps a lot of it. But the overall experience is at least a good one, and perhaps a wonderful one. I've seen it open doors to beautiful vistas.
Do it! I’m going back to school at a similar age for an engineering degree. As you age it will be more difficult to learn and keep up with the younger students, but, your mature mindset will give you advantages a 20 year old does not have. If you work hard you will do well and probably really enjoy it. Good luck!
I am also a 40 year old Chris who is back in school. I am pursuing a CS degree with a Math minor. Its not easy and quite challenging at times. Its worth the work and it is never too late to go back. Just get used to talking to young people from time to time.
Merry Christmas!
Being a little older is like a superpower. Less stamina but less distractions. Don't feel YOLO as much
I’m 50 and starting grad school this upcoming spring semester. Working towards MS in mathematics.
I recommend looking up the Metacognition Awareness Inventory or at least metacognitive skills (e.g., comprehension monitoring). Knowing how you learn and being able to check in with yourself to know how well you're absorbing and processing is extremely helpful.
I second a lot of advice like trying a community college first, starting out slow with what you know you can handle. Don't forget to find a balance between degree requirements and your interest. If you can find at least 1 thing per class you want to learn, it's easier to be more invested.
I started college in algebra basics and went up to higher level math courses, it does take dedication above all.
"It's never too late as long as you are alive" - Math Sorcerer.
Chris, just do it man. See all those comments here? I'm the same. I've returned to university this year, and I'm 33yo. I don't know what the future holds for me, but for these last few months I enjoy the ride very much. Sure one may have some other life restrictions at these ages, but even only the relatively small amount of time you spend chasing a dream for oneself, the experience itself.. immeasurably valuable.
Happy New Year. God bless you all.
hii math sorcerer. first of all thanks for making such amazing helpful content for us. i am from india. when i was in my 9th and 10th class, i used to memorise the math problems solutions and could do only simillar pattern of questions. In short my math was not as good as others. but your videos changed my mindset towards math. i started to understand math deeply then devloped my brain to do some of the problems by my own.
i am aspiring a engineering entrance [JEE] . The math problems of jee is quite different from the standard maths books available in market. Actually my problem is sometimes i am unable to understand a question and how to start the solution. the questions seems little bit complex. so can suggest me any tips to develop my problem solving skills. My maths background is not so strong and learning maths deeply takes a lot of time, our syllabus is literaly very huge. Learning maths deeply is interesting but when i see the syllabus, i get a headech. i have to finish the syllabus with in time. so plz suggest me some tips that i can gain problem solving skills in limited time. A lot of people suffer in this problem in india , so plz tell where i am lacking? if you read my comment till now, thanks
encouraging! I have taken college algebra over 12 years ago and got a 'A' I recently went back to consider a healthcare field and took college statistics, while I received a 'c' the math portion open my eyes to interest. Intend to self-learn calculus, love your 'beginning-to-end ' suggestion video too.
I have been reading and focusing my free time on my electrical engineering studies. Newer books are much more relevant in my field of study. I am struggling with the cost of books in my field. I miss the days of mathematics when I could buy ten books for ten dollars each. PS - Merry Christmas. I hope you got a math book under the tree.
Yeah newer books are expensive. Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!
I am in the same situation, Sir... I have studied mechanical engineering, but some years ago, I started to understand mathematics foundations (álgebra, trigonometry, calculus, etc). This is so addictive that I'm learning in my own. I am going to buy your udemy courses. Thank you, Sir, for everything. Maybe I needed a professor like you to improve much more my math performance....
Wonderful Christmas for you, teacher, and everyone in this community. Lord Bless us all 🙏
DID YOU KNOW THAT IN ANTIQUITY THERE WERE ONLY EIGHT MONTHS AND NOT TWELVE AND THAT JESUS WAS NOT BORN IN DECEMBER AND HE WAS DEFINITLY NOT WHITE..EXCUSE ME..NOT ANGLO-AMERICAN..
