Am I a good fit for a physics major?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a participant's concerns about their suitability for a physics major, including their academic performance, interest in the field, and the necessary steps to prepare for college-level physics. The scope includes personal reflections, academic preparation, and potential career paths within STEM fields.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about their intelligence and work ethic in pursuing a physics major, citing a 3.5 GPA and struggles with math grades.
  • Another participant reassures that high school performance is not the sole indicator of future success in physics, emphasizing the importance of taking rigorous courses in college.
  • Some participants suggest that strong math skills are critical for success in physics, recommending self-study and improvement in math before entering college.
  • Concerns are raised about the adequacy of a 570 SAT math score for aspiring physics majors, with some suggesting that it may be considered weak.
  • Participants discuss the importance of motivation and passion for the subject, with one noting that a larger workload in college may feel more rewarding if aligned with personal interests.
  • There are suggestions to explore engineering, particularly aerospace engineering, as a potential alternative or complement to a physics major.
  • One participant mentions receiving help from friends in AP physics and a precalc teacher to improve their math skills, questioning the effectiveness of this approach.
  • Another participant advises that self-study may be more beneficial than relying solely on tutoring for SAT preparation, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of mathematics for a physics degree.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of support and caution regarding the original poster's aspirations. While some agree that passion and effort are crucial, others emphasize the importance of strong math skills and rigorous preparation, indicating that there is no consensus on the best path forward.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that high school grades and standardized test scores may not fully represent a student's potential in physics. There are also discussions about the varying levels of difficulty in college courses compared to high school, and the need for a solid foundation in mathematics.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering a physics major or related STEM fields, educators advising students on academic paths, and individuals interested in the challenges of transitioning from high school to college-level science and mathematics.

InertiaMan
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I wanted to see if someone could tell me if I would fit well into a field in physics. I feel like it would be an amazing experience in college and is something I could really do for the rest of my life. The only thing is I don't know if I have the intelligence to make it happen, or the work ethic to do what needs done as stepping stones to that degree. I don't have the best grades, about a 3.5 overall average in high school. My math grades have been less than pleasant, mostly B's. They could've been A's but I never studied or did hw. It's my senior year and it's crunch time. I need to figure out what I want to do and I need to follow it through to the end. I think physics is my path, but I think I took the wrong classes in high school. I went to a tech school for dual enrollment in an IT course, but didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would. The coursework just didn't interest me. It restricted my options and didn't allow me to take any formal physics classes. I took a class, with no lab, on the basics. We barely got through the laws of motion. However, I was extraordinarily talented in the projects we did and everything during the lecture kept me invested, rather than putting me asleep. I got a 99% in that class because I did all my work and payed attention. I just need to know from someone with experience if I could still make it in the field with my sub-par grades in high school.

Thank you for your time,
InertiaMan
 
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Don't worry, HS isn't important (but by all means, do learn as much math as possible as it's critical to physics). However, it's good to see that you did so well in your physics course: it's promising.

If I were you, I'd go to college and take the proper (not lazy intro courses, but the same stuff the physics/engineering majors do) physics, chemistry, maths & formal programming in the first semester and work hard. If you find that none of it fits you, then STEM is probably not for you. If you enjoy some, or even better all, of them, then go forth and conquer.
 
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I think a best indicator of success for physics would be your grades in maths and physics, with maths more imp ortant imho. I would start self learning math right away and do all homework and exercises (these habits take time to change and can lead to failure in university)
 
ACT scores in math and science would give a more complete picture.

You both need a strong background AND you have to want it. Lots of easier things in life than majoring in physics.
 
Thanks for the feedback. Wminus and Bipolar Demon, I will definitely learn what I can on my own. Dr. Courtney, I know that it won't be easy to get in, but I'm decently sure that this is what I want for my life. Anything I need to do to make it happen will be a necessity. My SAT scores for math were only a 570. My guidance counselour says that's good for the new SAT. I hope that it's good enough, but as long as it gets me into college it's fine by me.
 
InertiaMan said:
I feel like it would be an amazing experience in college and is something I could really do for the rest of my life.

Why do you think that?
 
Stephen Tashi said:
Why do you think that?

I have been looking into some colleges, as well as talking to some friends who graduated last year. They said the workload is larger, but since it's overall more in line with what they want to do, it doesn't feel as tedious as high school courses.

I also talked to a physics professor who says I have the soft skills required, all it would take is a bit of effort. I want to move out, too. Be on my own. Make my own decisions. I want to live my own life. I want to live that life doing something that I love, and I always loved three things: Spacecraft, Making things, and solving problems.
 
InertiaMan said:
I have been looking into some colleges, as well as talking to some friends who graduated last year. They said the workload is larger, but since it's overall more in line with what they want to do, it doesn't feel as tedious as high school courses.

I also talked to a physics professor who says I have the soft skills required, all it would take is a bit of effort. I want to move out, too. Be on my own. Make my own decisions. I want to live my own life. I want to live that life doing something that I love, and I always loved three things: Spacecraft, Making things, and solving problems.

You might want to also look into engineering. Some schools have specializations in aerospace engineering which might be interesting to you.
 
  • #10
Dr. Courtney, I have some friends in AP physics teaching me what I didn't already know. In regards to my SAT score, my precalc teacher is going to help me study for the math subject test. This way I can have a higher math score and not risk losing what I have on the English either. Do you think this will help in my deficient areas?
 
  • #11
vancouver_water said:
You might want to also look into engineering. Some schools have specializations in aerospace engineering which might be interesting to you.

I have been. I just don't want to get stuck supervising the building of something boring like airplanes. I like space and want to innovate ways to get there.
 
  • #12
InertiaMan said:
Dr. Courtney, I have some friends in AP physics teaching me what I didn't already know. In regards to my SAT score, my precalc teacher is going to help me study for the math subject test. This way I can have a higher math score and not risk losing what I have on the English either. Do you think this will help in my deficient areas?
Not much..unless he/she was a real math major, you are probably better off self studying. Usually repeating such exams doesen't raise the score by a lot. You're better off just self studying the math you need for a real physics degree rather than just sat math. The reality is sat math isn't enough to count as a real preparation. I would take the american placement exams (ap)

You need something on the level of A level further mathematics...google it.

http://www.cie.org.uk/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-international-as-and-a-level-mathematics-further-9231/

Click on syllabus...its hard, but even if you do half you would be more confident and better prepared. I am in second semester engineering and we can't really solve all of the syllabus in there.
These could help:

http://www.mathcentre.ac.uk/students/topics/
http://www.cimt.plymouth.ac.uk/projects/mepres/alevel/alevel.htm
InertiaMan said:
I have been. I just don't want to get stuck supervising the building of something boring like airplanes. I like space and want to innovate ways to get there.
I would love to. that job pays very well Only the best engineers and artisans/craftsmen/vocational people are allowed near them! :-) Everyone wants to be a space explorer or entrepreneur, it takes years and thousands of hours of slogging through some real mind numbing stuff sometimes, good luck. I am sure if you work hard to improve your math (which you already are I am sure) you will make it. Also develop good habits (that takes time, believe me) that are beneficial to your studies and intellect (including health).
 
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