I'm not worried about taking too long, I'll get most of the prerequisite track (basic math and science) done as a full time student, either way I'd do them because I want a better understanding of the basics, there's a lot I'd like to know about what I'm working with.
I don't care how long the higher level classes take, I'd rather get the experience than do everything at once.
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I'm a math evangelist, I believe in theorems and ignore the proofs.