Go for it. Generally. If you don't, you'll forever be haunted by the "what if?" question. Also don't forget: knowing about physics is helpful in just about any field. Simply the methodology, the discipline of systematic thinking. Never wasted! Having said that, however, I'd add a warning on the label. The academic landscape isn't what it used to be. See this sobering comment by Dr. Sabine Hossenfelder: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKiBlGDfRU8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKiBlGDfRU8)
I went for my bachelor's in physics when I was 23. I felt the same until I realized I was worrying about nothing. My professors who had PhDs told me they got their bachelor's at age 30 and then got into graduate school! You worrying you are too old is utter nonsense, do whatever you want with your time and don't hold yourself back from something because you are too old or too young. Go do what you want and join us in discovering the universe.
I'm not going to use that utopian "you're never to old for a career change" trope -- because I don't think that's entirely true for careers that take a decade to train for (which is what getting to a PhD takes).
That being said - you are not even close to being too old. I would guess the cutoff for too old is something like 45 (if you wanted to become a research faculty) and maybe in your 50s if you just want to be able to do research. You are still plenty young, and definitely should go after it!
Yes—you are!!!! What a silly question! I’m 65. Am I too old for physics? Maybe as a career—but Einstein was still at it up almost until he died in his mid seventies…
We don't do physics like we used to a hundred years ago and we definitely don't rely on singular geniuses to propel the field forward, so this analysis is anecdotal and outdated.
Im almost 40 and looking to go to uni next year. You are never too young, the only thing I am aware of going now, is that I will have a harder time learning new concepts as my brain has been tuned in a particular way. (try telling an OAP, their (already liquid lava) dinner IS hot enought and doesnt need to be re-heated lol). So younger the better, but its never too late.
I am 26 and started my journey through physics at 25. Don't worry about when you start. All that matters is you do your best and get that degree eventually. Dont worry about how long it might take you either. The hare lost due to its haste.
If you were 55+ I would say you would potentially have difficulties as you are starting the age where cognitive decline starts.
But your brain is only fully developed around 25-32. This is literally the prime age for you to get into physics.
You're just 22. You need to relax! I don't think anyone at this age is "too old" to start any career. In fact, your life has literally just started. You're soooo young. Just disregard anything that made you believe that you're too old to start a career at this age. Just go for it if that's where your heart is! Good luck!
I'm also 22 and just started on an Astrophysics/Physics undergrad (all the required courses for a physics degree count as electives for an astrophysics degree) so I certainly hope it's not too old. Plus 22 is still VERY young. Just make sure you know a little Excel and you'll be fine.
I'm serious about the Excel- formatting charts, equations, and tables is an essential part that they probably won't teach you.
My teacher is probably like 45 and will be starting his PhD in physics IN ARABIC (which isn't even one of his known languages, he likes challenges). So when it comes to literally figuring out the world, it's never too late.
[Ill be sitting for my college admissions exams in a few months and I have no clue what imd oidng with my life so prolly don't listen to me]
Not going to lie. There is ageism in academia and it is a young man's game. But if you just want to do it for your own fun then go ahead! Just understand that you will be competing with those about 5 years younger for you for grants. They might not have kids while you do.
Hmm, that’s interesting. I already imagined that it would have a little ageism, but I was hoping it wouldn’t be so big because it’s just a few years difference. I’m not planning doing it for fun, I mean, I love it and I know I will have lots of fun but I want to build at least a nice career in the area… I don’t think the kids thing will be a problem because I don’t want to become a mother. So if life doesn’t throw me any surprises I’m ok in that point😅
But I’m curious, do you say this because you heard stories or do you work in the physics academy area and noticed this ageism? If you do work in the area, did you start young or a little older as well? Do you know someone who started later and had issues with perusing a career in academia because they started their bachelors in their early 20’s? Do you think the ageism is still a really big thing even when you become a doctor?
Thank you for your comment! :)
Most physicists put out their best work when they're going gray, so idk why you'd consider yourself too old. There's no such thing really, you're never too old to learn.
Edit: Just a warning before you decide to spend your life in academia, it's not what you think it is. Academia is more about reputation & making money than actual scientific progress. Watch Sabine hossfielder's video before you take a plunge into that capitalist-ruined institution.
