Hi, I’m 22 years old in a serious relationship. My dream for a while now has been to become an engineer. I didn’t do that well in high school, I have ADHD so learning can be difficult for me at times and I also mistaken being dumb with not putting enough effort into studying. The highest math I have had is college algebra and I also had general physics 1 and got a B in both. I used to dislike math but it has become my favorite subject now. What would the chances I would be able to make it through a curriculum for mechanical, electrical or computer engineering? Those are the branches that interest me the most.
I have heard that some colleges allow a 5th and 6th year to complete the degree. Is this accurate?
What is your home state?
West Virginia, we have West Virginia University, and we have West Virginia Tech.
AS you probably well know, for folks with ADHD, studying for something you are interested in works much better than studying for something you are not as excited about. The question is, have you gained the skills since high school and your more recent college classes, to deal with your ADHD and the probable extra issues that come with it, such as executive function problems.
You may want to specifically look at universities and colleges that offer more than basic accommodations. While all schools will give you accommodations that can help with ADHD, such as extra time on tests, note taking help, alternate test locations, etc. Some schools offer learning centers or programs that give you one on one attention, help with time management, and other services that go beyond the normal college help. Some cost a a little (or a lot) extra, but may be worth paying for to allow for success. Some will help you find scholarships to help pay for their services.
This page has a decent list of colleges that help with ADHD as well as some scholarships. I think there are two colleges in West Virginia. http://www.ldcollegeoptions.com/colleges-with-programs-for-adhd-and-learning-disabilities.html
Your best bet is to visit the disabilities centers for any college you are interested in and ask them specifically what kinds of help they can offer you. With ADHD you should be able to get assistance to help you succeed.
Your community college might be a good option, since you need a lot of math to get ready for Calc 1 and I am not sure what you would do at a 4 year school in the meantime. Since you are 22, you are a non-traditional student in many ways, so there may be a program that will work for you.
College Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Calculus I and II, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Statistics
is the sequence, so it looks like you have 2 classes to take before you start Calc 1 …
I would recommend taking placement exam for math at your local CC and registering for a spring semester class at that level. You may be able to take chemistry now too and any electives required for an AA degree. If you do well in these classes, that may really make WVU and WVT more interested in enrolling you, without that, more difficult.
Take more classes in summer … so it is possible you would be at Calc1 level by next fall … but colleges and I would like to see your spring success in Geometry or Trig first.
The advantage of the CC is that all of your classes other than remedial math will transfer and they likely have a pathway to a engineering degree. Also the time clock does not start until you transfer, although I think for bachelors you have many years to complete, definitely 6 but maybe more.
Otherwise, you could consider enrolling full time at a 4 year school and double majoring in engineering and something else so you have classes to take while you catch up in math.
I am in a community college and after this semester I will receive an associates degree in applied science. Thanks to the help of a wonderful retired chemical engineer who tutors there for free I have been able to get up to Physics 1 and received a B. I plan on asking him to part time teach me trig, we used some trig in physics but I have never taken a trig class.