@@manleom2260 Yes. I Know all about it. My free time is fir math, my main activity is doing reseach on whar sime people call " conspiracy theory" so I took Xmas juat a ls a teference. The most important is the message underlying
@@JohnDoe-kh3hy NOW! I HAVE A VAGUE IDEA AS TO WHAT THE UNDERLYING MASSAGE OF XMAS IS BUT IF I MAY ASK AS TO WHAT HAVE YOU FOUND ABOUT IT?
Next week, at the age of 72, I am returning to university again, for the sixth time. This time I am studying Philosophy -- Epistemology, and Symbolic Logic. Previously, I have studied Chemistry (BA 1974), Computer Science (MS 1981), Ecology and Geography (1984-1986), Contemporary German Literature (1987-1988), Art History and painting (1994-2000), and Statistics and Linear Algebra (2018). A lot of people claim to be 'life-long learners', but I have the transcripts to prove it.
Important note, the State of Oregon has made attendance to all public colleges and universities tuition free for senior citizens 65 and over. *Space available and no credits*. There are some general and lab fees, but in 2018 I took 12 credit hours for $45. (At the University of Oregon, my full tuition for fall 1969 was $70)
I'm 39. i got my masters in chemistry two years ago and started working in the field. at the age of 20 I didn't have the patience to attend a university and I dropped out, always doing bad jobs. at 30 I started studying again, and now I do what I like. A few months ago I resumed studying mathematics because I take it as an intellectual challenge. all that matters is the desire and passion to do things, if you want to do something you love to do, just do it
40 is young- go for it, i went even later to learn computer science and it was well worth it!- good luck- by the way- to catch up- there are multiple channels with solid professors that can keep you up to date with any set your needing help with.
Thank you. Im 65 retired and heading to university. Apprehensive a bit but over all excited.
I began my math major at 27 after a whole lot of mess in my life previously... I'm so incredibly happy with my new life so far, it feels amazing .. (Thanks to you math sorcerer by the way, your videos helped me build some of my new math confidence i think)
But I'm sometimes afraid of making unrealistic decisions, doubt is always here in the back of my mind ... I have to work like a madman, fortunately, I'm in love with maths so its ok but you know, it's not a walk in the park.
When i read all the answers here, i know i did the right thing.
Do what you love guys. Your life is yours, don't let people judge you or anything (they will).
If you have the willpower, you'll show them they were wrong anyways.
I'm 38 and am in the middle of a Masters degree in economics at a good school. I had to study math every day for a year before I started. It's very difficult to juggle with work and family, but it's been a wonderful experience. I highly recommend it.
One should always be "in college" mode
I have returned to school at my age 45 after moving to u.s. I started from English for two years then I can take math and physics courses.. I think the best way to learn math or physics is attending the college because In college, lot of homework and exams which gives you pressures but it is only way to let you truly know the subject. And when you encounter problems you have TA and professor to ask for help. Those are advantages that you can’t gain in self studies.
I went back to school at 52, right now 55 with 3/4 of the Bachelor in Math Education achieved so far. My best advice is to combine what you feel right in your heart with your possibilities. Not everybody can act on whatever they want to try, b/c family / job/ responsibilities/.., but if you can, give it a try, whatever age you have. Advice? none from my side, but in my personal experience I have to take it easy, I can't read as fast as before, and even loving math it wasn't easy for me in my younger age (that's part of the challenge), so I'm not going at the same pace than my classmates, I take only 3 or 4 courses at a time. If you really really want it and you can, go ahead (btw, I'm not the older of my class).
I went back to school at 42 and am pursuing a nursing degree. My educational background is all liberal arts, and I have been working in sales for the last 18 years. As far as math and science I had to start at the bottom. I’m presently enrolled in a college algebra class and for me it’s really hard. I enjoy this channel as it’s interesting, but I also watch it for inspiration. I’ve always hated math because it was always so hard for me but I’m working on changing my attitude. I’m seeing it as a new adventure!
Mid 40's and I am in my third year pursuing a Math degree.
Is it too late? Nope. I would say its never too late, cliché.
This may depend on the school, I personally found the math students very mature and have made some great friends. Shout out to TMU FM and MiA students.