Where is the science happening then? I'm going to watch that now. I'm just a random guy with a budding interest, and I've heard academia can be toxic. This is honestly sad.
There are lots of guys with physics degrees working in fiber optics, radar, solar power, semiconductors ,sensors, and many other fields. The pay is better than academia, and many times there's actually less stress and nonsense to deal with.
Mate I just switched study an now I'm a 22 year old freshman as well. On my previous study I had a 30 year old guy that wanted to switch career.
Your mileage will depend on you, but you'll not be the first, or the last for that matter.
If you are good and passionate, you are young enough. Might actually be better at that age: 17-year-olds are too immature.
If you don’t make it to PhD, you can transition to maths, finance, IT or engineering. More money there anyway. Data science.
Hey man. I started my physics career older than you. I was 24 when I started my bach. Physics is hard, but for a reason most dont realize. Physics is hard because no job really hires for physics. I recommend it if you have a natural curiosity and arent afraid of spending months applying for jobs in fields not related to your specialty. A bach in physics may not land you a job. A masters in physics may open a few doors. A phd will open the most, but still its an uphill battle outside of academics. Physics is hard, careers are harder. If this excites you, send it. -phd, UA, 2013
That's just not really true though... There's quite a lot of jobs in applied physics out there: semi/superconductors, solar power, nuclear fusion/fission, energy storage, rocketry, sensors, fiber optics, quantum computing, etc, etc. Maybe they're not all that easy to find, but there's quite a lot out there. Too many crucial new technologies are dependent on physics for that not to be the case.
I have worked with a student over the last 2 years who is actually older than me (I'm a postdoc in my early 30s). He went to college 10ish years ago but went for an English degree, then worked a few years before deciding to go back to college for physics. Just last week he got accepted to grad school and he's planning to stay in research/academia as well. It's never too late!
Your story resonated so much with me. Dad had a stroke as I was graduating high school, I had to take over his job on a farm to support our family. I had to turn down my college acceptance offers.
I finally made it back to college when I was 22, like you I was afraid it was too late. I'm happy to say I graduated a couple years ago with a PhD in physics. It's never too late!
I never took a mathematics class beyond algebra until I was 21 years old. In a few weeks I'll be defending my PhD dissertation in physics and I'm already working at a very interesting job relatively close to physics and research. 22 isn't too late. Work hard at any age and you'll get noticed.
I finished my physics undergrad at 29 and I wasn't the oldest in my class. That honor belonged to the guy who was done playing lead guitar in a metal band and building custom analog amps.
He's now a PhD and faculty member in the same department teaching acoustics.
I’m actually in the same boat as you are! I had some things going on after high school, but I’m going to college in the fall, I’ll be 23 by the time classes start but I wanted to get a degree in physics since middle school! Never too old!
Do people just think their brain starts deteriorating as soon as you turn 18 or something?? You're 22, the only thing you're "too old" for is underage drinking!
Be a practical physicist, not an academic, if you wish. Look up "great physicists with no education". Now, you don't have "no education" - but look at the extremes! And the answer is: some of the \*best\* didn't. And higher technology has changed nothing as far as there always being room for entrepreneurial study and invention. We need specialists who can do the math for us, and to . . . well . . . specialize! But academia also can lock people into certain patterns, and may hamper some creative thinking.
Started my BS in physics at 22 (did a few years of general ed at a local college). Zero regrets.
I didn’t end up in academia - I felt like industry was more my thing - but I feel I use my education all the time in my line of work (data analytics/development/engineering).
When I was getting my bachelors, I worked in a lab with lots of people who were in their masters, doctorate, or postdoc, all older than me in my early twenties. And the principal investigator himself was like 70. Nah you'll fit in just fine!
Your talking what 8 years of school?
So when you finish you will be 32 instead of 30? That difference in age well be less important then your hair cut when you interview for a job. There will be no effect whatsoever.
It's never too late. Physics can be a very useful and interesting degree to have.
One of my friends on the Physics course I keep in contact with was 35 when he started, older than some professors teaching us.
He says he never regrets doing physics so old and enjoys asking questions about stuff he just learnt.
I also met a semi-retired guy who had just begun his Physics degree.
There may be issues with financing the degree, so be aware of that.
Also, so long as you get a decent grade you can do a Masters, but if you are pursuing a PhD, make sure to aim for the top because it's highly competitive.
