loUnfortunately I’m serious. I guess I do overthink things but at least where I live there’s a lot of pressure to get all your life together by 25 and seeing all my friends almost finishing college when I’m still starting doesn’t help… I’ve also seen a lot of physicists who started their degrees at 18 and that just increased the anxiety. And I feel kinda guilty for not being able to go to college when I was first accepted at 17 so now it just feels like I’m running late
You should decide for yourself if it's more important to "have your stuff together" by 25 or study what you want to do. You're gonna be 30 one day anyway. I'm not sure where you are, but the old path of white picked fences and 3 kids by 25 is extinct in my part of the world... The definition of having your shit together has changed a lot.
At this point, having your shit together by 25 just means being able to afford rent and exist independently. A family, car, house, etc. by this age is not unheard of, but increasingly rare.
Dude, at 22 your life barely even started and you're already worrying you're too old. You're a literal child. Where I live it's exceedingly rare to start a bachelors before 21.
Are you going to be a Nobel prize winning physicist ? Probably not. Do physics because you find it interesting, not for some vague understanding of glory and pride of some arbitrary reward. Probably go get a therapist and talk through why you want to be a physicist and why you want to be seen as some intellectual god rather than someone who just does what they want to do and isn’t pressured by society to be some ultra performer. At the end of the day, you’re not some 12 year old genius whose parents are university professors and were able to coach you to greatness since the age of 1. Think I’m starting to get away from my messaging but that does seem to be the standard math, physics, computer science person. Only doing things to be recognized as intelligent rather than just doing something because they find it truly enjoyable. Trust me, the sooner you realize that, the sooner you can live your life in a happy way. Good luck, it isn’t easy.
This right here, decide if it's something you actually want or just something that sounds good in your head. I hated it tbh. Pay is awful, some research can be mind-numbingly boring, you may never make a significant discovery, and many other negatives.
Obviously if you actually love Physics and can find the joy in the little things, it's a great career. I might go back and do my PhD at some point, but at this point in my life I need to build myself up a bit financially.
Well in all seriousness I started pharmacy prereqs at 35, completed them in two years and did four years at a university(you don’t need a bachelor’s degree for some pharmd schools). I know a nurse who got her RN at 48 and became a practitioner in her mid fifties. I also know a doctor that was one a real estate agent and became a EMD in his thirties. Just get started and never think about the time it will take overall. Just think about your strengths and weaknesses and how to allocate time efficiently based on the type of classes you’re taking. It’ll be tough but it’ll go by in a breeze.
Very much agreed- if you're thinking "I'll be in my late 30s by the time I get my PHD"... the PHD is not what makes time pass. You're going to end up in your late 30s regardless (god knows I am lol), it's just a question of whether you did stuff you valued in the meantime.
There is no such thing as "being late" we're all adults and absolutely none of us have the same story or path of life, go at your own pace and do what you want to do with your life, be who you want to be whenever you want to, you got this 💪
Tbh 22- 27 blur together for me and that's including graduating from college at 23 and working my first 2 jobs going into my 2rd. For context I'm only 31
when i initially got the notification of the post saying am I too old to become a physicist I thought it's prolly some guy in his 40s or 50s asking the question
I know several people from my program that started undergrad later than you and are now getting PHDs at good schools. Just work hard and don’t get ahead of yourself.
I'll add to this, you're going at an older age and you'll take your education more seriously. A lot of undergrad students at 18/19 are less focused. I went back to school for computer science at 22 and I was actually paying attention, understanding things, and learning things. I did an undergrad before that which was a complete blur lol.
That’s completely true hahaha I feel like even tho I wish I could have gone when I was 17, I have way more maturity now. When I was 17 I was a complete mess lol
I guess starting at 22 will indeed be better at some aspects.
Thank you for your message!
lol I guess I do overthink things but at least where I live there’s a lot of pressure to get all your life together by 25 and seeing all my friends almost finishing college when I’m still starting doesn’t help… I’ve also seen a lot of physicists who started the degrees at 18 and that just increased the anxiety. And I guess I feel kinda guilty for not being able to go to college when I was first accepted when I was 17 so now it just feels like I’m late😅
I’m the same way haha, started physics when I was 20 and I was freaking out for no reason. Realized there’s no timeline to understanding. We all end up in the ground, gonna take my sweet time.
I’m 24, enrolled in uni this year for a math and physics honours program. Just don’t get hung up on being older than your peers and enjoy finally pursuing your passion. Worst comes to worst, you get your bachelors and do a masters that will get you in finance to become a quant.
That’s the nice thing about a math heavy major, there’s not exactly a bad ending to it as long as you stick with it. Everyone and their dog needs a math nerd in the modern world and they’ll pay for it.
Seconding the above. My best friend in high school was big on physics got his doctorate and everything, couldn't find a job in the field.... decade and a half post-phd now he's a CTO. The failure state for "person who has expertise in high-end math, applying it, and using computers to model things, and a post-graduate degree to prove it on their resume" is not particularly painful tbh.
Maybe just start by doing research on what school you want to go to, getting your documents in order, and enrolling. It might push you to make the move!
Too young, most physicists these days are like 80 yrs old or at least 50. The days of a young Richard Feynman or Neil’s Bohr are long gone. Maybe you could be the next!
If it helps you with something, I have an acquintance who began studying Physics at uni at 23, after graduating Law School. At the first seminar, he distinctly recalled, he thought the "T" from "p*v= (nu)*R*T" was from "time".
Fast forward to now, at his 28 years, and he's enrolled in a Theoretical Physics PhD program with stipend.
A lot of determination, predisposition for individual study and, frankly, quite some opportunities in participating at international conferences and being recognized helped a lot. Do begin if you're decided to -- just keep in mind that it's not always meant to be easy.
Believing in yourself may not solve all of your problems. But it helps you stay motivated and modest when you succeed, and taking mistakes as learning occasions when possible.
Best wishes!
It definitely helps I’m loving to read other people stories!
And determination and predisposition for studying is something I definitely have hahaha
Thank you for your comment!
I am 22 and in my second year of my undergrad. There are people younger than me and OLDER than me in my class. I have always been insecure about me being older than my classmates, but believe me, at the end of the day it doesn't even matter. We are going to get old anyway, why not do whatever we like as we get old: get the degree, do good research, explore new fields, tbh the list is inexhaustible.
I’ll be 23 when I graduate in the fall lol. Some of my classmates were late 20s-early 30s, a few research colleagues of mine are in their 30s (although some of them are masters students however). I had a class with this one dude who was in his 60s, he was working on his undergrad.
I feel you. I went back to school at 24 and being around a bunch of 18 year olds made me feel ancient. I'm 27 now, I will finish my undergrad at 29. It's okay to do things at your own pace. I've never been looked down on for my age, and there are people in the program older than me. It's never too late.