The largest hurdles are likely: monetary losses, desire to learn, ability to adapt.
Some of the difficulties an older student may have are completely different than a younger student.
If you are on unsure about your abilities, perhaps consider a calculus class in nightschool highschool class and see how it goes.
I love to learn so the experience has been thus far amazing. You may find other interesting areas like I did with computer science.
I can't comment on career prospects yet, but I am hopeful.
GL
I’m 35, I’m in school for Mechanical Engineering, and it’s really hard. I work full-time, I’m married, and I have two kids.
That said, it’s been totally worth it. Going back to school after figuring yourself out and getting real professional experience is actually beneficial in its own right. I agree with the others who say to start with an easy course, although my first class back after almost 10 years was The Math Sorcerer’s differential equations course. The bottom line is this, though: you have to have a real goal in mind. Whatever that might be is up to you, but it really helps to have a specific purpose.
I did not wait as long as others to return, but worked in a distribution center for a couple years and am returning to college next week to finish my Bachelor's
I'm 48 and am starting back at Math just for the sense of accomplishment.
Great video.
Greetings Mr.Professor :
Thoughts :
- Best Wishes with Thanks for Being Inspiration to Study Mathematics in every aspects.
Specific Concern :
"Self-motivation with Close One's Supportive Assistance is the Key Driving Force to indulge in Mathematics Academia in any Age of Life".
Take Care, Professor..
With regards,
RanjithJoseph (R.J)
Yes, if you can find a good program with good instructors. I find engineering programs better than science programs or math programs IMHO. There are many excellent elementary or advanced lectures on-line, including those by Dr Borcherds (undergraduate or grad level for math majors) a retired Fields medalist. I still study math every month at least, as part of my daily activity in retirement. This channel is quite right about the value of older books, which can be cheap at public library sales.
I´m 33 and Last September I went back to University with the goal of getting a International Relations degree with a minor in Political Science. I even resigned so this first months get used to the student life. It has not been easy but my "teenage" collegues are being super helpful and motivational, professors always available to help. My advice is to use the relationships as much as posible specially if you have to skip classes. Go to classes if posible. Have a open mind to the diferent mentalities of each generation. Be patient with yourself, is normal to struggle with the rythm and the demands of studying, pay attention to your health and track your grades as much as your health parameters. I´m struggling with health since I started I can see how age´s perform a part in the hability to study, so I needed to adjust diet (I doubled the amount of fish because I see how omega 3 really improves my focus) and exercise routine (started kickboxing to keep weight down). Know when to rest, so have days-off and study breaks as planned, so you manage stress better. Have antecipation with the deadlines giving more time than what you plan and use all resources available, including study in the Uni´s library (this wil help you feel more that you belong there). If possible, spend time extra class with colleagues such as class dinners or lunching together daily. That will help you with study difficulties as well make you feel younger and that you make the right decision. Keep in mind, how achieve this challenge will make you feel fulfilled and improve both your career and lifestyle. Good luck! Conquer the world, 40s is the new 30s!Btw, English´s not my first language
At 75 a back to the future review of basic math to pre-cal, and other adv. math has proved inspirational in self study with Math videos,books, Math Wizard-Larry S.
At 43 I went back to university intending to get a Master of Photonics degree and ended up getting a PhD. I have two Pieces of advice: First, make sure that you really are motivated to complete the degree because there is a *lot* of work involved. I started by doing a Graduate Certificate online part-time which allowed me to confirm that I will actually get all of the work done without upsetting my life too much. I highly recommend that you start with the part-time online degree as well, just to make sure that you will put in the work required. My second piece of advice is to draw up a budget for the degree and try to make it as accurate as possible as money will be very tight while studying and you don't want to run out of money part way through.
The real challenge is picking the major 😅 my grant won’t pay for classes outside my program so there’s no testing it out. I’m thinking automotive but I’m not sure what scares me more the arthritis or the trig. The former may land me in game design. And the whole, being a night owl thing…at this age, why fight it? Mechanics get up early and I never have been good at that. Can I really do 5am wake up calls for 20 years? Lol. Just some other angles to look at it from. Thanks for the pep talks!