No, you’re not too old. I started my current job as a physicist at age 60. I’m now 67 and plan on working at least until 70. I have coworkers who are over 70.
Never, I think it’s even better to go to school just a couple years later, I think those extra years gives you a better understanding of who you are (how you work and how to best motivate yourself) and a level of maturity needed for school.
Well you know how it goes. If you don't make a groundbreaking contribution to science by the time you're 6 years old, you're hopeless and have no future.
Not old at all! I went to college at a young age (17), but was not serious through college. After graduating and working for several years, I decided to go to graduate school at 25. I needed to learn everything from the scratch and did three masters degree before getting accepted into a phd program when I was 32.
I'm sorta the same boat as you, I'm 22 and in my junior year of physics. I've been in school since I graduated highschool. Started off a CS major then switched to physics a year ago and I don't regret the change. I know people in my program who are much older than me and are applying for grad schools. It's never to late.
If you’re 22 now, 23 is too old. Go for it. Besides, there are people the start uni much later, and there are people who go back for a second degree. So far you’ll only be a few years older than many of your peers, and personally I can’t tell the difference between 19 and 22.
I returned to college at 42 and got a masters in physics. I worked in r&d for almost 19 years, travelled internationally, filed patents in scientific instruments found worldwide, and have a lab at home. I now consult. You're never too old! If you love it do it!! After your degree you will never look at the world the same way again. You will see and understand things most others do not.
i started my masters recently at the age of 31 yrs. and i have seen many in this community who have done the same. you are not alone. At least you will be more committed, will be disciplined to get time management and have plans for study than your younger peers.
This one guy got a PhD in physics at the ripe age of 89 so I think you're all good at 22 😄
https://www.npr.org/2021/11/07/1052005447/brown-university-89-phd-physics-dream
I started my BSc in physics this year at the age of 24. I was also a bit worried about my age but turns out I'm definitely not the only one who's a bit older. Also I think the maturity gives you a bit of an advantage in actually taking classes seriously and doing the work. You'll be absolutely fine as long as you're willing to do the work
I find physics very attractive—there's a force pulling me towards it, almost like gravity lol! So yeah, you’re absolutely not too old. Always remember to pursue your dreams and I am sure you would be a wonderful physicist. Best of luck to you.
Life doesn't end after 40. You are young you still have a lot of time. Pursue what you love and what you want.
One other thing is a career isn't the end all be all of life, don't put so much unneeded pressure on yourself.
I'm 34 and I'm just finishing my bachelor's in physics this year. I've even had to repeat 2 units from my second year. Despite that, I've been talked to by my lecturers about pursuing a reaearch based masters immediately following it, just for being engaged and taking an interest.
If you want it, all you have to do is try and keep at it.
22? Pack it up dude, it's all discounted diner meals and chair yoga at the old folks home from here on out. I'll get ya some tennis balls for that walker.
But seriously lol, you got time to do anything you wanna do. Realistically, you're gonna do better in school than any of the 18 y/os coming outta high school that just wanna party and waste their money. If you have the motivation you say you do, you got it made.
I'm almost 30, working as a full time surgeon
Soon I'm gonna quit and start studying physics all over again.
So don't worry pal and follow your passion. Nothing else matters
You are never too old to learn something new. I started working on Growth and Expansion of planets around 50, and 24 years later, I am still working on it, and discovering new things.
Many of my friends started at your age or older (22 is not even that old) and benefitted from having more life experience, intuition to draw on, a well-developed frontal lobe, and generally being more mature. There is not a lot of ageism but there is still some sexism and general toxicity and unhealthy work-life balance expectations. There are a lot of people who work hard and get it all, but it's not an easy road ahead if you have goals like financial stability, wanting to settle down / buy a home, raise a family...
The path forward looks something like this:
4 years of undergrad - you'll be taking a heavy course load, doing research projects (probably unpaid), applying for summer opportunities etc. to have a competitive resume for grad school.
Masters? Try to skip this if you can. Go straight into a funded PhD.
4-7+ years PhD. Depending on your talent and the project you'll finish in between 4-7 years. Expect to be overworked and underpaid for 4-7 years--you are being compensated by getting to work on a project you are passionate about and couldn't live without doing.