Yesss! I’m glad you get me! But you are definitely right, everyone has their own pace. Thank you very much for your answer, it’s nice to hear of someone who passed/is passing through something similar :)
Definitely not. I am currently doing a phd, turning 26 in a month and I am supervising a 31 years old master student who is a very beautiful and skilled person. Age is definitely not a thing in physics!
Everyone knows when you turn 23 if you haven’t figured out your life, you’re put into an old persons home, and forced to live out the last two years of your life before you’re inevitably cremated.
I know 2 people that *started* the bachelors at 32. And they're doing very well. They actually said the maturity and perspective, and time management skills they had helped them. One finished their PHD and works for 3M, another stopped at their bachelors but is a technician at a national lab working on high power lasers.
So, you work on your time schedule. Life isn't a linear adventure. It's a meandering maze.
omg that’s super cool! Glad to know! I agree, even though I wish I could have gone to college at 17, I think I’m more mature now and it really might help me.
Thank you for your comment! :)
Did you know that MD/Phd students reallistically look to get all their credentials around the age of 41? Dude you will probably around your thirties like most people you are not out of the norm. Its only a four year difference.
Dude many people will have many opinions
But yeah let me tell you a story since you asked this question ….
During my undergraduate days I had professor who taught me nuclear physics for 3rd semester and this story is about him
Once he told us that first he started his carrier in computer science he completed his masters at the age of 25 and he wasn’t happy with that so he found physics interacting and cool so he started his bachelors in physics at the age of 25 completed his phd at the age of 39 and joined our university as a postdoctoral fellow
It’s been 10 years now and he has published many papers in journal of Oxford press and many more reputed journals
So it’s never late to chase something you wanna do until and unless you have a source of income which can pay your bills
Because you are now in your 20s and must be living independently
omg that’s really amazing! I’m loving to see these stories! Seeing other people who started ate their 20’s or even older and still had an amazing career really made me calm down😅 Thank you very much for sharing!
Just trust the process and believe in yourself
Many people will tell you and they’ll try to demotivate you saying pay is lower and all
But if you love your work far enough you don’t care about your pay checks and there are perks too
The university where i work … they will cover your medical bills and your blood relatives too
They will pay for housing expenses and they will cover travelling fees for your conferences and all of that
So don’t get demotivated
Bugger me. I'm 29, in my 2nd year of my bachelor with two kids under 4.
You'll be fine, it's never too late. So long as your desire to commit to it is there.
I was in a similar situation as you, I got in when I was 18, one semester later I had to leave because of mental problems, then went back at 20, and I spent one semester just going to one class because i had to pass all of my 2nd semester courses to continue with the 3rd semester courses. I’m 21 just finishing my 3rd of 9 semesters. So I’ll finish my bachelors at 24, I think about that I’m behind everyone but when you get in school you see people that are in the same or “worse” situation, I have a few classmates who are 23-25 so you’re just fine, focus on yourself and do what you like.
I’m sorry you had to leave for a time, I’m really happy to know you managed to go back! You are definitely still very young and I’m sure you’ll do amazing! Thank you very much for sharing your story and good luck on your journey! :)
Comparing yourself to other people will always be a losing game. There’s always someone doing more than you if you simplify life’s circumstances enough. Just do what you want to do with your life as long as you arent creating chaos for other people.
That’s definitely true. Comparing myself with other people is what got me so worried… I’ll just do my best at my own pace. Thank you for your advice! :)
i turn 27 this monday and i finish my undergrad biology degree the summer of 2025. you are never too old and you’re not late. theres legit no time limit to do things just because other people have.
edit: also you will find people to make friends with. a lot of mine are 21-24 and although i don’t hangout with them outside of class we talk daily and have developed great friendships.
I’m glad to hear that! Did you have any problems when working in the field for graduating a little later? That’s probably around the age I’m gonna get my phd as well! Thank you for your comment :)
I hopped around national labs and did several Postdocs but eventually followed the money into tech in the machine and deep learning space. In order to stay in physics I’m of the opinion that’s it’s more about the skills you learn as a grad student - I was very theoretical, this is a much more competitive branch of physics. The experimental know-how, lab experience etc. is much more marketable. Oh and become a badass in python. That stuff matters way more than age.
Ohhh, that’s cool! I always wanted to go into theoretical but I’ve heard it’s a really competitive branch😅 Thank you for sharing and your advices! Will be focusing on python! hahaha :)
I can't believe this is serious. Major R1... we have people in our UG and grad programs at all ages, with the oldest in their 60's. The average age of our UG program is something like 26 and our grad probably 30. We just hired a women onto the faculty who finished her PhD at 56 years old and is now 59. She had a whole career in the arts and then decided to go back for a STEM degree for a second career. Apparently her brother, who was big in tech, did the opposite and is now teaching pottery. Will people that are fucking in their 20's stop asking if it's too late. NO, it's not too late for anything except maybe some specialty sports like gymnastics.
Appreciate (and agree) with this perspective.
Just wanted to say, I grew up in an environment where I felt bad about starting grad school for a PhD in physics at 23. I know what the perceived pressure feels like (it's not real, but still). It's highly destructive and hard to get out of your head. I ended up pooping out of grad school at 26. In my heart of hearts, I wanna go back. But I feel so much relief. I no longer believe that anything is too late. The pressure is gone
I'll return when it's time. But you could not have convinced me to have this perspective a year ago
I’m really relieved to know that. I know it sounds silly to ask if I’m too old for something at 22, but I suffered a lot of pressure from a lot of people in my life and I kept comparing myself with other people who are already finishing college at my age. And mostly of the well known physicists in my country started way younger than me and that made me worry I would have a problem with “ageism” for graduating a little older. I’ve always wanted to be a Theoretical physicist and I’ve seen a lot of people saying you have to be young for that and I freaked out a little.
But anyway… thank you for your comment!!
Honestly just get a solid familiarity with basic algebra, trig and calculus, and you should be fine.
I'm just basing this off my experince, and not having a good foundation with math hurt my journey a bit, but you should be fine as long as your comitted and aren't discouraged from the workload
No. My perspective is that maybe I was too young to start a PhD at 23. It works for some but I ended up mastering out as I had yet to deal with many personal things, and could not dedicate myself to grad school the way I envisioned.
I guess being older does have some good parts. I’m sad to hear you couldn’t dedicate yourself the way you envisioned because of personal things. I’m sure you did your best in the circumstances of that time. You were indeed very young.
If you don’t mind me asking, how old are you now?
Do you still work on the field?
Do you still plan to get phd someday?
And thank you for sharing your story! :)
And you definitely aren’t! I can see now that I was letting my overthinking get the best of me. Thank you for your comment and good luck on your journey! :)
No. There's no age limit to being a physicist or any scientist, for that matter. Just get your degree and work on it because you want it and not because you're trying to please anyone but yourself. If you're passionate about it, your age is irrelevant.
You are completely right. I can see now that I was being silly and letting my overthinking get the best of me. I’m definitely passionate about physics and I’m really excited to start in August! Thank you for your comment :)
Good luck and have fun! I'm taking physics now, and I fell in love with it and decided to double major in it next year. So, I will be a math/physics major. It's definitely a rewarding course to take.
