Why Didn't Sheldon From 'Big Bang Theory' Work at a Top University?

Many fans of 'Big Bang Theory' and its spin-off 'Young Sheldon' have wondered why Sheldon Cooper, one of the show's most brilliant characters, didn't work at a top university like Caltech.

Caltech: A Top-Rated University in Science and Engineering

Caltech (California Institute of Technology) is indeed a top-rated university, famous in the field of science and engineering. It consistently ranks in the top 3 in global university rankings, often coming in at number 9 globally.

Sheldon's Undergraduate Studies at East Texas Tech

During the events of 'Young Sheldon,' Season 3 reveals that Sheldon attended East Texas Tech as a day student. This was a desirable arrangement due to Sheldon's odd and often problematic personality, where his family would be needed to tend to his needs.

A Genuine Genius or a Unrealistic Character?

It's important to remember that Sheldon Cooper is portrayed as a highly intelligent, but often socially awkward, genius. The character's brilliance extends far beyond his academic capabilities, making him difficult to fit into a typical university setting. Furthermore, his young age (he starts college at 11-12) and difficult personality make him less likely to be accepted at a top university.

The Complicated Life of a Child Prodigy

Sheldon's journey to adulthood is far from conventional. He attended high school starting at the age of 9 and enrolled in college even younger, supported by his mother. After a couple of years, the college provided him with a dorm room to use between classes. These arrangements indicate that the university Sheldon attended was likely one that overlooked his unconventional age and behavior.

Sheldon's Doctorates and Future Plans

While it's commonly known that Sheldon received at least one of his two doctorates from Caltech, the time period is less clear. He could have received his doctorates between the ages of 14-27, suggesting a very rapid advancement in his academic career. In the second-to-last episode of 'Young Sheldon,' Sheldon and his father attended an interview at MIT but were quickly dissuaded by the severe winter weather.

The Contradiction in His Mother's Stance

During 'Young Sheldon,' it's noted that Sheldon's mother, Mary Cooper, initially did not want him to leave home. Her stance was that he was too young to go to college. However, in the final episode of 'Young Sheldon,' Sheldon is shown arriving at Caltech to begin his graduate work at the age of 14/15, which contradicts her previous stance.

Conclusion: A Complex Figure

Sheldon Cooper remains a fascinating and complex character, blending exceptional intelligence with social awkwardness and youthful immaturity. While he could undoubtedly find a place at a top university like Caltech, his unique circumstances and behavior make such a scenario less likely. Instead, the arrangement at East Texas Tech provided a more balanced environment for his academic and personal development.