<p>I got some general science ec's that i really enjoy, but i really want to do some stuff relating to atrophysics. Anyone got any ideas, I would greatly appreciate any feedback. Thanks!</p>
<p>You can watch lecture videos on astrophysics on YouTube.
You can buy an old textbook and read from it
You can talk to your physics teacher about astrophysics
You can read about astrophysics on many websites
You can check the double post you made here: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/massachusetts-institute-technology/979172-astrophysics.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/massachusetts-institute-technology/979172-astrophysics.html</a></p>
<p>Looking for “big stuff” to do with astrophysics (like volunteering(???), building something, research center) just to look good isn’t the right approach. If you’re really into astrophysics, then you should have no trouble finding enjoyable things on the internet to read and you can talk about it on your application.</p>
<p>…no…i already read through some physics and astro books, but if i am going to pursue this field i want to see the other opportunities out for me instead of just reading textbooks, and dont try to accuse everyone of just doing things for their application which you most likely did throughout your high school career.</p>
<p>The best way to prepare for a career in astrophysics is to learn as much math and physics background as you can before you come to college. Without this baggage, you’ll spend an extra year or two doing it instead of taking astrophysics-related classes and possibly doing research. </p>
<p>While you are in high school, it is my belief that you cannot do any sort of valuable research. You can sort of see how it is being conducted, how professors/postdocs/grad students break down their duties and responsibilities, and maybe do some perfunctory work. </p>
<p>So really, take math/physics classes at your local college, if you can. </p>
<p>There are also some “starry” summer programs like NASA SHARP and SSP (summer science program in NM/CA). If you are still eligible (i.e. sophomore or junior in HS), you might consider applying. Although (again, in my opinion) they do not really show you how real research is being done.</p>
<p>Finally, you probably know this, but let me tell you just in case that astrophysics is not just looking at pretty pictures and writing in blogs. It is a lot of hard work, the competition is stiff and the pay (at least until you [hopefully] get tenure in your late 40s) is small. Also, if you decide to sell out after college, finding a well-paying job with such a specialized degree as astrophysics is probably harder than doing so with a physics bachelors…</p>
<p>This is all to say that if you want to do astro, you better be committed to do astro for the rest of your life. :)</p>