What else should I do with physics during my UG?

[mc0210]

I really love physics and at the moment can't imagine not getting a PhD in it. Its my first year of UG but I came in with 38 AP credits. With this I could comfortably graduate in three years total (im only taking 13 credits this semester). However the benefits of that extra year of research and graduate courses would really make me a top candidate for graduate schools. I am already doing particle research with a fantastic professor who is really excited to continue working together/mentoring me. I guess my problem is that I WANT to be a professor but am obviously worried about how the odds are stacked against me. Thus, I feel like I should minor/major in something else in this fourth year (though id have to start taking courses much sooner). I am one course away from minoring in math so that is a give in, but my other options are major in CS or math or minor in CS. I just don't think I want to spend time away from physics to work in these other areas (though I am good at CS). But then I am worried ill be kicking myself when my "dream" job goes unrealized and I don't have too much else to offer to industry or other positions. Any advice would be REALLY appreciated. Thank you guys, i know its a long post.

 

[Jorriss]

Why do you feel you need to minor in something? Just take grad physics courses if that's what you want to do.

 

[mc0210]

Because I would "like" to have other marketable skills. Though a minor in cs may mean very little when applying for a job. Hence trying to get more info on the matter! :)

 

[Jorriss]

Because I would "like" to have other marketable skills. Though a minor in cs may mean very little when applying for a job. Hence trying to get more info on the matter! :)

A minor would look good but you could also get involved in, say, a computational physics group and then you could say "I know how program in x,y,z and this and this." You can get more valuable job skills in a lab I would imagine.

 

[mc0210]

Hey thanks! Still open to other ideas, but I like that one!

 

[QuarkCharmer]

Take a language.

 

[mc0210]

Thought about doing that, but I am not sure I am passionate enough about it.

 

[pwdrmntainski]

I'm in the same boat as you, mc0210. With my transfer credits from high school, I could get my degree in three years. Tuition is covered by my scholarship, though, so I didn't really want to waste that last year. I've decided to double major in computer science and it's been a good decision so far! Well, I suppose I can't really determine that yet; I've only been here for one semester hahah I've definitely enjoyed it. Since I don't exactly know what schools look for in potential graduate students, I would suggest you just study math or cs further if you truly enjoy those subjects. As far as I know, the extra knowledge can only help!