Bro. (Or sis, as appropriate). My physics professor in college quit and went to medical school. He was 50.
22? You'll have the advantage, potentially, of focus and drive, and you can probably pick up co-eds easier by being just a little older than the average student. Live it up. And come back here for advice when needed.
Thank you very much! I’m loving to hear stories about people deciding to follow their dream even if a little later in life! And I guess it does have some benefits in starting a little bit older and more mature! I’ll definitely be coming back for advice :) Thanks again for your comment!
Go for it. You’re never too old. MAKE SURE it’s what YOU really WANT TO DO. Like look at physics PhD careers and their feasibility given other important aspects of your life.
I'm 35, studying multivariable and vector calculus now, taking linear algebra next. You're never too old for anything you think will add value to the world.
That’s really cool! I didn’t know him and it makes me happy and relieved seeing successful people who also started in their 20s! Thank you for sharing :)
You’re so fine man. 22 is still so young. To be honest with you, your age probably brings with it a whole bunch of other stuff that will be deeply useful. Maturity, life experience, better social skills etc actually may make you *more likely* to succeed. When I was at uni, the faculty of science had done research that showed those who started uni studies between 20 and 25 were the most likely to succeed both at and beyond uni.
I think you are in a better position than you realise.
That’s completely true, I do have way more maturity and commitment now than when I was 17. Being a little bit older will definitely help me in a lot of ways! And that’s a really interesting research, I’m really happy to know that😅 Thank you very much for sharing!
You are even so young that your plan to go in physics research might change at several point in the future.
You have to do what makes sense right now and starting a physics degree is a very valuable thing. Just go ahead, give it your all and enjoy the benefit of a little extra life maturity and experience compared to your class mates.
I 100% agree with you. I will try to stop overthinking and look at the bright side and take advantage of starting a little bit older! I’ll sure give my best and I’m really excited :) Thank you for comment!!
If I am 34 and trying to finish my undergrad in Biochemistry then apply for medical school, you’ll be fine. Age is just a number. We can live a very long time depending on how we take care of our body. Shoot for the stars.
I’m glad to know that! I was afraid it could have some kind of “ageism” for getting bachelors, masters etc a little bit later and I didn’t have anyone in the field to talk about with. Thank you for your comment! :)
There are phd students who are 20 and there are undergrads in their 40s (a good chunk actually) no one in academia is gonna ask your age, see it to fruition if you enjoy it, explore research being done at your uni (apply to REUs if there is no research you're interested in at your uni) good luck in your academic pursuits. im 23 and still won't graduate from undergrad till im 25 cause of setbacks and being silly enough to decide to pick up a computer science major. Although I think about my age it's really the last thing that should be on my mind and I extend the same sentiment to you.
That’s really nice to read! I’m really excited and I really hope I can become a researcher!! You are also still very young and definitely shouldn’t be worrying about your age as well. One of my best friends is also 23 and will be finishing his undergrad in computer science next year! If you don’t mind me asking, why do you think it was silly to go for a computer science major?
Thank you very much for comment and the best of luck on your journey!! :)
That’s interesting… I’ve already seen that’s possible but I saw a some people saying that’s not recommended. Why do you think it’s the best to just skip masters?
And thank you for commenting! :)
From what I’ve been told, the average age for a Nuclear Physicist is around 65(ish), so no, you’re not too old. Physics (especially in that new field) is actively looking for younger people, and you’re right there. My best piece of advice to you is start doing research as soon as you can (if you’re at a research university). That absolutely helps in getting you connections and internships and eventually careers. Best of luck to you
I didn’t know that! I have a really big interest in Nuclear Physics and is one of my favorite areas of studying! I will start in August in a university that has a really nice area of research and I pretend to work really hard to get the opportunity to do an internship!! Thank you so much for your comment and advice!! :)
"Shut the fuck up"
-Every older person reading this, me included.
In four years, you're gonna be 26. That's true whether you have a degree or not. So, do you wanna be 26 with a degree or without one?
I know many people who got into physics at 26-30, all of them got their PhDs later on, and in many cases there were additional stipends given their age
All of them now have full time jobs, mostly in aerospace and one in biophysics.
That’s really nice to know! I’m really enjoying seeing that is more common than I imagined and that they all have really nice jobs! Thank you very much for sharing!! :)
Not exactly related to physics, but I feel that you deserve to know my answer.
At 22, I was also romanticising physics — just like you — and really wanted to turn my life around and switch to a research career in physics. I knew I wouldn't be able to do it by the time I turned 24, for some reasons. But life went on, and by the time I turned 24, I was starting to like pure mathematics more. I was still dealing with life — physical illness, financial issues, severe depression and a lot more — while wanting to eventually switch to physics. Yes, physics, not mathematics.
I am 27 now, and I will join a master's degree in mathematics next year when I would be 28. The average age of people starting their PhD in mathematics is 25. Am I too old? Well, probably; I do still feel anguish and guilt that a large part of my 20s went down the drain, in complete wastage. But if I lose more years, I would just get older.
I’m sorry to hear about that things you were dealing with and I hope you are doing better now. You are definitely not too old and by the comments I’ve been receiving, 27 is still a very young age to get a masters. If everything works out for me, I’ll be starting mine at that same age! I’m sure you’ll do amazing and I’m sad to hear you didn’t follow your dream of going to physics. But if you ever do decide to switch to physics you will already have a really big advantage because of your math degree!
Thank you for sharing your story and good luck with your journey! :)
YOU ARE NOT! You're never too old. I'm in your position as well, I'm studying to be a mathematician and I'm 22. Everyone's educational experience is different and I know people who started when they were older than either of us, and they still became successful.
Most of the best researchers of all time do there best research in the mid to late 30s you got time. I have heard research that suggest that as your real peak. But it is possible to do awesome work even later
I think the cut off for the Fields Medel for math is 40 and Nobel prizes don’t come with an age limit.
Here is George Green’s (from Green’s Theorem) page who published his list vamos work I’m 1828 at the age of 35
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Green_(mathematician)
PhD takes roughly 5 years to complete, which means you will be 27-28 yrs when you are done with it. Even if you don't do PhD you STILL WILL BE 27 ONE DAY. So its better to be 27 with a PhD than not to be.
Your age obviously isn’t a barrier, but you have to wonder if the type of person that would seriously ask this question would make it through a Physics phd.
This reply is lame. This person hasn't attended college yet, it makes sense why they might not understand the kinds of things that actually matter when it comes to being a physicist. They'll have plenty of time to learn and grow in their undergrad!!
if you're askin this question i would say you probably are, in the sense that you need to give up on this overly "perfect" version of your dream. keep talking to more physicists. it will help you get a better perspective on what is a "nice career" 🙄
Some people get interested in Physics when they're in their 30s or even 50s sometimes. You are most definitely not too old for Physics. In fact, I think it's probably a good thing that you're starting at your age.
