Schools How to become a university professor?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the aspirations of a high school student interested in pursuing a career as a university professor in mathematics or physics. The individual acknowledges the typical educational path of obtaining a BSc, MSc, and PhD but seeks additional insights on what else is necessary for success in academia. They express a strong passion for abstract thinking and a desire to avoid a future outside of academia. The conversation also references a relevant forum thread titled "Who wants to be a mathematician?" and a recommended book that provides guidance on expectations for graduate school and beyond. The student plans to read the book during their undergraduate studies to better prepare for their academic journey.
Vahsek
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Hello everybody, I am sure that there are lots of people like me here who like to think (about abstract things such as mathematics etc) very often. In fact, whenever I get an opportunity, I just start scribbling in a notebook about theorems, proofs and all that.

So here's the thing I was wondering what exact path should I take to become a university professor (maths and/or physics). I know the basic things to do like BSc, MSc and then your Phd but is there anything else that I should know?

And I want to tell anyone reading this to please bear with me because I know I am being rather naive thinking that I could in fact become one (I think I made it sound rather easy above). I know it's not easy and it's meant for extremely smart people but I really loathe a future in which I will be doing anything else for a living.

( I forgot to mention that I am currently in high school. )
 
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Have you seen the thread at the top of this forum, "Who wants to be a mathematician?"
 
jtbell said:
Have you seen the thread at the top of this forum, "Who wants to be a mathematician?"

Oops, sorry didn't think about that.. That's a good idea; am going to post there. Thanks.
 
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Hey, I am Andreas from Germany. I am currently 35 years old and I want to relearn math and physics. This is not one of these regular questions when it comes to this matter. So... I am very realistic about it. I know that there are severe contraints when it comes to selfstudy compared to a regular school and/or university (structure, peers, teachers, learning groups, tests, access to papers and so on) . I will never get a job in this field and I will never be taken serious by "real"...
Yesterday, 9/5/2025, when I was surfing, I found an article The Schwarzschild solution contains three problems, which can be easily solved - Journal of King Saud University - Science ABUNDANCE ESTIMATION IN AN ARID ENVIRONMENT https://jksus.org/the-schwarzschild-solution-contains-three-problems-which-can-be-easily-solved/ that has the derivation of a line element as a corrected version of the Schwarzschild solution to Einstein’s field equation. This article's date received is 2022-11-15...
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