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

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SUMMARY

A grade 12 student aspiring to be a physicist has engaged in extensive self-study, covering topics such as classical mechanics, electrodynamics, and real analysis. The student seeks guidance on suitable advanced mathematics books and whether to focus on self-study or university curriculum as they prepare for a theoretical physics career. Responses emphasize the importance of engaging in research opportunities at universities and the necessity of solving problems to deepen understanding of the material. The discussion highlights the balance between self-study and formal education in developing a solid foundation in physics and mathematics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of classical mechanics and electrodynamics, particularly Griffith's and Boas' texts.
  • Familiarity with real analysis concepts, including rigorous proofs and vector calculus.
  • Basic knowledge of mathematical physics and its applications.
  • Ability to solve complex problems independently to reinforce learning.
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore advanced mathematics texts such as "Introduction to Complex Analysis" and "Tensor Analysis."
  • Engage in undergraduate research opportunities at local universities to gain practical experience.
  • Practice solving problems from Griffith's and Boas' books to solidify understanding of physics concepts.
  • Consider studying rigorous mathematical physics texts to deepen knowledge in the field.
USEFUL FOR

High school students interested in pursuing theoretical physics, aspiring physicists seeking advanced mathematical resources, and anyone looking to enhance their understanding of physics through self-study and research opportunities.

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.
 
Last edited:
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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