Why is this happening? (losing confidence in my math and science skills)

  • Thread starter Thread starter QuantamMaster
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    math
AI Thread Summary
A middle school student expresses concerns about their math skills and confidence while preparing for Math Counts and other science clubs. They are currently studying advanced math but feel inadequate compared to peers who have qualified for higher levels of competition. The discussion emphasizes that being proficient in math and excelling in competitions are different skills, suggesting that practice is essential for improvement. It is advised to wait for formal instruction before competing to better understand the material. Additionally, the importance of exploring various subjects and activities is highlighted, with encouragement to continue self-study while recognizing that learning can also benefit from guidance from teachers. Ultimately, the focus should be on enjoyment and personal growth rather than solely on competition outcomes.
QuantamMaster
Messages
10
Reaction score
10
Hello, I am a middle schooler who likes doing math, physics, and other forms of science. This year, when school starts, I will be attending clubs such as the science olympiad and Math Counts.

In a previous thread, I have asked how to study for math counts, but when I started studying I noticed that I am very bad at the content and I lack the skills and confidence. I am going into 8th grade but am already doing algebra II/advanced geometry at home and at school, I should be doing honors geometry.

I am really confused and questioning whether I should compete because all my friends who are of the same intelligence or less are doing better than me because they qualified for the top 10 in the school district, went to state, and almost went to nationals.

I am losing confidence, so any advice helps! Thank you!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
Being good in Math and being good in competitions are to some extent different qualifications. It is hard to tell without specific examples where you could improve, especially as I am unfamiliar with Math Counts. Practice is generally a key to improving in certain tasks. That said you could solve the many problems in
https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/solution-manuals-for-the-math-challenges.977057/
(search the pdf for "HS") that gives you many problems on all levels and provides solutions.
 
  • Like
Likes Math100, Klystron, berkeman and 1 other person
QuantamMaster said:
Hello, I am a middle schooler who likes doing math, physics, and other forms of science. This year, when school starts, I will be attending clubs such as the science olympiad and Math Counts.

In a previous thread, I have asked how to study for math counts, but when I started studying I noticed that I am very bad at the content and I lack the skills and confidence. I am going into 8th grade but am already doing algebra II/advanced geometry at home and at school, I should be doing honors geometry.

I am really confused and questioning whether I should compete because all my friends who are of the same intelligence or less are doing better than me because they qualified for the top 10 in the school district, went to state, and almost went to nationals.

I am losing confidence, so any advice helps! Thank you!
Like your enthusiasm, however similar to any athletic competition, I would not jump into any competition without first having a grip on the material. I would wait until instruction by your teacher so that you have a better idea of where you are at with algebra II/geometry.
 
I once participated in a physics olympiad and failed miserably when I was 15. Later I studied physics and got myself a PhD in a string theory related subject. Admittedly, to some critics again a miserable failure :P

Confusion and making mistakes is an important and inherent part of learning. Some people also admit their confusion more easily than others. I met some 'fakers' during my PhD; people who pretended to understand stuff by throwing with jargon.
 
  • Like
Likes berkeman and fresh_42
QuantamMaster said:
Hello, I am a middle schooler who likes doing math, physics, and other forms of science. This year, when school starts, I will be attending clubs such as the science olympiad and Math Counts.

In a previous thread, I have asked how to study for math counts, but when I started studying I noticed that I am very bad at the content and I lack the skills and confidence. I am going into 8th grade but am already doing algebra II/advanced geometry at home and at school, I should be doing honors geometry.

I am really confused and questioning whether I should compete because all my friends who are of the same intelligence or less are doing better than me because they qualified for the top 10 in the school district, went to state, and almost went to nationals.

I am losing confidence, so any advice helps! Thank you!
Competitions can be great ... if you enjoy them. But if they are starting to make you feel bad about yourself, skip them.

At this point in your life, you should be exploring a variety of subjects and discovering activities that you enjoy (e.g., science fair projects and clubs not narrowly focussed on competitions).
 
It may simply be that self-study on your own is not among the best ways for you to learn. When taking a class you have a content expert to explain things and to guide your self-study. No shame in that. Just don't give up on self-study. With practice you'll get better at it, and without it you can never hope to succeed.
 
Hey, I am Andreas from Germany. I am currently 35 years old and I want to relearn math and physics. This is not one of these regular questions when it comes to this matter. So... I am very realistic about it. I know that there are severe contraints when it comes to selfstudy compared to a regular school and/or university (structure, peers, teachers, learning groups, tests, access to papers and so on) . I will never get a job in this field and I will never be taken serious by "real"...

Similar threads

Replies
17
Views
2K
Replies
14
Views
2K
Replies
12
Views
1K
Replies
71
Views
641
Replies
9
Views
2K
Back
Top