Having trouble picking a school?

[NoGoogle]

I'm 19 years old and doing college the traditional way isn't working out for me. I've been homeschooled a majority of my life so Im used to doing things at my own pace. Right now im currently debating on an engineering or physics major. Which of the big 3 is right for me?

[Prloko]

I'm 19 years old and doing college the traditional way isn't working out for me. I've been homeschooled a majority of my life so Im used to doing things at my own pace. Right now im currently debating on an engineering or physics major. Which of the big 3 is right for me?

Don't use the Big 3. There are a few universities that offer completion degrees in engineering, as long as you have the lower level hands on stuff completed at another school. Since, you're 19, I'm assuming you have credits, let us know what you have in order to better direct you.

[ironheadjack]

If you can stick it out at a traditional 4year school, I would do that personally. Engineering and physics are both majors where you could benefit from classroom learning.

You're still young try and enjoy college, party have fun.

[UptonSinclair]

If you like the idea of testing out of courses, find out which exams your college accepts and knock out a few exams. That way, you can save a few dollars and still have the chance to participate in the social aspects of college. I am not talking about partying. I am talking about face-to-face discussion and debate with people of various beliefs and lifestyles. You are going to face this in the workforce, so college allows you to prepare.

The Big Three are far better suited to older students.

[zenurez]

I was homeschooled as well and I am really enjoying testing by exam. I did a year's worth of college in the past 10 weeks with out the added time and added expense of attending a campus. I did learn about credit by exam from reading the book Accelerated Distance Learning by Brad Voeller (also homeschooled) about 15 years ago and I wish I had started sooner.

With the exams, I haven't had to do silly get to know your classmates exercises and whatever other busywork the instructor deems necessary like I did when I attend community college and earned my AAS degree. I've owned my own successful small business for the past 10 years, and I haven't felt I missed anything by not getting the "social" aspect of living on college campus. (Of course I never did live on campus, so maybe I missed something and I just don't know it).

Unfortunately, I can't speak very well to your specific question, as I don't know much about the two fields you are interested in. However, I am certain I've seen someone on this forum with an engineering degree in their signature line, who earned their degree by testing out at least partially by exam. I'd do a google search that includes the terms "site:degreeform.net engineering" and see what threads come up. Some people list what they did to earn their degree.

I think you will need to use your homeschooling initiative to thoroughly research what kinds of engineering or physics degrees are offered at the big three. Then you need to think of if you want to pursue a graduate degree and what types of admission criteria would be required. Additionally, look at what jobs you think you'd want to apply for and see what their degree requirements are.

The main reason people like the big three is you can transfer in almost all your credits from multiple sources. Most colleges limit you to 12 or so credits transferred in by exam and almost all colleges require you to take at least 30 credits from them directly. The big three are exceptions, which is why they are so popular.

I am pretty certain when I say that you will have to take classes as there are not enough engineering/ physics related exams to get a degree entirely by testing out. However, you might find some good resources for online self paced classes. I like universities who cater to the military because they often offer 8 week courses instead of 12-16 week courses, and some enroll for class every month. The least expensive online university I've found is American Public University, and I hear most people are pretty happy with APU except when it come to financial aid (I guess they're a little disorganized in this respect).

Hopefully some people who are pursing Engineering or Physics will write in with more specific feedback. Hope this helps.

I'm 19 years old and doing college the traditional way isn't working out for me. I've been homeschooled a majority of my life so Im used to doing things at my own pace. Right now im currently debating on an engineering or physics major. Which of the big 3 is right for me?

[zenurez]

Here are a few links as to Engineering and the big three:

http://www.degreeforum.net/excelsior-tho...udies.html
http://www.degreeforum.net/excelsior-tho...grees.html

This one is more about resources for earning credits towards an engineering degree.
http://www.degreeforum.net/excelsior-tho...lsior.html

[UptonSinclair]

Excelsior only offers Engineering Technology. It is very different than an engineering degree. See abet for information regarding accredited programs. North Dakota State University and Arizona State are two programs I am aware of.

[cookderosa]

I'm 19 years old and doing college the traditional way isn't working out for me. I've been homeschooled a majority of my life so Im used to doing things at my own pace. Right now im currently debating on an engineering or physics major. Which of the big 3 is right for me?

No. None of the above.
Engineering and or physics require you demonstrate your ability to be exceptional in a traditional college AND not at your own pace. In other words, it seems opposite of what you are looking for.
If you don't mind saying, are the difficulties you're having at the community college or a university? I might have some suggestions to help with those classes. Also, since you found this board, you're likely considering testing, which might be an excellent way of "fast-forwarding" through some of the social science and humanities courses that make up your gen eds...and get you into the "meat" of your math and science classes quicker.
I'm trying to assess if you're having trouble with the college process, or if you're looking towards the wrong field of study. Once you get set in the right direction, you'll gain some traction, and this will be less painful.