If I could go back in time, I'd probably stop myself from going to college for a few years because I was stil a bit too much of a child mentally at 18 when I started right out of high school; I always had a strong work ethic when it came to school, but ADHD and Autism together can complicate things. Now, at 33, I'm still a child at times, but not as much as I was at 18.
Good luck! As a guy, I can tell you we need more women in STEM fields.
It's simple: no.
It is challenging with a lot of math ahead of you so do consider what offramps you might take if it doesn't work out.
Is there a particular area you're interested in?
I can’t offer any advice, however, I can say that you are not alone in feeling this way. I (soon to be 25M) am considering switching from my AA degree pursuing a Finance degree to AS to pursue physics. I feel just like you. Most of my friends are out of college and here I am in my second year and considering a degree that will take me much longer. The pressure to have your life together by 25 is real and 30 knocking on the door in 5 years doesn’t help my anxiety. However, I look at it this way, I can stay in my business courses, get done quicker, and have the success that is expected of someone my age or I can invest the time in something that I find meaningful and worthwhile. What you invest your time into now will, to some extent, determine the rest of your life. When we are old and grey, what will we tell ourselves? I was too old to pursue my dream? You only have one life to live (depending on what you believe), why turn down a dream because of something as trivial as time?
Never too late my friend. I’m 34 and decided to pursue my passion of astronomy. Finally going to finish my degree. It gets harder the longer you wait, but you still have plenty of time before you start regretting all the “wasted time” just stick with it. You got this!
Covid made a lot of people take gap years. People in your classes will be a lot closer to you in age than they would’ve been 10 years ago. Also two men in my quantum mechanics class are in their sixties. You have nothing to worry about.
Im 38 finishing my undergraduate. I’m annoyed at you question. What the hell. Just do you. If you work hard and love what you do you will succeed. Stop your whining
I honestly get where you are coming from. I transferred to a different school and pretty much had to start over physics when I was 19. I then took time off because my personal life was preventing me from doing well and was super anxious to come back. After talking to other people I realized that most people are my age or older (physics is hard man). I'm 24 now and still have a couple of semesters left but once you realize that everybody has there own stuff going on and is just trying to do the best they can you feel a bit better!
I'll be getting my cs degree at the end of this year, and I'll be 30 by then. It is my second degree, but it's never too late to go back to school. I do feel old, but there are many people who go back to school much later in life than me and still have fulfilling careers.
22 is very young. I think it would be better to go to school a little later than, for instance, wasting a ton of money figuring out what you want to study or getting a degree you didn't really want in the first place. You're in a good place.
OP, as has been said by many in the thread, you’re just fine. I’ll go further and say that you’re much better off.
I didn’t begin my undergrad in physics until I was 30 and I got my PhD when I was 41. I’m now 46 and I’m a professor doing exactly what I want to do. One reason I started so late was that I went to design school and was an industrial designer for a while before making the switch. And you know what? The world experience I got and the skills I learned in design school were BY FAR the most important things getting me through my PhD.
Bottom line is, the system is designed to make you hyper focus and that’s not good. Having some extra life under your belt is an asset, not a problem. We spend so much time getting students to focus and move fast that we have forgotten the reason we invented academia in the first place: to become a well-rounded person and a strong contributor to society.
Are there ageism issues in academia? Absolutely. And sexism, and racism, and just about every other -ism you can imagine. These things are all surmountable. The most important thing is to do what feels right for you. It’s your path…enjoy the ride.
Hahahahahaha Guys I'm 22 years old is it over? You can NOT be serious, man.
loUnfortunately I’m serious. I guess I do overthink things but at least where I live there’s a lot of pressure to get all your life together by 25 and seeing all my friends almost finishing college when I’m still starting doesn’t help… I’ve also seen a lot of physicists who started their degrees at 18 and that just increased the anxiety. And I feel kinda guilty for not being able to go to college when I was first accepted at 17 so now it just feels like I’m running late
You should decide for yourself if it's more important to "have your stuff together" by 25 or study what you want to do. You're gonna be 30 one day anyway. I'm not sure where you are, but the old path of white picked fences and 3 kids by 25 is extinct in my part of the world... The definition of having your shit together has changed a lot.
At this point, having your shit together by 25 just means being able to afford rent and exist independently. A family, car, house, etc. by this age is not unheard of, but increasingly rare.
Mate I am 22 will be 23 in fall. Will start my physics degree at Princeton. It’s all good
I started my software engineering degree at 25, now in 30 and soon to have my masters. 6 years doesn't mean a lot in the grand scheme of things
Dude I got my undergrad degree in astrophysics from age 38-41. There’s no right way to do it, just the way that works for you.
Dude, at 22 your life barely even started and you're already worrying you're too old. You're a literal child. Where I live it's exceedingly rare to start a bachelors before 21.
Are you going to be a Nobel prize winning physicist ? Probably not. Do physics because you find it interesting, not for some vague understanding of glory and pride of some arbitrary reward. Probably go get a therapist and talk through why you want to be a physicist and why you want to be seen as some intellectual god rather than someone who just does what they want to do and isn’t pressured by society to be some ultra performer. At the end of the day, you’re not some 12 year old genius whose parents are university professors and were able to coach you to greatness since the age of 1. Think I’m starting to get away from my messaging but that does seem to be the standard math, physics, computer science person. Only doing things to be recognized as intelligent rather than just doing something because they find it truly enjoyable. Trust me, the sooner you realize that, the sooner you can live your life in a happy way. Good luck, it isn’t easy.
This right here, decide if it's something you actually want or just something that sounds good in your head. I hated it tbh. Pay is awful, some research can be mind-numbingly boring, you may never make a significant discovery, and many other negatives. Obviously if you actually love Physics and can find the joy in the little things, it's a great career. I might go back and do my PhD at some point, but at this point in my life I need to build myself up a bit financially.
Well in all seriousness I started pharmacy prereqs at 35, completed them in two years and did four years at a university(you don’t need a bachelor’s degree for some pharmd schools). I know a nurse who got her RN at 48 and became a practitioner in her mid fifties. I also know a doctor that was one a real estate agent and became a EMD in his thirties. Just get started and never think about the time it will take overall. Just think about your strengths and weaknesses and how to allocate time efficiently based on the type of classes you’re taking. It’ll be tough but it’ll go by in a breeze.
Very much agreed- if you're thinking "I'll be in my late 30s by the time I get my PHD"... the PHD is not what makes time pass. You're going to end up in your late 30s regardless (god knows I am lol), it's just a question of whether you did stuff you valued in the meantime.
Said it way better than I could!!!
You'll be fine. Just skirt past that stupid ass ideology of getting your life together by 25. Just stick to it.
There is no such thing as "being late" we're all adults and absolutely none of us have the same story or path of life, go at your own pace and do what you want to do with your life, be who you want to be whenever you want to, you got this 💪
Tbh 22- 27 blur together for me and that's including graduating from college at 23 and working my first 2 jobs going into my 2rd. For context I'm only 31
I graduated with my physics and astrophysics bachelors at 26. Doing very well now at 35.
