- #1
Anonymous217
- 355
- 2
Hiya guys. Like many students out there, I'm a hopeful senior looking for some advice. I'm applying to a ton of privates and UCs, and my main goal is to get into one of the top schools (HYPSMC, etc.). I really think I can get into one of these great schools, but the problem is that I don't know what to focus on. I absolutely love Physics and pure Mathematics, but I'm leaning a bit towards Mathematics. I intend to get a PhD in Mathematics or Physics after graduating undergrad and then grab some job that allows me a lot of research opportunities.
However, I can't really decide whether I want to major in Physics, Mathematics, or even both. I wouldn't mind being "stuck" with Physics, as I absolutely love learning these concepts, but I think I prefer learning pure Mathematics instead. In the top schools, I'm not sure if obtaining a double major would even be wise, especially since I just want to focus on one and do very well in it. I'm aware that Physics covers a ton of Mathematics (which is also why I love Physics) and is more of applying Mathematic's theoretical components into practical life. I however really enjoy theory and mathematical courses that would not be covered in Physics. I'm just a bit wary of research/job opportunities with a Math PhD versus a Physics PhD. Also, are there opportunities to switch early on in the undergrad life? I just want to be sure because I feel like what I major in will easily determine the rest of my life. Not to be offensive to anyone, but I don't want to waste away my years of learning Mathematics and Physics for a job in a company. I want to continue learning for the rest of my life by dabbling in theories, experiments, and research.
As for my own experiences with these two subjects, I think I do fairly well in them. According to my teachers, I'm the best they've ever had. I score perfects on all of my tests, I read Mathematics/Physics college books on my spare time, and I enjoy learning the Mathematics/Physics courses offered by MIT OpenCourseWare. I'm currently self-studying Physics C (I took AP Physics B last year and was ranked high in CA) and taking the course AP Calculus BC (which is extremely easy for me). I watched and learned the courses Differential Equations, Multivariable Calculus, halfway through Linear Algebra, and am currently doing the Physics courses in MIT Open Courseware. This may sound a bit sketchy, but I really have learned in these courses. I took all the practice tests/finals and problems after each lecture that were available and scored very well. I don't mean to sound overly pretentious or arrogant, but AP Calculus BC is a joke to what I learned in the summer and last year by myself.
Thanks for reading!
However, I can't really decide whether I want to major in Physics, Mathematics, or even both. I wouldn't mind being "stuck" with Physics, as I absolutely love learning these concepts, but I think I prefer learning pure Mathematics instead. In the top schools, I'm not sure if obtaining a double major would even be wise, especially since I just want to focus on one and do very well in it. I'm aware that Physics covers a ton of Mathematics (which is also why I love Physics) and is more of applying Mathematic's theoretical components into practical life. I however really enjoy theory and mathematical courses that would not be covered in Physics. I'm just a bit wary of research/job opportunities with a Math PhD versus a Physics PhD. Also, are there opportunities to switch early on in the undergrad life? I just want to be sure because I feel like what I major in will easily determine the rest of my life. Not to be offensive to anyone, but I don't want to waste away my years of learning Mathematics and Physics for a job in a company. I want to continue learning for the rest of my life by dabbling in theories, experiments, and research.
As for my own experiences with these two subjects, I think I do fairly well in them. According to my teachers, I'm the best they've ever had. I score perfects on all of my tests, I read Mathematics/Physics college books on my spare time, and I enjoy learning the Mathematics/Physics courses offered by MIT OpenCourseWare. I'm currently self-studying Physics C (I took AP Physics B last year and was ranked high in CA) and taking the course AP Calculus BC (which is extremely easy for me). I watched and learned the courses Differential Equations, Multivariable Calculus, halfway through Linear Algebra, and am currently doing the Physics courses in MIT Open Courseware. This may sound a bit sketchy, but I really have learned in these courses. I took all the practice tests/finals and problems after each lecture that were available and scored very well. I don't mean to sound overly pretentious or arrogant, but AP Calculus BC is a joke to what I learned in the summer and last year by myself.
Thanks for reading!
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