Hi Maths Sorcerer,
Just to say how grateful I am for your 'Maths from start to finish video'. I've a long term goal to improve my maths via self study and its awesome to have someone layout a development path, with suggested texts. I'm at about A level standard (end of UK High School).
One point is that some of the suggested books are on the expensive side here in the UK (I'm on a budget). For example Susanna Epp's 'Discrete Mathematics With Applications' is £60 on Amazon. I've ordered Oscar Levin's 'Discrete Mathematics: An Open Introduction instead for £26. So one thought is if you could perhaps widen your suggested texts for each topic area.
Btw Many thanks also, for your review of Chris McMullen's 'Essential Calculus Skills Practice Workbook with Full Solutions' book - the step by step answers have radically improved my grasp of it - I was making non-calculus errors, which were throwing me off; once understood I could correct and progress.
Thanks again for your videos, they have really made a difference to me.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year !
One option if it's not possible to go full time, or find part time study options locally, is to do it via correspondence/ online. (But there are some institutions that are apparently not what they pretend to be, so choosing where to do this can be a bit of a minefield. Actually, that might make a good video topic if you have any knowledge about this - which online universities are the best.)
South Africa has the University of South Africa, which goes right back to something like 1840, in various forms (AKA Unisa). Their prices are pretty good, generally - even though I think foreign students pay double - mainly due to not being subsidized by the SA government, I think. It's one of the oldest of this kind, if not the oldest.
The UK has The Open University, which probably has greater international recognition. I've looked at their information, but it's become a bit opaque to me in recent years.
Australia has some such universities, as well.
These "UK system" universities offer three year Bachelors degrees, and then it varies. (To do Honours at Unisa, you do a fourth year, involving a research project, so it's meant to be a step toward a Masters. Generally to get into Honours, though, you have to be invited. If your grades aren't good enough in final year Bachelors, you might have to do some persuasion to have a chance at continuing.) Oh, and Open Uni Honours was just a more intense 3 year degree, I seem to recall.
For someone with bigger ambitions, a correspondence degree might be a "life-preserving" (or lifestyle-preserving - e.g. job-preserving) first step before doing a Masters. (The idea I get with undergrad degrees is that you can make up for whatever is lacking in the general curriculum by own effort/ supplementary self-study, as far as the actual education goes, so then it's mainly a matter of whether the target postgrad university will accept your degree as being a degree.)
That said, if you can get into Harvard - as in have the money, and they'll let you - do that, rather. It's just that a correspondence college can be an adequate alternative in some cases.
Feliz Navidad, Maestro!!
not so much giving advice but looking some
I am a second year undergrad studying physics at a large state college and want to do a minor in math. I have always loved math and frequent your channel, numberfile, 3 blue 1 brown, and many other math youtubers. I just finished my last required math class, that being Dif Eq (ODEs, Boundary values, and some selected PDEs such as heat and wave eqs). I am registered to take 2 math classes next semester that will qualify me to apply for the minor, those being an honors fundamental mathematics (an honors proof writing and transition to proof based math course), and abstract linear algebra. So far at college I have had mixed results in math classes. My first semester I was failing Calc 2 for most of the semester before doing well enough on the final for the curve to bring me to a B-, though I like to accredit this to our "professor" who hired someone to make her lecture videos for her (this was during covid so in-person was not an option) which would randomly end in the middle of examples and problems and were often mislabeled with what their contents was. I moved on to multi-var calc and did pretty well getting an A- after much, much hard work. finally, this semester I did amazing in Dif Eq, getting an A+ after only missing 2 points on homework, 10 points on are 3 exams overall, and 1 point on the final(sorry, gotta flex this as I was very about it). because of this improvement and a little bit of spamming the math department's email inbox, I got the ok to register to the honors section of my fundamental math class. I'm really excited for this and my lin alg class, but at the same time nervous as I'm not sure if I'm ready for this transition from purely numerical and applied math to proof based math. Do you have any advice for students like me who are nervous about transitioning to proof based math?