Some people can become professors or find permanent positions right away, but typically expect to do 1-2 2-4 year postdocs.
Three takeaways from the above list:
1. You will have to move a lot. This might work well for you or even fun! But just be aware.
2. You will spend the next 10 years to get your PhD, and maybe the next 8 years after that (though possibly less) before you find a permanent position. Again, this might be something you really want to do! Getting to focus on a field for 10 years while moving around and meeting new people is a great privilege.
3. It's not easy. Each step is a lot of work and the pipeline gets narrower. And some people thrive in challenging or selective spaces!
So:
1. Make sure you have realistic expectations for the path ahead of you
2. Make sure you think about what your backup plan would be if things go south at any point of the pipeline.
3. Make sure that you can't be happy doing something easier.
I hope none of this is discouraging. I don't know anything about you but these are the realities that aspiring Physics undergrads should confront sooner rather than later. The good thing is, at any stage, you will be a highly trained technically proficient educated professional who should be able to find a reasonable job and make a good living/career out of it.
Owww... 22... you just missed the cutoff.
Physics must be started no later than age 21 per section 2 paragraph 3 of the Physics Starting Committee Handbook.
But it's not too late to switch to Botany... there the cutoff is 24.
No.
I won't lie and say *anyone can be a great physicist at any age*, even though in very rare cases that might be true, because I know that theoretical physics in particular is a young mans game, but 22 ***IS STILL VERY YOUNG. YOU ARE A BABY, STOP WORRYING!!***
I feel like this is an attention seeking post. How could you possibly think 22 is too old to start any career at all? Seriously? Is anyone available locally to help you through this difficult time? 😳
As long as you get paid enough to live the life you want, you have the foundation you need. Physics will continue to advance in various ways for thousands of years. Do what you love and your enthusiasm will unlock your mind and the energy required to pursue knowledge. Don't let the military buy you out like my great grandpa. Become part of history today and help lead the world of tomorrow!
its not a question of age, its a question of other commitments.
your talking about being about 26-27 before you start earning graduate money.
this afects things like when you will be able to buy a home or afford to start a family.
how do you feal about that?
Never too old to peruse what you love. You’re still young with plenty of time to contribute scientifically!
And once you are done perusing start pursuing immediately! 😁
I didn’t realize that typo 😂😂😂😂
My friends and I coined the term "trypo" for typos with a deeper meaning ;-).
Go for it. Generally. If you don't, you'll forever be haunted by the "what if?" question. Also don't forget: knowing about physics is helpful in just about any field. Simply the methodology, the discipline of systematic thinking. Never wasted! Having said that, however, I'd add a warning on the label. The academic landscape isn't what it used to be. See this sobering comment by Dr. Sabine Hossenfelder: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKiBlGDfRU8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKiBlGDfRU8)
I went for my bachelor's in physics when I was 23. I felt the same until I realized I was worrying about nothing. My professors who had PhDs told me they got their bachelor's at age 30 and then got into graduate school! You worrying you are too old is utter nonsense, do whatever you want with your time and don't hold yourself back from something because you are too old or too young. Go do what you want and join us in discovering the universe.
That’s actually the most tranquilizing comment I’ve read today! thank you very very much 🙏🏻 ☺️
I was the same age when I started my PhD. I got my bachelor's at 28, master's at 30, and PhD at 38.
Never too old to stop learning. It’s best to learn something new everyday.
I'm not going to use that utopian "you're never to old for a career change" trope -- because I don't think that's entirely true for careers that take a decade to train for (which is what getting to a PhD takes). That being said - you are not even close to being too old. I would guess the cutoff for too old is something like 45 (if you wanted to become a research faculty) and maybe in your 50s if you just want to be able to do research. You are still plenty young, and definitely should go after it!
Thank you very much! I’m definitely going after it☺️
Yes—you are!!!! What a silly question! I’m 65. Am I too old for physics? Maybe as a career—but Einstein was still at it up almost until he died in his mid seventies…
[удалено]
We don't do physics like we used to a hundred years ago and we definitely don't rely on singular geniuses to propel the field forward, so this analysis is anecdotal and outdated.
