I do really well on practice test of the GRE, though - then again, when I took a practice SAT before taking the PSAT, I got an 800 in math, 760 in critical reading, and 740 in writing, considerably higher than my actual scores on the SAT, so practice tests are usually overestimations in my case, and probably generally (I took them in a comfortable chair in soft, natural light, holding them up at an angle with a book instead of leaning over...strictly timed doesn't mean the testing conditions are remotely approximated).

Anyone know of good hard-core math/science schools that are perhaps lesser known (or a bit easier to get into) than MIT, Caltech, the usual suspects? Those were my dream schools I kissed goodbye to in high school.

When it comes to tests, I do have something of a performance anxiety (I also did with music for awhile...I trained myself to process my emotions differently, considering the propranolol made me sicker at even low doses, one of the things that prompted me to consult a doctor and get checked out, leading to the asthma dx). Even when I'm not relaxed I tend to do well, but I do much better when I have controlled the cycles of negative thoughts.


Grinity:

1) A part of me would like to be a theoretical physicist, but my interest is much more in pure maths. I could see myself teaching math (I wanted to do that since I was little, too) and doing research, but my number one hobby is medicine (not that I practice it! :P) My idea of a good weekend is to read from Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. I have considered careers in medical research, but I am much more interested in the clinical side of things, patient interaction with all the frustrating and horrifying things that can come of that. Haven't picked a specialty yet, but that would be a bit unwise, though I do have some favorites.

2) I'm not sure that I really understand this question. I mean, I understand what you're getting at, but I'm not sure how it really applies to me. I remember in school they used to have a kid escort me to new places, which confused me since the first day I went to the new school in first grade when we moved there, I made a map in my head and told my dad that should I have gotten separated from him, I could have easily found my way home. Then I remembered that when I had gotten separated from the groups in elementary school, when they eventually found me at some other part of campus (peering in through the window to watch the sixth grade math lecture on the overhead projecter), I told them I had gotten lost. But that's a tangent. I just moved here, so I haven't really had the opportunity to make friends or establish any kinds of relationships yet. Once I get my inhaler (which I am without right now) I can go out and meet some new people. I can't move, but this community college should be as good as any other. It's what I do here and after I'm done here that really matters, makes the statement.

I'm going to start CC next fall, to make sure I have time to sort my health first (and save up some money).

I would definitely prefer medicine or mathematics professor (actually, I would ideally like to teach more advanced math to younger students who are ready and eager (or at least, willing)... perhaps I can find such an opportunity if I go the math route) first...then if that fell through, something in video game design/programming, electronics, or something.

^^
So you think it's a good idea to hold off on the biology sequence (beyond General at least) until the 4-year school? I planned to do a full *intro* physics sequence (the calculus-based one), as well as do math through at least undergrad abstract algebra. God, I loved that in high school. I was so depressed for a couple years I just sat staring at the walls, until I realized I had a bunch of books around me. Then it still took over a year to gain motivation to pick something up and read, but music helps. Oh, and while the barium swallow showed no abnormalities save for GERD, the doctor did say that if I continued having trouble with dysphagia, to get an endoscopy. That should detect an underlying disorder the upper GI series didn't if I have one, whether Celiac or Eosinophilic Esophagitis or something else. Since I do have a prior diagnosis of IBS (which I chalked up to dietary and exercise habits, as my dad has a "sensitive" digestive system, and I seem to have inherited everything he has and added a couple of things), it's a good idea to follow up on the endoscopy, even though things are probably normal apart from the reflux.

Last edited by Shift; 01/16/11 09:55 PM.