Very concerned, need advice

College Majors Engineering Majors
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<p>I'm not sure if this is the right sub-forum for this post but since it's pertaining to Electrical Engineering I figured some of you with more experience could offer me some reassurance. This may be very long and for me a little embarrassing so please bear with me. </p>

<p>Let's begin with a little background, I am thirty years old, a high school drop-out who received a G.E.D three years ago. I managed to teach myself all of the material needed to pass the G.E.D test and did exceptionally well in all subjects except math. Needless to say I did very poor in math so I have spent the better part of this last year teaching myself Elementary Algebra which I have recently completed. I plan on continuing my studies with PreCalculus over the summer. For the last three years I have considered furthering my education with a College degree. My interest are in Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering so I have decided to enroll for fall semester 2008 at the local State College. I am very concerned that my skills are not up to par with College level academics and although I realize that with alot of hard work and perseverance I may very well be able to complete the majority of my general education requirements...hopefully.</p>

<p>One of my main concerns would be higher end EET courses. I realize that I need a strong math background/structure for most of these classes and although I feel i have been doing fairly well learning the material on my own, I can't help but feel intimidated at the thought of taking more in-depth courses with my lack of education. On the other hand, I am very motivated to succeed and I am willing to work as hard as needed to accomplish this goal for myself as well as my kids. I am scheduled to take the placement test in mid April which will be the deciding factor in whether or not I continue with fall enrollment or push this date back for more time to improve my Math/English skills. I have done plenty of research on the EET field and I truly feel it is something I want to do with my life, however, I am slightly concerned I may be setting myself up for failure with my lack of education. I do realize the whole point of going to College is to further my education and learn the skills I feel I am lacking. </p>

<p>Honestly i don't really know where I am going with this, I am just unsure about my future and capability when considering my potential as a thirty year old college student with two kids and current financial responsibilities. I do feel that I really want to accomplish this goal so that I can provide a better life for my family. I just don't want to begin something that could possibly be way out of my league. Considering the fact that without a College degree I am pretty much going to be stuck working a job I dislike for very little money, I feel that this is my only option. My question to those that have similar experiences or those who have already went down this path would be, In your opinion, with my lack of previous education, would my determination be enough to still consider a degree in Electrical Engineering? Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated, thank you for taking the time to read this.</p>

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<p>I'm not sure there are a whole ton of people listening who've been through what you're going through, but I don't want your post to be met with resounding silence...</p>

<p>I'm 26 and working on my PE license as a structural graduate engineer right now, so you know a little about my background.</p>

<p>A few things strike me about what you've said.</p>

<p>1) You seem very motivated, and you've got a much better motivation behind your actions than most college freshmen out there. I think that's probably a really good indicator that you'll be able to do this.</p>

<p>2) You may not be strong in math, but you have recent experience with math. You're not trying to remember math all over again, like a lot of people who're going back to get a degree have to do, you've been working on it recently, and are almost up to the level at which most college students start out.</p>

<p>3) It sounds like you've been teaching <em>yourself</em> math, at least to a certain degree, which is just amazingly impressive to me... Without guidance or someone to explain things to me, I would probably have been completely lost. As it were, not everyone going into engineering is ridiculously good at math. In fact, some of the people going into engineering are pretty <em>bad</em> at math. Math is one of those things that most of us have to just deal with in order to get where we want to go... We don't relish the idea, we don't always thrive, sometimes we barely limp across the finish line, but we end up across the finish line nonetheless.</p>

<p>I believe that engineering is more about perseverence than total proficiency. I think interest in the subject and a desire to pursue the profession, along with hard work and liberal use of the resources available, is enough to make it. I think concerned-but-motivated is what we all start out our careers as, and I think that you'll struggle, as we all do, but that you'll come out the other end of the tunnel more appreciative of your education, and that you'll have more than enough motivation and determination to get through the tunnel in the first place. Just don't hesitate to ask for help, stay diligent in making sure that you understand everything (getting-lost-in-math adds up, over time... make sure you don't get so lost behind the complicated mathematics that you can't catch up), and keep going forward.</p>

<p>Best of luck to you!</p>

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<p>
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In your opinion, with my lack of previous education, would my determination be enough to still consider a degree in Electrical Engineering?