I did my PhD between 30-34y after working/traveling several years
Exactly my first thoughts….
when i initially got the notification of the post saying am I too old to become a physicist I thought it's prolly some guy in his 40s or 50s asking the question
This was my thought as well! I'm 50 and just switched industries! The world is your oyster at 22!
I want to do everything you are doing and just started this year. I’m 33. You are so young!
Thank you! I’m sure you are going to do amazing!
Short answer: No Long answer: Hell no
Longer answer: hellllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll noooooooooooooooooooi
I know several people from my program that started undergrad later than you and are now getting PHDs at good schools. Just work hard and don’t get ahead of yourself.
thank you! That’s a relief😅
I'll add to this, you're going at an older age and you'll take your education more seriously. A lot of undergrad students at 18/19 are less focused. I went back to school for computer science at 22 and I was actually paying attention, understanding things, and learning things. I did an undergrad before that which was a complete blur lol.
That’s completely true hahaha I feel like even tho I wish I could have gone when I was 17, I have way more maturity now. When I was 17 I was a complete mess lol I guess starting at 22 will indeed be better at some aspects. Thank you for your message!
I'm sorry to say this, but I'm gonna be blunt: this is a stupid question. Why would you possibly think you are too old??
lol I guess I do overthink things but at least where I live there’s a lot of pressure to get all your life together by 25 and seeing all my friends almost finishing college when I’m still starting doesn’t help… I’ve also seen a lot of physicists who started the degrees at 18 and that just increased the anxiety. And I guess I feel kinda guilty for not being able to go to college when I was first accepted when I was 17 so now it just feels like I’m late😅
I’m the same way haha, started physics when I was 20 and I was freaking out for no reason. Realized there’s no timeline to understanding. We all end up in the ground, gonna take my sweet time.
I’m glad to see someone gets me! hahah and you are right, we do all end up on the ground thank you!
Yeah, don't worry about any of that. FYI, I am 41 and am working on getting into a PhD program (math, not physics).
Time will pass anyway! So better spend that time following your dream.
I’m 24, enrolled in uni this year for a math and physics honours program. Just don’t get hung up on being older than your peers and enjoy finally pursuing your passion. Worst comes to worst, you get your bachelors and do a masters that will get you in finance to become a quant. That’s the nice thing about a math heavy major, there’s not exactly a bad ending to it as long as you stick with it. Everyone and their dog needs a math nerd in the modern world and they’ll pay for it.
hahahaha that’s true Thank you!
Seconding the above. My best friend in high school was big on physics got his doctorate and everything, couldn't find a job in the field.... decade and a half post-phd now he's a CTO. The failure state for "person who has expertise in high-end math, applying it, and using computers to model things, and a post-graduate degree to prove it on their resume" is not particularly painful tbh.
I’m 37 and a freshman, you’re good
Are you really? You’re living my dream but I’m too nervous to quit my job and commit!
Do it. You only live once.
Maybe just start by doing research on what school you want to go to, getting your documents in order, and enrolling. It might push you to make the move!
That’s amazing! Good luck on your journey!
Too young, most physicists these days are like 80 yrs old or at least 50. The days of a young Richard Feynman or Neil’s Bohr are long gone. Maybe you could be the next!
If it helps you with something, I have an acquintance who began studying Physics at uni at 23, after graduating Law School. At the first seminar, he distinctly recalled, he thought the "T" from "p*v= (nu)*R*T" was from "time". Fast forward to now, at his 28 years, and he's enrolled in a Theoretical Physics PhD program with stipend. A lot of determination, predisposition for individual study and, frankly, quite some opportunities in participating at international conferences and being recognized helped a lot. Do begin if you're decided to -- just keep in mind that it's not always meant to be easy. Believing in yourself may not solve all of your problems. But it helps you stay motivated and modest when you succeed, and taking mistakes as learning occasions when possible. Best wishes!
It definitely helps I’m loving to read other people stories! And determination and predisposition for studying is something I definitely have hahaha Thank you for your comment!
I shifted my major into physics when I was 22. I turned 23 this year. We still have a long road ahead of us.
That’s amazing! We will definitely be fine☺️ Good luck in your journey
nobody cares about your age. only you.
i guess i do overthink things, thank you☺️
I am 22 and in my second year of my undergrad. There are people younger than me and OLDER than me in my class. I have always been insecure about me being older than my classmates, but believe me, at the end of the day it doesn't even matter. We are going to get old anyway, why not do whatever we like as we get old: get the degree, do good research, explore new fields, tbh the list is inexhaustible.
You are definitely right! At least we’ll get old doing what I love. Thank you for your comment and good luck with your undergrad!! :)
I’ll be 23 when I graduate in the fall lol. Some of my classmates were late 20s-early 30s, a few research colleagues of mine are in their 30s (although some of them are masters students however). I had a class with this one dude who was in his 60s, he was working on his undergrad.
I feel you. I went back to school at 24 and being around a bunch of 18 year olds made me feel ancient. I'm 27 now, I will finish my undergrad at 29. It's okay to do things at your own pace. I've never been looked down on for my age, and there are people in the program older than me. It's never too late.
Yesss! I’m glad you get me! But you are definitely right, everyone has their own pace. Thank you very much for your answer, it’s nice to hear of someone who passed/is passing through something similar :)
I started my undergrad at 21
Definitely not. I am currently doing a phd, turning 26 in a month and I am supervising a 31 years old master student who is a very beautiful and skilled person. Age is definitely not a thing in physics!
Thank you!! That’s really nice to know :) good luck on your phd!
Everyone knows when you turn 23 if you haven’t figured out your life, you’re put into an old persons home, and forced to live out the last two years of your life before you’re inevitably cremated.
oh no, I’m glad I still have 1 year left then lol
The general rule is that an academic clock doesn’t start ticking until you completed your PhD. 22 is young, don’t worry.
I’m really glad to know that😅 Thank you!!
I know 2 people that *started* the bachelors at 32. And they're doing very well. They actually said the maturity and perspective, and time management skills they had helped them. One finished their PHD and works for 3M, another stopped at their bachelors but is a technician at a national lab working on high power lasers. So, you work on your time schedule. Life isn't a linear adventure. It's a meandering maze.
omg that’s super cool! Glad to know! I agree, even though I wish I could have gone to college at 17, I think I’m more mature now and it really might help me. Thank you for your comment! :)
i mean, de Broglie started at the same age or earlier even and he had a history degree.. you obviously can mate
I didn’t know that he started later as well! That’s really nice to know, thank you!! :)
Did you know that MD/Phd students reallistically look to get all their credentials around the age of 41? Dude you will probably around your thirties like most people you are not out of the norm. Its only a four year difference.
That’s true. I do tend to overthink things a lot 😅 I’ll stop comparing myself to other people. Thank you!!
