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.
No way of knowing yet. The first thing you need to do is take math through calculus and differential equations, and general physics with calculus (ie, physics for engineering or physical sciences majors), as that will be an indicator of how sucessful you might be. How is your ADHD, and are you able to manage it with lifestyle changes/habits and/or medication? I have a friend who’s finishing up a BS in mechanical engineering soon at ~24/25; his ADHD caused some trouble earlier in his undergrad years, which is why it’s taken him so long. Ironically, I think ADHD is part of what makes him (or will make him) a great engineer–at times, he’d take something he was learning in class that he found fascinating and run with it, learning that topic in depth, inside and out, at the expense of neglecting the work he was actually supposed to be doing for the class.
However, assuming you do well in math and are able to sit down and study/work consciensciously, it’s certainly possible for you to make it through an engineering curriculum. If you’ve come to enjoy math and it’s your dream, go for it.
I have heard some colleges allow a 5th or 6th year to finish the degree is that true?
Lots of colleges will LET you take extra years; the issue is whether you can pay for them. Sometimes financial aid is only given for 8 semesters.
My recommendation would be to not worry about how long it will take you right now. You need to start at a Community College and take the math and physics courses that will prepare you for engineering. As you take those, you will be able to see how you like them and adjust to how YOU need to study to succeed. After that you can transfer to a 4-year school and complete you degree in 2 or 3 years. If you are determined and able to get through the basic courses, you will be fine.