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<p>It's hard to say. You are going to run into classes that are MUCH tougher than you have been exposed to thus far. You are going to need to learn calculus and perhaps linear algebra and differential equations. I think your calculus 1 class will go a long way towards determining if you will have the ability to accomplish your goals in EET. If you can do well in calc 1 and grasp the topics then you should be able to handle calc 2 and calc 3. If you can handle calc 1-3 then you should be able to get by differential equations as well as linear algebra. </p>

<p>In summation, calc 1 and general physics will be you tester classes. If you can perform well in those then you will most likely have the ability to make it through an EET program. Beware, though, a lot of students will get weeded out of calc 1 and general physics so you are going to have to put in a good deal of time in order to ensure that you understand the topics being discussed and to ensure that you perform well on the tests.</p>

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You are going to need to learn calculus and perhaps linear algebra and differential equations.

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<p>Yeah... Seconding this... I was kind of presuming that the OP would be run through the paces of all required EE courses, which include calc and lin alg and diffEQ.</p>

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Beware, though, a lot of students will get weeded out of calc 1 and general physics so you are going to have to put in a good deal of time in order to ensure that you understand the topics being discussed and to ensure that you perform well on the tests.

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<p>And this. But keep in mind that the majority of the students who get 'weeded out' don't really have the motivation to put in the required effort. I don't think this is going to be a problem for you.</p>

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<p>Hey Salvaged, I can't say my situation is completely similar to yours, but I attended a university for a BS in Computer Science. I had the hardest time with math. I was admitted even though I didn't even meet the minimum math requirements for the university's engineering program, meaning I never took pre-calc or anything really past trig/geometry. When I took calculus, I struggled A LOT, but excelled in my CS classes. From my experience, math sometimes doesn't play a big role in what you're doing day to day, but that might be different depending on what exactly you decide to do with EET. As time passed and I took linear algebra and the higher level math courses, it got a bit easier. You just need to make sure you do well in calc 1 since it often times serves as a basis for all other classes. If you're scared, I suggest you take a look at the material before hand and try to familiarize yourself with it. I think it's great that you're motivated and want to pursue this despite a few set backs.</p>

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<p>How about trying calculus at a community college this summer before enrolling for the fall at a state u?</p>

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<p>I'm just a high school senior planning on majoring in EE next year myself, but your topic intrigues me so I'll post my thoughts.</p>

<p>Def learn pre-calc this summer, maybe take a summer course at a local community college. Also start looking into some basic calculus concepts to get a little familiarity with them.(what a derivative is/represents what an integral is/represents, a couple things you can do with them). See how calc 1 and mechanics go next fall, if they go well then you should be fine and be able to handle calc 2 and e and m and then all future courses such as multivariable differential equations, and all the EE courses. Since you seem very motivated, if you put in the effort you should be fine.</p>

<p>ALso you probably shouldn't try to take any EE courses until you have the solid math and physics background to build on, and don't overload your schedule at first till you get used to being in school again.</p>

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<p>Thank you all for the responses, I appreciate it. I am definitely motivated to say the least. I truly feel this is what I need to accomplish so I am willing to make sacrifices now for the greater good. I regret that it has taken so long to be able to even consider this path but such is life. Concerning the self teaching of algebra, it has definitely been an experience, although frustrating at times I seem to grasp most of the concepts. Fortunately I have a very good friend in College who has already taken his math classes so I have the benefit of asking him for help when I get stuck as well as using all of his old text books to study with.</p>

<p>I do realize that those calculus classes are going to be very hard. I actually plan on spending my summer breaks preparing for the material by using books I already have available. I have actually considered a community college to make sure I am ready and depending on how well I do on my placement test that still may be a solution. From my understanding, when beginning some of those harder classes there will be a review of basic concepts to make sure everyone is on the same page, however, with my lack of college experience I am not quite sure. I guess one of my other concerns are classes like physics and chemistry, I have very little experience dealing with these subjects that I may have missed out on by dropping out of school. I just don't want to have to worry about lacking the fundamentals of these classes and feeling lost which may cause me to end up being so behind that I fail the class. </p>

