A child science genius has become a college graduate at the age of 13. A recent graduate of the University of Minnesota with a degree in physics and a minor in mathematics, is Elliott Tanner.
The Minnesota resident told Live Science that he felt ecstatic.
This achievement doesn't make him the youngest college graduate in U.S. history. The title is held by Michael Kearney, who graduated from the University of South Alabama with a degree in anthropology at the age of 10.
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The hard work and dedication he displayed to get his degree at such a young age is what his parents are proud of.
If his parents can raise the funds, he will earn a doctorate. He wants to become an expert in high-energy theoretical physics at the University of Minnesota and study the most elementary building blocks of matter.
Before he started school, his parents realized that he was gifted and displayed amazing language and math skills from the age of 3. When he was 5 years old, he was taken out of school when it became clear that a traditional education experience would not be a good fit for him.
When he was 5 years old, he was talking about particle accelerators when other kids were pretending to be Superman.
His parents supported his inquisitive nature and appetite for knowledge on their own. Despite their best efforts, the pair were unable to limit him to the curriculum of his peers.
She said that he would spend his birthday money on books instead of toys or games.
By the time he was 9 years old, his parents were struggling to keep up with him. He excelled and the school administration and other students took him under their wing.
It was at community college that he discovered his passion for physics.
When he was 11 years old, he transferred to the University of Minnesota to study math and physics. The ease with which he transitioned to college life came as a shock to his professors.
There is sometimes a short period of confusion as to why I am in class, but that wears off quickly. Although his college experience is a little different from that of his classmates, Elliott still hangs out with his peers in the student lounge, discussing homework, debating physics topics or watching movies.
Being exposed to people that are just as passionate about physics as he is has been incredibly rewarding for him.
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The media coverage that comes with being a genius has been a problem for Elliott. He is often compared to the main character in The Big Bang Theory, and he said he has become friends with the actor that plays Young Sheldon.
Some of the difficulties I have faced have been shown by Young Sheldon.
Still a normal kid.
One of the biggest challenges for Elliott and his family has been the criticism they have received online, from people who do not understand his situation and make snap judgements about what his life must be like.
There is a preconceived notion that he has been taken from him.
He has always enjoyed interacting with kids of his own age. He loves playing with other neighborhood children, doing things like building cardboard armor, making board games, visiting amusement parks and playing Dungeons and Dragons.
The University of Minnesota accepted him into their physics program and he will start his doctorate in the next academic year. His acceptance into the program did not come with the financial support students would normally receive.
The university usually provides students with a package that includes a stipend, health insurance, and tuition waivers. The physics department decided not to do it because they had apprehensions about giving Elliott teaching responsibilities, which is a big part of the program. The decision came as a surprise to the parents, who were relying on the grant to support their son's education. The entire program is estimated to cost around $90,000.
We never imagined sending a 9-year-old to college, let alone a 13-year-old to graduate school, so we never had time to build up a college fund. She said that the only other option was to start a campaign.
As of April 28, the GoFundMe page had raised more than $28,000, which means that he should be able to complete the first year.
It was originally published on Live Science.
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