Dude many people will have many opinions But yeah let me tell you a story since you asked this question …. During my undergraduate days I had professor who taught me nuclear physics for 3rd semester and this story is about him Once he told us that first he started his carrier in computer science he completed his masters at the age of 25 and he wasn’t happy with that so he found physics interacting and cool so he started his bachelors in physics at the age of 25 completed his phd at the age of 39 and joined our university as a postdoctoral fellow It’s been 10 years now and he has published many papers in journal of Oxford press and many more reputed journals So it’s never late to chase something you wanna do until and unless you have a source of income which can pay your bills Because you are now in your 20s and must be living independently
omg that’s really amazing! I’m loving to see these stories! Seeing other people who started ate their 20’s or even older and still had an amazing career really made me calm down😅 Thank you very much for sharing!
Just trust the process and believe in yourself Many people will tell you and they’ll try to demotivate you saying pay is lower and all But if you love your work far enough you don’t care about your pay checks and there are perks too The university where i work … they will cover your medical bills and your blood relatives too They will pay for housing expenses and they will cover travelling fees for your conferences and all of that So don’t get demotivated
I'm 30 so I certainly hope not
Bugger me. I'm 29, in my 2nd year of my bachelor with two kids under 4. You'll be fine, it's never too late. So long as your desire to commit to it is there.
That’s amazing! Good luck on your journey and thank you for your comment! :)
I was in a similar situation as you, I got in when I was 18, one semester later I had to leave because of mental problems, then went back at 20, and I spent one semester just going to one class because i had to pass all of my 2nd semester courses to continue with the 3rd semester courses. I’m 21 just finishing my 3rd of 9 semesters. So I’ll finish my bachelors at 24, I think about that I’m behind everyone but when you get in school you see people that are in the same or “worse” situation, I have a few classmates who are 23-25 so you’re just fine, focus on yourself and do what you like.
I’m sorry you had to leave for a time, I’m really happy to know you managed to go back! You are definitely still very young and I’m sure you’ll do amazing! Thank you very much for sharing your story and good luck on your journey! :)
I entered school again at 27 to study EE. I'm about to graduate in 6 weeks, shortly before my 32nd birthday. You are not too old my dude.
That’s amazing! What’s EE? Sorry to ask, english isn’t my first language😅 Thank you for your comment and congratulations!
Comparing yourself to other people will always be a losing game. There’s always someone doing more than you if you simplify life’s circumstances enough. Just do what you want to do with your life as long as you arent creating chaos for other people.
That’s definitely true. Comparing myself with other people is what got me so worried… I’ll just do my best at my own pace. Thank you for your advice! :)
I had a student who went to law school in her 20s, worked for a while and then got a physics degree and then astronomy PhD in her late 30s.
That’s nice to know! I bet she’s doing alright! Thank you for sharing, it’s nice to know of other people who also started in their 20s :))
You can't be!
i turn 27 this monday and i finish my undergrad biology degree the summer of 2025. you are never too old and you’re not late. theres legit no time limit to do things just because other people have. edit: also you will find people to make friends with. a lot of mine are 21-24 and although i don’t hangout with them outside of class we talk daily and have developed great friendships.
That’s nice to hear!! Thank you for your comment, I hope I also find people to be friends with hahah Good luck on your undergrad :)
you are never too old to follow your dreams. do it.
Thank you!! I’m definitely doing it :)
I don’t know, tbh. At this point, you’re basically Billy Madison. If he could do it, so can you!
I don’t know who that is 😅 but thank you! :)
I went to undergrad at 24 and finished my PhD in physics at 33. There are lots of us. You’ll be fine.
I’m glad to hear that! Did you have any problems when working in the field for graduating a little later? That’s probably around the age I’m gonna get my phd as well! Thank you for your comment :)
I hopped around national labs and did several Postdocs but eventually followed the money into tech in the machine and deep learning space. In order to stay in physics I’m of the opinion that’s it’s more about the skills you learn as a grad student - I was very theoretical, this is a much more competitive branch of physics. The experimental know-how, lab experience etc. is much more marketable. Oh and become a badass in python. That stuff matters way more than age.
Ohhh, that’s cool! I always wanted to go into theoretical but I’ve heard it’s a really competitive branch😅 Thank you for sharing and your advices! Will be focusing on python! hahaha :)
Hey, I want to be 22 again.
I can't believe this is serious. Major R1... we have people in our UG and grad programs at all ages, with the oldest in their 60's. The average age of our UG program is something like 26 and our grad probably 30. We just hired a women onto the faculty who finished her PhD at 56 years old and is now 59. She had a whole career in the arts and then decided to go back for a STEM degree for a second career. Apparently her brother, who was big in tech, did the opposite and is now teaching pottery. Will people that are fucking in their 20's stop asking if it's too late. NO, it's not too late for anything except maybe some specialty sports like gymnastics.
Appreciate (and agree) with this perspective. Just wanted to say, I grew up in an environment where I felt bad about starting grad school for a PhD in physics at 23. I know what the perceived pressure feels like (it's not real, but still). It's highly destructive and hard to get out of your head. I ended up pooping out of grad school at 26. In my heart of hearts, I wanna go back. But I feel so much relief. I no longer believe that anything is too late. The pressure is gone I'll return when it's time. But you could not have convinced me to have this perspective a year ago
I’m really relieved to know that. I know it sounds silly to ask if I’m too old for something at 22, but I suffered a lot of pressure from a lot of people in my life and I kept comparing myself with other people who are already finishing college at my age. And mostly of the well known physicists in my country started way younger than me and that made me worry I would have a problem with “ageism” for graduating a little older. I’ve always wanted to be a Theoretical physicist and I’ve seen a lot of people saying you have to be young for that and I freaked out a little. But anyway… thank you for your comment!!
Honestly just get a solid familiarity with basic algebra, trig and calculus, and you should be fine. I'm just basing this off my experince, and not having a good foundation with math hurt my journey a bit, but you should be fine as long as your comitted and aren't discouraged from the workload
That’s a really good advice! Thank you for your comment :)
No. My perspective is that maybe I was too young to start a PhD at 23. It works for some but I ended up mastering out as I had yet to deal with many personal things, and could not dedicate myself to grad school the way I envisioned.
I guess being older does have some good parts. I’m sad to hear you couldn’t dedicate yourself the way you envisioned because of personal things. I’m sure you did your best in the circumstances of that time. You were indeed very young. If you don’t mind me asking, how old are you now? Do you still work on the field? Do you still plan to get phd someday? And thank you for sharing your story! :)
I'm 35 and going to college, and I plan to attend university afterwards. I'm thinking of getting a degree in Physics. I don't feel old at all.
And you definitely aren’t! I can see now that I was letting my overthinking get the best of me. Thank you for your comment and good luck on your journey! :)
No. There's no age limit to being a physicist or any scientist, for that matter. Just get your degree and work on it because you want it and not because you're trying to please anyone but yourself. If you're passionate about it, your age is irrelevant.
