Not the best at math, but love physics

[ezarhadden]

Okay so I'm at the point in my life where I'm deciding what I want to do. And the one thing I REALLY want to do is... Astrophysics, the problem is right now I'm not that good at math right now. I kinda like math though. I fooled around a lot in school so I never really payed attention for math and stuff, so what should I do? On my free time I look at astrophysics for fun and love it, its probably the only thing I want to do cause I love it. So what do you think I should do? Is getting a PHD in physics that hard? Should I go for it and fullfill my passion in astronomy? Or do something else.

 

[Pengwuino]

Well since you have more than one life to live, I say put it off to another one.

Though unless you don't subscribe to that theory, there's an alternative. Work on your math skills. Practice makes... good enough. And yes, a phd is any science is hard.

 

[fillipeano]

If you truly want to pursue astrophysics, then by all means go for it. You will definitely have to study up when it comes to math, though. I was in the same boat, and I was scared about all the math classes that are required. But if you really want to do astrophysics, the best thing to do is see math as just another challenge to overcome, as with anything that happens in life. Take the chance though, try out the math classes, and really put a lot of effort into it, see where it takes you.
If you really want to stay away from the math, that's no problem. You can always enjoy reading and looking up astronomy papers and articles as a hobby or something you enjoy doing.

 

[endie]

oh k...well i fink that we all have something we really love but one thing is driving us away...if u really love astrophysics becos physics is simple to u and math isn't i dnt fink u should u push ur self any further i mean u re entitled to so many causes in life but first find something to achieve that doesn't have math in it but has physics and then later on u can tackle ur problem wif math l8r...

 

[fasterthanjoao]

So what do you think I should do? Is getting a PHD in physics that hard? Should I go for it and fullfill my passion in astronomy? Or do something else.

I don't think people here, or on any forum, can answer these questions for you (apart from the PhD one - the answer is yes. Very hard).

One thing you should consider first of all is that (and I say this without any idea of your background, so please don't be offended If I'm wrong) astronomy potentially isn't what you think it is. If you're looking at astronomy from a popular science perspective then you're getting an extremely romanticised view of what things are like. An astronomy degree is highly mathematical; you'll do things like mechanics, fluid dynamics, geometric optics. The day to day work isn't as cut and try as discovering the wonders of the universe, though on some grand scale ones work might boil down to that, it's hard to tell show someone just how that's true when all you have is a page filled with equations.

Another thing, if by 'school' you mean high school, then you haven't done enough mathematics to know whether or not you're good at it yet. Don't worry about your previous grades - if you want to give it a go, then do it. Don't let high school hold you back

 

[Angry Citizen]

You know, to hell with giving up your dream. I say go for it. I'm not the best at math either, and I'm studying to be an aerospace engineer. Sheer determination can match raw talent any day.

 

[RoughRoad]

Sheer determination can match raw talent any day.

You just made my day!

 

[nlsherrill]

You know, to hell with giving up your dream. I say go for it. I'm not the best at math either, and I'm studying to be an aerospace engineer. Sheer determination can match raw talent any day.

Same here, and I want to do particle/nuclear physics

Hopefully my sheer interest/determination/and persistence can suffice...