What steps should I take to become a physics researcher?

[Giuseppe_97]

Hello guys, I'm Giuseppe, I'm 16 years old and I'm from Italy. Right now I'm attending the third year of high school in my town. I would really like to become a physicist when I grow up so I'd like to know some things from older and more expert people. It is my dearest dream to become a great physicist so I'd like to know exactly what should I know about physics and mathematics by my age... Right now, at school, we aren't doing the most interesting things so I'm studying on my own. Right now I'm following a pre-calculus course and book to then learn calculus and do some serious physics. Although, I think this isn't enough so what should I know by my age and before I go to University. Another doubt of mine is how to get to the job of physics researcher...I mean, what exact path must one follow after leaving high school. I'm very curious about this and I would like to hear your experiences and/or knowledge about this. Thank you very much!

 

[ModusPwnd]

Getting a job as a physics researcher is very hard. The general steps are outlined in this thread, "So you want to be a physicist"
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=240792

 

[Giuseppe_97]

Getting a job as a physics researcher is very hard. The general steps are outlined in this thread, "So you want to be a physicist"
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=240792

I took a look at that, thank you; what I really wanted to know is what should I already know at my age and what to do in order to be advantaged.