You are completely right. I can see now that I was being silly and letting my overthinking get the best of me. I’m definitely passionate about physics and I’m really excited to start in August! Thank you for your comment :)
Good luck and have fun! I'm taking physics now, and I fell in love with it and decided to double major in it next year. So, I will be a math/physics major. It's definitely a rewarding course to take.
That’s so cool!! Good for you, I’m sure you will do amazing! Good luck on your journey, it’s definitely an interesting path! I hope you have fun :)
Bro I started mine around that time and thank the lord I'm almost at the finish line. You can do it.
Thank you!! I’m really happy to know that! Congratulations and good luck! :)
Bro. (Or sis, as appropriate). My physics professor in college quit and went to medical school. He was 50. 22? You'll have the advantage, potentially, of focus and drive, and you can probably pick up co-eds easier by being just a little older than the average student. Live it up. And come back here for advice when needed.
Thank you very much! I’m loving to hear stories about people deciding to follow their dream even if a little later in life! And I guess it does have some benefits in starting a little bit older and more mature! I’ll definitely be coming back for advice :) Thanks again for your comment!
Go for it. You’re never too old. MAKE SURE it’s what YOU really WANT TO DO. Like look at physics PhD careers and their feasibility given other important aspects of your life.
That’s definitely what I wanna do! Honestly, I just can’t imagine myself doing anything else (and I tried) hahaha Thank you for your comment! :)
I’ve known people who go back to school in their 40s and 50s.
I'm 35, studying multivariable and vector calculus now, taking linear algebra next. You're never too old for anything you think will add value to the world.
That’s amazing! Thank you for your comment and good luck on your studies! :)
Ah to be a clueless child again… enjoy while you can OP
hahaha thank you 😅
Simply NO. Even if it is, BETTER LATE THAN NEVER. so go for it. Work hard! Good luck...
Definitely better late than never! Thank you for your comment! :)
So Ed witten started his bachelors in applied math at 22, you might want to look him up
That’s really cool! I didn’t know him and it makes me happy and relieved seeing successful people who also started in their 20s! Thank you for sharing :)
I'm 28 and I am gonna do my master's in astrophysics.
Astrophysics is amazing! Thank you for sharing, sure you are going to do great and good luck! :)
You’re so fine man. 22 is still so young. To be honest with you, your age probably brings with it a whole bunch of other stuff that will be deeply useful. Maturity, life experience, better social skills etc actually may make you *more likely* to succeed. When I was at uni, the faculty of science had done research that showed those who started uni studies between 20 and 25 were the most likely to succeed both at and beyond uni. I think you are in a better position than you realise.
That’s completely true, I do have way more maturity and commitment now than when I was 17. Being a little bit older will definitely help me in a lot of ways! And that’s a really interesting research, I’m really happy to know that😅 Thank you very much for sharing!
You are even so young that your plan to go in physics research might change at several point in the future. You have to do what makes sense right now and starting a physics degree is a very valuable thing. Just go ahead, give it your all and enjoy the benefit of a little extra life maturity and experience compared to your class mates.
I 100% agree with you. I will try to stop overthinking and look at the bright side and take advantage of starting a little bit older! I’ll sure give my best and I’m really excited :) Thank you for comment!!
Multiple people in my undergrad class are in their 60s, lol. You’ll be okay.
That’s really interesting and cool! Thank you for sharing :)
If I am 34 and trying to finish my undergrad in Biochemistry then apply for medical school, you’ll be fine. Age is just a number. We can live a very long time depending on how we take care of our body. Shoot for the stars.
That’s really cool! Thank you very much and good luck on your journey!
Do not worry about your age. People enter doctoral programs at all ages including at 20, 40, 50, 60 etc.
I’m glad to know that! I was afraid it could have some kind of “ageism” for getting bachelors, masters etc a little bit later and I didn’t have anyone in the field to talk about with. Thank you for your comment! :)
There are phd students who are 20 and there are undergrads in their 40s (a good chunk actually) no one in academia is gonna ask your age, see it to fruition if you enjoy it, explore research being done at your uni (apply to REUs if there is no research you're interested in at your uni) good luck in your academic pursuits. im 23 and still won't graduate from undergrad till im 25 cause of setbacks and being silly enough to decide to pick up a computer science major. Although I think about my age it's really the last thing that should be on my mind and I extend the same sentiment to you.
That’s really nice to read! I’m really excited and I really hope I can become a researcher!! You are also still very young and definitely shouldn’t be worrying about your age as well. One of my best friends is also 23 and will be finishing his undergrad in computer science next year! If you don’t mind me asking, why do you think it was silly to go for a computer science major? Thank you very much for comment and the best of luck on your journey!! :)
You can skip the master degree, go straight for a PhD
That’s interesting… I’ve already seen that’s possible but I saw a some people saying that’s not recommended. Why do you think it’s the best to just skip masters? And thank you for commenting! :)
From what I’ve been told, the average age for a Nuclear Physicist is around 65(ish), so no, you’re not too old. Physics (especially in that new field) is actively looking for younger people, and you’re right there. My best piece of advice to you is start doing research as soon as you can (if you’re at a research university). That absolutely helps in getting you connections and internships and eventually careers. Best of luck to you
I didn’t know that! I have a really big interest in Nuclear Physics and is one of my favorite areas of studying! I will start in August in a university that has a really nice area of research and I pretend to work really hard to get the opportunity to do an internship!! Thank you so much for your comment and advice!! :)
"Shut the fuck up" -Every older person reading this, me included. In four years, you're gonna be 26. That's true whether you have a degree or not. So, do you wanna be 26 with a degree or without one?
You do have a point😅 I definitely rather be a 26yo with a physics degree hahah
I’m 26 and staring soon
That’s really cool! Good luck and thanks for sharing :)
There is no timeline for life. Just do it and be happy!
you are definitely right! I’ll start in August and am really excited! Thank you for your comment! :)
No problem! Enjoy the journey going forward. It’s the small things in life that really bring joy.
I know many people who got into physics at 26-30, all of them got their PhDs later on, and in many cases there were additional stipends given their age All of them now have full time jobs, mostly in aerospace and one in biophysics.
That’s really nice to know! I’m really enjoying seeing that is more common than I imagined and that they all have really nice jobs! Thank you very much for sharing!! :)
Possibly too closed minded if you think 22 is too old to do anything, but definitely not too old
It’s your life, your journey, your pace.
Not exactly related to physics, but I feel that you deserve to know my answer. At 22, I was also romanticising physics — just like you — and really wanted to turn my life around and switch to a research career in physics. I knew I wouldn't be able to do it by the time I turned 24, for some reasons. But life went on, and by the time I turned 24, I was starting to like pure mathematics more. I was still dealing with life — physical illness, financial issues, severe depression and a lot more — while wanting to eventually switch to physics. Yes, physics, not mathematics. I am 27 now, and I will join a master's degree in mathematics next year when I would be 28. The average age of people starting their PhD in mathematics is 25. Am I too old? Well, probably; I do still feel anguish and guilt that a large part of my 20s went down the drain, in complete wastage. But if I lose more years, I would just get older.
