Need advice from a professional

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around seeking advice for a young student interested in pursuing a career in physics and engineering, particularly in relation to advanced topics such as quantum physics and space exploration. The scope includes educational pathways, self-study recommendations, and practical experiences that could enhance university applications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant emphasizes the importance of taking all available math and science courses in school and pursuing a PhD in a relevant field.
  • Another suggests that the student can start studying advanced math independently, noting that books are more affordable now than in the future.
  • A participant mentions that the student's current knowledge level may be below that of a college textbook, recommending any introductory level textbook as a starting point.
  • There is a discussion about the differences in advanced math curricula between the UK and the US, with one participant suggesting that a college Calculus textbook might be appropriate.
  • Practical activities such as participating in academic competitions, entering science fairs, building electronics kits, learning programming, and using simulators are proposed as beneficial for university applications.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of foundational education and self-study, but there is no consensus on the specific resources or methods that would be most effective for the student.

Contextual Notes

There are varying assumptions about the student's current knowledge and readiness for advanced topics, as well as differences in educational systems between countries that may affect recommendations.

Vishal Rana
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So I need some advice of someone professional and experienced. I’m 16 just about to sit my GCSEs soon and I’ve got a plan of what I want to do in the future. I reckon for my age I know quite a lot about high end things in Physics to do with quantum physics, special relativity, string theory, stuff like that.

I’ve got 2 projects I want to achieve in my life which I’d rather not say on here...and I’ll have to work with spaceX or NASA for that and I’ve already started looking at quantum entanglement and magnetism and particle physics which are the things I’m going to need for the projects. I watch regular videos on these matters.

So I need advice on what I can do now I’m order to achieve my goals. Is there anything I can do to get involved now at my age? There must be so that’s why I am asking professionals advice so I can advance forward so any advice will be appreciated. I’ve written a brief breakdown of the situation hoping it helps...
 
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Take all the math and science you can in school and then go to college and get a phd in the most relevant physics or engineering discipline.
 
russ_watters said:
Take all the math and science you can in school and then go to college and get a phd in the most relevant physics or engineering discipline.

Is there nothing I can do before hand
 
If you are really able, there is nothing to stop you from studying advanced math right now. The books cost less today than they will in 10 years, so it might be cheaper to buy and read them now. Just be sure that you really learn the material, not just gloss over it.
 
Dr.D said:
If you are really able, there is nothing to stop you from studying advanced math right now. The books cost less today than they will in 10 years, so it might be cheaper to buy and read them now. Just be sure that you really learn the material, not just gloss over it.

Thanks but what more do I actually need to know and where or what books can I learn it from?
 
Vishal Rana said:
Is there nothing I can do before hand
That was starting now. But you can also do some reading on your own:
Thanks but what more do I actually need to know and where or what books can I learn it from?
Your knowledge level for a college textbook is just below zero, so pick ANY introductory level textbook to start with.
 
Go to your friendly college book store for a start.
 
russ_watters said:
That was starting now. But you can also do some reading on your own:

Your knowledge level for a college textbook is just below zero, so pick ANY introductory level textbook to start with.

See you're American and I’m British so is your advanced maths and my advanced maths the same or could they be slightly different
 
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Vishal Rana said:
See ur American and I’m British so is your advanced maths and my advanced maths the same or could they be slightly different
It even differs from one person to the next, but you didn't say, so the best I can do is guess; you might be ready for a college Calculus textbook.
 
  • #10
russ_watters said:
It even differs from one person to the next, but you didn't say, so the best I can do is guess; you might be ready for a college Calculus textbook.

Thanks I’ll take your advice but I have another question. I’ll get ahead and learn what I need to but is there anything else I can do as in like outside of school maybe something practical? Something that’ll look good on my UCAS when I apply for university?
 
  • #11
Vishal Rana said:
is there anything else I can do as in like outside of school maybe something practical? Something that’ll look good on my UCAS when I apply for university?
Participate in academic competitions, enter Science Fairs, build electronics kits, learn to program, learn to use simulators (FEA, SPICE, etc.)... :smile:
 
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  • #12
berkeman said:
Participate in academic competitions, enter Science Fairs, build electronics kits, learn to program, learn to use simulators (FEA, SPICE, etc.)... :smile:

Cheers. I’ll take your advice and I’ll do my research.
 
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