<p>Prism, I completely agree with that strategy. I will be pushing back all EE focused courses until I have finished my math foundation and feel comfortable moving forward, even if it takes me an extra semester. I have also decided to take the bare minimum full-time credit hour schedule to make the transition alot smoother for my first year. In fact, I have considered pushing back my enrollment until spring to give myself more time to work through precalculus and brush up on other subjects that may help in the long run. </p>

<p>I really appreciate all the great advice from everyone, this has been a roller coaster for me but I am determined to see it through. My biggest obstacle has been not talking myself out of it and taking the easy path.</p>

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<p>I can't imagine taking a college level physics course without getting some basic knowledge of the subject beforehand... I am only a junior in high school but even a high school level honors course can be confusing, at times. But, I am starting to get the hang of it, and it doesn't seem as difficult as it was in the beginning of the year...which is good for me.. but yeah I would take some community classes in each of the subjects you are concerned about before moving up to more challenging classes at a state college. It would really be a pain to go to college and end up failing a Physics or Chemistry course in the first year.</p>

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<p>Salvaged, I greatly admire you for pursuing a dream and wanting to better yourself.</p>

<p>I definitely second the suggestion of taking a pre-calculus or calculus class at a community college over the summer. In the meantime, continue your self-study.</p>

<p>If you have the motivation to learn the material, you will learn it!
Engineering takes more dedication than smarts, IMO...I was never a very good standardized test taker.</p>

<p>From your post, I can tell you're smart. You have great writing skills, great dedication and ambition.</p>

<p>If you struggle in engineering, don't completely forgo the college degree. Pursue something else you enjoy, such as business. The first couple of years at the university will be general introduction courses...test the waters and find your niche. </p>

<p>Good luck to you!</p>

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I am ready and depending on how well I do on my placement test that still may be a solution.

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At some of the Cal State universities, for example, they require an incoming placement test on math and English, like the test you mention.</p>

<p>It was my understanding that students who don't test well on the math portion, have to pass a remedial math course their first term before moving on. Depending on your school, this may be the case.</p>

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<p>I don't believe in this. You can't find your niche based on the enjoyability of your classes. You've got to think ahead. Women's Studies will not inspire you. It will only waste your time.</p>

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<p>^ Okay. Fair enough. The OP is quite mature and has a strong sense for what he wants to do. He'll find the right path.</p>

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<p>Thank you for the compliments. Indeed there is a two test limit before requiring remedial courses to advance which is fine if I do have to go that route, however, with the practice test that i have taken from the school I am fairly confident I will be able to place into precalculus.</p>

<p>I do appreciate the thought of finding what I enjoy while going through the motions but at the same time I agree with the idea of thinking ahead, which is why I am working so hard to make the right decision. I understand that sometimes one may not actually know that they enjoy something until they have made an attempt and it may very well be possible that EE is not for me. I have considered a few different options but they all seems to lead back to EE where I feel I would enjoy spending my time and energy the most.</p>

<p>I am definitely going to look into possibly taking a couple of classes at the community college to give myself a head start this summer.</p>

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<p>To answer your final question: YES!!</p>

<p>My school has a program for non-traditional students, and there are currently a few of these ladies are enrolled in our engineering program. They're in their late 30s, they're married, they have kids, and they're engineering students to boot! Many dropped out of high school or college awhile ago, but they've decided that they want to finish their degrees. These ladies have a lot on their plate, but with lots of hard work, they're doing just as well as everybody else. If you want it, you can do it. The road may be a little bumpier, but you can always get the help you need.</p>

<p>There's also the option of taking fewer classes per semester over more semesters. You could take 3 classes during the fall and spring and 1-2 during the summer so that your work is more spread out.</p>

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<p>What school do you go to?</p>

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<p>Be sure to find out if a certain grade is required for the credits to transfer, IF they will transfer....</p>

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<p>Maybe you should consider taking pre-calc and an intro(non calc based) physics course at a Community College before enrolling. You may or may not choose to transfer these. A eng. school may not accept transfers for pre-Calc and you will need to take a physics track so you probably wouldn't get credit for that either. </p>

<p>You sound like you have a great work ethic and are truly inspired to learn. Good luck.</p>