Need guidance as to what to do next, high school student

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a high school student's inquiry about the next steps in their physics and mathematics education. The student has engaged in extensive self-study and seeks guidance on suitable mathematical resources and whether to focus on independent learning or formal curriculum as they prepare for a future in theoretical or mathematical physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • The student has completed various physics and mathematics courses and is looking for direction in their studies.
  • Some participants suggest that gaining research experience at a university could be beneficial for the student.
  • There is a concern about whether the student has truly mastered the material or merely read through it without engaging deeply with the problems.
  • The student expresses uncertainty about their current level of understanding and readiness to tackle more advanced topics in mathematics.
  • One participant comments on the importance of improving English skills, suggesting that strong communication is valuable in science.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best path forward for the student, with differing views on the importance of research experience versus further self-study and the necessity of mastering foundational material.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects varying opinions on the balance between independent study and formal education, as well as the student's self-assessment of their understanding of complex topics.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for high school students considering advanced studies in physics or mathematics, as well as educators and mentors guiding students in their academic paths.

bigerst
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Hello I am a grade 12 student looking to be a physicist. the school course is hardly satisfactory so I did a hell of a lot of self study, I'm wondering in which direction i should head next.
I did high school physics in grade 9, calculus in grade 10, first yr uni physics g11, and intro to real analysis, i finished 1/2 of john taylor's classical mechanics, now almost done griffith's electrodynamics, and i read most of Boas' methods in physical sciences.
So now I am just confused, in which direction should i head (excuse me for the vague question, please read on) i also enjoy math, especially rigorous math (and phycists tend to be very sloppy) so i read trench's introduction to real analysis, and is reading pugh's real analysis, however i seeem to have hard time with the vector calculus presented in such abstract manner, and lesbeguese theory is a hell of a theory to me. so I am just wondering, are there suitable math books (the ones that do legitimate proofs instead of shuffling it under the carpet) suitable for my current level? intro to complex analysis maybe? tensor analysis? ( i had a look at rudin's book and it gives me nightmares) or more rigours books on mathematical physics? ( i really like calculus and analysis, maybe i should wait to mature a bit before returning to Pugh?) also heading onto university would it still help for me to read so much on my own time or focus more on the curriculum? I am looking to be a theoretical/ mathematical phyicist.
thanks

Bigerst
 
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If you really have mastered undergrad physics material (griffiths, boas, etc) then what you are lacking is research. You should head to your nearest university and find a research group to volunteer with. Its not unheard of for advanced high school students to do research at a university.

However, did you just read the books or did you actually do work? If you just read through them without doing problems I would suggest you go back and try some problems and try to reproduce some of the theorem's without looking at the book. Blazing through books is easy. Working out the ideas takes a long time. There is a reason that most people take 4 years to study the material you have already read.
 
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thanks for the reply
that's pretty much what I am facing right now, i wouldn't say i mastered all of the content for i am well aware it is going to take a year or so for those material to sink in and become part of my arsenal, for i can see a gap between myself and really recreating and advancing what i have learned. however i wouldn't say the opposite either, for i can do most of the problems in grffiths (ok i admit, i read it 5 times) and Boas (this is slightly easier). so right now I am in a kind of awkward situation, I'm waiting for my physics maturity to catch up, I am just uncertain what to do at this stage.

Thanks

bigerst
 
bigerst said:
I'm wondering in which direction i should head next

You should work on your English. Nobody has ever run into trouble in science because their English was too good.
 

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