To go to University or not to go?

[Nacelunk]

PhD

I often see this word. What does it mean?

doesn't have to be paid back until I earn quite a lot of money

How much time are you given to find a job?

[hybrid04]

PhD is a doctorate. Im not sure what the letters stand for exactly. But it is pretty much the highest degree you can hold in the subject and you get to put "Dr." in front of your name.

 

Back on topic i definetly think you should go to college and if you have to take out some loans. There is definetly time to get a job in college and the best part sometimes are jobs on campus which recognize you are a student and are pretty flexible around your schedule. Plus the summers where you just get a good job and work like a grunt. Student loans as someone said soemtimes depend on your family usually it is because as an 18 year old you have no credit so they have no guarentee on the loan which is why one of your parents would have to co-sign. The good side to student loans is they usually can be deferred until you graduate. Time to pay back depends on where you are. In the US it is once you graduate you have to start paying it back, the Brits are different. Your best bet is to research some student loans and try to get the best one for you. Things vary based on the area. You could also start working now while you are in grade 10 and saving up for college because the less you take out saves you money on interest. Just a thought.

 

Also since you dont live in england ignore their system . Sorry but it really doesnt cross over to the us and canada you are to subsidized (and hella more expensive). As far as cost goes it depends on your school and whether you qualify as a home student. I do know in canada they offer some support to home students vs. the US where there is some discount for instate public schools. It can range from 5k-10k/year. If this school is close to where you live depending on how close you can save a huge chunk of change by living at home.

 

On to what you'd like to study difficult i think at the college level really depends on the person and the instructor. I thought calc 2 was a pain in the butt and i hated my instructor but i thought multi variable was easy. Basically you pick it up as you go and just kinda get the feel for what you like. General QM stuff at my school at least you can get right into it first year but most dont till their second. Then hit the real courses after the intro by their third semester. Well now im just rambling anything else i can do feel free to ask

[Nacelunk]

How many years do I study to get the PhD?

As for loans I can't expect my parents to give me money for Univ. What should I do, so that i could get the loan? (have credit history?)

I am thinking about getting summer job this year - I think I am gonna go to MacDonalds.

If this school is close to where you live depending on how close you can save a huge chunk of change by living at home.

I have some problems with my parents and they are not gonna do for me anything after I get 18 so I will have get an apartment. Do you know if it's expensive to get an apartment close to Univ? (or in it?)

As for learning - I think the biggest problem for me know is English but I think I will speak this language well in 2-3 years

[Cloud]

PhD usually takes about 8 years of full time study.

E.g. for an Astrophysics doctorate

You have to get the bachelors in physics first. [3/4 years]

Then a masters (MSc. in physics) [1/2 years]

Then you can specialise and focus on a PhD in astrophysics. [3 years]

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Macdonalds ??? - do whatever is necessary.

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Generally, apartments around universities and sites of univ are expensive because of the competition.

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I think english is one of the easiest languages to learn.

You'll learn it in no time (2-3 years? possibly less - you're already good).

Once you know english - you'll already know half of all french words. However, french is harder than english (I feel like giving up).

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Anyway, Good luck

[Nacelunk]

Macdonalds ??? - do whatever is necessary.

Where else do you think I can get a job? I don't even have a car

 

Also I have a question - how much time do I spend in University everyday? How much homework do I get?

[abeefaria]

Ph.D. stands for doctor of philosophy.

 

Nacelunk, if others have done it before you, you can do it too:-)

 

If you want to get a Ph.D., you won't necessarily have to get a master's degree, at least, not in the US. Universities want students in the hard sciences (ex physics, chemistry and biology) to get Ph.D.'s and so many don't offer master's degrees in these fields.

[Nacelunk]

A question about the student loan - what are the requrements to get it? My teacher said that if your parents make very much money, you are not going to get a loan but she didn't say how much it is.

PS Anyway, my parents don't make too much money, but just to know...

[Genecks]

You doubt your abilities?

You believe your English is not well suited for studies?

You don't think you're ready for the material?

 

1. Do not doubt your abilities.

2. People talk too much in America. I dislike talking; I like typing.

- Scientists always need to improve their English.

Writing Guides: English Usage, Style & Composition | How to Speak and Write Correctly | Higher Lessons in English

 

3. Grab some books from a college library: physics, chemistry, biology. College libraries allow people to rent (for a lack of a better word) out books to people. Read through these books and post questions you have about them on this website.

 

The best way to enhance your mind is through the power of reading material and the help of others.

 

Money:

Talk to a school advisor or counselor about money matters, loans, and financial aid.

 

School:

Do your best in school. Knowing and understanding what you are studying.

A lot of people dislike the idea of grades. I dislike the idea of grades also.

 

However, grades are a way of testing your knowledge to see if you know something or if you don't.

 

Think of a school test as an evaluation of your knowledge. The more knowledge you accumulate, the more you will be able to apply. Don't think of a test as degrading, think of a test as something to practice your knowledge on. Few are the chances people have a chance to test their knowledge in real life situations.

 

Do your best in school.

[Genecks]

Also I have a question: How much time will I spend in university each day? How much homework will I get?

 

Typically, if a course is three hours/credits, then you will spend three hours studying and doing homework for every hour spent in the classrom.

 

A typical class is one hour long a day; these classes are often Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

 

Another book you may be interested in reading: http://www.bartleby.com/185/

 

Money Issues:

 

Many undegraduates students go to a community college to save money. University courses cost more money to attend than a college; thus, people take similar courses at a college before transferring to a university.

 

Mathematic courses transfers to many public universities and colleges. I suggest you go to a community college first and take mathematics courses to the highest level of calculus offered. Four years of one language in high school is often required for entering a university; therefore, I suggest you take French.

 

Some people highly suggest mathematics, physics, and other science courses. I suggest someone who is taking residency in the Americas to take up mathematics and a modern language. If the courses do not transfer, you will be able to test out of the courses.

 

Calculus is calculus; French is French.

The arts and humanities are disputed.

 

It is easier to test out of mathematics than an art history course.

 

Another note:

Since you want to become a scientist, a university is well worth your time and effort.

The truth is, people need to have a degree to be trusted in society.

 

College and universities are all about status.

[Nacelunk]

Four years of one language in high school is often required for entering a university; therefore, I suggest you take French.

What if I studied ESL half a year in grade 9, and then - three years of English?

[Nacelunk]

mathematics courses to the highest level of calculus offered

You mean - school courses? I am actually going to go to a semestered school next year and will probably be able to take 2 math/science courses per year

[Genecks]

Do your best in school. If you can take a beginning calculus course, do so.

 

Is English the national language of Canada? I do not believe ESL counts as a foreign language requirement.

Perhaps you may be interested in taking up the German language.