I plan on devoting very little time studying outside of formal lectures. (This will mean careful use of my time during lectures and all that I know on optimal learning techniques. My philosophy has always been that you either need to attend or you need to study but never both! (Perhaps I should add in IQ and say ‘pick two’).
Personally, I learn faster studying on my own than by listening to 90% of lectures. I would think this would be especially true for a) classes at the undergraduate level and b) classes where I’m not concerned about my grade so much as I’m concerned about learning what I think is interesting/important.
Personally, I learn faster studying on my own than by listening to 90% of lectures.
Listening? Who said anything about listening? Lectures are just a way to schedule times for independent study, keep tabs on any critical announcements and complete assignments for unrelated subjects as necessary.
You say almost nothing about long-term career goals, which most people would determine what credentials are most useful, which is many, if not most, people’s primary motivation for earning a university degree.
The relevant section is the second half of 3. If you (or anyone else) have any suggestions on what credentials could be important for achieving that goal then they would be welcome. I must confess that I think ‘money and connections’ are the critical factor. Credentials are great but it may be better just to buy someone who has them.
If you want to be on the cutting edge scientifically, you need to plan on a graduate degree. Find people doing the sort of research you are interested in and ask them for advice. Better yet, try to get a job in their lab. You’ll have to get very specialized and the biggest discoveries will probably be using a different approach than whatever approach you’re attempting. But hey, that’s life, its honorable to give it a shot.
If you’re more interested in the business, legal, or public policy, and/or education issues, then the hard science education probably isn’t so important.
Bottom line: I suggest you say much more about the careers that interest you.
Personally, I learn faster studying on my own than by listening to 90% of lectures. I would think this would be especially true for a) classes at the undergraduate level and b) classes where I’m not concerned about my grade so much as I’m concerned about learning what I think is interesting/important.
Listening? Who said anything about listening? Lectures are just a way to schedule times for independent study, keep tabs on any critical announcements and complete assignments for unrelated subjects as necessary.
So you want to do an undergraduate degree but you don’t care about earning a helpful credential and you’ll attend lectures but not listen to them.
...and I thought I had unusual tastes.
Pardon? I will be earning at least one useful credential.
You aren’t the only person who learns faster studying on their own.
I’m almost certain I have tastes that are more quirky than doing studying on my own in lectures. ;)
You say almost nothing about long-term career goals, which most people would determine what credentials are most useful, which is many, if not most, people’s primary motivation for earning a university degree.
The relevant section is the second half of 3. If you (or anyone else) have any suggestions on what credentials could be important for achieving that goal then they would be welcome. I must confess that I think ‘money and connections’ are the critical factor. Credentials are great but it may be better just to buy someone who has them.
If you want to be on the cutting edge scientifically, you need to plan on a graduate degree. Find people doing the sort of research you are interested in and ask them for advice. Better yet, try to get a job in their lab. You’ll have to get very specialized and the biggest discoveries will probably be using a different approach than whatever approach you’re attempting. But hey, that’s life, its honorable to give it a shot.
If you’re more interested in the business, legal, or public policy, and/or education issues, then the hard science education probably isn’t so important.
Bottom line: I suggest you say much more about the careers that interest you.