I am not the best at math or science, and for that reason, I don’t really like them. I think I have ADD, so I can’t really concentrate at all while trying to read a science book and understand the topic. I just don’t have a math or science brain, I’m definitely a lot better at English and History. I want to be an inventor, and I have a lot of amazing ideas, but no clue how to make them. What can I do to learn?
Is there any way I can become better and math/science and become more confident? Any suggestions?
Engineering is a very math/science oriented field. You’ll have to take the full calculus and physics sequences, and most likely a general chemistry sequence as well. Many engineering majors have to take differential equations, linear algebra, and various upper level physics courses as well. So…not liking math and science is not a good indicator for a potential engineering major.
The only way to get better at math and science is to actually do math and science a lot. It takes studying and practice. Unfortunately there aren’t really any special ‘tricks’ to it in my experience. However, enjoying the material makes a big difference. It’s much easier to learn something that you enjoy doing.
I’m not sure why I’m posting here, but when I was in hs, I got interested in my brother’s Popular Mechanics magazines. And I’m a gal. What does it mean that you want to be an inventor? Invent the next Apple product or tinker with a better mousetrap? The world is full of self-made inventors, but if you want anything more complex than figuring a new way to get your socks on, you not only need to be able to think high tech, you need to be able to read and follow the work/ideas done by others before you, read the specs for the instruments and products you may be using…and interact with others who also have their heads in these projects. Maybe start by reading some specs for products that intrigue you today. I mean easy stuff, like , oh, I dunno, refrigerator diagrams or fix-it sites. (I like that stuff, haha.) And then ask yourself if this is real, and you’re willing to put the work in-- or just a nice idea pulled out of somewhere or other.
Practice, practice, practice. Take the hardest classes that you can. That is how you become better and confident. You can’t give yourself excuses, just know what you want and be willing to do what it takes to get it.
I was a non-math/science brain in High School too. Good at English, fine arts, music. Thought I was going to go to art school! Currently doing Biomedical Engineering at uni. If I can do it, you can do it. But know you will have to work harder than everyone else. Don’t give up when others get it so much easier. You will fail a lot, but just pick yourself up and try again.
If you are going to be an inventor/entrepreneur you need the engineering skills. If that isn’t for you, consider doing design, product development, or business.
ADD is has both benefits and downsides. Don’t use it as an excuse, but work on using it to your advantage.
Good news is if you make it and get your math and science skills to be an acceptable level, you will stand out in Engineering for being well-rounded and creative.
You don’t have to be good at math or science to invent, and you certainly don’t have to be an engineer.
If you have amazing ideas, you need someone to help you put them on paper, draw diagrams, write up specifications. Perhaps a trade school, learning drafting and AutoCAD, might be a good idea.
I disagree with most of the advice given so far. Do what you’re good at; stick to the humanities and find a career in there, or a way to mix it all up (business was my first thought, working with inventors/creating innovative business ideas).