Programs New Student Seeking Advice on Physics Major with Math/Physics Struggles

AI Thread Summary
A user expresses a newfound passion for physics after struggling in high school classes, particularly physics and pre-calculus. They seek advice on pursuing a physics major despite their weak academic background in these subjects. Responses emphasize that it's still possible to catch up, as they are still in high school. Suggestions include dedicating time to self-study in calculus and physics, utilizing freshman-level textbooks, and focusing on performing well in current classes like AP Chemistry. It's noted that while high school grades influence college admissions, they do not strictly determine one's major, encouraging the user to work hard and pursue their interest in physics.
counterrandom
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
Hello, I am quite new to this forum and I first just wanted to say that I love it.
Now on to my question. This last year I have found myself really interested in physics and have been reading about it like crazy. The problem is last year, as a junior in high school, I had my physics class and learned next to nothing, I never paid any attention and just hated it. The same goes for pre-calc. I wish I had because now I really want to major in physics, but I am not sure its possible with such a weak study in math and physics. Any suggestions?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You still have time to get back on track, you are only in high school. work hard at teh science and math and you can do OK.
 
work hard when? I am in AP chemistry this year and its so easy, and I am making sure I learn everything possible in that class. Sadly I do not have a physics or calc course this year, just a terribly boring stats class =(
 
That means it is time to do some private studying. Read up on some basic calculus and physics and obtain some freshman textbooks.
 
If I remeber correctly, they didn't deny me being a physics major if I didn't get an A in high school physics. Matter a fact, one of my best friends while getting my Bachelors was in the physics department and hadn't taken a high school course in it. Your high school grades will partialy determine whether or not you get into college, but they won't determine your major. I stand by my previous statement, work hard, get into college, and you can earn a physics degree if you want to.
 
I’ve been looking through the curricula of several European theoretical/mathematical physics MSc programs (ETH, Oxford, Cambridge, LMU, ENS Paris, etc), and I’m struck by how little emphasis they place on advanced fundamental courses. Nearly everything seems to be research-adjacent: string theory, quantum field theory, quantum optics, cosmology, soft matter physics, black hole radiation, etc. What I don’t see are the kinds of “second-pass fundamentals” I was hoping for, things like...
TL;DR Summary: I want to do a PhD in applied math but I hate group theory, is this a big problem? Hello, I am a second-year math and physics double major with a minor in data science. I just finished group theory (today actually), and it was my least favorite class in all of university so far. It doesn't interest me, and I am also very bad at it compared to other math courses I have done. The other courses I have done are calculus I-III, ODEs, Linear Algebra, and Prob/Stats. Is it a...

Similar threads

Replies
10
Views
3K
Replies
13
Views
3K
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
7
Views
3K
Back
Top