Who are the people who study physics and maths?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the accessibility of math and physics education for individuals who may have struggled with these subjects in high school. A student currently studying at a Maritime school contemplates pursuing further education in physics or math and questions whether average students can succeed in these fields. Responses emphasize that hard work and dedication are critical for success, suggesting that effort can compensate for initial struggles. The conversation highlights that many students, regardless of their background, face challenges in the early stages of physics education. It is noted that having diverse study partners and a motivating environment can enhance learning and creativity. Overall, while pursuing a degree in math or physics may be tough, it is achievable for those willing to put in the effort.
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I often wonder about what type of people study math and physics. I am currently in a Maritime school, studying to be machine chief. It's sort of difficult to explain the education. We have Maths on A level, physics on B, chemistry C and a bunch of electrical courses, which is the hardest of them all.

I am thinking about taking a second education, undergrad or masters in Physics or Maths. But, my question is; Is the education achievable for the ones who struggled with physics in high school and college, or is just for the people who laugh at college level math? What I am basically asking is, do average people stand a chance in the fields of math and physics?

I don't know If I'm average or good. I get good grades in physics and math, but I also put some (sometimes a lot) effort into it.

EDIT: I think this belongs under academic guidance.
 
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What I am basically asking is, do average people stand a chance in the fields of math and physics?
Yes, as long as you work at it.
I don't know If I'm average or good. I get good grades in physics and math, but I also put some (sometimes a lot) effort into it
And hard work is no impediment to creativity, but the means by which you hone your skills for being creative.

Some have been given a sharper knife from nature's side, they still have to sharpen it, and keep it sharp in order to be able to compete.
 
Sure I read somewhere that a person would do well to have three kinds of study partners. One smarter, one not as smart or knowledgeable, and one who is on the same level. From the same source I think, like arildno said, when you rub two knives together they become sharper.
From personal experience I would add that a muse or someone whom you greatly admire near you to attempt to impress makes a huge difference. Creativity and productivity will crash through the roof.
 
The tough truth: Pretty much everyone is overwhelmed by physics in the first years. This includes the people who were good at it in school.

Being average when you look at the whole of the population pretty much the minimum requirement for a masters in physics. I guess it can be done, but it will be tough.

On the other hand you might be above average but your high school teachers sucked...
 
After a year of thought, I decided to adjust my ratio for applying the US/EU(+UK) schools. I mostly focused on the US schools before, but things are getting complex and I found out that Europe is also a good place to study. I found some institutes that have professors with similar interests. But gaining the information is much harder than US schools (like you have to contact professors in advance etc). For your information, I have B.S. in engineering (low GPA: 3.2/4.0) in Asia - one SCI...
Hello, I’m an undergraduate student pursuing degrees in both computer science and physics. I was wondering if anyone here has graduated with these degrees and applied to a physics graduate program. I’m curious about how graduate programs evaluated your applications. In addition, if I’m interested in doing research in quantum fields related to materials or computational physics, what kinds of undergraduate research experiences would be most valuable?

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