<p>Can anyone tell me what it would be like to study physics there? I'm looking for a school that offers research opportunities and a good solid education that will get me into grad school. I like the whole intellectual appeal that the school has but I'm a little concerned that there does not seem to be many physics faculty. Also, I'm looking for a place where a nontraditional student will fit in. I'm an accelerated partial highschool/dual enrolled/homeschooled student and will be 15 at the start of the 2012 fall semester (commuting from home, no dorms).</p>
<p>My D knew a few students at NCF that had been home schooled and they transitioned very well there. That being said, you will be very young to be in the unstructured academic and social environment there. I also started college early (at age 16) and while I thought I was mature enough to handle it, I wasn’t. Even though you would be commuting from home (not sure NCF will allow this…students are required to live on campus), the academic expectations are very rigorous and based on a contract system. You don’t just take a class like other schools, so I’m not sure it’s even possible to dual enroll at NCF while still in high school. You’re best bet would be to call admissions to see if it would be possible.</p>
<p>As far as physics goes, not sure. I do know they go out of there way to facilitate student’s research interests and some arrange to do research at other institutions when necessary.</p>
<p>Thank you for your reply! I will actually graduate from highschool and be applying at a freshman for next fall so dual enrollment is not an issue. The academic rigor of the school is what really attracts me. It would be wonderful to be surrounded by other students who take their studies as seriously as I do. As for unstructured, that is actually how I prefer to do most of my learning. I am very self-directed and I find the unstructured approach very appealing.</p>
<p>I will contact the school and inquire about whether freshman are required to live on campus. I have checked with other state schools and there is no such requirement if the student is local and living with family, but it’s best to be sure. Thanks again!</p>
<p>You’re going to be 15? How is this possible when my sister is 15 and in tenth grade? I started college at 16, but it was my senior year of high school. I finished my first two years at a cc. People ridicule you for being young sometimes. I am sorry but I personally think 15 is too young, but do as you please. Not all 15 year olds are the same. But me living with one at the moment drives me nuts.</p>
<p>Two of the Physics students who graduated when I was a student at New College had a lot of success in grad school admissions. One is with me at Cornell, doing a PhD. The other is at the University of Washington, also doing a PhD. </p>
<p>New College is fantastic for those who want to go to graduate school. For the rest of the population, other schools may be a better fit.</p>