I was listening to a youtube video on functional programming music theory and the host compared aspects to catagories which is a field of set theory which I do not know. I would love a video on any math the
Category Theory. I am learning category theory now. There some good videos and books on it. If you just search for category theory here on CZcams, that will be a start.
I am 40 and in 3rd year of computer science bachelors and going to have masters in data science too.
I am about to go to college hopefully fall next year I am in my early 30’s it’s actually low key scary 😅 I haven’t attended any curriculum since 2009-10 😂. I feel pretty confident as far as taking it seriously and attending, I am just a little nervous that I won’t meet expectations and pass all my tests and classes 🤷🏽♂️
I’ve gotten another degree every 10ish years. I highly recommend it.
I am 30 years old. This year I have got admission to a graduate school of computer science. Things did not go smoothly here. In Asian culture, people think of old students as the weirder kind. And as I searched for thesis advisor, I have been rejected many times. Many challenges await me.
Well, I’m 35, and this year I’ll be applying to universities so I can go to grad school for math. I want to earn a PhD in math and get paid to do research. Maybe I’ll achieve this goal, maybe I won’t make it for some reason. I have to do something in my life.
Good luck !!!!
Age has nothing at all to do with your ability to get what you want in life. 40? If I could go back 14 years from that point, I'd have a PhD and be working on something new and exciting; but we must not view of lives this way. Society attempts to convince us that our ship has sailed (social norms).
I’m 36 and going to pursue engineering degree. My wife is in college and we have two kids.
I just completed my MS in Mathematics at 47. I wish I was good enough to go on to a PhD, but it appears not. Maybe someday that might change.
If you think it's too late now, what about later? It will not be a better time later. Do it now.
I went back to college at 37. I told a friend I would study philosophy: he said "That's great, that way you'll KNOW why you don't have a job!"
I went with math, prob & stats, with a minor in polysci. One of the best decisions of my life.
If you are interested in learning, college or any kind of school may not be the best solution. Generally speaking, school represents the political side of learning. Otherwise, anybody can buy the books he is interested in and start learning on his own.
Good luck everyone! I'm coming back at 38.
Sir I have sent you a question but you didn't reply.
@@randylejeune let me explain you I have studied Stewart precalculus and currently I am studying calculus but actually I have found that algebra has been used in precalculus was very easy and not advanced enough I have concluded that When I have tried solving jee problems in algebra and trigonometry I have found them much more difficult and even I have found formulae and theorms wasn't existed in precalculus so I am asking for more advanced algebra and trigonometry books suitable for high school student. Notice I have Used precalculus by James Stewart.
@@Adventurin_hobbit Stewart's Algebra and Trigonometry is more comprehensive. That's the book you should use for theory but not for the JEE problems. The problems in Stewart's book are very simplistic. JEE has much more advanced problems. You have to solve JEE problems to get good scores on that JEE. Actually the JEE preparation should take much more time than Stewart's Algebra and his Calculus combined! That's because elementary problems can be advanced and calculus problems can be primitive. You should finish Stewart's Algebra and Trig in a few months and then spend a few years on JEE problems in my opinion. PS. Don't get me wrong. JEE problems are not crazy difficult; they are less difficult than contest math, but as far as I know you have to solve them instantly like a robot. That's a huge problem. To get there, a lot of practice will be needed, as humans confuse things and tend to produce some errata, unintentional slip-ups, etc. You've got to become more like a robot and eliminate all slip-ups and solve the problems so fast that you can solve them in your head. If I don't get anything wrong, JEE is like a huge bag of trickery where you can easily slip-up and mix up some numbers in the answer. To cut to the chase, I think you have to solve around 3000 - 5000 challenging problems (JEE problems) to expect success. However, I don't know. Perhaps, 10,000 challenging problems? I really don't know. I think it's a crazy idea doing stuff like that. Indian authorities should have administered Calculus 3, 4, Linear Algebra, and ODE instead of this JEE. It looks like a waste of time to me. Not really but to some extent, I guess.
@@randylejeune thanks so much
I will see schaum's series in Algebra and trigonometry.
