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as the title suggests, I am looking for any advice, thoughts, or opinions on what is an ideal age to be going to university. It would be for a degree first, then after however, a masters, then (hopefully), a phd.

I am looking to study mathematics, though, I am 16 soon to be 17, currently homeschooled, but I self teach. I was hoping that I could use 4 years to deeply self study mathematics before going to university, In order to learn everything that I would need for first entering a mathematics degree.

4 years would leave me at around 20 or 21 years old. To me, that feels a bit old? And so I ask what would be the most ideal age for entering. I would guess most answers to be 18 or 19, however I don’t think I could cover all content needed for entering a mathematics degree by that age.

As well, would I have a lower chance of admittance being slightly older than the average student entering at, say 18 or 19 years old? I would be looking to enter into university(particularly queens), on mathematical knowledge alone.

If it is of any help, I am in the UK.

Sorry if this is not a well structured question, I am new to Academia stack exchange.

Thanks.

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    Why do you think you need 4 years to study mathematics before starting your degree? Are you currently deficient in mathematics? In which case, why do you want to study it at degree level?
    – MJeffryes
    Jan 18, 2018 at 17:00
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    Well, up until about a year ago, I had no interest in mathematics, I was only interested In computers and computer science. Then one day I made the connection that everything is related to mathematics, particularly in computer science. Since that day I have been trying to learn mathematics from the ground up as my knowledge was quite sparse prior. I also really enjoy learning and doing mathematics now. I am presuming to learn calculus and some basic linear algebra, it will take around 4 years of self study. Though, maybe not? I am just keeping my goals/estimates realistic.
    – user522484
    Jan 18, 2018 at 17:10
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    "The best time to start was 10 years ago, the second best time is today"
    – Daniel R. Collins
    Jan 18, 2018 at 18:18
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    The question isn't really appropriate for this site, since it's about undergraduate admissions. Having said that, you should either go directly into a maths degree, or if you don't meet the requirements, look at doing a foundation year first. Self-study for four years is a very bad idea, and is unlikely to improve your chance of admission much.
    – MJeffryes
    Jan 18, 2018 at 19:17
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    The ideal age will be the normal age for beginning undergraduates in the UK, about 18. University is a social experience as well as an academic one. Practicing living and working with people your own age is especially important after home schooling and Open University.
    – Patricia Shanahan
    Jan 18, 2018 at 20:28

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