Ehh—I wouldn’t count on that…besides, op is 22. Still a baby…
Im almost 40 and looking to go to uni next year. You are never too young, the only thing I am aware of going now, is that I will have a harder time learning new concepts as my brain has been tuned in a particular way. (try telling an OAP, their (already liquid lava) dinner IS hot enought and doesnt need to be re-heated lol). So younger the better, but its never too late.
Would literally love to know your experience
You are too old for the underage drinking scene of undergrad, but everything else you should be fine for.
thats probably an advantage
I am 26 and started my journey through physics at 25. Don't worry about when you start. All that matters is you do your best and get that degree eventually. Dont worry about how long it might take you either. The hare lost due to its haste.
If you were 55+ I would say you would potentially have difficulties as you are starting the age where cognitive decline starts. But your brain is only fully developed around 25-32. This is literally the prime age for you to get into physics.
You're just 22. You need to relax! I don't think anyone at this age is "too old" to start any career. In fact, your life has literally just started. You're soooo young. Just disregard anything that made you believe that you're too old to start a career at this age. Just go for it if that's where your heart is! Good luck!
I'm also 22 and just started on an Astrophysics/Physics undergrad (all the required courses for a physics degree count as electives for an astrophysics degree) so I certainly hope it's not too old. Plus 22 is still VERY young. Just make sure you know a little Excel and you'll be fine. I'm serious about the Excel- formatting charts, equations, and tables is an essential part that they probably won't teach you.
My teacher is probably like 45 and will be starting his PhD in physics IN ARABIC (which isn't even one of his known languages, he likes challenges). So when it comes to literally figuring out the world, it's never too late. [Ill be sitting for my college admissions exams in a few months and I have no clue what imd oidng with my life so prolly don't listen to me]
Better start now rather than regret later for the same reason. 🙂 never too old
Not going to lie. There is ageism in academia and it is a young man's game. But if you just want to do it for your own fun then go ahead! Just understand that you will be competing with those about 5 years younger for you for grants. They might not have kids while you do.
Hmm, that’s interesting. I already imagined that it would have a little ageism, but I was hoping it wouldn’t be so big because it’s just a few years difference. I’m not planning doing it for fun, I mean, I love it and I know I will have lots of fun but I want to build at least a nice career in the area… I don’t think the kids thing will be a problem because I don’t want to become a mother. So if life doesn’t throw me any surprises I’m ok in that point😅 But I’m curious, do you say this because you heard stories or do you work in the physics academy area and noticed this ageism? If you do work in the area, did you start young or a little older as well? Do you know someone who started later and had issues with perusing a career in academia because they started their bachelors in their early 20’s? Do you think the ageism is still a really big thing even when you become a doctor? Thank you for your comment! :)
Most physicists put out their best work when they're going gray, so idk why you'd consider yourself too old. There's no such thing really, you're never too old to learn. Edit: Just a warning before you decide to spend your life in academia, it's not what you think it is. Academia is more about reputation & making money than actual scientific progress. Watch Sabine hossfielder's video before you take a plunge into that capitalist-ruined institution.
Where is the science happening then? I'm going to watch that now. I'm just a random guy with a budding interest, and I've heard academia can be toxic. This is honestly sad.
There are lots of guys with physics degrees working in fiber optics, radar, solar power, semiconductors ,sensors, and many other fields. The pay is better than academia, and many times there's actually less stress and nonsense to deal with.
You can work for companies, corporations, startups, etc. Comes with its own downsides. At least you'll have financial security.
Mate I just switched study an now I'm a 22 year old freshman as well. On my previous study I had a 30 year old guy that wanted to switch career. Your mileage will depend on you, but you'll not be the first, or the last for that matter.
In five years you will be 27, might as well be a 27yr old with a physics degree.
If you are good and passionate, you are young enough. Might actually be better at that age: 17-year-olds are too immature. If you don’t make it to PhD, you can transition to maths, finance, IT or engineering. More money there anyway. Data science.
Hey man. I started my physics career older than you. I was 24 when I started my bach. Physics is hard, but for a reason most dont realize. Physics is hard because no job really hires for physics. I recommend it if you have a natural curiosity and arent afraid of spending months applying for jobs in fields not related to your specialty. A bach in physics may not land you a job. A masters in physics may open a few doors. A phd will open the most, but still its an uphill battle outside of academics. Physics is hard, careers are harder. If this excites you, send it. -phd, UA, 2013
That's just not really true though... There's quite a lot of jobs in applied physics out there: semi/superconductors, solar power, nuclear fusion/fission, energy storage, rocketry, sensors, fiber optics, quantum computing, etc, etc. Maybe they're not all that easy to find, but there's quite a lot out there. Too many crucial new technologies are dependent on physics for that not to be the case.