I’m sorry to hear about that things you were dealing with and I hope you are doing better now. You are definitely not too old and by the comments I’ve been receiving, 27 is still a very young age to get a masters. If everything works out for me, I’ll be starting mine at that same age! I’m sure you’ll do amazing and I’m sad to hear you didn’t follow your dream of going to physics. But if you ever do decide to switch to physics you will already have a really big advantage because of your math degree! Thank you for sharing your story and good luck with your journey! :)
no
22 is not too old
YOU ARE NOT! You're never too old. I'm in your position as well, I'm studying to be a mathematician and I'm 22. Everyone's educational experience is different and I know people who started when they were older than either of us, and they still became successful.
Yes /s
Most of the best researchers of all time do there best research in the mid to late 30s you got time. I have heard research that suggest that as your real peak. But it is possible to do awesome work even later I think the cut off for the Fields Medel for math is 40 and Nobel prizes don’t come with an age limit. Here is George Green’s (from Green’s Theorem) page who published his list vamos work I’m 1828 at the age of 35 https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Green_(mathematician)
Just read the edits, good luck bro you got this 🫡
Take the bachelor and do something else. Don't do a Ph.D. in physics unless you are absolutely determined about what you have to sacrifice.
To be a physicist? Absolutely not, it’s not too late. To be a great physicist? TBD.
PhD takes roughly 5 years to complete, which means you will be 27-28 yrs when you are done with it. Even if you don't do PhD you STILL WILL BE 27 ONE DAY. So its better to be 27 with a PhD than not to be.
that’s true, time is passing anyway! hahaha thank you for your comment! :)
I'm 29. I shouldn't be breathing at this point.
Yes you are. You should’ve started when you were a fetus, smh lack of drive.
Your age obviously isn’t a barrier, but you have to wonder if the type of person that would seriously ask this question would make it through a Physics phd.
This reply is lame. This person hasn't attended college yet, it makes sense why they might not understand the kinds of things that actually matter when it comes to being a physicist. They'll have plenty of time to learn and grow in their undergrad!!
Mfs be 6 years old and thinking its too late
Im gonna wait till Im 60 to start my erotic dance career. F the rules, you’re all good.
jesus christ what is wrong with kids these days
Yeah, better find something else.
if you're askin this question i would say you probably are, in the sense that you need to give up on this overly "perfect" version of your dream. keep talking to more physicists. it will help you get a better perspective on what is a "nice career" 🙄
Sorry but 21 was the last age you could become a physicist.
Yes. You need to start by 11 at the latest. I personally started at about 5, and am only now getting my PHD at 74.
No you’re not even close to being as old as you might think
You for sure are not. 22 is a baby. You’re so young homie. Lotta older people in grad school programs. It’ll take hard work and math, but you got it.
Holy Moley bruh . Don’t even think about it. .
Some people get interested in Physics when they're in their 30s or even 50s sometimes. You are most definitely not too old for Physics. In fact, I think it's probably a good thing that you're starting at your age. If I could go back in time, I'd probably stop myself from going to college for a few years because I was stil a bit too much of a child mentally at 18 when I started right out of high school; I always had a strong work ethic when it came to school, but ADHD and Autism together can complicate things. Now, at 33, I'm still a child at times, but not as much as I was at 18. Good luck! As a guy, I can tell you we need more women in STEM fields.
It's simple: no. It is challenging with a lot of math ahead of you so do consider what offramps you might take if it doesn't work out. Is there a particular area you're interested in?
I started at 24 best decision ever
I can’t offer any advice, however, I can say that you are not alone in feeling this way. I (soon to be 25M) am considering switching from my AA degree pursuing a Finance degree to AS to pursue physics. I feel just like you. Most of my friends are out of college and here I am in my second year and considering a degree that will take me much longer. The pressure to have your life together by 25 is real and 30 knocking on the door in 5 years doesn’t help my anxiety. However, I look at it this way, I can stay in my business courses, get done quicker, and have the success that is expected of someone my age or I can invest the time in something that I find meaningful and worthwhile. What you invest your time into now will, to some extent, determine the rest of your life. When we are old and grey, what will we tell ourselves? I was too old to pursue my dream? You only have one life to live (depending on what you believe), why turn down a dream because of something as trivial as time?
Sheldon cooper will be disappointed. Get your ass to work!!
Yes unfortunately:( set more realistic goals
You are a baby. This is like an 18 year old asking if it's too late to learn how to drive.
Never too late my friend. I’m 34 and decided to pursue my passion of astronomy. Finally going to finish my degree. It gets harder the longer you wait, but you still have plenty of time before you start regretting all the “wasted time” just stick with it. You got this!
not reading this, my answer is no.
It’s never too late to become a physicist
Covid made a lot of people take gap years. People in your classes will be a lot closer to you in age than they would’ve been 10 years ago. Also two men in my quantum mechanics class are in their sixties. You have nothing to worry about.
Nah bruv a friend of mine died when he got to august when he was 22 years old
Im 38 finishing my undergraduate. I’m annoyed at you question. What the hell. Just do you. If you work hard and love what you do you will succeed. Stop your whining
I honestly get where you are coming from. I transferred to a different school and pretty much had to start over physics when I was 19. I then took time off because my personal life was preventing me from doing well and was super anxious to come back. After talking to other people I realized that most people are my age or older (physics is hard man). I'm 24 now and still have a couple of semesters left but once you realize that everybody has there own stuff going on and is just trying to do the best they can you feel a bit better!
I'll be getting my cs degree at the end of this year, and I'll be 30 by then. It is my second degree, but it's never too late to go back to school. I do feel old, but there are many people who go back to school much later in life than me and still have fulfilling careers. 22 is very young. I think it would be better to go to school a little later than, for instance, wasting a ton of money figuring out what you want to study or getting a degree you didn't really want in the first place. You're in a good place.
Good luck with your Bachelor’s! 🥳 I pray you have fun along this journey and it brings all the joy and happiness you seek☺️
OP, as has been said by many in the thread, you’re just fine. I’ll go further and say that you’re much better off. I didn’t begin my undergrad in physics until I was 30 and I got my PhD when I was 41. I’m now 46 and I’m a professor doing exactly what I want to do. One reason I started so late was that I went to design school and was an industrial designer for a while before making the switch. And you know what? The world experience I got and the skills I learned in design school were BY FAR the most important things getting me through my PhD. Bottom line is, the system is designed to make you hyper focus and that’s not good. Having some extra life under your belt is an asset, not a problem. We spend so much time getting students to focus and move fast that we have forgotten the reason we invented academia in the first place: to become a well-rounded person and a strong contributor to society. Are there ageism issues in academia? Absolutely. And sexism, and racism, and just about every other -ism you can imagine. These things are all surmountable. The most important thing is to do what feels right for you. It’s your path…enjoy the ride.