- #1
ajsingh
- 18
- 0
I hope the people here can help me in deciding between these two subjects. Here is a bit of background information about me.
I am currently a high school senior, and will be going to college in Fall 2007. I am very interested in Physics, especially Cosmology and Astrophysics (the string theory is catching my attention now), and I would like to see myself probably as a research scientist 10 or 15 years from now.
Now, the problem is, my father is not very happy with this decision. He still thinks I am joking about seriously considering Physics as a career. He, for some reason, automatically assumes that I should be going into some type of Engineering. Its not that I don't like engineering. I have loved that subject (been making gadgets and models since I was in diapers), but I have a different deeper emotion to Physics. His argument is that engineers will definitely make much more money than physicists. I know that is correct, but I want to devote my life to something I consider worthwhile and respectable.
My question is, should I pursue something that I undoubtfully appreciate (a "passion for" I may add), or should I take my finances extra seriously and end up doing something that I may not enjoy doing a lot (I will also have the feeling that I could have studying Physics at the back of my head)
In the end its going to be me who will actually be studying one of those two subjects for the next four years (and after those also). I am aware that most universities in the US ask for a major declaration only by the end of the first year. I am also aware that two majors are also possible and many universities (at least in the ones I have applied to). Is it a good option to maybe make a final decision once I have had a flavour of both the sides (though I am sure I will end up enjoying physics even more). Is it also feasible to take both the subjects as two majors?
And how about after graduation? What type of jobs can physicists get besides research?
Please point me to some previous threads if these topics have been discussed in detail.
Thank you
Ayman
I am currently a high school senior, and will be going to college in Fall 2007. I am very interested in Physics, especially Cosmology and Astrophysics (the string theory is catching my attention now), and I would like to see myself probably as a research scientist 10 or 15 years from now.
Now, the problem is, my father is not very happy with this decision. He still thinks I am joking about seriously considering Physics as a career. He, for some reason, automatically assumes that I should be going into some type of Engineering. Its not that I don't like engineering. I have loved that subject (been making gadgets and models since I was in diapers), but I have a different deeper emotion to Physics. His argument is that engineers will definitely make much more money than physicists. I know that is correct, but I want to devote my life to something I consider worthwhile and respectable.
My question is, should I pursue something that I undoubtfully appreciate (a "passion for" I may add), or should I take my finances extra seriously and end up doing something that I may not enjoy doing a lot (I will also have the feeling that I could have studying Physics at the back of my head)
In the end its going to be me who will actually be studying one of those two subjects for the next four years (and after those also). I am aware that most universities in the US ask for a major declaration only by the end of the first year. I am also aware that two majors are also possible and many universities (at least in the ones I have applied to). Is it a good option to maybe make a final decision once I have had a flavour of both the sides (though I am sure I will end up enjoying physics even more). Is it also feasible to take both the subjects as two majors?
And how about after graduation? What type of jobs can physicists get besides research?
Please point me to some previous threads if these topics have been discussed in detail.
Thank you
Ayman