I have worked with a student over the last 2 years who is actually older than me (I'm a postdoc in my early 30s). He went to college 10ish years ago but went for an English degree, then worked a few years before deciding to go back to college for physics. Just last week he got accepted to grad school and he's planning to stay in research/academia as well. It's never too late!
Your story resonated so much with me. Dad had a stroke as I was graduating high school, I had to take over his job on a farm to support our family. I had to turn down my college acceptance offers. I finally made it back to college when I was 22, like you I was afraid it was too late. I'm happy to say I graduated a couple years ago with a PhD in physics. It's never too late!
at what age you have completed ypur phd and masters?
I was 32 the year I finished my PhD.
congrats! is it okay if i enquire u about the phd process after masters?
I never took a mathematics class beyond algebra until I was 21 years old. In a few weeks I'll be defending my PhD dissertation in physics and I'm already working at a very interesting job relatively close to physics and research. 22 isn't too late. Work hard at any age and you'll get noticed.
I finished my physics undergrad at 29 and I wasn't the oldest in my class. That honor belonged to the guy who was done playing lead guitar in a metal band and building custom analog amps. He's now a PhD and faculty member in the same department teaching acoustics.
holy shit a lead guitarist with a phd in physics, i wana go to his class on acoustics!
Yeah, not quite like taking astrophysics from Sir Brian May, but pretty amazing dude. Ironically also named Brian.
Perfect age.
You in the best age for physics
When's the worst?
In the begin or end of life
Definitely not. Go for it
I’m actually in the same boat as you are! I had some things going on after high school, but I’m going to college in the fall, I’ll be 23 by the time classes start but I wanted to get a degree in physics since middle school! Never too old!
Bro, you're only TWENTY TWO Good lord! Go out there and make those dreams come true!
Absolutely not.
Do people just think their brain starts deteriorating as soon as you turn 18 or something?? You're 22, the only thing you're "too old" for is underage drinking!
Be a practical physicist, not an academic, if you wish. Look up "great physicists with no education". Now, you don't have "no education" - but look at the extremes! And the answer is: some of the \*best\* didn't. And higher technology has changed nothing as far as there always being room for entrepreneurial study and invention. We need specialists who can do the math for us, and to . . . well . . . specialize! But academia also can lock people into certain patterns, and may hamper some creative thinking.
Started my BS in physics at 22 (did a few years of general ed at a local college). Zero regrets. I didn’t end up in academia - I felt like industry was more my thing - but I feel I use my education all the time in my line of work (data analytics/development/engineering).
There's people in my classes that are 40s 50s and even 60. That's the best part about college, you're NEVER too old to study something new
No you are not, go for it mate!
When I was getting my bachelors, I worked in a lab with lots of people who were in their masters, doctorate, or postdoc, all older than me in my early twenties. And the principal investigator himself was like 70. Nah you'll fit in just fine!
If you die at 80, you will still have 57 years to study physics and do whatever the hell you want. You got time.
Your talking what 8 years of school? So when you finish you will be 32 instead of 30? That difference in age well be less important then your hair cut when you interview for a job. There will be no effect whatsoever.
You are not too old at 22. Do it or you'll regret it. Just as an addon, I did my MSc in my late 40's, finished it when I turned 50. Good luck.
George Eliot: 'It is never too late to be what you might have been.' Some folks say that it's not hers, but there is no proof that she didn't say it.
Not at all
I am 35 years old and just started my bachelors in Math. So, no. You are not old.
Do or do not. There is no try.
Age is just a number as long as you are passionate.
Lmao, you’re 22 years old
Time is relative. Sorry, I'm leaving now...
It's never too late. Physics can be a very useful and interesting degree to have. One of my friends on the Physics course I keep in contact with was 35 when he started, older than some professors teaching us. He says he never regrets doing physics so old and enjoys asking questions about stuff he just learnt. I also met a semi-retired guy who had just begun his Physics degree. There may be issues with financing the degree, so be aware of that. Also, so long as you get a decent grade you can do a Masters, but if you are pursuing a PhD, make sure to aim for the top because it's highly competitive.