@@Adventurin_hobbit Don't. Schaum's series will also contain way too simple problems, especially when compared to JEE. There's not much alternative too JEE books where problems are a billion times more difficult. Why not the four-volume book _Mathematics for JEE (Main and Advanced)_ by Murti and Swamy? It's a good start for tackling JEE problems in my opinion. The fourth book contains analytic geometry but despite very advanced problems, no rotations of conics are present, nor is advanced vector algebra is present but the material is far more advanced than, say, _Analytic Geometry_ by Douglas Riddle (470 pages). The latter has been removed from the university curriculum; its remnants are squeezed into Calculus books. That's very disappointing as far as I'm concerned. Analytic geometry has fallen out of grace internationally (everywhere on the planet) but I still appreciate large old advanced books (way more advanced than Douglas's text) on this subject. The same goes for books on elementary geometry. The situation is pathetic. The only okay-ish books on elementary geometry are the one by Lang and the other is translation of an old Russian text (Kiselev). It's exactly the same situation with elementary geometry: Only its remnants remain in the modern curriculum. However, it's a beautiful subject. Geometries might be of little interest to non-mathematicians but they are mathematically important in my opinion.
If you want to go back to school to study maths because you want to become a maths professor, then 40 is too late. However, you just want to study maths because you love the subject, don't worry about anything. Go for it! I planned to go back and study for a Ph.D. in Maths after I retire. Well, I retired two weeks ago, but my partner passed away also. I was working full-time and taking care of him full-time. I'm lost. I lost all my desires for this life. The only desire I have now is to die and be with him. So, if you can go back to school now, don't wait.
I am sorry for your loss.
Thanks very good can you explain an advanced differentional on the CZcams platform
Advanced what bro?!
Volver a la escuela es una mala idea. Si eres profesor tendrás otras ideas.
I went to college. My university fires all my professors and deletes my department two years after I graduate. Please just go to a library. Colleges in America don't exist to foster academics or knowledge or anything other than profit
NERD 🤓🤓🤓🤓🤓
YEAH!..IT'S NOT PERSONAL BUT IT'S TOO LATE..I MEAN LISTEN TO WHAT ELON MUSK SAID.."COLLEGE IT'S NOT TO LEARN BUT TO HANG OUT WITH PEOPLE YOUR AGE...ITS FOR FUN"..THE VIDEO IS CIRCULATING ON TIK TOK IF YOU ARE INTERESTED...
Gay mindset
@@randylejeune THE QUESTION WAS NOT OF SOCIAL MOBILITY THE QUESTION WAS IF A 40 YEAR OLD MAN SHOULD GO BACK TO COLLEGE...I CAN SEE YOU GOT A LOT OUT OF COLLEGE MAYBE YOU SHOULD GO BACK TO THE FARM.
I think that VERY MUCH depends on what you are studying in college, and perhaps also where you are studying...
I recently started university at age 37, in building engineering (in Denmark, if that matters), and we are definately learning stuff. We are only 3 months in, and when I think back over these 3 months, we actually covered a lot of stuff, and I still have almost 4+ more years to go. (also... nobody will trust you to design a bridge without the relevant engineering degree)
For me, in terms of being worth it, I "simply" looked at pay-statistics, emplyoment statistics and so on... compared to how much money I am NOT earning while studying (compared at old pay-level, which was already pretty decent), and how many years I will have left before retirement to benefit from the increased pay, and then worked out whether it would actually be worth it from a logical analytical standpoint (based on ACTUAL statistics... not hopes and dreams)... and in my case, it IS worth it.
HOWEVER... that might NOT be the case for all types of education, one has to do an actual estimated analysis about it.
In my opinion, statements like "just follow you heart, and everything will be fine",
and statements like "COLLEGE IT'S NOT TO LEARN BUT TO HANG OUT WITH PEOPLE YOUR AGE...ITS FOR FUN"
they are EQUALLY illogical, because they are just generalized statements. Both of the statements above have SOME truth to them though, and somewhere between those 2 extremes you will probably find the truth.