I didn't finish high school, but i've discovered a passion for Astronomy. How do i go about getting a PhD?

Question

I know, it's a big ask but I'm willling to do whatever it takes.

Seriously. I'll go back to school.

Answer 1

Peter T has a good point.

I am sure there are ways to built up your OP score at collages & the like.

Follow your passion, you have drive I reckon & with that you have direction who knows where it could take you :)

Answer 2

My situation is different (but maybe also similar) to yours.

I was the only kid among 5 siblings to finish high school. And the only reason I did was that it was a small town, everyone knew that my dad had just died, my brothers were hopeless alcoholics and there were two younger ones to support. I'm pretty sure my grades were "adjusted" for me, just enough to let me graduate so I could get a better job.

I never took SATS and college was not even dreamed of. When I finally left home my kids and I were on Welfare for 11 years.

Finally, one day, I realized that I was not stupid and applied at my local Community College. They wanted SAT scores but, since it was close to beginning of term let me start classes. I don't think I was in any specific curriculum at that point and I had not matriculated.

By the end of the first semester I'd aced all my courses and had not only gained confidence but I was never required to take the SATs and, even if I had been, they would have seemed a lot less intimidating. I would imagine that GED exams might be even less so.

So, I would say, just GO, apply. Chances are a Community College will care more about upping their enrollment and gaining the State and Federal financial aid than your lack of previous schooling. And, even if they do insist on a GED, they can help you get it.

From there, you can take your excellent grades and honors anywhere. 4 year schools offer "merit" scholarships and some designed only for members of junior honor societies which I know you will qualify for. You may not be able to attend an "Ivy League" institution but they're overrated anyway. There are many fine State Schools that aren't burdened by the BS and might be more comfortable for "regular folks".

I do agree somewhat with the poster who said "Why ruin a passion with a PHD"  since the professional "practice" of Astronomy might not be what you think. I understand it's mostly indoors, by computer and almost all of that as part of a team, but even if it turns out your "passion" and your career diverge...you will not be sorry, I bet.

Best of luck to you, it's a joy to see the genuine determination in your words. I know you will do it :) Just refuse to take "No" for an answer.

Answer 3

Why kill a passion for Astronomy by going and getting a PhD?

Answer 4

The route's pretty simple--go get your GED, go to college (I'd suggest a local community college for the first two years) , finish a 4 year degree in physics or math (any science or math is better than majoring in a non science), then you're on the same track as anyone who finished high school in the regular way...you then proceed to graduate school, getting a master's degree in physics or math, then post grad work to get the doc.  Good luck.

Answer 5

You've had some pretty good answers already - so I'll just back them up and add a little...

1) get into college - if this means finishing high school or getting a GED,then  do it - there are sometimes alternative routes via community colleges.

2) get a degree in physics/math, and take options in astronomy. I agree that taking the first couple of years of courses at community college is a good idea for a non-traditional student.

3) try to go to a college that has astro researchers and get some experience in research. I have up to 7 undergraduates doing research with me. This way you will (a) get a feel for what being an astronomer with a PhD really is like; and (b) you'll improve your chances of getting into grad school.

Once you are an undergrad, try to get onto an REU program (Research Experience for Undergrads). Being a woman will help you (yes we still have affirmative action in astronomy!)

Feel free to contact me directly for more help (I;m an astrophysics professor at a large state university.

Answer 6

first of all, go back to high school. you won't get accepted into any university programs if you don't finish high school. if you've been out of school for a while, i would recomend taking some night courses first, and some independent studying to get back into the routine, and to get a jumpstart on school. keep in mind, astronomy is a huge scientific field. you have to be well versed in mathematics, in perticular calculais, and algebra, and trig. you also have to be good with physics, because when you get into astrophysics, your entire outlook on the world will change. take these steps, and your well on your way to getting your PhD in astronomy like me! i also got a PhD in astrophysics. there is nothing like being able to say "i have a PhD in astronomy and astrophysics".

Answer 7

depending on how old you are (less than 20), go back to high school.  If not, first thing you need is a GED diploma.  After you have you GED, enroll in a junior college.  Most junior colleges have easier enrollment criteria.  After you have completed your Associates degree (United States), think about transfering to a 4-yr college and complete your bachelors degree.  After that you are on the same track as the other students who want Phds.

Good Luck

Answer 8

I don't have a Ph.D. and it hasn't stopped me from learning astronomy and astrophysics. I teach celestial mechanics from my livejournal pages. Here's a sample,

Determining an orbit by the method of Gauss on three angle only geocentric observations.

http://jenab6.livejournal.com/12572.html

Calculating an elliptical transfer orbit having one apside at either departure or arrival.

http://jenab6.livejournal.com/12053.html

I used the fifth chapter of Dubyago's book, "The Determination of Orbits," to help with the first essay. But I figured out the transfer orbit stuff all by myself and checked the results with an ephemeris program that I'd written years earlier.

You need a Ph.D. to get a job, maybe. But you can get the skills and the knowledge on your own, if you can stay sufficiently motivated.

Answer 9

The first step is to finish high school, because that's the key to university admission. Take as much math and science as you can. Check and see if any universities will admit you as an adult without having to complete high school, but you really need those math and science courses.

If you can afford it (time and money), try to attend university full time, because it will be a much richer experience. You'll find that the professors will go out of their way to help "mature students"; when I taught university, I always found that people who came to university as adults worked much harder and were much more rewarding to teach. It's a long road ahead, but a very exciting and rewarding one. Go for it!