Going back to school.. Need advice.

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1

Hey everyone. So recently I had what I guess you can say was an epiphany. I realized that I’m 24 and my current path was most likely going to lead me to working blue collar jobs the rest of my life… Which is not what I wanted to do with my life growing up. So I decided it was high time I get my ass into college and pursue my dream of becoming a physicist. That being said I enrolled into mt. sac this year and plan to start with a summer.

Now I’ve been out of the loop as far school goes for the past 6 years. And I’m a little worried it’s going to a be a bit much for me. So I’ve been brushing up my math online due to the fact I don’t want to score low on the placement test and start in elementary math. I did pass algebra and geometry in high school but as I said it was six years ago… So that being said do you think it’s possible to relearn algebra 1, geometry and a little bit of algebra 2 by the time I take my placement test in late May? If so what do you recommend? Also if anyone has a rough idea of how to balance courses so I don’t overwhelm myself, that would also be helpful! Thank you!

2

Khan academy would be a solid resource for practicing things

https://www.khanacademy.org/math/algebra

I think if you were good at algebra back then you could probably pick it back up.

3

Which math class do you want to be placed in when you start in earnest? Calc 1?

4

I second Khan Academy.^^^

5

There is a LOT of math in a physics major, and jobs in the field often require a degree beyond a 4 year undergrad degree. Not to discourage you from going back to school at all, but saying that you may want to have a backup major in mind in case physics doesn’t work out.

6

Thirding khan academy.
Why physicist though?

7

The Khan Academy is a good resource, but to re-learn Algebra and Geometry, I would suggest one of the online Math learning systems that are currently in use in self-paced college Math labs. One example that we use at our college is ALEKS (https://www.aleks.com/independent/students). Another product is MyMathLab (http://www.pearsonmylabandmastering.com/northamerica/mymathlab/students/index.html).