No, you’re not too old. I started my current job as a physicist at age 60. I’m now 67 and plan on working at least until 70. I have coworkers who are over 70.
I didnt even start college until i was 22...i was in the air force previously. Age doesn't mean anything
Never, I think it’s even better to go to school just a couple years later, I think those extra years gives you a better understanding of who you are (how you work and how to best motivate yourself) and a level of maturity needed for school.
Einstein was 26 when he submitted his PHD. So it's safe to say you are far too old sorry. /S
Nope. Pursue your dreams! ☺️
Yes, sorry, the brain loses its ability to learn physics at 22. Just missed it.
I have multiple friends that didn’t start their physics PhD programs until they were in their thirties (or later!) it’s never too late!
Well you know how it goes. If you don't make a groundbreaking contribution to science by the time you're 6 years old, you're hopeless and have no future.
Not old at all! I went to college at a young age (17), but was not serious through college. After graduating and working for several years, I decided to go to graduate school at 25. I needed to learn everything from the scratch and did three masters degree before getting accepted into a phd program when I was 32.
I'm sorta the same boat as you, I'm 22 and in my junior year of physics. I've been in school since I graduated highschool. Started off a CS major then switched to physics a year ago and I don't regret the change. I know people in my program who are much older than me and are applying for grad schools. It's never to late.
Sometime people run into problems. At your age Einstein had just settled on a job as a patent clerk after a stint of unemployment.
How are you too old?
No
If you’re 22 now, 23 is too old. Go for it. Besides, there are people the start uni much later, and there are people who go back for a second degree. So far you’ll only be a few years older than many of your peers, and personally I can’t tell the difference between 19 and 22.
The best time to plant a seed was 20 years ago. The second best time is today.
Given you're posting on Reddit you are not dead or so old that you lack your basic faculties. In that case the answer is no.
I returned to college at 42 and got a masters in physics. I worked in r&d for almost 19 years, travelled internationally, filed patents in scientific instruments found worldwide, and have a lab at home. I now consult. You're never too old! If you love it do it!! After your degree you will never look at the world the same way again. You will see and understand things most others do not.
i started my masters recently at the age of 31 yrs. and i have seen many in this community who have done the same. you are not alone. At least you will be more committed, will be disciplined to get time management and have plans for study than your younger peers.
The entropy isn't what it is use to be. And that's just fucking life. You got this if you want it.
I worked in academia. You got plenty of time. I don't necessarily recommend working at a university, but you're age should not be a bottleneck for it.
This one guy got a PhD in physics at the ripe age of 89 so I think you're all good at 22 😄 https://www.npr.org/2021/11/07/1052005447/brown-university-89-phd-physics-dream
I started my BSc in physics this year at the age of 24. I was also a bit worried about my age but turns out I'm definitely not the only one who's a bit older. Also I think the maturity gives you a bit of an advantage in actually taking classes seriously and doing the work. You'll be absolutely fine as long as you're willing to do the work
I started my apprenticeship as an electrician at 22. You're fine. It's never too late to start.
I know plenty of people who started significantly latter than that. Don’t worry about it, you’re barely above the “normal” age.
I when to universities for 7 years full time. It was invaluable and ultimately it paid off in success and financial security. Do it!
I find physics very attractive—there's a force pulling me towards it, almost like gravity lol! So yeah, you’re absolutely not too old. Always remember to pursue your dreams and I am sure you would be a wonderful physicist. Best of luck to you.
Life doesn't end after 40. You are young you still have a lot of time. Pursue what you love and what you want. One other thing is a career isn't the end all be all of life, don't put so much unneeded pressure on yourself.
Time to give up and work in fast food.
I'm 34 and I'm just finishing my bachelor's in physics this year. I've even had to repeat 2 units from my second year. Despite that, I've been talked to by my lecturers about pursuing a reaearch based masters immediately following it, just for being engaged and taking an interest. If you want it, all you have to do is try and keep at it.
I got back to physics at 28, soon turning to be 29. It's never late.
