How to Ask for Research Opportunities with Your Professor

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A sophomore student is struggling in a challenging Astrophysics class after performing poorly on homework assignments, despite having previously excelled in calculus-based physics courses. The student expresses a desire to engage in research with a professor and seeks advice on how to approach the professor about their struggles. Recommendations include preparing specific questions about missed homework problems to demonstrate commitment to learning and to facilitate a productive discussion. Concerns about potentially missing out on research opportunities are addressed, emphasizing that there are many avenues for research and that being a sophomore still allows for ample time to explore options. The necessity of conducting research for a thesis in the junior year is acknowledged, suggesting that there will likely be a formal process for selecting a thesis topic or research assignment.
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Alright so I'm a sophomore student right now. I'm enrolled in what I feel like is a hard Astrophysics class. Myself having only taken calculus based physics I&II. I just made an 80 and a 50 on my homeworks. I don't know why I'm struggling so much. I was really good in physics I&II. I want to do research with professor and I'm really passionate about physics. Should I go talk to him? If so, what should I say?
 
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I would suggest talking to your professor, but plan out what you want to say. Don't just go and tell him "I don't know why I'm struggling so much" but rather attempt to show him. Bring him a couple questions you missed on homework/exams and have specific questions about why your work/line of thinking was incorrect. This will 1) show him you don't just care about the grade, 2) you'll probably actually learn the material that you're struggling with, and 3) maybe he'll explain that everyone else is having trouble, and you shouldn't worry.
 
Do you think I've lost my chance at doing research?
 
I don't know nearly enough about the situation to pass a judgement on that, but either way you're only a sophomore, you shouldn't get hyper focused on doing research with this one professor. There are tons of opportunities if you're ambitious!
 
How would I go about asking for research? I'm required to do a thesis and I need to spend my junior year doing research!

Thank you for your help! :D
 
fu11meta1 said:
How would I go about asking for research? I'm required to do a thesis and I need to spend my junior year doing research!

If it's a requirement, then presumably there will be a procedure for assigning you a thesis topic, or allowing you to select one.
 

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