Major in Mathematics and Physics

[Dattebayo]

Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum, so I'm not too sure whether I posted under the correct topic or not. I am currently a junior at a quite competitive high school. All around me, there are people thousands of times smarter than I am. I know very well myself that I am no genius, but I've always had (and still have) a passion for physics and mathematics. Even though I am struggling a little in my Pre Cal H and AP Physics 1-2 Accelerated classes, I just can't let go of the excitement of just being able to work on math and physics problems. (I have B's in those classes right now.) However, I do know that university classes are a lot more rigorous and demanding than high school curricula. Initially, I thought of double majoring in both physics and mathematics, but now I think this is a really pathetic and far-fetched goal of mine. Can somebody, preferably somebody who is/was a physics or math major, tell me just how rigorous a university major in physics or math is and whether I really am just dreaming too ambitiously to double major in such fields, given my low level of intelligence?

 

[axmls]

It's highly dependent upon the university you attend. For instance, a university with a very strict curriculum regarding what you take in those two majors that doesn't have too much overlap would be much more difficult. Fortunately, most programs I've seen have plenty of overlap with the other. The physics department at my university requires certain amount of courses with no leniency, so it would be very difficult to finish a double major in four years. It's best too look at the programs at the university you wish to attend to see if the two majors would work well together.

Of course, it's hard to get anywhere if you place all the importance on your level of intelligence as opposed to your level of dedication. No one (okay, 99.9999% of people) was born being able to do math and physics. The thing that makes people good is practice.

 

[homeomorphic]

The very fact that you are interested in math and physics is a sign of not having that low of a level of intelligence. It's not about who has the best grades. I remember in high school a lot of people thought that way. I often helped people in math classes who had much higher grades than me. I was just slow on tests, and I didn't try very hard, and that's why my grades weren't that great in high school. 3.2 gpa, and only slightly above average grades. Here I am now with a PhD in math.

You should think about majoring in engineering, too. Way better for jobs.

 

[Dattebayo]

Thanks for the replies, everybody! :) I will definitely take all your good advice with me when I start doing apps next year!

 

[Dattebayo]

The very fact that you are interested in math and physics is a sign of not having that low of a level of intelligence. It's not about who has the best grades. I remember in high school a lot of people thought that way. I often helped people in math classes who had much higher grades than me. I was just slow on tests, and I didn't try very hard, and that's why my grades weren't that great in high school. 3.2 gpa, and only slightly above average grades. Here I am now with a PhD in math.

You should think about majoring in engineering, too. Way better for jobs.

Actually, I have considered this too! I find aerospace engineering quite interesting. I still have a couple years to decide, so I'll definitely keep your suggestion in mind. Thanks!