High School Student Seeking Path to Astrophysics Career

[edo1493]

Hi guys, I am an high school student from italy and I am a junior.
I am looking for my path carrer, which is very difficult to find. I would like to be an astrophysicist, but on the other hand I am really interested in theoretical physics. I wonder which the difference between an astrophysics and a theoretical physicist is..?
The other problem is how to keep going this goal. I was thinking to get an undergraduate course in physics ( with theoretical physics) and then a phd in Astrophysics..what do you think about?

I am seeking for good universities around the world. I will probably apply for MIT and caltech, but I know that I don't have any chances :P. Likewise I think that I could get admitted at Imperial College in London... Which universities do you suggest me?

Thanks for your advices!

 

[edo1493]

any advices?

 

[nebulinda]

Most universities only offer general physics undergraduate degrees, as opposed to more specialized degrees like astrophysics or theoretical physics. My advice is to go to a university, major in physics, and then see where you go from there. Take every research opportunity that is presented. But odds are, you will change your mind about where you want your career to go. Through your classes, you will decide if you like astrophysics, theoretical physics (both of which are very broad), or some other type of physics better.

Try to go to a university with a big physics department where there will be a lot of classes to choose from, do summer research internships and/or lab/grunt work for a professor, and keep in mind that what you want right now might change when you learn more about the field.

You have more than enough time to decide what you want to do.