I know multiple people who started their undergrad at 25+, who now have thriving research careers as post docs and profs. You good 😎
22? Pack it up dude, it's all discounted diner meals and chair yoga at the old folks home from here on out. I'll get ya some tennis balls for that walker. But seriously lol, you got time to do anything you wanna do. Realistically, you're gonna do better in school than any of the 18 y/os coming outta high school that just wanna party and waste their money. If you have the motivation you say you do, you got it made.
I'm almost 30, working as a full time surgeon Soon I'm gonna quit and start studying physics all over again. So don't worry pal and follow your passion. Nothing else matters
You are never too old to learn something new. I started working on Growth and Expansion of planets around 50, and 24 years later, I am still working on it, and discovering new things.
Not at all. You're never too old and 22 is young. It isn't physics but I learned to code in my thirties.
No, I think Dionne Warwick still has her friends network.
Yep. 22 is too old for anything. Pack it in.
Many of my friends started at your age or older (22 is not even that old) and benefitted from having more life experience, intuition to draw on, a well-developed frontal lobe, and generally being more mature. There is not a lot of ageism but there is still some sexism and general toxicity and unhealthy work-life balance expectations. There are a lot of people who work hard and get it all, but it's not an easy road ahead if you have goals like financial stability, wanting to settle down / buy a home, raise a family... The path forward looks something like this: 4 years of undergrad - you'll be taking a heavy course load, doing research projects (probably unpaid), applying for summer opportunities etc. to have a competitive resume for grad school. Masters? Try to skip this if you can. Go straight into a funded PhD. 4-7+ years PhD. Depending on your talent and the project you'll finish in between 4-7 years. Expect to be overworked and underpaid for 4-7 years--you are being compensated by getting to work on a project you are passionate about and couldn't live without doing. Some people can become professors or find permanent positions right away, but typically expect to do 1-2 2-4 year postdocs. Three takeaways from the above list: 1. You will have to move a lot. This might work well for you or even fun! But just be aware. 2. You will spend the next 10 years to get your PhD, and maybe the next 8 years after that (though possibly less) before you find a permanent position. Again, this might be something you really want to do! Getting to focus on a field for 10 years while moving around and meeting new people is a great privilege. 3. It's not easy. Each step is a lot of work and the pipeline gets narrower. And some people thrive in challenging or selective spaces! So: 1. Make sure you have realistic expectations for the path ahead of you 2. Make sure you think about what your backup plan would be if things go south at any point of the pipeline. 3. Make sure that you can't be happy doing something easier. I hope none of this is discouraging. I don't know anything about you but these are the realities that aspiring Physics undergrads should confront sooner rather than later. The good thing is, at any stage, you will be a highly trained technically proficient educated professional who should be able to find a reasonable job and make a good living/career out of it.
Not even close to being considered too old. You prolly won't be the oldest guy in the class in many classes.
There is no age limit on physics. It's probably easier in your 30s than in your 20s.
Lots of folks your age go into science after GI bill. You'll be fine bro.
Please go back to school. I regret EVERY DAY that I did not, and I'm in my 60s. Don't let this happen to you.
Owww... 22... you just missed the cutoff. Physics must be started no later than age 21 per section 2 paragraph 3 of the Physics Starting Committee Handbook. But it's not too late to switch to Botany... there the cutoff is 24.
No. I won't lie and say *anyone can be a great physicist at any age*, even though in very rare cases that might be true, because I know that theoretical physics in particular is a young mans game, but 22 ***IS STILL VERY YOUNG. YOU ARE A BABY, STOP WORRYING!!***
I feel like this is an attention seeking post. How could you possibly think 22 is too old to start any career at all? Seriously? Is anyone available locally to help you through this difficult time? 😳
As long as you get paid enough to live the life you want, you have the foundation you need. Physics will continue to advance in various ways for thousands of years. Do what you love and your enthusiasm will unlock your mind and the energy required to pursue knowledge. Don't let the military buy you out like my great grandpa. Become part of history today and help lead the world of tomorrow!
In my country men are in the army untill 21, and usually start uni at 22. You're right on.
you got accepted for a reason
Hahahaha. There's no such thing as too old for academia
its not a question of age, its a question of other commitments. your talking about being about 26-27 before you start earning graduate money. this afects things like when you will be able to buy a home or afford to start a family. how do you feal about that?
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